Saving time on meals means more time to play
Things are heating up this summer, and I don't just mean the weather. I used to think life slowed down once school let out, but that's hardly the case in most families I know. We're still shuttling kids to day camp, swim lessons and baseball games while getting ourselves to company picnics and co-rec softball tournaments.
Yet, we still need to feed our families.
I've recently been introduced to a couple of products that can help you get dinner on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen or the grocery store.
Mic-Roasted in Minutes from Market Day is a quick way to infuse global flavors into meats and vegetables. Each box comes with eight cooking bags and seasoning packets that turn frozen foods (from chicken breasts and tilapia fillets to corn kernels and broccoli medley) into dinner in a matter of minutes in the microwave.
I really like how the San Jose Salsa gave mundane cut corn a mild bite in a Southwest salad; I plan to use the seasoning on chicken for the Southwest salad the next time around.
I also tried Greek Town Butter Thyme with frozen chicken breasts and in less than 3 minutes the chicken was cooked and infused with flavor. The other flavor available is San Fran Teriyaki. Order the boxes ($7.99) through Market Day or buy at area Market Day outlets.
McCormick Recipe Inspirations collection of spices is a brilliant way to get a home-cooked meal on the table without thinking too hard. Head to the spice aisle (I've also seen a display by the meat department) and grab one of six Recipe Inspiration spice packages.
Pick up the Quesadilla Casserole pack, for instance, and it contains all the pre-measured spices you need to create this family-friendly dinner. The back of the package is a reusable recipe card that includes a shopping list of all other ingredients you need to make the recipe - a timesaver for sure!
Hello mudda, hello fadda: My boys can't wait to head to camp this summer and I think part of it has to do with their new blue camo FUNtainers from Thermos.
The stainless steel drink container holds 12 ounces of liquid and keeps it cool for 12 hours. The lid features a flip-top opening so they won't lose the top and I like that the sipper and straw components detach for easy cleaning. The matching food container will keep a generous helping of pasta salad cold 'til lunch.
The containers come in a wide range of designs and cost $13.99 and up. Look for them at supercenters and department stores.
More to love about s'mores: I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to s'mores; OK, maybe more than a bit.
I take great care in toasting my marshmallow; patiently turning the stick rotisserie-style over orange embers to achieve the perfect blistering golden crust and warm gooey inside. There is no better way to eat a toasty marshmallow than sandwiched with a couple squares of Hershey's Special Dark and crisp graham crackers.
The folks at Hershey's Kitchens and Kraft Foods have come up with a few variations for you and your family to try as you gather around the campfire or backyard fire pit. Make Choco-Cherry S'mores by adding a layer of sliced maraschino cherries; a smear of seedless raspberry preserves makes a deliciously sweet Raspberry-S'mores treat.
If you've got the grill going, try this: Build the s'more to your liking and wrap in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped s'mores on the grill and cook 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat on each side or until marshmallow is gooey and the chocolate slightly melted between the graham crackers.
If rain keeps the fire out, try this really delicious faux s'more that I concocted for my boys: Spread Toasted Marshmallow Creme (it comes in a 7-ounce tub and is made by Countryside-based Solo Foods) between two chocolate-covered graham cracker cookies.
For more s'more ideas and a chance to win some family fun prizes, head to smoressmiles.com.
- Deborah Pankey
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at food@dailyherald.com. Listen to her discuss food and restaurant trends on Restaurant Radio Chicago, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays on WIND 560 AM.