Summer Food

[lrd]

I started to ask this under NDD's "Samiches," but what I'm really asking for are "Non-Samiches."

I have the equivalent of five adults in my home this summer -- each working a different schedule. The only time when all are (usually) home is from 0100 - 0530. This makes it hard to have a sit-down dinner, to say the least.

They haven't quite told me that they are sick to death of "samiches," but they groan every time I say the word. This week we did wraps, quesadillas, and individual pizzas on pocket-less pitas. I keep the fridge full of fresh veges to snack on, and try to keep the fruit bowl full.

I need healthy, filling food that can be prepared in individual servings in 30 minutes or less. Any ideas?

[brewmonkey]

What about something like Chicken quessadilla's? You could poach the chicken in advance and then store it in ziplock bags. Use low fat cheese and low fat tortilla's and some seasoning and you can have something quick. Lower fat and higher protein, and by poaching the chicken you also reduce the fat. I use a cusinart to shred the chicken.

If you pre poach the chicken and portion it out you have it ready for a number of menu's. I also use it in enchilada's, which can be prepared ahead of time and then baked as needed.

Check out www.cookinglight.com for some good recipes. I have a subscription to it and they have some really tasty food that is healthy.

You might also check out foodtv.com for Rachel Ray's 30 minute meals. Not all of them are as healthy as they could be but you can sub out some of the higher fat items with low fat versions.

If you are not counting carbs you might also have some rice and pasta cooked in advance and portioned out. With the pasta you could make a cold salad with olive oil and some chopped olives, grape tomato's, artichoke hearts, heart of palms and roasted peppers. Top it with a bit of feta cheese. For the peppers you can also make them in advance or I know some stores carry them in a jar, just make sure you get the ones that are not packed in vinegar (bleech).

[lrd]

I took your advice with the chicken, brewmonkey.

It must have worked, because all the food was gone when I got home from work yesterday.