Mary Ann's Blog
Taking Stock (With Exclusive Recipes!)
July 9, 2009
Let’s face it: the world is not a pretty place these days. Banks going under, stock market jitters, glum news on the “R-word”. It’s enough to make you want to stay home and cook!
In these uncertain times, I am certain that people will begin to rethink their priorities, and begin to ask themselves questions like, “Do we really need to eat out so often?”
Cooking can be a real stress reliever, not to mention helping you eat better. And the best part is that cooking can bring family members together, get them talking again, get them to enjoy each other’s company, and maybe even solve a problem or two.
Think of a food that everyone likes to eat and center your cooking around it. Maybe it’s spaghetti and meatballs, maybe it’s chili or roast chicken. Divvy up the prep, and you will be surprised how in no time, you can have a homemade dinner on the table.
Here’s an easy menu to get you started:
Grilled or Broiled Lime/Pesto Chicken Breasts
2 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce
Juice from two limes
1 tablespoon salt
Grinding black pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts
In a rectangular glass dish, combine the pesto sauce, lime juice, salt and pepper. Stir ingredients well. Add chicken breasts and coat both sides in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the meal.
Peas and Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 box frozen peas
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt to taste
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Place the peas in a medium saucepan and add 1/3 cup water. Bring to a boil. Turn off heat. Allow peas to remain in water 2 minutes. Drain, return peas to pan and stir in olive oil, salt and cheese. Mix well and keep warm.
Sweet Potatoes with Honey
4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
1/3 cup warm honey
Pierce the potatoes with a small knife in several places. Microwave until soft. Remove from microwave and keep warm.
Preheat the broiler. Place chicken breasts on a broiler rack and broil, turning once, until done, about 8 minutes, depending on the thickness. (Or, fire up your grill!)
When the chicken is almost done, reheat the peas, split the potatoes in half lengthwise, and drizzle warm honey over the top.
Serve everything hot.
Now that’s a great meal! The great thing is you’ll never have to call for the bill!
With the money you saved cooking this simple meal, you could even afford to invest in the stock market!
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