Have any thirty minute or less easy meal tips?

By Amy
Abernathy, Texas
September 4, 2007 11:07pm CST
I'm by no means a domestic goddess, which I told my husband before we married along with a whole lists of other challenges - you know so he knows the whole story and can make an informed decision. As long as I keep the house clean, the baby fed and happy. He's fine. And when the baby proves too much, he steps in. I'm no cleaning whiz, I'm still not entirely clear on mopping - I wring it out and rinse the mop and then the floor and it still seems slightly sticky from soap! So I do it the old fashioned way - I scrub with a sponge and finish up with paper towel! Cooking is the same - but here are my two hints for an easy dinner that's a little bit different, and doesn't take a lot of time. The first is just a different take on spaghetti and sauce. 1. Instead of spaghetti sauce try cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. For added protein add some of the high protein pasta - I wouldn't make it all that as to me its not too appetizing. 2. Easy chicken bake - place chicken and a vegetable - like broccili or asparagus spears on a shallow cooking pan - pour some spaghetti sauce on the chicken - I reccomend a sun dried tomato Alfredo sauce, but be creative. Add garlic and parmesean and place on shallow pan. Oven should be at 370- higher for higher elevations. Make sure you cook until juices run clear and there is no pink on the chicken. Takes 20-30 minutes for me as long as the pieces aren't too thick. I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breast - but drumstick and wing pieces cook even faster! Okay your turn! Have a tip for a quick dinner? Besides of course pre-made things like sandwiches or cereal or ice cream bars. LOL. Or dialing for take out.
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2 responses
• Australia
5 Sep 07
I'm not what you would call a "domestic goddess" but I'm fairly capable when it comes to managing the house. For mopping, I suggest you do what I do and use Eucalyptus Oil in boiling hot water to mop your floor. It smells gorgeous, kills germs and doesn't leave soapy marks on your floor. It is safe to use on tiles, lino and wood. Floors dry best when exposed to some fresh air...this also freshens your home nicely. As for easy meals; to come across really simple, quick recipes I suggest that you check out some websites that have children's recipes on them or get some kid's cookbooks. They are full of quick, easy, yummy ideas that will keep everyone in the family well fed and won't take up too much of your time. I use this method quite frequently when cooking for my family; it's a real crowd pleaser...there are some very interesting new ideas in these books. I like to make homemade sausage rolls, they are absolutely delicious and only take about 30-40 minutes to make. You Need: Ready Rolled Puff Pastry (Frozen), 400-500grams of mince (I usually use beef mince), 1 onion (finely chopped), 1 large carrot (grated), 1 large potato (grated, rinsed and squeezed - to get rid of excess starch), 1 packet chicken soup mix, 1 tsp mixed herbs, pinch of pepper, grated cheese (optional), breadcrumbs, 1 medium egg, 1/4 cup milk. 1. Brown mince and onion in pan in a little oil, then add grated carrot and potato (you can add other veges if you want to, makes the mix stretch further - don't get too elaborate though). 2. When the veges start to soften add soup mix, herbs, salt and pepper. Mix vigorously (the mix will seem dry and probably start to catch on the bottom of the pan), when it does this add about half a cup of water and mix until it has a sticky, thick consistency. 3. Take the pan off the heat and set aside to cool a little. Preheat your oven to 190 degrees celsius. 4. Beat together a quarter cup of milk and one medium egg. 5. Separate pastry sheets, cut in half, spoon teaspoonfuls of the meat mix into centre of one half, keeping about a half inch free at each end. Sprinkle some cheese over the top of the meat. Brush a little egg and milk onto the sealing side of the pastry and roll into a sausage roll shape. Press the ends down firmly. Put a couple of small slices in the top (to stop them from exploding) and brush generously with egg and milk. Sprinkle with a few breadcrumbs to coat the top. 6. Repeat the assembly process until you run out of pastry and mince. 7. Cook for about 10-15 minutes. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. It's easy, relatively healthy and delicious. What more could you want. LOL Happy Cooking!
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• Abernathy, Texas
5 Sep 07
What a great idea. When I lived in California, I used to love the smell of Eucalyptus tress. I'm sure I still do - and they didn't give me a migraine as other scents like lavender are one of the triggers for mine. I will go to those websites - and absolutely use this recipe. My favourite part is that its made from mostly natural, unprocessed ingredients, which is difficult sometimes with quick meals. So far this discussion is going great and hope others find it helpful.
• Australia
6 Sep 07
I'm all for natural oils and products that are enviro friendly where at all possible, but yeah, lavender does tend to kickstart migraines (i suffer from them upon occasion too - though they've been realtively under control lately =D ) Anyway, eucalyptus oil is also good to add to your wash when you're washing towels and sheets (especially if you've had someone with a cold or flu), about a teaspoonful should do it. Makes them come out smelling beautifully fresh and kills germs...yay! What more could ya want =D I try to base as much of my cooking around fresh produce as I can, because a) then i know what my family is eating because i made it and b) they're getting a good intake of fruit and veges. You are awesome to talk to! Glad I could help out...I'll find some more yummy recipes for you!
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• Abernathy, Texas
6 Sep 07
Nightsabre if you come out with a book - how to live green and love it or its is easy being green - the last being a play off of Jim Henson's Kermit character I will buy it -so hurry up - because I adore your tips. I want to live fresh -and green as well. My husband and I want to build a green home one day.
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
5 Sep 07
If I want to have a quick meal, I just boil the water for some minutes to get ready for instant noodles. It is fast and simple. I always have some instant noodles prepared in the kitchen in case I have no desire to cook my meals. That is the way I have a quick meal in less than 30 minutes. Thanks.
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• Abernathy, Texas
5 Sep 07
I love noodles and often use them as a quick meal. Here, we have these Cup O' Noodles, which has a seasoning packet - I tend to avoid those as they are astronomically high in sodium. Thanks for our contribution!
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• Abernathy, Texas
6 Sep 07
You're welcoe Williamjisir, I guess I just like to eat yummy but balanced meals!
• China
6 Sep 07
Oh, thanks for the information of the season package. I think that I will less of the instant noodles unless I have to. Thanks, friend.
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