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07/18/2002 Entry: "Cooking"

I need to get back on the horse. I've been so tired and hot recently that I have had no desire whatsoever to cook meals. We've been getting by on quick and easy to make things, like Tuna Helper and mac 'n cheese, but we're running low even on those possibilities.

Ugh. I don't want to thaw meat; the idea of working with meat right now makes my skin crawl. I don't want to think about eating anything heavy - that is, unless someone else had the task of preparing it. I'm not averse to having meat brought to me, understand.

So, Eric's on his way home. He told me that tonight's dinner choice was completely in my court. Suggestions? Actually, I'm not sure why I'm asking; you have no idea what's in my fridge (next to nothing). I suppose I just wanted to whinge a bit.

Replies: 9 sandcastles

I'm a day late, but stir-fried vegetables served over rice are a favorite of mine on a hot day.

Also good is taco salad. Make a salad, add crusshed tortilla chips and grated cheese. Rince and heat a can of pinto beans (optional, add a can of re-fried beans) then stir in a packet of taco seasoning. Dump over the salad.

Posted by persephone @ 07/19/2002 11:23 PM EST

Mmm, I second Lisa's Chinese Salad. I tried it last night for the first time, and it kicked some butt. Thanks Lisa! That was some crazy spicy delicious pasta.

Posted by Mahoney @ 07/19/2002 07:40 PM EST

My favorite quick, cold, and yummy dinner from my no air conditioning dorm days:

Tomatoes (I like the Roma ones, but any work), about 1 inch pieces

Fresh mozzarella cheese, about 1 inch pieces

Fresh basil leaves, cut in half

Olive oil, salt, pepper

Mix all together in large bowl. Put back in fridge for about an hour to make super-cold and let the basil soak in a bit. YUM!

(Theoretically, you can have this with leftover chicken or steak bits, too, but it's just as good without them.)

Posted by Michelle @ 07/19/2002 08:21 AM EST

My favorite pasta salad is here. Hope it helps -- I feel your pain :)

Posted by heather @ 07/18/2002 10:55 PM EST

We've been doing a lot of salads lately. A favorite is our take on Applebee's Fried Chicken Salad. We use frozen chicken fingers/tenders and serve them (cooked, of course!) on top of tossed romaine with a chopped hardboiled egg, cheese, croutons, bacon bits, tomatoes and honey mustard dressing. A good roll/bread makes a nice side.

Posted by Amy @ 07/18/2002 08:22 PM EST

Here is what I made for tonight.
I love cold pasta and rice salads on hot days.

Cold Chinese Salad

8 ounces dry fettucine pasta
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
1 Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Rinse and drain. Set aside.
2 In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, broth, soy sauce, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Mix well. Add pasta, sliced red pepper, scallions, and cilantro; toss to combine. Chill.

Posted by Lisa @ 07/18/2002 05:45 PM EST

Another salsa thing, if you're so inclined (although this one involves the dreaded chicken, so avoid it if your skin still crawls :) .

Just take a few bonesless, skinless chicken breasts, sprinkle boths sides with taco seasoning. Dump salsa over the whole thing. Bake for 35 or 40 minutes (flip chicken over once or twice). Dump jack cheese on the whole thing, cook for at least 5 more minutes or until done. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Posted by Mahoney @ 07/18/2002 05:34 PM EST

What about something like Skillet Sensations supplemented with a bag of salad? Easy, quick, and tastes pretty yummy. Cheaper than eating out too. And in our experience, it's a big hit with our kids (ages 3 & 9) too.

Posted by Cliff @ 07/18/2002 05:25 PM EST

The easiest recipe ever? Black bean and salsa soup. It sounded a little sketchy to me, but it's so delicious.

Rinse and drain two 15-ounce cans of black beans. Put them in the blender.
Add to the blender one cup of your favorite salsa.
Also add one cup of vegetable broth (made from bouillion cubes).

This is all you need, but I sometimes add minced green onion or cilantro. Blend it up until it's not entirely smooth, and serve hot. Oh my goodness. It's so good.

Posted by Mahoney @ 07/18/2002 05:13 PM EST