ip-october-2012

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Grubs Up

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on’t think you have time to make a delicious meal for your busy family? Think again; with these handy tips and easy recipeswhich call for just four ingredients- you can get a satisfying supper on the table in no time. Make it even easier by including Minute® Steamers into your family’s favorite meals, for wholesome, hearty, time-saving dishes everyone will love. Use these tips to make meal prep easier during busy nights: Stock Up: Always keep some basic ingredients on hand to make last-minute cooking a lot easier.

.... Speedy ......

Suppers

Basil Rice and Tomato Soup Serves: 4 (1 1/4 cups each) 1 bag Minute® Steamers Brown Rice 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Prepare rice according to package directions. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine pasta sauce, cream and basil. Cover loosely and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in prepared rice. Serves 4 (1 1/4 cups each).

Easy Arroz con Pollo 1 bag Minute® Steamers Spanish Rice 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed 1 small tomato, diced 6 ounces (about 1 cup) cooked, diced chicken 1/4 cup sliced Spanish olives, sliced 1 green onion, sliced Prepare rice according to package directions. In medium microwave-safe dish combine rice, peas and carrots, tomato and chicken. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Add olives. Serves 4. Tip: • Garnish with green onions. 26

october 2012

• Frozen vegetables- Can be served as a side or added to soups and rice dishes. • Broth- Beef, chicken and vegetable broths can be used to make soups and sauces, and to add flavor when cooking vegetables and rice. • Add-ins- Nuts, sesame seeds, parsley, dried fruit and cheese can be added to main dishes, sides and salads to make them even more flavorful and nutritious. Time Savers: Take advantage of grocery items that do some of the work for you. • Frozen rice- For a tasty side or a starter for a full meal, try Minute® Steamers- exceptional-quality, flavorful rice that heats in the microwave in a self-ventilating steamable bag. It only takes four minutes to have one of six varieties on your dinner table. • Pre-cut vegetables- Save some prep time by using pre-cut vegetables. Give them a quick wash and they’re ready to use. • Pre-seasoned ingredients- Look for canned, diced tomatoes with garlic and onions, cheese made with jalapeño, or marinated chicken or pork cuts. These are all ways to add flavor without adding time. Plan Ahead: If you have more time on the weekend, you can do some prep work to cut down on your weeknight cooking time. • Prep ingredients- Chop vegetables and shred cheese, and keep them in storage containers or resealable bags in the fridge. You can also brown ground beef and cut any meats into recipe-ready pieces. • Herb cubes- Put a tablespoon of chopped herbs in each well of an ice cube tray. Fill with either water or olive oil, then freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and store in a freezer bag- you’ll have fresh herb flavor in a flash. Simple, Time-Saving • Cook once, eat twice- Double up on a recipe, Solutions to Spruce up Rice then freeze one half for later. Or, plan a Don’t get caught in a dinner-as-usual rut- here second meal around leftovers. For example, are some quick and easy ways you can add a use Monday night’s taco meat for Tuesday little flair to the family meal, without spending night’s taco salad. hours preparing dinner: For more delicious ways to get a speedy supper on • Citrus Rice- Top hot cooked white rice, the table, visit www.4ingredientmeals.com. add grated orange, lemon or lime zest for a fresh, lively taste. • Nutty Rice- Top hot cooked brown rice, add Tips: peanuts, cashews, pine nuts or sunflower seeds; stir in dried cranberries or cherries for • If a thinner soup is desired, add 1 cup added flavor, texture and color. heated chicken broth. • Portobello Mushroom Rice- Top hot cooked • Serve with cheese crostini and olive tapenade. brown rice, add sautéed chopped portobello mushrooms and toasted chopped pecans. • Top with shredded Parmesan cheese. Top with crumbled feta cheese.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole 1 bag Minute® Steamers Broccoli and Cheese Rice 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of chicken soup 6 ounces (about 1 cup) cooked, diced chicken 1/2 cup milk Prepare rice according to package directions. In medium microwave-safe dish, combine soup, chicken and milk. Microwave on HIGH for 2 min­utes. Stir in rice. Serves 4.

i n finitie plus

South of the Border Turkey Dinner 1 bag Minute® Steamers Brown Rice 1 pound ground turkey, cooked and crumbled 1 can (11 ounces) southwestern corn blend 1 cup prepared salsa Prepare rice according to package directions. In medium microwave-safe bowl, combine turkey, corn and salsa. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Stir in rice. Serves 4. Tips: • Use as filling for tortillas and top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes. • Add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. • Roll into burrito-sized tortillas and serve with sour cream. www.infinitieplus.com


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