#convenientcooking

Go Tubing...

...at least the way I do, that is. Saw these tubes of pesto paste, garlic paste, tomato paste, and chili paste all used in meal prep on a camping video. I was impressed at how easy these made cooking out in the elements over an open fire look. These have come in so handy for a quick flavor boost cooking in my own kitchen, outdoors, and when I'm the visiting "head chef" for friends/relatives. In various combinations, these work well as part of pasta based dishes, middle Eastern lentil main courses, or South of the border favorites. The pesto for instance works well added to hot, cooked whole wheat pasta with some extra pine nuts tossed in, add some fresh basil if you're a mind to. These are available through my local grocer or on Amazon. Takes the hassle out of healthy meal prep when I'm on the go.

Note: I have no connection with any of these products. I'm just looking for ways to enhance my healthy eating goals with little extra effort on my part.

When I'm not stirring up great family meals, I'm sewing cotton pocket chef aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or, I'm tearing old sheets into strips to crochet into upcycled recycled throw rugs to sell in my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter's have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers for cosplay or whatever other playfulness comes to mind.

This easy slow cooker chicken fajita recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, then come home to a delicious meal ready to be served!

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced. 1 onion, sliced. 1 red bell pepper, sliced. 1 green bell pepper, sliced. 1 packet fajita seasoning mix. 1/4 cup salsa. Tortillas, for serving. Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, chopped cilantro.

Instructions: Place sliced chicken breasts, onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper in the slow cooker. Sprinkle fajita seasoning mix over the chicken and vegetables. Pour salsa over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Once done, serve the chicken and vegetables in tortillas. Top with optional toppings as desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 240 minutes

With this simple slow cooker recipe, you can make a tasty chicken dish that tastes great with the sweet pineapple and spicy sweet chili sauce. Great for days when you're busy and just want a simple meal!

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts. 1 cup sweet chili sauce. 1 cup pineapple chunks. 1/4 cup soy sauce. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 tablespoon cornstarch. 2 tablespoons water. Salt and pepper to taste. Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.

Instructions: Put chicken breasts in the crock pot. Put soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix them together. Cover the chicken with the sauce mix. Slice up some pineapple and put it in the slow cooker. Put the lid on top and set the heat to low. Cook for four to five hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked all the way through. Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth. This will make a slurry. Add the slurry to the slow cooker and mix it all together. Keep cooking for another 30 minutes, or until the sauce gets thicker. Put chicken on top of rice and top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

These Easy Chicken Breast Freezer Bags are perfect for meal prep. With a simple marinade, you can have delicious grilled chicken ready to go whenever you need it. It's a convenient and flavorful option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 1/4 cup olive oil. 4 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tablespoons honey. 2 tablespoons soy sauce. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. 1 teaspoon dried thyme. 1 teaspoon paprika. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, honey, soy sauce, mustard, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts in individual freezer bags. Pour marinade over chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bags tightly and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the bag and discard excess marinade. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This slow cooker marinara sauce recipe is perfect for busy days. Just throw the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work. It's rich in flavor and freezes well, making it convenient for meal prep.

Ingredients: 2 cans 28 oz each crushed tomatoes. 1 can 6 oz tomato paste. 1 onion, finely diced. 4 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 teaspoon dried basil. 1 teaspoon dried oregano. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Pinch of red pepper flakes optional. 2 bay leaves.

Instructions: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer cooked onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once done, remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed. Use immediately or let cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 240 minutes

This Instant Pot spaghetti recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.

Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti noodles. 1 lb ground beef. 1 onion, diced. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce. 4 cups water. Salt and pepper, to taste. 1 tsp Italian seasoning. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh parsley, for garnish.

Instructions: Set the Instant Pot to saut mode. Put in the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and the beef is browned. Add the Italian seasoning and minced garlic and stir them in. Cook for one minute. Add the water and marinara sauce and stir to mix. Split the spaghetti noodles in half and place them on top of the sauce, making sure they are covered with the sauce. Add pepper and salt. Put the lid on top of the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the sealing position. Cook for 8 minutes on high pressure. Do a quick release of pressure when the cooking is done. Open the lid slowly and stir the spaghetti. Add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top while the food is still hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

A creamy chicken pasta dish made in a slow cooker that tastes great with lemon and has tender artichoke hearts. Great for days when you're busy and want a tasty meal ready when you get home.

Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped. 1 cup chicken broth. 1/2 cup heavy cream. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 2 tablespoons butter. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 lemon, juiced and zested. 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Salt and pepper to taste. 8 oz pasta such as linguine or fettuccine.

Instructions: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. In a slow cooker, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add seasoned chicken breasts and chopped artichoke hearts to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender. About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once chicken is cooked, remove from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the creamy sauce. Serve the creamy lemon chicken and artichoke sauce over cooked pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 360 minutes

Microwave Containers: Your Key to Fresh, Convenient Meals