Honey Mustard Halibut
December 3, 2010
What You Need:
1 1/4 lbs. frozen halibut steaks, thawed
1/2 C of chunky salsa
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
How to Make It:
Set the oven to 450 degrees and preheat.
Place the fish in a shallow 2 qt. baking dish.
Bake for 6 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Remove and drain any liquid from the baking dish and leave the oven on.
In a bowl whisk together the salsa and honey.
Carefully spread the mustard over the fish.
Top each fish steak with the honey salsa mixture.
Bake 4 minutes longer.
Makes 4 servings
If your family likes fish they are sure to love this recipe. Kids enjoy anything honey mustard and they will like this recipe just as much. Add a salad and wild rice pilaf for the perfect stress free meal.
Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 10 minutes
Total Time: approximately 20 minutes
Your Crockpot is Your Best Friend
December 2, 2010
Crockpots seem to have taken a back seat to just about every other kitchen gadget in the last 10 years. Without a doubt, crockpots should be at the top of everyone’s list for desired kitchen tools. Crockpots are the ultimate tool in de-stressing and hassle free cooking. Let’s take a quick look at why crockpots should be one of the main staples in kitchens around the world.
Set it and forget it
One of the best reasons to keep a crockpot on your kitchen counter, is the fact that you can set it and forget it. Basically, you can fix a hearty dinner for your entire family while you are getting everything else done. Imagine being able to make a killer barbeque while cleaning the house, running errands and getting the kids to school and sports practices.
The ability to set it and forget it should be reason enough to almost super glue a crockpot to the center of your kitchen counter. Not only can you fully cook meals, but you can reheat them too. Crockpots are useful for reheating food because the do not dry them out like microwaves do. Sure, it takes a little foresight to get the food in there with enough time before dinner is served, but your chicken will be more tender and juicy than if you nuke it for a couple minutes.
Types of recipes
Another reason to become buddy-buddy with your crockpot is the number of great recipes that it can be tasked with. Everything from roast to barbeque and soup to cobbler, the walls of your crockpot can do it all. There are tons of books, filled to the brim, with crockpot recipes from the beginner to the advanced.
Since there are practically hundreds, if not thousands of recipes, you don’t have to stress over having the same things each week. The versatility of a crockpot is well worth the money you will spend on one. If you can think of a recipe you would like to try, chances are there is a crockpot recipe designed strictly for it.
Easy cleanup
Just like one pot meals, crockpots are incredibly easy to clean up, especially the ones made of ceramic or porcelain. Many of the crockpots today are even dishwasher safe, to save even more time and reduce stress. While crockpots can go in the dishwasher, it is usually best to wash them by hand so they do not chip if something hits the basin. As for the rest of the crockpot, there really isn’t much to do other than the occasional wipe down with a warm, soapy cloth.
Crockpots are incredibly efficient at reducing stress. With simple controls, a variety of recipes and clean-up that would make your mother proud, crockpots should really regain their rightful place on the kitchen counter. Grab out your crockpot, throw in some ingredients, set it, forget it and come back when it is done. How is that for stress free cooking?
All Time Favorite Mac and Cheese
September 10, 2010
What You Need:
14 oz. chicken broth
1 1/2 C of elbow macaroni
3/4 C of cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp of Parmesan cheese, grated
How to Make It:
Pour the chicken broth into a saucepan and place the pan over medium high heat.
When the broth just begins to boil, stir in the macaroni.
Bring the broth back to a boil and cook for 10 minutes or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
Remove the saucepan from the stove but do not drain.
Stir in the cheddar cheese.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.
Makes 2 servings
Kids love mac and cheese and this one they can make all by themselves. It’s much healthier than the boxed macaroni and cheese and tastes a lot better too. Trying to get your children to eat more vegetables? Have them add in a 10 oz. pouch of frozen broccoli and cheese sauce. Cook the broccoli as directed on the package. Stir the cooked broccoli into the macaroni before adding the cheddar cheese.
Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 10 minutes
Total Time: approximately 25 minutes
