Quick Extras That Make Meals More Interesting

Food/Cooking - Cooking

By: BonnieDossKnight     02-Jan-2011

Introduction:

Boredom is the villain wise women want to avoid in planning meals. Throughout the years, I've collected hundreds of quick extras that make meals more interesting. Little extras are also good to have in your repertoire when unexpected guests pop in. Consider beginning a running list of extras or write on recipe cards.

Sparse Meal Stretcher

Any meal can be stretched to look like company cuisine if you add a crème soup as the first course. Try my favorite: Add one tablespoon cooking sherry to a can of crème of asparagus soup. After heating, stir little cheese cubes into the soup and pour in your prettiest cups (no need to match). Sprinkle slivered almonds on top.

Gourmet Chips

For an interesting change of pace from the usual potato chips, try making your own banana chips. Peel firm bananas and slice into thin "chips". Heat Canola oil in skillet and fry until golden. Try to turn them only one time for best results. Drain on paper towel. If you prefer, sprinkle your gourmet chips with salt, but I eat them without it.

Little Elegant Tomatoes

These little tomatoes make a colorful presentation and add an elegant touch when beef or pork is the main dish. For each person, slice two or three grape tomatoes in half. Brush with your preferred seasonings - garlic powder, seasoning pepper, Ms. Dash, etc. - and melted butter. Broil until hot. Arrange on either side of meat.

Water Chestnuts

Thinly sliced, canned water chestnuts add a delicious crunch to plain vegetables. Add to green peas, French green beans or lima beans immediately prior to serving. Drizzle melted butter over individual servings.

Quick and Easy Sticky Buns

You can add a special touch to Sunday brunch at home, by toasting English muffins. Butter liberally, drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with walnut pieces. Serve hot. You can substitute honey and sliced almonds, or make half and half.




Final Thoughts

Do you keep an "emergency shelf" in your pantry? You'll always be prepared for the unexpected if you stock up on a few gourmet items such as the water chestnuts, olives, pimentos, baby green peas, spinach pastas, brown rice and crème soups. You can store plastic bags of slivered almonds and walnuts in the freezer until needed. That way it's quick and easy to prepare quick extras that make meals more interesting.


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