Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Top 10 Quick and Dirty Meal Ideas

You know those days when you:
a) don't feel like cooking
b) are almost out of groceries
c) don't have time to make anything
d) all of the above

Why yes, yes I do.  Despite all efforts to keep the fridge and pantry stocked, there are times when I really have to just throw something together.  Here are a few of my favourite "emergency" meals:

1.  Hard boiled eggs.  Why?  They are good for you.  They can go with just about anything - whip up a quick egg salad wrap or sandwich, a deviled egg, just eat a plain old hard boiled egg with toast.  Put some egg salad on crackers.  Make it work!

2.  Tuna.  Tuna with mayonnaise - on a cracker, on a bun, on bread, on toast (tuna melts!!!), with leftover rice and peas or corn, with noodles, with pasta.  Another quick protein packed meal.

3.  Natural peanut butter - on toast, on bread, in a wrap, on crackers.  Especially great with a side of raisins and or banana.

4.  Chef Boyardee Mini Ravioli.  This is one of the few canned foods I buy to keep on hand for those Quick and Dirty meals.  A little Mini Ravioli with some fresh grated mozzarella on top goes a long way.

5.  Kraft Dinner.  I go through phases where I can and cannot bring myself to eat Kraft Dinner.  I don't know why.  I'm cyclical I guess.  I can also tolerate the President's Choice Macaroni and Cheese.  A small portion of this served with a side of corn or peas, maybe even some tuna, is always a hit with my little guy.

6.  BEANS!!!  Baked beans.  I like to make my own and have some on hand, but I also keep some canned ones on hand (always) in case I am out.  My son loves these.  And beans go with.......well.....toast, eggs, pancakes, rice, creamy corn, cornbread, chicken, a nice bun, grean beans....whatever you may have in your pantry or leftovers in your fridge.  One of my favourite quick and dirty meals.

7.  Pancakes.  They are super quick to make (especially if you use the Krusteaz mix from Costco.  I love serving up pancakes with eggs, beans, leftover ham, cheese, fresh fruit and whipping cream for a special treat, topped with natural peanut butter and maple syrup, or my husband's favourite - a little bit of Nutella.

8.  Grilled cheese.  I do not know why kids love grilled cheese so much, but I am not complaining.  Who doesn't love a hot grilled cheese with some Ketchup and nice glass of cold milk?  Perhaps served with a side of tomato soup.

9.  Quesadillas.  If I have a wrap or two hanging around the kitchen, I can stuff it with pretty much anything (cheese, veggies, meat - my favourite is cheese, cumin, mayo, corn and chicken) then toss it on my griddle for a minute or two and presto!  Dinner is served.

And finally....

10.  Buy a pizza.  No, this does not really count as making it yourself but when you consider the cost of cheese, I find it is a great deal to pick up a pizza from Costco or from Pizzaville (if you live in the GTA).  Plus - I usually have some leftovers I can take for lunch the next day.


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