AlmiraGulch Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 My sister will be spending this coming weekend with me. We have dinner plans Friday and brunch plans Sunday, but I want to eat in for dinner on Saturday. I'm looking for something easy (so it could be slow-cooker, even) but DELICIOUS. My sister always manages to throw together stuff to eat when I'm there that tastes gourmet but really didn't take much effort. I'd like to return the favor (and also without much effort). We don't get a lot of time together and I don't want to spend it in the kitchen. Keep in mind that I'm The World's Slowest and Messiest Cook. Officially. That's why I capitalized. :D I make The World's Best chicken and dumplings (again with the capitalization ) but I had that last week and don't feel like making it again. I also make The world's Best lasagna, but it's a pain. Help me! What can I make that will be simple but worthy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 That's funny. My mother can make one simple thing, dirty every single dish in her house and look like one hundred people cooked Thanksgiving in her kitchen. Do something simple like a taco bar or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Michelle* Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 My absolute favorite easy-but-looks-awesome meal is eggs poached in tomato sauce. You make a nice red sauce in a pan, hollow out some little areas for the eggs, then crack them in. Cover it up and remove it from the heat and they'll poach in about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, take a nice crusty loaf of bread, slice it up thick, brush it with olive oil and pop it in the oven under the broiler for a few minutes to toast it up. Ladle the eggs and sauce over the bread slice, add a spinach salad on the side, and finish with a glass of wine. Yum... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted October 24, 2012 Author Share Posted October 24, 2012 That's funny. My mother can make one simple thing, dirty every single dish in her house and look like one hundred people cooked Thanksgiving in her kitchen. Do something simple like a taco bar or something. This is me! I don't know what my problem is. I think it's a disease. Taco bar? I love a taco bar, but that's not what I'm looking for. I want it to be easy but SEEM at least a little special, and not-so-easy, kwim? For example, last time she was here I made Italian cube steaks. I love them, and they're pretty darned easy, but taste completely gourmet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 LOL.... Ina Garten has so many good recipes that are elegant and easy. You can look some up on the Food Network. What is your chicken and dumplings? Is it like a stew base? You could do that in a casserole dish and bake biscuits on the top. That looks nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 I recently discovered this recipe earlier this year and it has quickly become a family favorite. It tastes restaurant good, but is really easy! Five Star Pork Chops I serve it with mashed potatoes since the sauce the chops are cooked in makes a delicious gravy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Super easy and excellent - it is the family favorite here (even with the children). Pesto Asparagus and Chicken Chicken breast (how many depends on the family size; I use one whole breast per person generally, knowing that the younger children tend to only eat a half) - halve and gently pound Pesto Heavy Cream One bunch of asparagus, cut into one inch pieces Rigatoni Cracked pepper Sea Salt Apply pepper and salt to raw chicken breast as desired. Saute chicken breast halves in olive oil over medium high heat until cooked through (about 5 minutes per side). Set aside. In same skillet (with a bit of additional olive oil), saute asparagus until JUST softened. Add heavy cream to mixture, bring to a soft boil; add pesto (about 2 tablespoons) and stir into cream/asparagus mixture; let simmer on low for a couple minutes or until cream and pesto start to thicken. Add chicken back into the mixture (well integrated into sauce) and let simmer for another few minutes. Serve over al dente rigatoni. Not gourmet - but it tastes like it. Even my Most Awesome Cook In The World Husband (capitalized! lol) loves it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Caesar salad - chop romaine lettuce, top with croutons and Parm Baked potato - poke with fork, cook in microwave Steamed broccoli - steam on stove To create this lovely meal you've used a knife, a fork, and a steamer pot. You could even put some baby carrots into the steam first then add broccoli since it takes less time to cook. Thus rounding out the meal a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blessed3x Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls Yum Yum Yum I usually make them with oven roasted potatoes, rolls and french style green beans. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenpatty Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 BBQ! Rub a pork butt with spices/salt/garlic. Stick in in a roaster pan with a lid on, and bake it at 250F for 8-10 hours. By this time it should shred easily with a fork and you can serve it with buns and your favorite bbq sauce. You can make cole slaw ahead of time, or just buy some. A can of baked beans is good, too. Sometimes I put the pork in the oven before bed, but its good smells wake me up during the night. I make this frequently for company and it is always a hit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Coast Mom Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 BBQ! Rub a pork butt with spices/salt/garlic. Stick in in a roaster pan with a lid on, and bake it at 250F for 8-10 hours. By this time it should shred easily with a fork and you can serve it with buns and your favorite bbq sauce. You can make cole slaw ahead of time, or just buy some. A can of baked beans is good, too. Sometimes I put the pork in the oven before bed, but its good smells wake me up during the night. I make this frequently for company and it is always a hit! You can do this in a slow cooker, too. Always a hit with family and guests around here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted October 24, 2012 Author Share Posted October 24, 2012 I recently discovered this recipe earlier this year and it has quickly become a family favorite. It tastes restaurant good, but is really easy! Five Star Pork Chops I serve it with mashed potatoes since the sauce the chops are cooked in makes a delicious gravy. Oh, yeah....this is perfect! I actually made something really similar to this a few weeks ago. Easy and delicious. I served it with quinoa, I think. Maybe I'll try it with the mashed potatoes next time. Yum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted October 24, 2012 Author Share Posted October 24, 2012 Super easy and excellent - it is the family favorite here (even with the children). Pesto Asparagus and Chicken Chicken breast (how many depends on the family size; I use one whole breast per person generally, knowing that the younger children tend to only eat a half) - halve and gently pound Pesto Heavy Cream One bunch of asparagus, cut into one inch pieces Rigatoni Cracked pepper Sea Salt Apply pepper and salt to raw chicken breast as desired. Saute chicken breast halves in olive oil over medium high heat until cooked through (about 5 minutes per side). Set aside. In same skillet (with a bit of additional olive oil), saute asparagus until JUST softened. Add heavy cream to mixture, bring to a soft boil; add pesto (about 2 tablespoons) and stir into cream/asparagus mixture; let simmer on low for a couple minutes or until cream and pesto start to thicken. Add chicken back into the mixture (well integrated into sauce) and let simmer for another few minutes. Serve over al dente rigatoni. Not gourmet - but it tastes like it. Even my Most Awesome Cook In The World Husband (capitalized! lol) loves it. That looks delicious. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted October 24, 2012 Author Share Posted October 24, 2012 My absolute favorite easy-but-looks-awesome meal is eggs poached in tomato sauce. You make a nice red sauce in a pan, hollow out some little areas for the eggs, then crack them in. Cover it up and remove it from the heat and they'll poach in about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, take a nice crusty loaf of bread, slice it up thick, brush it with olive oil and pop it in the oven under the broiler for a few minutes to toast it up. Ladle the eggs and sauce over the bread slice, add a spinach salad on the side, and finish with a glass of wine. Yum... I would never in a million years think of combining eggs with a red sauce. I'm definitely going to have to try this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXMomof4 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 My favorite easy, impressive meal is a ham and potato frittata, salad and bread. Who wouldn't be impressed with a frittata? I'm on my phone so don't have the link but I'll add it when I get home. Or you can google it - I just add cheese to ours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Here's one of mine: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-honey-brushed-chicken-thighs-10000001591042/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El... Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Mix 1 can whole-berry cranberry sauce, 1 package onion soup mix, and 1 c. catalina dressing. Marinate 4-8 chicken breasts, cut in half the flat way to make two servings, in that for at least 2 hours or overnight (or in the freezer!). Pour all into 9x13 pan, distributing the chicken, and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. I adapted this one from a cookbook.... can't remember which... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 boneless, skinless chicken breast tossed in slow cooker. Dump frozen corn and drained, rinsed black beans over. Cover in your favorite salsa. Serve over rice. Add cheese and/or sour cream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
somo_chickenlady Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Mine is spaghetti. Otherwise taco pie is REALLY easy and delicious also. Here is the recipe: http://talesofatransplantedcitygirl.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/taco-pie/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwi3129 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 This is my go-to dish for company. http://www.cyber-kitchen.com/recipes/Foolproof_Sticky_Chicken.htm I've switched it up at times for a slightly different taste. Sometimes instead of onions I'll use lemons or oranges inside. If I don't have the spices on hand I'll just season it well with seasoning salt. As the recipe says, the method is really more important than the ingredients you use. Every time I've served it everyone has loved it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starwarsmomma Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 subscribing to this thread. Every.thing.I.make.tastes.like casserole. What the heck is wrong with me to make that happen? LOL I have a confession to make. I never volunteer to make food to bring to church groups/sick/etc because I can never think of food "good enough" for them. Pathetic, I know. LOL I would love EASY impressive (that isn't too $$$$) to make. Hubby is a foodie. totally married the wrong gal for that! haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Michelle* Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 I would never in a million years think of combining eggs with a red sauce. I'm definitely going to have to try this one. This is the recipe I use. It's divine. Just look at it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 subscribing to this thread.Every.thing.I.make.tastes.like casserole. What the heck is wrong with me to make that happen? LOL I have a confession to make. I never volunteer to make food to bring to church groups/sick/etc because I can never think of food "good enough" for them. Pathetic, I know. LOL I would love EASY impressive (that isn't too $$$$) to make. Hubby is a foodie. totally married the wrong gal for that! haha Stoppit you're making me sad! My FAVORITE cook books are Barefoot Contessa. AND Cooks Illustrated. I have learned so much from that website. I subscribe to it online. You can give it a free 2 week trial. There is SO much information and how to videos etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 Ok, so now I'm hungry, and it's way past dinner time. There are so many here I don't know what I'm going to do on Saturday, but I'll be making all of these at one point or another. I knew you'd come through. You people rock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarlaB Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Honey Mustard Curry Chicken Equal parts honey & spicy mustard (2/3 cup each), 1-2Tcurry powder, 3-4T butter- melt together and pour over chicken breast, and bake. Serve w/ rice, steam veg & salad. :tongue_smilie: Ridiculously easy, sooo delicious and elegant (if you diagonally cut the chicken breast into slices and then spoon sauce over top). I've made this for many guests and it has been a huge hit for most folks :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brownie Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Honey Mustard Chicken 3 lbs boneless chicken breasts – can cut into pieces 4 TBSP butter ½ cup honey ¼ cup prepared mustard 1 tsp salt 1 tsp curry powder Melt butter. Combine ingredients. Bake at 375 for 35-45 minutes. Thicken sauce if desired with gravy flour (Wondra). Serve over rice. Balsamic Chicken ¼ cup balsamic vinegar ¼ cup honey ¼ cup olive oil 2Tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tsp salt 3 lbs boneless chicken breasts Combine 1st 5 ingredients. Whisk. Marinate chicken in a ziplock bag 2+hrs (but I rarely bother). Put in a 13x9 baking dish and bake at 375 for 35-45 minutes, basting occasionally. Thicken sauce with gravy flour or reduce in oven after removing chicken. Serve over rice or pasta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 That's funny. My mother can make one simple thing, dirty every single dish in her house and look like one hundred people cooked Thanksgiving in her kitchen. Do something simple like a taco bar or something. Taco Bar is dangerous for those of us who dirty every dish when cooking. I love serving it, but it's never as simple or easy as it sounds. My simplest dishes use sausage for flavor. I like to fry pierogies in butter with onions and serve it with kielbasa. That's one dish if you have a large skillet. Also, hot Italian sausages fried up with peppers, potatoes, and onions is easy. Neither is really gourmet, but they're tasty, filling, quick, and dirty one pan. Would you be willing to cheat on your lasagna and do the version where you bake large, filled raviolies with sauce and cheese (and maybe meat?). You could assemble ahead of time and just bake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Mix 1 can whole-berry cranberry sauce, 1 package onion soup mix, and 1 c. catalina dressing. Marinate 4-8 chicken breasts, cut in half the flat way to make two servings, in that for at least 2 hours or overnight (or in the freezer!). Pour all into 9x13 pan, distributing the chicken, and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. I adapted this one from a cookbook.... can't remember which... I have been making this with Orange Marmelade and it is delicious! I don't marinate it at all. I cut up the chix breasts into strips and then bake it covered for 45 mins. I take the cover off and let it thicken. Serve with rice. Num! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 Would you be willing to cheat on your lasagna and do the version where you bake large, filled raviolies with sauce and cheese (and maybe meat?). You could assemble ahead of time and just bake. CHEAT on my lasagna? Never! That's blasphemous! Ironically, I do use sausage in it..... :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 P.S. I really wish this forum had a "like" button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheerioKid Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 I also make The world's Best lasagna, but it's a pain. I don't know about best lasagna, but I can tell you the easiest lasagna... Ingredients 1 pound ground beef 1 28-oz jar/can spaghetti sauce 1 1/2 cups water 15 oz Ricotta or small curd cottage cheese (I use a whole 21 oz container) 8 ounce shredded mozzarella or Monterrey Jack cheese; divided 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 eggs 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (I use dried) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 8 oz UNCOOKED regular lasagna (9 pieces) Method Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In 3-quart saucepan, brown meat; drain. Add spaghetti sauce and water; simmer about 10 minutes. In bowl, stir together ricotta, one-half mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour about 1 cup sauce on bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 UNCOOKED pasta pieces lengthwise over sauce; cover with about 1 cup sauce. Spread one-half cheese filling over sauce. Repeat layers of pasta, sauce and cheese filling. Top with layer of pasta and remaining sauce; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil. Bake 45 minutes. Remove foil; bake additional 15 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. 10 to 12 servings. Alternate Method: Recipe can be prepared with COOKED NOODLES following same instructions, except OMIT 1 1/2 cups WATER. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 All the same ingredients except exchange the cranberry sauce with the marmalade? Sounds good... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Buy frozen lasagne. Put it into the oven. Bury the box deep in the garbage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 (edited) Roast chicken. Everything goes in the oven together, in a large roasting pan. Rub the chicken with olive oil or butter, salt, pepper, thyme. Add a bit of broth or water to the bottom. Add potatoes, whole carrots, halved onions (you can slice some and place under chicken). If you feel like it, cut some acorn squash in half, rub with some butter, cover with foil, put on a baking sheet with sides, and stick on another rack to cook. Or, do that before the you roast the chicken, and rewarm the squash when you take the cover off to brown the children. (You can also brown the chicken first, then cover. ) Prep is quick, and you don't even have to babysit the over. Edited October 25, 2012 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetbasil Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 This is REALLY easy and sooo delicious. It seems to impress people too. ;) Definitely serve it atop greens and wasabi mashed potatoes (also incredibly easy). http://www.food.com/recipe/tuna-or-fish-or-chicken-with-ginger-shiitake-cream-sauce-131545 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reign Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Cheese tortellini in pesto with grilled chicken. I would use a grill pan. Fresh tortellini takes just minutes to cook drain and add pesto. I really like pesto. Add some broccoli or asparagus if you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reign Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls Yum Yum Yum I usually make them with oven roasted potatoes, rolls and french style green beans. :) Oh wow that looks amazing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 All the same ingredients except exchange the cranberry sauce with the marmalade? Sounds good... Tastes like orange chicken from your favorite Chinese Take out, but better. Defininately let it thicken up in baking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollie* Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 :iagree::lol: Buy frozen lasagne. Put it into the oven. Bury the box deep in the garbage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueridge Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Some of these: http://www.duggarfamily.com/content/duggar_recipes :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Subscribing because I've been looking for new and easy recipes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Chicken parmesan with a side of spaghetti and broccoli. Linguine with white clam sauce (my family would eat this every day if I would let them). My casual dish that all my friends and family ask me to make for every occasion is my white chicken chili. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in NY Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 If you like shrimp this is VERY easy and looks fabulous dished up. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/4-minute-spicy-garlic-shrimp-recipe/index.html I serve it over steamed broccoli because we are low carb but it would be great over rice as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinchick Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 This looks and tastes delicious and is crazy easy. Chicken with lemon and feta Place boneless/skinless chicken breasts in baking dish Salt and pepper, then juice 1/2 a lemon over the chicken Crumble feta cheese over the chicken Juice second half of lemon over chicken/cheese Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes Top with finely diced red bell pepper and put back in oven for 10 minutes or so And this is a good one. It tastes like artichoke dip, but you can call it dinner. Artichoke Chicken Place boneless/skinless chicken breasts in baking dish In a bowl mix canned quartered artichoke hearts, a glob of mayo (maybe half a cup?), about half a cup of parmesan cheese and some garlic powder or fresh minced garlic. Spread artichoke mixture over chicken Bake for about half an hour, until juices run clear and topping is bubbly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaKim Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Or, do that before the you roast the chicken, and rewarm the squash when you take the cover off to brown the children. (You can also brown the chicken first, then cover. ) Prep is quick, and you don't even have to babysit the over. This typo was just too fun to pass up. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Subscribing because I've been looking for new and easy recipes! :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenpatty Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 This typo was just too fun to pass up. :lol: :lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hwin Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 I throw chicken in a crockpot, the mix a can of cream soup with salsa and taco mix. Serve with rice. Everyone raves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 This is especially good in the fall/winter months. It's so warming and comforting. You can substitute for any kind of pasta, size curly, or I'm trying small shell pasta tonight. :D http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/spaghetti-bolognese-recipe-00100000074122/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 Chicken parmesan with a side of spaghetti and broccoli. Linguine with white clam sauce (my family would eat this every day if I would let them). My casual dish that all my friends and family ask me to make for every occasion is my white chicken chili. Wait, I change my vote to linguine with clam sauce. You can cook the sauce, toss a salad, and heat some bread in the time it takes to make the pasta. Super Easy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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