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Robin Miller
Feeding Your Family the Quick Fix Way
By Donna Smith
What pantry staples should busy parents always have on hand? "Dried herbs are important because they're shelf-stable and you can whip up tasty meals with just a teaspoon or two (oregano, thyme, cumin, chili powder and curry powder are great choices)," Miller says. "Dried pastas, couscous and rice because they cook up fast and can be the base for any meal. Canned tomatoes and jarred roasted red peppers because they can quickly evolve into side dishes or the base for soups, stews, dips and dressings. Seasoned and flavored olive oils and toasted nut oils (such as sesame) because one ingredient provides loads of flavor in just one shot!" Miller also always keeps chicken breasts and pork chops in the freezer in appropriate serving sizes so she can thaw just what she needs and be ready to go.
Miller describes the freezer as an "excellent" tool for busy parents. "My freezer is always stocked with individual portions of leftover casseroles (baked ziti, lasagna, chicken dishes), plus extra sauces I've made in advance, realistic (family or individual-sized) portions of chicke, fish and meat, and lots and lots of prepped ingredients (chopped onions, carrots, bell peppers, celery) and frozen vegetables," she says. "A well-stocked freezer means you can whip up a sensational dinner any night of the week." Plus, frozen vegetables don't have to be thawed before cooking, saving you even more time, she says.
