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While I have always viewed feeding my family as an act of love, I haven't always had the time to prepare elaborate meals. 

As a working mother with 3 children close in age, I needed things to be fast and simple.

One of my fastest recipes came from a La Leche League cookbook I received after my first child was born. 

The details are simple..."Place a whole roasting chicken in a crock pot. Cover with a jar of barbecue sauce.  Cook on low 8-10 hours." 

The recipe can be varied by using different meats and sauces - pork loin and cranberry sauce, beef chuck and condensed onion soup - you get the idea. 

The 5 recipes in this week's video are not quite that simple, but they are all easy to prepare with every day ingredients.

Best,

Susan

Preparing simple yet delicious meals starts with a well-stocked pantry. By keeping a few key ingredients on hand, you can easily whip up a variety of dishes without the need for last-minute grocery runs.

1. Grains and Pastas

• Rice: A versatile base for many dishes, including stir-fries and pilafs.
• Pasta: Assorted shapes like spaghetti, penne, and fusilli cater to different sauces and recipes.
• Quinoa and Couscous: Excellent for quick, healthy sides or salads.

2. Canned and Jarred Goods

• Tomatoes: Diced, crushed, or whole, they form the foundation of sauces, soups, and stews.
• Beans and Legumes: Black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are great for adding protein to salads, soups, and tacos.
• Broths and Stocks: Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth can be used as a base for soups and risottos.

3. Baking Essentials

• Flour: All-purpose flour is a must for baking and can also be used for thickening sauces.
• Sugars: White and brown sugar for baking and sweetening.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: For leavening baked goods.
• Yeast: For bread-making.

4. Oils and Vinegars

• Olive Oil: Ideal for cooking and salad dressings.
• Vegetable Oil: For high-heat cooking and baking.
• Vinegars: Balsamic for dressings, and white or apple cider for cooking and pickling.

5. Spices and Herbs

• Salt and Pepper: The most basic and essential seasonings.
• Dried Herbs: Basil, oregano, and thyme are versatile.
• Spices: Paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes are a good start.

6. Condiments and Sauces

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth to Asian dishes and marinades.
• Mustard and Ketchup: Basics for sandwiches and dressings.
• Hot Sauce: For adding a kick to dishes.

7. Dairy and Eggs

• Cheese: Parmesan and cheddar are versatile options.
• Milk: For cooking and baking.
• Eggs: Essential for baking, breakfasts, and as a binder in recipes.

8. Nuts and Seeds

• Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans: Great for snacking or adding to salads.
• Chia and Flaxseeds: Nutritious additions to smoothies and breakfast bowls.

9. Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers

• Honey and Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners for baking and beverages.
• Lemon and Lime Juice: Fresh or bottled for adding zing to dishes.

10. Frozen Goods

• Vegetables: Peas, corn, and spinach for quick additions to meals.
• Fruit: Berries and bananas for smoothies and desserts.
• Bread and Meat: To have on hand for quick meals.

With these staples in your pantry, you'll have the foundation for countless meals. Remember, the key to a well-stocked pantry is not just having these items, but replenishing them regularly.

Save 20% on quick meals with Cestari's EasyPod!  Reheat, steam, and roast with the microwave and oven safe EasyPod.  They make great omelets in minutes! Use code EASYPOD20 through February 7 at the Cestari store on Amazon for your newsletter discount.

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• Quick Stir-Fry Solution - Jill from Portland, OR
  • "My go-to for a quick dinner is a vegetable stir-fry with whatever I have in the fridge. I use a simple sauce of soy sauce, honey, and garlic. It's fast, healthy, and you can use almost any vegetable or protein you have on hand."
• One-Pot Wonders - Mike from Austin, TX
  • "I swear by one-pot meals for easy cleanup. My favorite is a one-pot pasta where everything cooks together - pasta, tomatoes, onions, and seasonings. It's a lifesaver on busy weeknights and the flavors really meld together beautifully."
• Sheet Pan Suppers - Laura from Chicago, IL
  • "Sheet pan dinners are my weeknight heroes. I toss together chopped veggies, a protein like chicken or salmon, olive oil, and seasoning, then roast everything. It's minimal prep and cook time, plus only one pan to clean!"
• Slow Cooker Magic - Jamal from Atlanta, GA
  • "I use my slow cooker for simple, hearty meals. I'll throw in ingredients for a chili, stew, or soup in the morning, and by dinner time, it's ready to serve. It's great for tender meats and flavorful, simmered dishes with little effort."
• Frittata Quick Fix - Emma from Boston, MA
  • "Frittatas are my secret weapon for a quick dinner. I beat eggs with a little milk, pour them over sautéed veggies and cheese in a skillet, and bake it in the oven. It's a great way to use leftovers, and you can vary the ingredients based on what you have."

WOULD YOU LIKE A MINI TURNTABLE?

We'll be focusing on how you sare love through food in February.  We'd love to feature some of your best tips and tricks. Please let us know what you know!  You can submit your thoughts by replying to this newsletter, or sending them directly to  [email protected] with the subject "Newsletter-February."  Every subscriber whose contribution we use will receive our mini turntable as our thank you gift.
 

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