Make a meal that the whole family will love.
Eating together as a family presents the challenge of making everyone happy using the same meal choices. Choose entrees that can be put on the table easily after a long day, be prepared quickly and without too much additional effort.
Quesadillas
Baked quesadillas are destined to become a family favorite. Preparation takes only minutes. Shake shredded cheddar and Monterrey cheeses in a bag with 1/4 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, salt and oregano. Spray a baking sheet and the side of a tortilla facing the sheet with a light layer of cooking oil. Layer some of the cheese mixture on the bottom tortilla and add a tortilla on top. Spray the top side with another light layer of cooking spray, and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven until the outside is crispy and cheese is melted. Add chicken to the quesadillas for a little more substance. Use mild salsa to flavor and top the quesadillas.
Garbage Bread
Making homemade pizza can take less time than ordering pizza in, and can be almost hassle free in the form of garbage bread. Place your favorite pizza toppings inside of the pizza crust along with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Roll out pizza crust and add a thin layer of cheese, meat and vegetables close to the edge. Fold the crust from the edges into a pinwheel while placing another thin layer of fillings within every roll. Seal the edges to prevent ingredients from oozing out and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 35 minutes.
Spinach Frittata
All it takes to make a spinach frittata is a bowl, a baking pan and a few key ingredients. For a family of 4-6, whisk 6 eggs with 1/2 cup of skim milk, 4 oz. of cheddar cheese, and 1/2 tsp. each of salt & pepper. Mix in 1 1/2 cups chopped, cooked spinach and 1/2 cup cooked chicken or ham. Cook the egg mixture in a greased 9-inch round baking pan for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Cut into wedges and serve.
10-Minute Chicken
For a chicken dish that takes only minutes, cut 4-6 chicken breasts into bite size pieces before cooking. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over high heat before adding chicken pieces and tossing in the oil for a minute. Add 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup chopped parsley, 1 cup sliced scallions, and cook for a couple of minutes more until center of chicken is white. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt & pepper on top of chicken pieces and serve with lightly buttered pasta or a mixed rice blend.
Tags: chicken pieces, layer cooking, light layer, light layer cooking, only minutes, pizza crust, salt pepper
