Dinnertime Shortcuts
It's one of those days: The phone's ringing off the hook. You're halfway through your to-do list and it's still a mile long. Everyone's asking what's for dinner, and you're about to drop from exhaustion. The path from here to a hot meal on the table feels like an epic journey. You need a shortcut!
Follow our six Dinnertime Shortcut Laws to save time (and sanity!) when you need to prepare a meal. And be sure to try our recommended shortcut recipes, which take just 30 minutes or less from start to finish!
DINNERTIME SHORTCUT LAWS:
1. Fewer ingredients = less hassle
Keep the list of fixings short, and you'll spend less time rummaging in the fridge or cupboard for missing ingredients. And when it's time for cleanup, there will be fewer items to put away.
Try these recipes:
Easy Southwest Chicken
Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken
Great American Grilled Steak with Ranch Dipping Sauce
2. Canned goods really can be good
When you're looking to save time, canned ingredients are one way to go. Opening a tin of beans takes what, twenty seconds? Compare that to an hour or more on the stove if you cook beans from scratch.
Try these recipes:
2-Step Chili
Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Tropical Fruit Salsa
Honey Dijon Tuna Cakes
3. One-pan recipes = easy cleanup
If the preparation of an elaborate meal doesn't get you, the dishes will. Give yourself a break by using just one pan to cook the entire dinner.
Try these recipes:
Easy Skillet Taco Macaroni
Baja Chicken & Rice
Chinese Pork & Vegetable Stir-Fry
Hawaiian Stir-Fry Shrimp
4. The microwave is your friend.
Cut cooking time dramatically by using the microwave instead of the stove or oven. And by choosing to zap food, you eliminate the need to preheat the oven or pans on the stovetop. Follow a microwave-specific recipe for best results.
Try these recipes:
Eight-Layer Torte
Seasoned Corn
5. No-cook recipes save time
Some recipes let you skip the stovetop and oven altogether. These sanity-savers usually require less cleanup work too, as you won't be soiling any cooking pots or pans.
Try these recipes:
Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes
Shrimp Cocktail Soup
6. Many hands make light work
Enlist helpers to assist you in meal preparation, and get dinner on the table in half the time. Little ones are good at setting the table, while older kids can help pour drinks and assemble salads. A side benefit of working as a team is that you might end up having fun!
Try these recipes:
Easy Mini Pizzas
Family Night Tacos
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