The heat is on! The last thing you would want to do is slave over a stove for hours making a traditional meal that may not be all that appealing in this weather. How about spending 30 minutes or less in the kitchen with some pleasant lunch and dinner recipes that keep things fun and festive? These recipes can definitely allow you to get back to your relaxing and entertaining summer events as they are quick, easy and nutritious, even the kids can get involved.
Quesadillas – a quick fix: This is a recipe where the kids can help in the preparation stage, giving them that feeling of accomplishment, knowing they have prepared their lunch/dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total: 20 minutes Serving Size: 8 Quesadillas
Ingredients
8 Flour Tortilla (8inch) 6 oz. shredded precooked chicken (can be leftover chicken, tuna, sardine or your favourite protein) 2 cups finely shredded cheese (mix your favourite cheese: mozzarella, Monterey jack, cheddar) 1/2 cup salsa (your favourite salsa: mild or spicy) 1/4 cup sour cream
Method Prepare a non-stick skillet that fits the tortilla by spraying the surface with non-stick spray.
Heat the pan and place the tortilla in the skillet. On one half of the tortilla, add some chicken (or the protein of your choice) and cheeses. Fold the other half of the tortilla onto the filled side and allow the cheese to melt for 2 minutes.
Carefully with a spatula, flip the quesadilla to the other side. Continue heating both sides until tortilla is golden brown in colour. Remove from the skillet and cut the quesadilla into quarters from folded end to opening. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and salsa. Complete your meal with your favourite chips, side salad or slices of avocado.
Feel free to add any other desired filling such as hot sauce, corn, onion, tomatoes or spinach.
One Pot Pumpkin Rice – This is a one-pot meal that can be made in 30 minutes. This one pot wonder is a balanced meal bursting with colours and flavour.
Prep Time: 5minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total: 30 minutes Serving Size: 6
Cool Me Down Cocktail This drink will definitely be a hit at your next summer party. Enjoy your favourite fruits with a hint of sparkle. Spike it for the adults or make it kid-friendly.
Prep Time: 5minutes Serving Size: 8-10
Method In a medium-size saucepan cook rice according to the recommended cooking instructions on rice package. Add pumpkin to the pot and allow to simmer
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken and sausage to the skillet for 5 minutes or until browned. Add onion, garlic, mixed vegetable and sweet pepper.
Add to cooked pumpkin rice and let simmer for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
Remove from stove, stir in freshly chopped parsley and enjoy
Method Add fruits to a drink pitcher or punch bowl
Pour Moscato/Cran-strawberry juice along with soda to pitcher and stir.
Garnish with lime slices.
Refrigerate, enjoy and cool down
Ingredients
2 cups peeled and diced pumpkin 1 lb. chicken breast, cubed 1 cup sausage, chopped 4 tbsp. vegetable oil 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup sweet pepper, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 2 cups parboiled rice 1 cup mixed vegetables 1 tbsp. chopped parsley Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredients
3 cups Pink Moscato (18 & over) or Cran-strawberry Juice 1 cup lemon-lime soda 2 cups canned fruits, drained Lime/lemon slices
Both the Quesadilla and the One Pot Pumpkin Rice can serve as a quick fix lunch option for that beach trip or your next summer barbeque. Remember you can complement these with a bag of chips or a quick side salad and remember to cool down this summer heat with the Cool Me Down Cocktail. I guarantee, your friends and family will not be disappointed.