Minute meals for everyday kitchens

We have all been there. You get home from a long day and you are hungry.

You don?t want to take the time to make dinner, so you just end up ordering food to go. And while that idea may be fine every once in a while, if it becomes a daily routine, it may decrease your overall nutrition and cost you quite a chunk of change versus if you were eating at home.

Many barriers may get in the way from cooking at home such as a lack of time, a lack of resources or a lack of knowledge. But you don?t have to be a whiz in the kitchen to make meals that are quick and healthy. With September being National Family Meals Month, it?s the perfect time to get back into the habit of cooking for you and your family.

The first step to dining in is planning ahead. Take one morning or afternoon to plan your meals for the week. Look at what evenings you and your family will all be at home to enjoy meals together. Check your pantry and see what ingredients you have and then make a list of the remaining items you need.

Next, prep as much as you can beforehand. Having meat already cut up and cooked can be a huge time saver when preparing a meal. The same can be done to your fruits and vegetables; when you get home from the store, wash them before you put them in the fridge or pantry (note certain produce items, like berries and mushrooms, shouldn?t be washed until just before use to extend their shelf life and quality).

Here are some other tips for creating a meal in a minute:

1. Use your slow-cooker. Although it takes between six to eight hours to cook, putting the ingredients in the slow-cooker before you leave for the day only takes a minute and then a meal is ready to eat right when you get home. Simply throw in a protein source such as beef, chicken, or pork, add a little bit of liquid such as chicken broth, juice, soy sauce, or any other of your favorite flavorings. Add in a dash of seasonings and some cut vegetables to make it a complete meal ? and serve over pasta or minute rice which cook quickly.

2. Use convenience foods. Many food store offers precut fruits and vegetables to help you save time when you?re making a meal at home.

3. Find recipes with five ingredients or less. The less ingredients, the less prep work.

Try this open-face egg sandwich for a quick meal any time of the day.

Open-Face Egg Sandwich

Serves one.

Instructions:

-1 large egg, beaten

-1/2 cup diced low-fat Swiss cheese (two ounces)

-2 tbsp. snipped fresh chives or two tsp. dried

-1 slice multigrain bread, toasted

-2 slices tomato

Instructions:

1. Coat a small nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add egg and cook, without stirring, until the egg starts to set around the edges, about 30 seconds. Add cheese and chives and cook, folding the cheese into the egg, until fluffy and set, 1-1/2 to two minutes more. Place on toast and top with tomato.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 262 calories, 10g fat, 4g saturated fat, 206mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 16g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 4g sugars, 26g protein.

Daily values: 19% vitamin A, 15% vitamin C, 61% calcium, 10% iron.

Recipe Source: Adapted from EatingWell, Inc.