Visit Linda's Web site, DinnerInMinutes.com, for quick and easy recipes.
Get a jump on Cinco de Mayo, next week's celebration of Mexican patriotism, with a speedy meal that finds its inspiration south of the border.
MAIN DISH TURKEY AND REFRIED BEAN ENCHILADAS 4 (6-inch) corn tortillas ½ pound reduced-sodium, sliced turkey breast ½ cup canned non-fat refried beans
SIDE DISH ESQUITES (Fried Corn) 2 teaspoons canola oil 1 cup diced onion 1 cup diced green bell pepper 1 cup frozen corn kernels Several drops hot pepper sauce
DINNER IN MINUTES
Fresh herbs, sautéed veal and tiny creamer potatoes makes a light spring dinner. Romaine and radicchio cooked with garlic until they start to wilt lend flavor, color and crunch.
MAIN DISH GARLIC GREENS WITH SAUTEED VEAL 2 teaspoons olive oil ¾ pound veal scallops Salt and freshly ground pepper 4 garlic cloves, crushed
DINNER IN MINUTES
Whiskey lends a subtle, intriguing flavor to boneless pork chops. With very little fat and no bone, the chops can become dry. A secret to keeping the pork juicy is to brown the meat on both sides, lower the heat and let the pork cook, covered. Brown sugar and mustard add a sweet and tangy finish.
SIDE DISH ROSEMARY LENTILS 1 ½ cups canned rinsed and drained lentils 1 medium garlic clove, crushed ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
MAIN DISH WHISKEY PORK 2 (6-ounce) boneless, pork loin chops Vegetable oil spray ¼ cup whiskey 1 tablespoon brown sugar
DINNER IN MINUTES
Herb-crusted lamb steaks served on a bed of creamy spinach is a perfect dish for this holiday weekend or any weeknight dinner. Tender, juicy lamb steaks are cut through the leg to make a piece of meat ¾ to 1 inch thick with a slice of bone in the center. If you don't see it in the meat case, ask the butcher to cut it for you.
MAIN DISH FLORENTINE LAMB 3 medium garlic cloves, crushed 2 teaspoons chopped dried rosemary 2 tablespoons plain bread crumbs Salt and freshly ground pepper
DINNER IN MINUTES
Cajun spice lends heat and grapes lend sweetness to today's quick chicken dish, made with flavorful boneless, skinless thighs. There are many Cajun spice blends. They normally include cayenne, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper and salt.
MAIN DISH CAJUN CHICKEN 2 teaspoons canola oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar ¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
SALAD WARM RICE SALAD ½ cup 10-minute brown rice 1 cup frozen chopped green bell pepper ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Spicy tomato salsa gives these light, juicy chicken burgers a hint of the Southwest. Coleslaw is a perfect side dish, and making it is a breeze when you start with a package of preshredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, available in the produce section.
SIDE DISH QUICK COLESLAW 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar Salt and freshly ground pepper
MAIN DISH SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN BURGERS ¾ pound ground white-meat chicken ¼ cup no-sugar-added tomato salsa, drained
DINNER IN MINUTES
Spicy, flavorful Kung Pao Chicken is coated with a sauce of garlic, ginger, red chile peppers and soy sauce. It's perfect for Chinese New Year, the year of the rat, which begins Thursday. Serve it over noodles, symbolic of a long life.
MAIN DISH KUNG PAO CHICKEN For a quick side dish, boil 4 ounces Chinese noodles for 1 minute, drain, and toss with 2 teaspoons sesame oil and salt and pepper to taste.
DINNER IN MINUTES
Thai peanut sauce and coconut milk add an intriguing flavor to tilapia. For this recipe, they are simmered to gently coat the fish.
SIDE DISH BASMATI RICE ½ cup white basmati rice 1 cup shredded carrots 1 teaspoon canola oil Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
MAIN DISH THAI TILAPIA WITH PEANUT COCONUT SAUCE 2 tablespoons peanut sauce ¾ cup light coconut milk 2 teaspoons canola oil
