Short Cuts and Simple Food

I thought I might share a few cooking tips. Having been on the road and cooking in a small van with limited equipment, I have developed a few shortcuts to provide simple but tasty meals.

Whilst I don't believe in processed or convenience food, some products are quite a boon.

You may like to try a quick sweetcorn and chicken soup!

Chop a small amount of chicken breast or thigh and place in pot with a packet of chicken noodle soup and a can of creamed corn. Season to taste and add chopped spring onions to serve.

Another quick meal is fish patties.

Boil a couple of potatoes, preferably desiree, mash in the pot and add a can of salmon or tuna, an egg, parsley and some grated lemon or lime zest. Mix all together, shape into patties, dip in flour or breadcrumbs and place in fridge to cool. Fry in oil. As fresh parsley may not be available, I have been using the Gourmet Garden herbs which come in a tube. ( a reasonable subsitute). 

Another convenience product I have found quite good is Praise spray on salad dressing.

You only need to spray on the salad on a plate. No more leftover soggy salad!

One pot meals are great!

Try browning steak or lamb chops with chopped onion and garlic. Add a dash of tomato sauce, worcestshire sauce, chilli sauce ( or whatever is on hand) and water and seasonings. Add chopped celery, parsley, basil, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, peas or whatever is in the fridge. Simmer until meat is tender.

How about fried rice!

Take a packet of Continental Oriental Fried rice and cook in microwave. Set aside. Cook a cup of plain rice also. Place in fridge to cool and dry out.

Fry some chopped bacon, spring onions and a couple of eggs.

Chop eggs. Microwave some frozen peas.

Fry the rice and fried rice mix in a small amount of hot oil until hot. Add eggs, bacon, peas and onion. Stir through some cooked prawns just before serving and top with chopped green spring onion tops. Very tasty!

Another great convenience food item is the vacuum packed noodles which just need heating with hot water.

Enough of food for now. If all all fails, go out for dinner.