Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Pad Thai, make ahead version

For tonight's dinner, I'm making Pad Thai.  This isn't exactly what you'd call a make ahead dish, but I'm prepping it ahead of time to minimize the time needed to finish the meal.

Day before yesterday, I pre-cooked the chicken.  I got a screaming deal on chicken tenders that were rapidly approaching their sell-by date, so I chopped and sauteed the whole bunch, then divided it into meal-size bags for the freezer.  I just need to pull out a bag a defrost it, and it'll be good to go.  I made a double-batch of sauce last time, so I pulled it out of the freezer last night and put it in the fridge to thaw. This morning, I will chop and refrigerate the scallions and garlic, as well as blanching the bean sprouts.  The noodles will soak in cold water for the day, and will hopefully be ready by dinner time.

When I get home, all I'll need to do is heat up my stir fry pan and quickly cook it.  Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes, tops.  Good to go!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

I must admit that, since hubby got all wrapped up in a project and forgot to put it in the oven for dinner, this recipe is, at this moment, untested.  So I may come back and edit it tomorrow.  We shall see...

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

2 T. olive oil
2 ribs celery, diced
1 small onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in thirds
3 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup white wine (could substitute milk)
2 cups cooked chicken (I used ground)
1 t. Italian seasoning
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. season salt
2 c. grated cheddar cheese, divided

In a skillet over medium heat, saute the celery, onions, and bell peppers in the olive oil until onions are translucent, about five minutes.  Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions, leaving it a little more al dente than usual. 

In a large bowl, combine next 7 ingredients (cream cheese through season salt).  Add vegetable mixture once it has finished cooking.  Stir in one cup of cheese.  Finally, mix in the spaghetti once it is cooked.

Pour mixture into a greased 8x8 baking dish.  Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 - 40 minutes, until hot and bubbly.