Quick meals

I really don't cook very fancy all of the time.  I usually cook quick, easy, and healthy meals during the week, then venture out on the weekends and cook things that require more time.  I have also found that most people struggle with finding good recipes to cook from, so they usually go out or order takeout.  The truth is, cooking doesn't have to be fancy or hard.  People make cooking more difficult than what it should be and that's why they don't cook more often.  I have a list of quick meals that I can prepare and are usually done within a half hour and use everyday ingredients.  Below is a sample of my quick meals, but I consider these to be the tastiest and easiest.

Parmesan chicken:  dethaw chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, coat them in a little flour, roll them in egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a few drops of water), and coat in a mixture of equal parts freshly grated Parmesan cheese and seasoned dried bread crumbs.  Then, bake at 400 for about 20 min.

Chicken salad:  this is not a mayo salad.  Instead, season chicken breasts and bake at 400 for 20 min. Allow the chicken to cool so you can handle it, then shred it.  Top shredded chicken with your favorite lettuce, tomato, cheese, dried cherries, cucumber, roasted radishes, cauliflower, and whatever else you like on your salad and add dressing.  Serve with bread.

Tacos:  I think everyone knows how to make tacos- I top mine with fat free sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, lettuce, onion, and green pepper.  I also vary my meat choice- shredded chicken, ground beef, sliced steak, or a mixture of sliced portobello mushrooms and steak. 

Pork loins with leeks:  season pork loins and bake at 400 for 20 min. Meanwhile, slice and clean leeks, mince a couple cloves of garlic, and a few tablespoons of mixed herbs.  Saute them over medium heat until leeks are tender.  Add salt and pepper and a splash of brandy and reduce until almost all of the liquid has evaporated.  Then, add about 1/3 cup chicken stock and about 1/4 cup sour cream.  Heat through and serve sauce over pork loins.

Spaghetti:  this one is a staple in most homes.  However, to make it a little more healthy, I add cooked broccoli, chopped fresh tomatoes, and fresh herbs into the sauce.  I also add shrimp for protein.

Mustard chicken:  mix 3 tablespoons mustard, 3 tablespoons dijon mustard, a splash of worcestershire, and 2 tablespoons of honey.  Coat chicken breasts with the mustard mixture and bake at 400 for 20 min.

Asian salmon:  this is an Ina Garten recipe that is no fail and extremely flavorful.  Mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons dijon mustard, 2 teaspoon minced garlic, and a tablespoon of olive oil.  Coat salmon with mixture and bake at 425 for about 10 min.

Fish:  Take your favorite fish (I usually use tilapia), season, coat with dried breadcrumbs, and your favorite vegetables.  Bake at 425 for 10 min. until veggies are tender and fish is done

Fritatta:  Dice a small onion and cook over medium heat.  Add your favorite vegetables (I like broccoli and mushrooms) and cook until softened.  Add your favorite breakfast meat (ham, sausage, bacon) and season with salt and pepper.  Crack 4 eggs into a separate bowl, add salt and pepper, and a splash of milk.  Add eggs into the veggies and meat.  Transfer skillet to the oven and cook at 350 until eggs are set.

Meatloaf:  Everyone has their own recipe for meatloaf, but I use half beef and half turkey.  Use quick cooking oats in place of breadcrumbs and use dijion in place of ketchup.

Hopefully this will give you more ideas on what to make for a quick meal.  Trust me, they are much better than any takeout or fast food.