Forkplay & Spooning 🥣 A Food Lover's Anthology

[Cyber_Bella]

If only you were this passionate about other things.

 

[Mo_Bandy]

If only you were this passionate about other things.

 

[LaisDeMarieDeFrance]

It's also known as a 3 way if they add beans. I love Skyline Chili! Oh I just fork my balls and eat them slowly. I don't cut them up.

We buy Skyline cans every time we drive through Ohio! Love, love, love it!

I make this all the time. Husband eats it with garlic naan, we eat it with rice. (I can't stand to get my fingers dirty.)
https://www.food.com/recipe/easy-cu...NYeAaeQMn7stHazKJeUJIAQM6I2upalTMKy-aJkpJFZts

 

[Mo_Bandy]

We buy Skyline cans every time we drive through Ohio! Love, love, love it!

I make this all the time. Husband eats it with garlic naan, we eat it with rice. (I can't stand to get my fingers dirty.)
https://www.food.com/recipe/easy-cu...NYeAaeQMn7stHazKJeUJIAQM6I2upalTMKy-aJkpJFZts

Cans of Chili? WTF! No no no. I guess I am going to have to share that recipe too. You folks are going to give me a goddamn anxiety attack.

 

[LaisDeMarieDeFrance]

Cans of Chili? WTF! No no no. I guess I am going to have to share that recipe too. You folks are going to give me a goddamn anxiety attack.

Like you give us half the time?

 

[StacyLeigh]

OK - let's reel this back in...away from foods we don't like and canned meats


This is a new-to-me recipe that I've really enjoyed recently...

Peruvian Chicken

https://www.platingsandpairings.com/peruvian-grilled-chicken-creamy-green-sauce/#recipe

 

[cascadiabound]

I like finding recipes for those foods that often go bad too soon. This one is super easy and you can sub out the peaches for whatever fruit you might have on-hand.

…and because @Whiskeyjack loves it so much… “store bought is fine” for the puff pastry, but the challenge of making it yourself is fine, too.

https://afarmgirlskitchen.com/blueberry-peach-puff-pastry-tart/#recipe

Store bought puff pastry IS great. I make my own pie crust, but I can't be bothered with homemade puff pastry. I'll just watch them make it on the great british baking show, thanks!

 

[Trekka]

I have a query…

Anyone have ideas for meals that I can 90% prep/cook in the morning?

By nighttime I sometimes get pretty physically tired… still recovering from my Health Stuff.

I’m brainstorming meals to prep/make ahead, when I’m fresh, so I can either cook ‘em up real fast or pop them in the oven at night - with minimal physical labor.

That’s what I’m shopping for. So far my step son has shouted “lasagne!” about ten times so lasagne has been noted

Thoughts?

 

[cascadiabound]

I have a query…

Anyone have ideas for meals that I can 90% prep/cook in the morning?

By nighttime I sometimes get pretty physically tired… still recovering from my Health Stuff.

I’m brainstorming meals to prep/make ahead, when I’m fresh, so I can either cook ‘em up real fast or pop them in the oven at night - with minimal physical labor.

That’s what I’m shopping for. So far my step son has shouted “lasagne!” about ten times so lasagne has been noted

Thoughts?

How do you feel about crockpots?

 

[jordanp76]

I have a query…

Anyone have ideas for meals that I can 90% prep/cook in the morning?

By nighttime I sometimes get pretty physically tired… still recovering from my Health Stuff.

I’m brainstorming meals to prep/make ahead, when I’m fresh, so I can either cook ‘em up real fast or pop them in the oven at night - with minimal physical labor.

That’s what I’m shopping for. So far my step son has shouted “lasagne!” about ten times so lasagne has been noted

Thoughts?

Pot of rice (made in the morning) + can of Goya black bean soup; heat up and melt grated cheese on top. Cheese quesadilla or scrambled eggs on side. Sprinkle hotsauce (I like tapatio) over all. Maybe pair with coleslaw (I use the pre-shredded stuff from bags at store) or sliced avocado or bell peppers.

 

[Trekka]

How do you feel about crockpots?

honestly? I've just never gotten into them, aside from making apple sauce. I know its a go-to for many... its a good idea, isn't it?
I should just accept the crock pot into my life... I grew up eating Latin and Caribbean food... my mom has some curry crock pot recipes, I should ask her.. so I have mixed feelings about crock pots! it's gotta have some zing.

Pot of rice (made in the morning) + can of Goya black bean soup; heat up and melt grated cheese on top. Cheese quesadilla or scrambled eggs on side. Sprinkle hotsauce (I like tapatio) over all. Maybe pair with coleslaw (I use the pre-shredded stuff from bags at store) or sliced avocado or bell peppers.

^^that's a great idea. I think everyone in my tribe would eat that too, plus or minus some hot sauce. Thanks!

 

[cascadiabound]

It is easy to have zing... just add the flavor profile you want. I agree... the typical crockpot covered dish is a mess of not very much flavor... but that is not how I/we use our crockpot... curries, and salsa, and heat and lots of flavor! Yum!

SantaFe Crock Pot Chicken:

4 boneless skinless breast halves (though I think we actually have found we like boneless thighs better - more flavor)
1 can whole kernal corn, drained (or fresh if you want)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup salsa (as hot as you like)
1 onion - chopped
Cayenne to taste
garlic (lots) - minced or chopped (we buy chopped garlic in a jar - like a BIG jar)
roasted red peppers (I find these in a jar at the store)
fresh cilantro (if you like cilantro - if you are one of those for whom it tastes like soap, use something else or just omit)

Combine corn, beans, 1/2 salsa etc in the crockpot. Stir together. Top with the chicken. Cover with remaining salsa.
Cook on low eat 6-8 hours.
you can serve with sour cream or guac if you like.

 

[StacyLeigh]

I have a query…

Anyone have ideas for meals that I can 90% prep/cook in the morning?

By nighttime I sometimes get pretty physically tired… still recovering from my Health Stuff.

I’m brainstorming meals to prep/make ahead, when I’m fresh, so I can either cook ‘em up real fast or pop them in the oven at night - with minimal physical labor.

That’s what I’m shopping for. So far my step son has shouted “lasagne!” about ten times so lasagne has been noted

Thoughts?

I'm not a fan of crock pots. If I have to smell something cooking all day, chances are I won't want to actually eat it.

I do, however, love sheet pan meals. Prep the seasoning and veggies in the morning, marinate the protein (if needed), and put it in the fridge until you bake it in the evening. If you need a starch, rice or quinoa is effortless (and you don't need a rice cooker! - ask me for my recipe )

A few of my favorites:

Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken

 

[QuietCanadian]

I have a query…

Anyone have ideas for meals that I can 90% prep/cook in the morning?

By nighttime I sometimes get pretty physically tired… still recovering from my Health Stuff.

I’m brainstorming meals to prep/make ahead, when I’m fresh, so I can either cook ‘em up real fast or pop them in the oven at night - with minimal physical labor.

That’s what I’m shopping for. So far my step son has shouted “lasagne!” about ten times so lasagne has been noted

Thoughts?

Being someone who likes to cook, this was tough for me but once Jamie Oliver started saying it, I was good... It's ok to take shortcuts. A store bought pesto on Wednesday night is not, in fact, the end of the world.

The other thing I've started to do is make more ahead when I have time. Sometimes that's a whole meal to just toss in the oven (lasagna!) but sometimes it's just looking at my list/meal schedule for the week and saying "shit I'm chopping broccoli now, and I need some for Thursday, too" and hit it all (props to those that pull the reference). So Sunday becomes this day where I make a "real" meal where I have energy and time, and while I fuck about in my apron, prep some ingredients.

This doesn't get you out of all things in a week night, but it makes things easier, more manageable, and kind of forces you to stick to the plan (it does me at least). It goes from "shit... That's gonna take an hour" to "sweet, I just have to brown the turkey for those tacos and I'm eating!"

I don't think this is exactly what you are going for, but I've found it saving me tons of time as energy on week nights.

I'm no Alex Guarnaschelli, but there's still some great meals in there.

Lasagna!

 

[NC_Coastal]

We buy Skyline cans every time we drive through Ohio! Love, love, love it!

I make this all the time. Husband eats it with garlic naan, we eat it with rice. (I can't stand to get my fingers dirty.)
https://www.food.com/recipe/easy-cu...NYeAaeQMn7stHazKJeUJIAQM6I2upalTMKy-aJkpJFZts

 

[NC_Coastal]

I have a query…

Anyone have ideas for meals that I can 90% prep/cook in the morning?

By nighttime I sometimes get pretty physically tired… still recovering from my Health Stuff.

I’m brainstorming meals to prep/make ahead, when I’m fresh, so I can either cook ‘em up real fast or pop them in the oven at night - with minimal physical labor.

That’s what I’m shopping for. So far my step son has shouted “lasagne!” about ten times so lasagne has been noted

Thoughts?

Steak kabobs for the grill? I use filet chunks with red and green pepper, mushrooms, squash and red onion. Season it and chill until time to fire up the grill.

 

[cascadiabound]

I'm not a fan of crock pots. If I have to smell something cooking all day, chances are I won't want to actually eat it.

I do, however, love sheet pan meals. Prep the seasoning and veggies in the morning, marinate the protein (if needed), and put it in the fridge until you bake it in the evening. If you need a starch, rice or quinoa is effortless (and you don't need a rice cooker! - ask me for my recipe )

A few of my favorites:

Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken

We recently were given a sheet pan meal cookbook. It is a good idea. I do not yet have a favorite recipe I could recommend.

 

[StacyLeigh]

I believe we established that this is strictly a ”no canned meat” zone

 

[LaisDeMarieDeFrance]

Yum! I'm jealous!

 

[Proximus]

Hey Stacy! Great thread idea! So glad I found it! Here is my 1st contribution. I cook every day and bake a LOT, so this should be fun!

Orange Chocolate Chip Scones

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
8 tablespoons butter, chilled and cubed
1/3 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest from 1 orange
8 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed Valencia is best)
2/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. In a large mixing bowl, cut the butter into the flour with a fork or pastry knife
3. Mix in the sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest
4. Stir in the orange juice to form a sticky dough
5. Fold in the chocolate chips
6. Turn dough out on a well-floured surface, it will be sticky
7. Pat it into roughly a 9 inch circle about 3/4 inch thick
8. Slice into 6 wedges and move to the lined baking sheet
9. Bake approximately 12 minutes until the tops begin to turn golden brown
10. Cool on wire rack and serve

 

[Trekka]

I'm not a fan of crock pots. If I have to smell something cooking all day, chances are I won't want to actually eat it.

I do, however, love sheet pan meals. Prep the seasoning and veggies in the morning, marinate the protein (if needed), and put it in the fridge until you bake it in the evening. If you need a starch, rice or quinoa is effortless (and you don't need a rice cooker! - ask me for my recipe )

A few of my favorites:

Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken

I knew that "sheet pan meals" were a thing but hadn't really delved into them (in my head im thinking, "I already cook with sheet pans!" but NOT like those recipes! *noted*

The bruschetta one

And yeah - the crockpot thing - other than a few specific things-- apple sauce, making stock, chili... not a huge fan. Doesn't mean I can't be convinced tho-- maybe I just haven't played with it long enough to tweak it how I like it. *smirks*

Being someone who likes to cook, this was tough for me but once Jamie Oliver started saying it, I was good... It's ok to take shortcuts. A store bought pesto on Wednesday night is not, in fact, the end of the world.

The other thing I've started to do is make more ahead when I have time. Sometimes that's a whole meal to just toss in the oven (lasagna!) but sometimes it's just looking at my list/meal schedule for the week and saying "shit I'm chopping broccoli now, and I need some for Thursday, too" and hit it all (props to those that pull the reference). So Sunday becomes this day where I make a "real" meal where I have energy and time, and while I fuck about in my apron, prep some ingredients.

This doesn't get you out of all things in a week night, but it makes things easier, more manageable, and kind of forces you to stick to the plan (it does me at least). It goes from "shit... That's gonna take an hour" to "sweet, I just have to brown the turkey for those tacos and I'm eating!"

I don't think this is exactly what you are going for, but I've found it saving me tons of time as energy on week nights.

I'm no Alex Guarnaschelli, but there's still some great meals in there.

Lasagna!

This is super helpful tho. And I need to get organized. What's your kitchen org chart lookin like? I know you have one in your head.

Making one thing on a Sunday is also a "duh" but a good reminder. Or, on a day when I've got a lot of energy, using that time to make some things ahead (lasagne! lol)

Steak kabobs for the grill? I use filet chunks with red and green pepper, mushrooms, squash and red onion. Season it and chill until time to fire up the grill.

^yup, yup...

need to start my lit recipe box
keep 'em comin, tho.
it's helpful!

 

[SirConradPeckereye]

And yeah - the crockpot thing - other than a few specific things-- apple sauce, making stock, chili... not a huge fan. Doesn't mean I can't be convinced tho-- maybe I just haven't played with it long enough to tweak it how I like it. *smirks*

Crock pot lasagna is a good one, or Crock Pot Roast.... a lot of recipies out there!

 

[QuietCanadian]

This is super helpful tho. And I need to get organized. What's your kitchen org chart lookin like? I know you have one in your head.

need to start my lit recipe box
keep 'em comin, tho.
it's helpful!

You know I do.

My typical routine is to start my grocery list with what I intend to cook on the nights I'm cooking on the top right. So Sunday is X, then I put down on the list what I need for that. And so on through until the week is planned. (I also keep a bunch of print outs of recipes that I like, so if I need inspiration, check the stack, and have a go to set of cook books with quick meals).

Starting with Sunday also helps because maybe I'm making something with rice, can I slip rice into something later in the week and make extra ahead (the answer is yes). Or is it a chicken dish and I could prep chicken (or baked/fried tofu for the matter) for Monday or Tuesday as well? Again, usually yes. Can I make my side dish easy (store bought salad, for example)? Again, usually yes. Then Monday or Tuesday rolls around and I've got chicken ready to bake/pan fry/grill/whatever, rice is good to go, a quick dressing (or store bought) and it's like a meal in a fraction of the time.

I really find the get ahead stuff has reduced time in the kitchen M-F. And I love being in the kitchen, but it's a lot.

I can also attest to having a lot of sheet pan meals in the stack (@StacyLeigh is right), because they are super easy to prep ahead. Chop veg, prep protein on Sunday, dump into a pan on Wednesday.

 

[base10]

Looking at the way people are organizing their meals for the week; how do you shop? Do you usually plan everything out for the week and do a big shop, or do you go a day at a time and visit the grocery store more often.

Since I've got a grocery store across the street, and no car to pack tons of stuff, I tend to shop one or two days at a time. Half the time I go food shopping I have no clue what I'm going to make for dinner. I walk around the store until something catches my eye.

 

[Proximus]

This is a ridiculously easy Crock Pot meal.
Get a 3-4 pound pork shoulder roast.
Trim off any big pieces of fat.
Cut pork into fist-sized chunks
Put it in the Crock Pot and coat with this packet of seasoning
Slow cook on Low for 8-10 hours. (it cooks in its own juices. No other ingredients)
Break apart with tongs and make tacos!