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Dinnertime Dilemma

It is getting to be that time of day where I start asking myself, "What in the world am I going to make for dinner?" This is, in my opinion, one of the naggiest parts of being a homemaker. I don't really enjoy my obligation to prepare something rather inexpensive, with a reasonable amount of calories and tasty! If any of you are in the same boat as me, here is an idea that may solve that dinner dilemma for at least one night! It has been my favorite since I was a kid!
PORK CHOPS AND RICE
Brown pork chops in as much butter as your diet will allow. I usually do about 2 Tablespoons. That only gives us each an extra 50 fat calories. You want to get that brown sludge in the bottom of the pan that comes from frying them up (mmm....brown sludge). While your pork chops are frying, slice one onion, tomato and green pepper into rings. Once your pork is browned, spread the veggies over the pork. Pour in enough dry rice for your family (I usually do 2 1/2 cups dry). Pour enough water over that to properly cook the rice. I do twice as much water as rice. Some brands may be a little different. Just look on the bag. Salt and pepper your pan of ingredients, top with a lid and turn down to simmer for about 30 minutes. As soon as the rice is done, walla! You have a one pan meal that is so delicious. Just a side note, I have done this with Minute Rice before and it just doesn't have time to take on the flavors of the sludge and the veggies. Use regular rice!

I promise you will love how easy and yummy this is. I am hungry just thinking about it. What is your favorite easy recipe, one that can be pulled off in a pinch, one that doesn't require marjoram or something like that! This can be kind of like that chain letter only you don't have to pass it on to 25 of your closest friends! You just get to share with me and anyone else interested in reading this post. I promise I will try your ideas and I may even give you an honorable mention in a forthcoming post:).
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Patti said…
Chicken Enchiladas- The super easy way is to buy precooked chicken strips (Tysons) and grate some mozzarella cheese (or buy pre-grated). Open a can of green enchilada sauce. Pour about 1/2 cup sauce into the pan to keep the tortillas from sticking. On a flour tortilla, place a few chicken strips and some cheese, roll it up seam-side down in the pan, pour the rest of the sauce on top, cover with more cheese. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, uncover, bake 5 more minutes. Serve with rice and refried beans. It doesn't get any easier than that!
February 11, 2009 at 1:36 PM
wylie said…
That does sound really good. I've got to think a bit on a recipe I make fast (besides breakfast for dinner option). I'll post again later when I think of one.
February 11, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Mills Family said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
February 12, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Mills Family said…
I just tried a new recipe! It was so fast and easy. I was a little skeptical at first, but my family loved it!
I cut up 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts then browned them in my electric fry pan. After they were brown, I added the sauce, two cans of tomato soup and two cans of diet coke mixed together. Then, I covered it and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. I served it on rice and the sauce didn't taste like tomato soup or diet coke. The whole family loved it.
February 12, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Meredith said…
That sounds good. I'm going to have to try that one. I just made one of my favorite easy ones last night - Tortellini Soup. Dice up some onion, celery, and carrots in a food processor and simmer in enough chicken broth to make the number of servings you need. I think I did eight cups broth, 1/2 a small onion, 1 stalk of celery, and a handful of baby carrots. Add a bay leaf and a small bag of frozen tortellini. When the tortellini is cooked serve it up! My kids love it, and the tortellini is hearty enough to fill them up even though the broth is fairly light.
February 12, 2009 at 3:15 PM
wylie said…
I've been thinking about this and thinking and thinking . . . and realized that I am not good at last minute meals, I can do quick, but if push comes to shove I rely on my freezer back ups of frozen burritos, frozen chicken nuggets, and frozen pizza. Besides that I'd rather have put it in the crockpot first thing in the morning and having it done and out of the way OR have a good 45 minutes to 1 hour to make a really good tasting dinner without interruption--like that ever happens.
February 17, 2009 at 10:51 AM
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