Meal Assembly Recipes

Archive for September, 2008

“While we think it’s really fast to go through the drive through, by the time we get from point A to point B and wait in line and get home, you may not really be saving that much time,” Jones said, adding the only savings may be the anguish of thinking about and preparing a meal.

Keeping the basics at hand is key in being able to put together a quick meal. Payne recommended an assortment of staples, including seasoning and spices, like basil, oregano and jars of chopped garlic, olive oil, canned chicken and beef stock, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, rice and pasta, tomato paste and canned tomatoes, bread crumbs, mayonnaise and Italian salad dressing, which also can be used as a marinade.

Jones advises advance preparation. She buys packs of ground beef and browns it, freezing it in one-pound portions so it’s at the ready for tacos, spaghetti sauce and other uses. Pasta can be cooked in advance, tossed with a little oil and put in the refrigerator.

Cooking: At full speed