Taste of Home Simple, Easy, Fast Kitchen: 429 Recipes for Todays Busy Cook

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Taste of Home Simple, Easy, Fast Kitchen has 400+ scrumptious dishes your family will loveand youll enjoy making! This collection was created for families on the go because it features recipes with short ingredient lists, simple prep techniques, no-fuss cooking methods and easy-to-follow directions. Best of all, these dishes come from other family cooks who know how to make the most of their time in the kitchen. Two at-a-glance icons highlight recipes every family cook needs: INGREDIENTS With a maximum of 5 ingredients (plus pantry staples such as oil, water, salt or pepper), these recipes are quick to prepare.

SLOW COOKER Slow cooker recipes are great for weekends when youre running about or for parties when the stovetop and oven are in use. Simple, Easy, Fast Kitchen shows you that good food does not require hours of your time prepping and cooking. A few ingredients and no-fuss cooking methods are all you need for a family-pleasing meal!

Last-minute dinner decisions are easier to make when there is a variety of food in the kitchen. With a reasonably stocked pantry, refrigerator and freezer, youll still be able to serve a delectable meal in short order. Here are some tips to help you stock up. Quick-cooking meats such as boneless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, pork chops, ground meats, Italian sausage, sirloin and flank steaks, fish fillets, and shrimp should be stocked in the freezer.

Wrap them individually (except shrimp), so you can remove only the amount you need. Frozen vegetables prepackaged in plastic bags are a real time-saver. Simply pour out the amount needed. No preparation is required! Pasta, rice, rice mixes and couscous are great staples to have in the pantry, and they generally have a long shelf life. Thinner pastas such as angel hair cook faster than thicker pastas. Fresh (refrigerated pastas) cook faster than dried or frozen pasta.

Dairy products like milk, sour cream, cheeses (shredded, cubed or crumbled), eggs, yogurt and butter are more perishable, so check the use-by date on packages and replace as needed. Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressings, salsa, taco sauce, soy sauce, stir-fry sauce, lemon juice, barbecue sauce and more add flavor to many dishes. Fresh fruit and vegetables can make a satisfying predinner snack. Slices of oranges, bananas and apples are smart finger foods for kids. Ready-to-use salad greens are ideal for an instant salad. Dried herbs, spices, vinegars and seasoning mixes add flavor and keep for months.

Pasta sauces, olives, beans, broths, canned tomatoes, canned vegetables and canned or dried soups are good to have on hand for a quick meal. Many of these items are also commonly used in recipes. TIME-SAVING KITCHEN TIPS Streamline your time by following these tips. GET IT HOT. When using an oven or grill, preheat it before beginning to prep the recipe. GATHER ITEMS.

Pull out all the necessary ingredients and kitchen tools, then start the prep. MAKE IT EASY. Whenever possible, use convenience items such as prechopped garlic, onion and peppers, shredded or cubed cheese, seasoning mixes, jarred sauce, etc. MULTITASK! While the meat is simmering for a main dish, toss a salad, cook a side dish or start on the dessert. DONT RUN OUT. Get your family into the habit of posting a grocery list.

When an item is used up or is almost gone, just add it to the list for the next shopping trip. ENCOURAGE HELPERS. Have younger children set the table. Older kids can help with ingredient preparation or even assemble simple recipes themselves.

Send your family off into the world with a satisfying, quick breakfast.

Just add some juice or milk and theyll be raring to tackle the day.

Smooth out the morning rush with a delightful boost of berries. Tart, tangy and sweet, this balanced beverage needs no additional sugar. ELISABETH LARSEN PLEASANT GROVE, UT

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START TO FINISH: 5 MIN. MAKES: 5 SERVINGS

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2cups cranberry juice 2containers (6 ounces each) raspberry yogurt 1cup frozen unsweetened raspberries 1cup frozen unsweetened blueberries 8ice cubes In a blender, add all ingredients; cover and process 30-45 seconds or until blended. Next page