The Food Philosopher

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Twelve “Fast Foods” to Call Your Own

LIFE IS BUSY. BUT IT SHOULD NEVER BE TOO BUSY FOR A FAMILY MEAL.
After a full day of work, school, afternoon activities, and sports, the thought of cooking dinner is often overwhelming. It is on days like these that having a well–stocked pantry, refrigerator, and freezer save us from life in the fast food lane of fat, sugar, and salt. We play favorites with carefully–selected, high–quality convenience foods. We don’t hesitate to use short cuts because the process of preparing a meal should be simple and enjoyable.

We know navigating the 35,000 grocery items for some really great convenience foods takes time and a lot of nutrient label reading. That is why we want to share twelve of our favorite “fast foods.” Our favorites change as new products are introduced and others are discontinued, but the standard remains the same—fresh taste and delicious enough to serve to the most important people in life, our family and friends.

Store–Bought Roasted Chicken—perfect for a busy weekday dinner of chicken caesar salad. Costco’s© roast chicken is hard to beat.
Newman’s Own® Caesar Salad Dressing to dress a salad or Newman’s Own® Olive Oil & Vinegar as a grill marinade.
Shredded Cheese—to use in pasta dishes, tex–mex entrées or salads. Don’t just think cheddar or mozzarella. Aged grated Parmesan Reggianno (the good, expensive stuff) will add depth to any dish that calls for parmesan.
Desert Pepper Trading Company® Salas—to jazz up any meal.
Corn Tortillas—filled with leftover chicken or beef, shredded cheese, and salsa.
Muir Glen Organic® Fire–Roasted Diced Tomatoes—fire–roasting brings out the tomato’s sweetness, creating a delicious sauce for pasta or skillet dishes.
Muir Glen Organic® Fire–Roasted Diced Tomato Sauce or Classico® Pasta Sauce—for a quick pasta meal or homemade pizza.
Frozen Vegetables (without sauce)—we always have chopped spinach, shelled edamame, corn, and whole green beans on hand for a quick side dish or main dish ingredient. Green Giant®, Hanover®, and Birds Eye® are good.
Low sodium canned soup stock—a pantry necessity for quick sauté sauces and soups. We use Swanson® or Pacific Brands®.
Tiger Thai® Tempura Shrimp—buy the big box at Costco®. Everyone loves this Japanese main entrée. For a quick meal in less than 15 minutes, bake the tempura in the oven and serve it with shelled edamame and store–bought California rolls.
Pepperidge Farms® Frozen Puff Pastry Sheets—these sheets make great last–minute appetizers like Pigs in the Blankets and Spanikopita. Or use as the top of a casserole or fruit pie.
Athenos® or Tribe of Two Sheiks® Hummus—for a quick appetizer, sandwich spread, or nutritious afternoon snack.