Easy cooking

[Linda51]

I'm having friends over for the weekend, I usually cook a roast as they like that kind of food, but I don't relish the idea of standing in the kitchen for ages in this heatwave were having. Has anyone got any easy ideas. Thanks.

[Ethel]

Something that can be cooked the evening before with just the rice or pasta cooked just before serving:

spaghetti bolognese
chilli con carne
beef stroganoff
chicken curry

If they are more 'traditional' you could do chicken in red wine sauce the day before and serve with fresh vegetables.

Or if you are inclined to serve pre-cooked meals M&S do lovely Beef Wellingtons. Ideal with fresh veg

[joko]

just buy ready meals and whack them in the microwave!

just kidding - why not have a barbie?

[joko]

or buy a ready cooked chicken and then just do the veg

[hammerman]

But surely you just throw the meat in the oven and let it cook. Spuds and veg can be prepared outside and steamed/boiled whilst you're elsewhere. It only needs the occasional checking......

Or get a slow cooker and do a superb stew using mutton or similar "tough" meat.

[Alibobs]

Nigella has a recipe for lamb boulangere - a bed of potatoes in stock with a leg of lamb chucked on top - it cooks itseld, looks good and tastes delicious. It's in her How to eat book

[freak_unique]

Why not stock up on those ready made microwave roast dinners? complete with potatoes veg and meat and gravy whack in microwave for about 10mins perfect! PLUS... only cost �1-�2 :D

[skyep]

Linda51 - Have you a Gabbotts food outlet near to you? They sell some wonderful roasted meats AND potatoes, everything is done for you, just warm them up while you sit down with your friends.

[brachiopod]

Why not prepare a big, interesting salad and marinade some chicken portions beforehand.

When it comes to cooking - bung the chicken in the oven, and at the same time, do some herby-roast potatoes (either new / small potatoes, or larger ones cut smaller than you would normally) - flavour with rosemary / thyme or even something spicy - fllaked chilli and smoked paprika - something to match the chicken, at least.

Apart from the odd basting - you don't even have to be in the kitchen - but outside enjoying a Pimms / chilled white wine / Scrumpy Jack cider with your friends.

And there you are, a sort-of 'salady roast', but lighter, and more suitable for this hot weather!

[BBWCHATT]

Try my old standby:

Taco Soup

1 Pound Hamburger (I think you guys call it minced beef) � Browned & Drained

1 Pack Taco Seasoning

1 Can Rotel Tomatoes (has jalapeno peppers in it)

1 Can Dark Red Kidney Beans

1 Can Corn � Whole Kernel

1 Can of Water

Mix together & cook for a while to blend the flavors - but everything is already cooked when you put it in.


After you put it in your bowl � taste it, it is great that way and less fattening � then put a big blob of sour cream in it and mix it up � then taste it again.

Garnish with black olives, cheese, onions, chives � whatever makes you happy.

[BBWCHATT]

Hi Linda -
Were any of the posts/recipes what you were looking for or do we need to continue to look for others for you? Thank you in advance for letting us know what we need to do to help you.
BBWCHATT