RECIPE BOX: Quick dinners for the busiest time of year
While wrapping presents, stuffing stockings, and preparing a Christmas meal, the last thing I want to do is make dinner. This is when pizza delivery comes in handy. I have collected some very easy and quick dinner ideas that can be used on busy nights. It is often easier to pick up dinner while your attention is being focused on other tasks. With some simple planning ahead, you can have easy, affordable meals at home. This allows you to complete your Christmas to do lists and not push you over budget. Cut yourself some slack.
Do you know about the pre-packaged bags of salad in the produce section of the grocery stores? They can be your best friend, complimenting any meal. Brown burger and cut open a bag of salad. Stuff a taco shell with the salad mix of your choice. I recommend the chipotle and cheddar, topped with cheese and sour cream, and you have a no-fuss meal in just the time it takes to cook the meat. Another quick meal also starts with a bag of salad. The sunflower crunch blend is just an idea. Toss some frozen chicken tenders, grilled or crispy, into your air fryer. When they are finished, wrap them in a soft tortilla shell with the salad, cheese, and ranch dressing, and you’ll have a chicken wrap at your fingertips.
The same chicken, cooked in the air fryer, microwave, or oven, can just be cut into bite size pieces and sprinkled on a bed of lettuce. Bagged salad kits come in dozens of flavors and seasonings. They are a healthier option with convenience bagged up for you. Maybe salad isn’t your thing. I love a simple pork chop meal. Line a pan with thawed pork chops, potatoes, and beans, along with seasonings. You can toss a one pan meal in the oven that bakes while you continue on your to do list. Making dinner at home doesn’t have to be time consuming or messy.
I included the recipe for you. Between the Christmas candy, cookies, and confections of all kinds, your family and friends will thank you for a balanced meal that fills your stomach and leaves you satisfied.
Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com.
One pan pork chops
4-5 pork chops
3 potatoes, diced
1/2 lb fresh green beans
Butter
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
1 packet ranch seasoning
Place in an 9x13 casserole dish.
Bake at 425 covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for 10-12 minutes.
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Bagged salad quick meals
Sunflower crunch and chicken
Chipotle and cheddar with ground beef
Country ranch with a hamburger patty
Add vegetables, cheese, sour cream, or ranch to any of your quick salad mix meals.
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Dress up chicken
In a 9x13 casserole dish place thawed chicken breasts.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of mayonnaise with 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Drop this mix by the spoonful onto each chicken breast. I use the back of the spoon to spread the cheese on each piece of chicken. Bake at 400 degrees until done. I always use my meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is done. 165 degrees is a safe temperature for poultry.