Main Dishes

Make chutney today! Thanks to Monica Bhide, author of Modern Spice, for guest blogging on QQM. She also writes the wonderful blog, A Life of Spice, and shares two fabulous chutney recipes with us.

Several weeks ago I found an awesome sale on ground pork (remember my excitement in this ham loaf on sale post?). Well, I finally had a chance to make the ham loaf recipe again (to make sure it's A-OK to share with you). It just so happened that earlier this week we had a dreary, rather chilly day and I wanted something quick and easy (what's new there?!) that would bake while I was helping the kids with some homework assignments.

The incredible edible egg—it's not only one of the most economical proteins available (at $1.37 average price per dozen), it’s fast and easy to cook. Eggs are used in so many recipes not only for their mild and appealing flavor, but also their nutrition and hold-it-together binding qualities. They go from fridge to plate in only minutes, making them one of the most versatile quick proteins in your fridge.

Scrambled, sunny-side up, or in a sandwich. In quiche, baked goods, patties and loaves. What would we do without eggs? (If you're not a vegan, that is!)  They are one of the most economical proteins around AND most people love 'em. After all, the average American uses 251 pounds of eggs per year (according to the US Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009).

Whether you sear it quickly on the stove, roast it in the oven, or zap it in the microwave, chicken recipes are adaptable and economical. Chicken is lean, quick-cooking protein with a mild flavor and texture both kids and adults like. Whether it’s boneless tenders, legs and thighs, or whole bone-in breasts, chicken is one of the most popular protein meal choices today. Stock-up when chicken is on sale, freeze in commonly-used portions, and you’ll never be far away from a fast and healthy meal.

Here are 10 quick ways to make chicken:

This  is one of our family's good-old-standby recipes. One that I actually needed a reminder to write down in recipe form.

Dear QQM:

It’s almost dinner time and I have no idea what to make. This winter weather has been so horrid snowy that the last thing I feel like doing can do is make a dash to the store. Come to think of it we’re out of milk and the bread is getting awfully low. If only I would have stuck something in the crockpot then I’d be able to put thoughts of dinner out of my mind. No such luck.