More Fast and Easy Recipes

Many cooks, like myself, enjoy going into the kitchen, throwing some ingredients together, and seeing what is the result. Sometimes we measure, but usually we gauge amounts and choose ingredients based on the comments, Hum, that sounds like it would be good together, or Yep, that looks like about enough, or I think I'll add a little more to the mix. No recipe ever comes out exactly the same twice, and the process is a safe adventure into new taste bud territory. Sometimes the recipe results in something wonderful; sometimes it doesn't. But, the process is always enjoyable.

So, if you're in a hurry to create something for dinner, looking to venture out and try a new flavor, or simply hunting for something different from the usual dinner menu, these suggestions may help.

First, though, one quick tip: Some of these recipes can make use of cornstarch. Remember that there is a secret to using cornstarch. First, mix the cornstarch initially with cold liquid. When adding it to the mixture, remember that it will require a moment or two after the mixture has returned to a boil for the cornstarch to work and thicken the broth in the pot. So, don't give up on it. Also, stir it constantly to prevent it from burning or creating a single glob of cornstarch in the cooking pot. Finally, the golden rule is that it is always better to add too little than too much. Start with a little cornstarch and liquid mixture, and then wait to see how much it thickens the soup. If, after a couple of moments of boiling, it doesn't thicken the soup to the consistency preferred, add some additional cornstarch and liquid mixture.

Split Green Pea Hors D'oeuvres.
Doesn't that sound fancy; but it's really quite simple. Start with your favorite crackers; any type will do. Simply set them aside for now.
Next choose a large cooking pot and spray it well with non-stick spray. Then place well rinsed uncooked split green peas into the pot. Cover the peas with water and cook over low heat. This process may take approximately an hour, but cooking the peas any faster tends to burn them more easily. This is a cooking process that you will want to keep a close eye on. If the water appears to be evaporating, simply add a bit more so that the peas remain covered by the water. Stir often. It is important when the cooking process begins to near completion to watch the pot very carefully because this is when the pea mush is most at risk of burning. Again, stir often. Cook the peas until they are a green mush with an oatmeal consistency and they have an oatmeal texture when a taste test is completed. The consistency will thicken further when cooled.

So, once the peas have completed cooking, what now? Just add your favorite flavors. Fresh chopped garlic and onions, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, bits of red pepper, parsley, or any favorite flavors will do. Cooked ground turkey meat or low-fat vegetarian meat-like crumbles are also a wonderful addition. Make certain, of course, that any ingredients that need to be cooked are cooked prior to being added to the mixture. Simply scoop the thick mixture onto the crackers and enjoy. This is delicious served hot or cold. And, it reheats easily in the microwave.

But, what if you've added too much water during the cooking process and the peas are soupy? There's a simple solution. Instead of hors d'oeuvres, make a wonderfully thick split green pea soup. Remove the peas from the stove top. In a small cup, mix together some cornstarch with cold water, and mix this combination very well. Check the cornstarch container directions to determine how much is needed to thicken the peas based on the estimate of how much liquid is in the pot with the peas. Add the cornstarch and water mixture to the pot with the peas. Put the mixture back over low heat, then return to a boil, and keep stirring until the mixture thickens. Then, once this is accomplished add your favorite flavors, whether it is herbs or spices or additional vegetables, again being certain that any items requiring cooking are cooked before being added.

But, that's not the only alternative. If the peas are considered too soupy, make vegetable soup. Add additional broth or water if desired, enough tomato sauce to suit the individual tastes, a can of cooked mixed vegetables, and some herbs and spices. To make this selection more of a stew, simply add some cooked meat such as browned hamburger.

Potato Soup.
Nothing is more comforting during the autumn and winter months than a good old-fashioned bowl of potato soup. But, for people in a hurry this isn't often a good selection based on the cooking time required to boil the potatoes. However, there is a quick and easy solution.

Begin by grabbing a cooking pot and spraying it well with non-stick spray. Then, begin by placing store-bought canned potatoes in the pot with your favorite herbs, spices, and additional precooked vegetables. Add a can of vegetable broth or water to the mixture. Heat this mixture until everything is cooked and heated thoroughly; then remove it from the heat. (For fast cooking time, make certain that everything added to the mixture has already been cooked thoroughly. For instance, add canned or frozen precooked carrots as opposed to raw carrots. Additionally, the precooked vegetables will often lose their texture if they are cooked the length of time required to cook any uncooked vegetables that may be in the soup.)

In a small cup, mix together some cornstarch and milk, and mix these ingredients together well. Judge how much cornstarch will be needed to thicken the mixture by the instructions on the cornstarch box, how much liquid is in the soup mixture, and how much milk you plan to add to the mixture. Add the cornstarch mixture and some additional milk to the soup. Return to low heat, then bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened to the consistency you prefer.

Then, it's ready to eat. Top with some cheese, chives, or whatever flavors you like and enjoy.

Another potato soup alternative is to skip any additional milk or cornstarch. Rather, use vegetable broth, animal broth, or water as a base. Then, to the broth, add precooked potatoes, herbs and spices, and any of your favorite precooked vegetables. Celery, onions, and garlic are always tasty additions.

Cooking is fun, and experimenting with flavors is a safe adventure. So, why not take a little adventure and do some cooking today? Your taste buds may thank you for it.

By Debra Phillips