Every mother knows that planning out meals is difficult. First you have to write down what you are planning, then you have to go out and get the things needed to make the meal. Where do you find the time? How much money is it going to costs? Hate going to the grocery store and having to get these things? Well I have a plan , that I use in my household and it helps me to avoid trips to the grocery store and saves me time as well in the planning and preparation.
There are certain items that I frequently keep on hand in my cupboard, and I will share these with you. These things will hopefully help you out of having to go to the grocery store, late in the evening, or stressing over what to fix. I will also share with you my ideals of meals to go or coincide with these items.
Bread crumbs, are probably the most overlooked item for many people. Bread crumbs can add to a dish or casserole as either a topping or a filler. Don’t have any idea on what to fix, then fix a vegetable casserole. Using a can or two of mixed vegetables or just some favorite ones, you can create a vegetable casserole that hopefully everyone will enjoy. You simply take the vegetables, fresh or canned, add to it a cream based soup, such as cream of mushroom, and some cheese, shredded or sliced, mix properly, then heat in oven for about 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Make sure to top the casserole with the bread crumbs and some extra cheese. This will make it crunchy on top and delicious.
Next every cupboard needs some cream based soups, soups like cream of mushroom, cream of broccoli, and like cream of chicken. These will add flavor, and thickness to dishes, and casseroles as well. Ever try using one in a meatloaf instead of traditional methods? It makes a meatloaf to “die for”, and good. You can use cream soups in soups themselves as well. Make a chicken and dumplings dish, using cream of chicken, some boiled chicken, and some biscuit dough or dumplings that are prepared already. To make chicken and dumplings, add the chicken broth, or cream based soup, adding enough water, and the add salt and pepper to taste. Add your boiled and shredded chicken to pot as well. Let this heat up till it has reached a boiling for about five to ten minutes, add your dumplings, and when they are cooked through, add you some milk to thicken. This makes a wonderful chicken and dumplings.
Shredded cheese or just blocked cheese is also something no kitchen wants to be without. Cheese can be added into a dish, or on top of a dish and it is nice melted to a golden color and served hot. No matter what you choose to use cheese with it will be delicious. Make a tortilla wrap, use some left over meat, like chicken, beef, or turkey, and roll it with some shredded cheese in a tortilla. Heat or serve at room temperature, this is so good, and you can use some onions, or peppers or anything to liven it up. You can not go wrong here.
Tortillas are a good item to have in your kitchen also. You can eat these with food in them, or on them and you can even make a desert with them. One of my favorites is taking a tortilla and laying it flat, sprinkling honey on top, with some powdered sugar, add some cinnamon. You can heat in microwave for just seconds until hot, or warm. These are delicious, and I find that when I am in need of something sweet these hit the spot.
Spaghetti sauce is another item I can not go without in my house. A simple spaghetti dinner can save me time and everyone loves it. I have also made Chicken Parmesan out of using spaghetti sauce and some frozen chicken patties, and a little parmesan cheese. It is a big winner and it takes so little time to prepare it feels like I am cheating. Also I can make our families favorite, lasagna. Spaghetti sauce can also be used on a pizza as the sauce, for the pizza. It is so versatile that you almost cannot bare to go without it.
Another item I need on hand is noodles. Noodles can be put into dishes, boiled and served with sauces, cheese, or anything really. Noodles can help you make macaroni and cheese dish, or it can help you make a soup. Noodles are good in casseroles or oven baked dishes as well.
Whenever I do not want the fuss of making a big meal, I usually turn to one of these staples, and create a quick and satisfying meal. It saves me time, thought and preparation. I think every home should keep these items on hand , you never know when you will need them. I hope I have gave you some ideal on what to stock in your kitchen, for a fast and good tasting meal, for when time does not allow much time.
