Quick Recipes for the Busy Mom Posted at 5/02/2010 12:17:00 PM 0 comments (+) I have a full-time day job so you can just imagine how challenging it is for me to prepare healthy dishes everyday. I used to plan a weekly meal then do all the buying and cooking on weekends, and then we just pop the cooked food in the microwave on the corresponding day. But there came a time that the process took a toll on me. I realized I was too tired on weekends to even play and have quality time with my husband and the kids. And we also got tired of frozen cooked food. Not long after, while reading my magazine subscription, I saw that 30-minute Quick Recipes are possible. For the first time in years, I knew I was given a good option that could work for me too. I could plan our menu on weekends so I could buy the necessary ingredients. Then I would come home each and whip up quick and healthy dinner dishes for my family. Sounds like a good plan, huh?

I have been making quick meals for almost a year and so far I am happy with my routine. I found some interesting recipes that my family loves so variation in food is present. Can you believe I do not repeat what I cook for at least two weeks? I am sharing with you two quick recipes that work well for me.

1. Almond Chicken

This recipe will yield four servings and you will need:
* 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
* 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 2 cups green beans, trimmed, halved
* 1 cup instant white rice, uncooked
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Marinade the chicken by tossing the thighs with the dressing in a re-sealable plastic bag. Fry the marinated chicken on a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each side of the chicken for about four minutes or until browned. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the beans and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet then ass rice and almonds. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for five minutes. Serve the chicken over the rice mixture.

2. Basil Caesar Salmon

You will need the following to yield 4 servings:
* Salmon fillets (8 oz. each)
* 1/4 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
* pepper to taste
* 1 cup Caesar salad croutons, crushed
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 teaspoons dried basil
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

The directions are simple: place Salmon fillets in a greased baking pan. Spoon and spread the salad dressing over them and sprinkle with pepper.

Meanwhile, combine croutons, Parmesan Cheese and basil. Sprinkle this mixture over the fillets and gently press down into the dressing. Drizzle with oil. Leave the pan uncovered and bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until the Salmon flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy!

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