OK – my whole objective of my book THE WHAT’S FOR DINNER? PROJECT is to get dinner on the table and out of the fast food lane. But there are a couple of fast foods that are worth the price. Here are a few of my favorites:
Mirepoix:
Mirepoix is a combination of chopped carrots, celery and onions used to add flavor and aroma to stocks, sauces, soups and other foods.
The proportions (by weight) for making mirepoix are 50% onions, 25% carrots and 25% celery.
When you are trying to cook from scratch, sometimes it’s worth it to “cheat” with healthy, fast foods. If it helps you get the stew on the table, then buying some pre cut Mirepoix is worth the money.
Rotisserie Chicken:
Buying a rotisserie chicken for dinner has to be the easiest way to feed your family. There are so many options…
Need something quick? Just slice and add with veggies and fruit for a colorful, healthy meal.
Eating on the go? Stuff chicken in a wrap, pita pocket or taco and top with your favorite veggies and dressing.
Feeling Italian-ish? Cook some pasta and toss with olive oil and parmesan cheese.Need a lite meal? Add the chicken over your favorite salad.
Now, if your having the chicken every night, you may want to rethink your meal planning, but a good rotisserie chicken is a great plan for one night a week.
Egg White Eggbeaters:
Roger and I are trying to eat healthfully, and these Eggbeaters are a quick, easy way to have a healthy breakfast (just add chopped veggies and some turkey sausage,) or great for an omelet at night.
Sliced Mango:
My favorite fruit to eat.
It makes a great snack or side dish to any meal. Add it to your yougurt, smoothie, make a salsa with it. Add other fruits for a filling and fresh fruit salad, the possibilities are endless.
I hate chopping up mango, and I’m trying to eat more fruit, so this is a great healthy cheat.
Shredded Low-Fat Cheese:
Cheese is the easiest way to add a little extra flavor and protein to any dish. it is great on pasta, salads, sandwiches, wraps and any version of a taco. For cold weather months top on your favorite soups and chili.
I usually shred my own cheese to save money, but when I’m in a pinch, pre-shredded cheese is worth the price. (Plus, there is always a coupon in the paper to get a bit of a discount.)
For a chance to win THE WHAT’S FOR DINNER? SOLUTION tell me your favorite food prep cheap (a “faster” food that’s worth the price for the convenience,) in the comments below and we will pick a winner this Thursday!
I love the resealable packages of six boiled eggs. My husband and I can have a quick egg and toast breakfast and start the day with a little protein. (Actually, he brings me the egg, toast, skim milk & orange juice to me in the morning so that I can eat while getting ready for work. We have been married 45 years, and he is a sweet heart and a keeper!) The eggs are also great to use for a quick egg salad sandwich.
We will buy a container of fresh, peeled garlic or a container of the roasted garlic — depends on that week’s menu. We use a lot of garlic.
I have a 3yr old that has pancakes every morning and I buy frozen pancakes. I just don’t like making them. Also I love the frozen Tyson chicken patties that 100% chicken at costco and so does everyone else. When I’ve had a bad day I’ll make them and mac and cheese. Aloha from Hawaii Kathi
My favorite is shredded carrots. I throw them in salads, stir fries, soup, etc. They are so quick and easy and add color and nutrients to so many dishes.
One of my fav’s is frozen chopped onions. They come in handy when for casseroles and stir-frys and I don’t have to dirty the food processor; PLUS I can use as little or as much as I need. Another fav I find in my food store produce aisle is a 1 lb. tub of already chopped onions and peppers (fresh). I’ll buy hoagie rolls and Italian sausage links for 1 supper, scramble some with eggs for another and top my husband’s cheeseburger (made with Provolone) with them.
You named some great choices here Kathi but my favorite go to fast food item is frozen veggies. There are some dishes that really seem to turn out better when you use frozen versus fresh or canned veggies. Love re convenience but because they can get pricy I only buy them when I can find a great deal. I also hit up the clearance bin at the produce stand and parboil anything that’s worth grabbing and freeze it for future use to make my own cheap version of frozen veggies.
I don’t think I’ve bought a head of lettuce since my children were born. I buy the shredded lettuce for tacos, prewashed romaine for caesar salads, and mixed greens for other types of salads. I even get the prewashed and bagged spinach for salads and for adding to omelettes, etc. I finally actually SOLD my Tupperware lettuce keeper at my yard sale yesterday since I’ve moved it 3 times and haven’t used in once in 11 years!
My favorite cheats are frozen waffles an Instant oatmeal packs. Oatmeal packs are a perfect meatloaf and burger filler and make great quick kid breakfasts. Ditto for frozen waffles. But four blend mexican cheese with spices from Safeway is the best cheat. Quesidillas taste better. Grilled cheese is amazing and its always on hand for Mexican, which we only eat 4-5 times a week. 🙂 good luck lady!