Chicken Posole

Posted by Sandy Gluck

Having dinner already made and in the freezer is like having money in the bank. This hearty cross between a soup and a stew freezes perfectly and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or in your microwave. Made with canned hominy (sort of like a starchier cousin of corn) and cooked chicken (a great place to use leftovers), this is perfect to pull out on those days when you've worked late, the kids have soccer practice and you're just to tired to cook.

Do you cook meals ahead and freeze them?

PREP: 20 minutes
TOTAL: 50 minutes

SEE THE RECIPE:
Chicken Posole

Asian Chicken with Cashews

Posted by Emma Feigenbaum

You might just have everything you need for this take-out style dinner in your fridge. And guess what? It’s about as easy as dialing out for dinner; the whole thing cooks in the microwave in 10 minutes. No restaurant near me delivers that fast.

What do you zap for dinner?

PREP: 10 minutes
TOTAL: 20 minutes

SEE THE RECIPE:
Asian Chicken with Cashews

SERVE WITH:
Perfect Rice

Salmon with Leeks

Posted by Regan Burns

Leave it to Everyday Food to create an elegant, springy main course with a mere five ingredients (and that's if you count pantry staples like salt, pepper, and olive oil!). It's important to use top-notch ingredients when a recipe calls for so few, so seek out nice, fresh-looking leeks and gorgeous salmon fillets!

PREP: 10 minutes
TOTAL: 40 minutes

SEE THE RECIPE:
Salmon with Leeks

SERVE WITH:
Steamed Potatoes with Thyme 

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Posted by Emma Feigenbaum

We all know that fried chicken is a rare treat so when the moment comes that you don your cast iron pan you better have the right recipe in hand. This is it my friends! The definitive, toe curlingly good fried chicken recipe. You are going to want to file this one away and come back to it time after time.

What's the one recipe that you'd be really sad to lose?

PREP: 30 minutes
TOTAL: 1 hour

SEE THE RECIPE:
Buttermilk Fried Chicken

SERVE WITH:
Chili Oven Fries 

Macaroni and Cheese

Posted by Sandy Gluck

I love this -- made with sharp cheddar, it's a million times better than the Velveeta-filled one I grew up with (sorry, Mom). And it’s not baked so it can be served in a flash. The tomatoes add a nice acidic hit.

What do you like to put in your mac and cheese?

PREP: 25 minutes
TOTAL: 30 minutes

SEE THE RECIPE:
Macaroni and Cheese

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta

Posted by Sandy Gluck

Have you noticed a theme going on? Yes, it’s true -- these combos are some of my favorites. I’ve served this for dinner on a Wednesday night but it would also be perfect for company -- I guarantee you’ll get raves. And try the roasted tomatoes; they cook right alongside the chicken!

What’s your favorite company-caliber dinner?

PREP: 10 minutes
TOTAL: 40 minutes

SEE THE RECIPE:
Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta

SERVE WITH:
Roasted Plum Tomatoes

Empanadas

Posted by Emma Feigenbaum

Empanada means “wrapped in bread” and as I tend to like most anything wrapped in bread, this is what I plan on making for dinner tonight. I think I’ll use store bought empanada dough (which can be found in the freezer section of your local Latin market), double the recipe, and freeze a bunch for when the craving hits.

Do you make your own “fast foods” and freeze them for later?

PREP: 1 hour
TOTAL: 2 hours

SEE THE RECIPE:
Empanadas

Favorite Turkey Burger

Posted by Deb Puchalla

Forget what you thought about turkey burgers. These, mixed up in minutes with dark-meat turkey (that's the secret to results that aren't dry), spicy mustard, scallions, and grated sharp cheese, are thick and moist and bursting with flavor. They’re great on the grill in summer but taste just as good inside when you want to make that dream of a backyard barbecue come true now.

As we ready our warm-weather issues, tell us what recipes you want for the summer months.

PREP: 10 minutes
TOTAL: 35 minutes

SEE THE RECIPE:
Favorite Turkey Burger

SERVE WITH:
Dill Potato Salad

Tortellini with Mushroom Sauce

Posted by Sandy Gluck

A little bit of garlic and woodsy shiitake mushrooms make a terrific sauce for cheese tortellini. If your house is like mine, you'll have garlic on hand and tortellini in the freezer. A splash of water and a bit of butter make a creamy sauce. Dinner in no time flat!

What do you keep on  hand in the freezer?

PREP: 10 minutes
TOTAL: 25 minutes

SEE THE RECIPE:
Tortellini with Mushroom Sauce

White Turkey Chili

Posted by Sandy Gluck

I like occasionally dining solo and this is one of those perfect meals to have when you're by yourself and thoroughly enjoying it. I mean it takes almost no time to put together, it's made in one pan and its got everything - ground turkey, beans, and some jalapeno pepper for a little heat. Pick up some crunchy tortilla chips, kick back and enjoy the time to yourself.

Do you enjoy dinner alone?

PREP: 20 minutes
TOTAL: 30 minutes

SEE THE RECIPE:
White Turkey Chili