I have been doing some power cooking! Some of you may know what that is....others will be confused. Power Cooking- is cooking multiple meals at once...it saves time, money and energy. Even those who hate to cook, love this because you get it done in one day! You’ll make fewer trips to the grocery store, with fewer impulse purchases. Even a "quick trip" for an extra ingredient or two is time-consuming, especially with children in tow. Power Cooking combines the time-consuming tasks of planning your meals, buying groceries, and slicing and dicing. After Power Cooking, you will save money by reaching into your freezer for your family’s meal rather than reaching for the telephone for take-out. Eating out is expensive; it costs a family of four at a full-service restaurant at least $50 for one meal!
Eating at home with your family is priceless!
If you have any questions about power cooking, let me know!
Make Ahead Ground Beef
{Yields enough beef for 3 meals}
3 medium onions
3 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
3 garlic cloves, pressed
1. Chop onions using Food Chopper.
2. Place onions, beef and garlic pressed with Garlic Press into (12-in.) Skillet. Cook over medium-high heat 15-18 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking into crumbles using Mix ‘N Chop.
3. Divide beef mixture into three portions.
Beef Stroganoff
Prepare and freeze
To one portion of Make-Ahead Ground Beef, add:
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 can (10¾ oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup water
1 tsp ground paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
Combine in large resealable plastic bag. Freeze for up to three months.
2. Defrost
Microwave packet on DEFROST (30% power) 8-10 minutes or until softened. Pour into (10-in.) Skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
(If cooking immediately, combine ingredients in (10-in.) Skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.)
3. Finish and serve!
• Stir 8 oz sour cream into beef mixture.
• Cook 1 lb egg noodles; drain. Toss with ¼ cup snipped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp melted butter.
• Spoon stroganoff over noodles and sprinkle with additional paprika and parsley, if desired.
Yield: 6 servings
Nutrients per serving (excluding optional ingredients):
Calories 400, Total Fat 22 g, Saturated Fat 11 g, Cholesterol 110 mg, Carbohydrate 27 g, Protein 22 g, Sodium 660 mg, Fiber 2 g
Saucy Beef Chili
1. Prepare and freeze
To one portion of Make-Ahead Ground Beef, add:
1 can (16 oz) chili beans in sauce, undrained
1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1½ cups water
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 pkt (1.48 oz) chili seasoning mix
Combine in large resealable plastic bag. Freeze for up to three months.
2. Defrost
Microwave packet on DEFROST (30% power) 8-10 minutes or until softened. Pour into (10-in.) Skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
(If cooking immediately, combine ingredients in (10-in.) Skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.)
3. Finish and serve!
• Spoon chili into bowls.
• Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions or sour cream, if desired.
Yield: 6 servings
Nutrients per serving (excluding optional ingredients):
Calories 260, Total Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Carbohydrate 27 g, Protein 21 g, Sodium 980 mg, Fiber 6 g
Serving Suggestions: This chili can be served on top of baked potatoes or with purchased cornbread, if desired.
Taco Soup
To one portion of Make-Ahead Ground Beef, add:
1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies
2 cans corn
4 cans stewed tomatoes
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
taco seasoning packet
Ranch dressing/dip packet
optional: chopped cilantro
Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
Coarsely chop onion using Chef’s Knife. Open cans using Smooth-Edge Can Opener and do not drain. Open packets using Kitchen Shears. To one portion of Make-Ahead Ground Beef, add: all ingredients except cheese and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes. Cool completely and pour into freezer bag, squeeze air out of bag and freeze. Reheat and serve in Coffee & More Cups. If desired, grate cheese on top of soup using Deluxe Cheese Grater.
