Fast Food Doesn't Have to Come From a Paper Bag

July 01, 2009

When did cooking get such a bad rap? In a NY Times OpEd piece, food writer Amanda Hesser praises first lady Michelle Obama for getting Americans to think about eating local, fresh food by planting an organic vegetable garden on the first lawn, but criticizes her subsequent comments about not liking to cook because they sent out the wrong message: that cooking is a chore to be avoided if possible.

Although Americans think they’re saving time and money by using frozen entrees or ordering in, the truth is that they are accomplishing neither. It takes no time to whip together a healthy meal, and it’s always cheaper than ordering in. Plus, there is something more meaningful about a home cooked meal than a Chinese take-out menu. 

Hesser writes: “As we lost our skills at the stove, we also lost something less tangible but no less important: the opportunity to spend time together in the kitchen, talking and cooking. Similarly, we gave up the chance to improve our children’s eating habits by example. Studies by Harvard Medical School and the University of Minnesota show that children in families that ate together consumed more fruits and vegetables, as well as less fat and fewer snacks.”
 
I didn’t always love cooking. I never hated it but I was a little intimidated by it. My mother did not teach me to cook, for some reason, even though she cooked and baked often. Like any other sport or skill, the more I did it the better and more confident I got. As a working mom, I’m a fan of easy, healthy meals with few ingredients. And in the summer, there is nothing easier than throwing some meat and veggies on the grill. Here are a few of my fast food favorites:

Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast with Roasted Zucchini and Corn on the Cob

What you’ll need:

Chicken breasts (one per person)
Marinade (I like Annie’s Naturals Organic Smokey Maple BBQ Sauce or Island Marinade)
Zucchini (one small per person)
Olive oil
Corn

Turn on the grill to medium/high

1) Simply throw the chicken breasts in a plastic ziploc bag and pour in marinade (when you get home from work), about a tablespoon per breast. Make sure to cover the chicken thoroughly and then place bag in refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Turn once.
2) Slice up the zuchs into thin long slices, about ¼-inch thick. Throw those in a plastic ziploc bag too and pour in about one tablespoon of olive oil per two zuchs. Mix around.
3) Throw corn, with the husks on, on the grill. Turn frequently. Cook about 15 minutes until done. (My husband likes to soak the corn in water first, but either way is ok). Another option is to peal back the husk a little and stick some butter in there, and then reseal the husk, before you put it on the grill.
4) Throw chicken on the grill. Cook about 5 minutes on each side.
5) Throw zuchs on the grill. Cook about 1 to 2 minutes on each side.

Veggie Burger on English Muffin with Baked Sweet Potato (granted this one does use a frozen entrée so we’ll call it a healthy semi-home cooked meal)

I used to make this meal pretty often when I lived by myself in NY City.

What you’ll need: 

Veggie burger
English muffin
Avocado and/or mushrooms, ketchup, etc. (whatever you like on your burger)
Sweet potato (with butter if you prefer)

1) Cook sweet potato in the microwave for about 5 to 7 minutes, depending the size.
2) When it’s done, while it’s cooling, cook the veggie burger in the microwave and stick English muffin in toaster.
3) Sautee mushrooms (if you like them) in cooking spray and slice avocado.

Salmon with Magic Seasonings Blend and Steamed Broccoli with Couscous (or Brown Rice)

This one is from my friend Christine. When I told her what I was writing about this week she shared this recipe with me. I can’t wait to try it.

What you’ll need:

Salmon (about 1/4 to 1/3 lb per person)
Chef Paul Prudhommes Magic Seasonings Blend - Seafood Magic
Olive oil spray
Broccoli
Box of couscous or brown rice

1) Sprinkle the seasonings blend liberally over the salmon and then spray lightly with Olive Oil.
2) Broil in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and how well you like it cooked.
3) Steam broccoli.
4) Follow directions on box for couscous or brown rice.

What are your favorite fast food recipes?

Check out TLC’s Cooking & Entertaining Guide for more ideas.

Comments

[jonathan]

Make it your own will keep more calories and fat. That is god idea. also, you can mix with more healthy food inside the recipes.

[Cyberchondriacmom]

Thanks for these inspiring ideas Joelle -- I can never seem to find enough time to cook right, though it's definitely on the to-do list. Now, if I could just get my husband to eat zucchini (he's generally suspicious of anything green).