There are many foods that can be prepared all at one time then show back up on your family’s menu as totally different dishes.
My first thoughts are always what is in season from our large family garden and what is on special at the market. Before I know it, a menu is forming. I make some notes to take with me for the shopping trip. Your list of purchases may include things such as eggs and produce; we are blessed to have those here on the farm. The final menu would be determined on how some of the meats looked and such. Always make a quick look through the pantry to be sure you have all the ingredients needed – you do not want to get in the middle of making potato salad to realize you are out of mustard.
Think of the building blocks of your family’s meals or try some new ideas. Then fill in the blanks with foods that lend well to preparation ahead at time.
Meats/Eggs
Boneless skinless chicken breast – allow ½ breast per person (recipes below)
Flank steak (also called London Broil)
Fillet of Salmon
Extra ground beef patties
Pork Shoulder roast
Pork tenderloin
Eggs – make enough hard boiled, for potato salad and deviled eggs
Starches:
Potatoes – Make extra eggs for potato salad to serve later in week
Pasta – your favorite cold salad and Baked Chicken Pasta (recipe below)
Rice
Couscous
Bulgur Wheat (recipes below)
Bulgur Wheat Recipes
PrintHot Bulgur Wheat Pilaf
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 2 c. bulgur wheat
- 1 c chopped green onions (tops too!)
- 3 1/2 c chicken or beef bouillon
- 1/2 c chopped parsley
- 3/4 c butter
- 1 TBSP lemon pepper
- 1 c chopped celery and leaves
- Salt
Instructions
- Use heavy skillet with lid. Sauté onions, celery and parsley lightly in 1/2 cup of the butter, then add bulgur wheat and remaining butter. Stir until all is blended, lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Lower heat and add bouillon carefully. When mixture starts to boil, lower heat to simmer and cover. Cook slowly with tight lid, don’t open, until all liquid is absorbed, about 35-40 minutes.
- Let sit for about 5 minutes. More liquid can be added if not done or too dry.
Notes
Reserve half from the Pilaf recipe and make Tabbouleh Salad later in the week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Chilled Tabbouleh Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- Half of above prepared bulgur wheat
- 1/2 c lemon juice
- 4 ripe, medium size tomatoes, chopped into small cubes
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper, de-seeded, chopped fine (optional)
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 5 TBSP good olive oil
- 1/2 c finely chopped fresh mint
- Salt and Pepper
- 4 or 5 finely chopped spring onions (with the green parts) – chopped into 1/4″ lengths
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place bulgur wheat, tomato, parsley spring onions, salt, pepper, allspice, lemon juice, olive oil, mint and jalapeno. Toss well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator for a future meal – toss daily and recover.
- Serve in lettuce leaf cups and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chicken Breast Recipes
PrintGrilled Chicken Breasts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 whole skinless, boneless chicken breast
Instructions
- Split chicken breast into 8-pieces (½ breast each)
- Grill your chicken breast through fully (if you don’t like to grill you can sauté, bake, or broil them).
- Reserve ½ breast per person for usage in Baked Pasta Recipe (below)
Notes
Variations:
- Grill half the breasts with BBQ sauce, or a spicy rub
- Use Italian dressing to baste – all chicken during grilling
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Baked Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- Chicken reserved from grilled chicken breast above – shredded or cut into cubes
- 8 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese
- Cooked pasta
- 1/2 c Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar favorite tomato sauce
- 1 egg – beaten well
- Extra Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F.
- In a large bowl, mix together tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and well beaten egg.
- Add pasta and toss together well.
- Spread into a 13″x9″ baking dish.
- Cover all of top with mozzarella and parmesan. Bake 30 minutes or until top is golden and bubbly. Allow to rest 10-15 minutes prior to serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
With a little planning, creativity and a lot of fun, you too can cook less and enjoy your time with your family more.
