Wednesday’s In the Know: The Ease and Joy of a Semi-Homemade Supper
Photo by Nicole Renard
When looking to gather around the table together, regardless of the meal or occasion at hand, don’t overestimate the power of a semi-homemade meal. From a whole roasted chicken, pre-washed and cut bags of lettuce and veggies, deli and premade foods area, sometimes we need a little help! Don’t feel like you have to be a “hero” everynight by cooking a 5-course meal from scratch. Friends and family don’t expect a gourmet meal but they do expect you to be right there with them around the table together. Here are a few ideas for creating a delicious semi-homemade meal:
Rotisserie Chicken:
Juicy, healthy and delicious, chicken can be enjoyed as is, shredded over lettuce, tossed with BBQ sauce before being wedged between slider buns or neatly lined in a taco shell, it’s a wonderful quick and easy semi-homemade protein that can quickly put dinner on the table in minutes!
Marinades:
Although they may contain more salt and preservatives than you would normally like, sometimes you just don’t have time to shop, prep and fix a marinade. In this case, purchasing one to quickly marinate proteins as you unwind from the day, is a great way to add a “fancy” touch to your meal. Italian salad dressing can make a great marinade too!
Cooked Shrimp:
You can purchase fresh cooked (and chilled) shrimp from your seafood department. Simply toss in a quick sauce or marinade or line in your taco shell or nestled on top of your pre-washed and pre-cut salad greens, you are set!
Taco Night:
Purchase canned black beans and doctor them with ground cumin. Thinly slice pre-washed lettuce, adorn with pre-cooked shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese…dinner is served!
Smoked Salmon:
Toasted bagel, cream cheese, smoked salmon….Breakfast for dinner anyone?
Stroll Through the Salad Bar for Tonight’s Stir Fry:
Pre-cut veggies and cooked proteins. Let them do the prep so all you have to do is assemble and cook! Genius, right?
Angel Food Cake:
Slice and serve with fresh whipping cream or gelato and berries…dessert is served!
Remember, sometimes less is more. In this case, if time is of the upmost importance, do what you can to still gather around the table together using your local grocery store as a helping hand.
For other terrific tips and hundreds of recipes, like my Angel Food Cake, and Cumin Black Beans, visit my website (thetabletogether.com). While there, consider “subscribing” and I will send a new tip or blog post directly to your inbox every Tuesday and Wednesday morning!
P.S. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel, The Table Together with Tiffany Lewis, solely dedicated to bringing all of these fantastic tips and recipes to life!
Cheers to starting a new tradition around The Table Together!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Lewis
Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!