Sunday, May 16, 2010

Most Adaptable Meal(s)

The truth is, Friday was a little crazy, as a day with Boaz often is. We were so busy playing that there wasn't a lot of time to prepare dinner. We would be nine around the table, so I needed to think of something that wouldn't be too demanding. For all those busy mothers out there...and grandmothers too...or fathers for that matter....here are two simple pointers that make cooking dinner less stressful.

1. Prepare all the ingredients earlier in the day - I did a lot of chopping and measuring before my angel showed up (nap time works too) and set them aside by recipe.

2. Keep things simple.
A) I roasted some Steelhead Trout with a Hoisin Teriyaki Marinade/Glaze. Just pop the fish on a foil lined rimmed baking sheet, slather with marinade/glaze, let rest on the counter for about 15-20 minutes and then pop in the oven about 20 minutes before serving.
B) Put a large pot of water up to boil about the same time. Turn it off once it comes to a boil and then back on when you're ready to cook the pasta (about 10 minutes before serving).
C) Drain pasta and place in a serving bowl. Toss with some Asian Dressing and taste for seasonings. Keep warm.
D)Stir fry the boy choy (or whatever vegetables you prefer) - takes less than 5 minutes
E) Throw some packaged mixed greens in a large salad bowl and toss with Asian Dressing just before serving.
F) Take the fish out of the oven and place on a platter.
G) Get some of your guests to help with the serving while you do the stirfry.

Who says rush hour has to be crazy hour? What do you put together to feed a crowd easily? Naturally there wasn't time for photos, but I did a little recreation of sorts. That's a Mixed Green Salad with Asian Dressing at the top of the post with some Roasted Steelhead Trout in a Teriyaki Hoisin Marinade & Glaze. Naturally, no photo of the multigrain spaghetti that we tossed with more of the Asian Dressing.
And the vegetable was Baby Bok Choy & Shitake Mushroom Stir Fry.
This is what the left overs looked like... a perfect pasta to share with Presto Pasta Nights.

This week, Susan, The Well Seasoned Cook is hosting and the roundup will be awesome, I'm sure. To share your fantastic dish - and I know you all have it in you...write it up, mention Presto Pasta Nights and The Well Seasoned Cook and then email your link to thewellseasonedcook (at) yahoo (dot)com and cc me ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com

2 comments:

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Great save with dinner on a busy Boaz day Ruth:D

Sanyukta Gour(Bayes) said...

wow thats a awesome and delicious dish...tempting pics...
sending u and susan my pasta dish...count me in..
first time here...u have a lovely space...just started blogging..and love to add u in my list..
ur comments/suggestions r highly appreciated..happy blogging...following u>>>>>>



sanyuktagour(bayes)
http://creativesanyukta.blogspot.com/