Start With …
How many times have you stood at the refrigerator, or at an aisle in the grocery store, and wondered what on earth you were going to make for dinner? With my Start With series, all you need is one particular ingredient, and a few more that you probably already have around the house, and dinner is on the table in minutes.
These main dishes, salads, and sandwiches are all delicious, easy to make and family friendly. You can change them as much as you’d like, using different vegetables, spices, herbs, and fruits. Use what is available in the market and, of course, what your family likes.
Check back often because this series is just getting started. And if you want recipes that begin with your favorite ingredient, just let me know!
Start With …
Start With … Rotisserie Chicken
A rotisserie chicken is more than just sliced chicken for dinner. Using this fabulous ingredient, you can make Pesto Chicken in Puff Pastry, Waldorf Chicken Salad, Baked Chicken in Rice, and Creamy Chicken Manicotti.
Start With … Ground Beef
Ground beef is inexpensive and delicious. These easy recipes will be loved by everyone – even kids! Make Beef Cheese Slab Pie, Sicilian Supper, Palpettoni, and My Mom’s Meatloaf.
Start With … Tortellini
You should always have a package or two (or three!) of frozen tortellini in your freezer. This tender pasta is stuffed with cheese and is delicious with a simple sauce of butter and onions. But you can use it to make so many more meals. Try Cabbage Tortellini Blue Cheese Salad, Triple Sauced Tortellini (my personal favorite), or Tortellini Succotash Salad.
Fresh, frozen, or canned salmon can be used in these fabulous recipes. Salads and sandwiches are the focus, to get dinner on the table in a flash. Try Open Faced Salmon and Bacon Sandwiches, Simple Salmon Apple Salad, or The Best Salmon Burgers.
While technically not a “Start With” article, this collection of meatball recipes all start with frozen precooked meatballs (I prefer No Name brand). (Although you can certainly make your own). Make Italian Meatball Spinach Pie, Baked Risotto with Meatballs (the cover recipe), Meatball Mac and Cheese, or the classic midwestern favorite Tater Tot Hotdish.
