Reeling it in

After almost two weeks of indulging in rich French food, it is time to reel it in. One of the best ways to get back in shape is by cooking at home. Besides, it saves money, and after two weeks of currency conversions to the Euro, I am broke! Staying true to French cuisine and a more relaxed frame of mind, omelets are this week's special. An omelet with egg whites (or partial egg and egg white) is a healthy and fast weeknight dinner. Try one with sauteed zucchini, onion and parmesan cheese, or with mushroom, olives and feta. An omelet takes all of about 5 minutes to prepare, is very inexpensive, and it's good for you. This must be why it is said that French women don't get fat (it's definitely not the croissants)!

A Tip from France

Ahhh, the art of french cooking. While visiting France, I have sampled outrageously good fare. From simple croissants and pastries to incredibly fresh fish and cheese. While I may not be able to replicate all of these recipes easily at home on an ordinary day (probably a good thing for my waistline), I have learned an invaluable tip along my journey: Enjoy the food that we eat. Perhaps we can all learn from the French. Food is a great pleasure in life and it should be relished without stress and in the company of good friends.

Shortcuts

One of the easiest ways to prepare dinner in a flash is to use shortcuts. Some in the culinary community frown upon them, but the truth is they can actually mean the difference between take-out and homemade, and restaurants and caterers live by them. One of the best shortcuts is actually not a shortcut at all: it's simple prepping. Prep, prep, prep. Use common ingredients throughout the week and cut them up all at once. Then just pull them from the fridge when you are ready and fresh ingredients are right there at your fingertips. It will save grocery dollars because you will make use of everything you buy, save time, and save clean-up (a favorite of mine). So chop, dice, slice, and saute in advance for a quick meal any time.

Cooking in double time

30 minute meals are a wonderful thing, and we all know Rachael Ray has taken these quick meals to the spotlight. There are times however, when you are working late, tired, and still have a million things to do, that even 30 minutes seems like more than you can possibly squeeze in. I have found a few standbys that allow me to have dinner made in 15 minutes or less....yes, that's right, and not because I am moving at lightening speed. While these meals might not get you a James Beard award for culinary prowess, they are easy solutions that allow you to eat well in no time at all. 1) Quesadillas: The great thing about the tortilla is that they last long in the fridge, so you can always have them on hand, and they toast in minutes. By keeping some good quality canned items in your pantry, you can make innovative and delicious meals anytime. Try filling a tortilla with roasted peppers, mozzarella, kalmata olives, and basil (even store bought pesto works great here), or use corn, avocado, sharp cheddar and chopped peppers. The idea is that you can put anything inside a tortilla and grill it on your stove top or under the broiler in minutes. 2) Use leftovers: don't think of them as worthless, they can be great ingredients for new dishes. I recently made pork tenderloin on the grill (very easy in itself), and then used the leftovers the next day in a salad with some mixed greens, chopped fresh fruit and nuts. It was delicious and I didn't feel like I was eating the same thing twice. 3) Pasta: While you boil water and cook the pasta, combine a can of white beans with a high quality jarred sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. When the pasta is done, add the sauce and fresh spinach leaves. The spinach will wilt from the heat and give your dish great color and more nutrition. With any of these double time recipes, the key is to have some good quality ingredients on hand that you can use when you need them. So keep your pantry stocked with items that last as well as some basic fresh ingredients, and you will have all the tools you need for dinner in a flash.

No Entries, No Entrees?

Well, it has been a while since I have written. It is not for lack of interest or passion, simply a matter of time. The Baker's Lady has been working like a dog due for one of my very own Doggie Delights. But there is no rest for the weary. That said, has my lack of entries correlated with a lack of entrees come dinner time? Truth be told, sometimes. It is indeed difficult to be a busy professional and make time for a wholesome meal at the end of the day. However, most nights I make it a priority. I consider it a to-do like brushing my teeth or showering at the start of the day - something that I just build into my routine. And the reward is really all mine. Eating well keeps me strong and energized, and no matter where you order take in from, it just isn't the same. Making a home-cooked meal a priority is one of the keys to getting it on the table. Well, that and finding easy solutions to help you along the way. As a professional, I have developed a number of solutions to prepare dinner after a busy workday and I think you will find them valuable. I am going to devote the next month to tips about how to get dinner on the table after clocking out. Stay tuned. Entries, and entrees, are coming your way.