"Nicer" Easy Meals for a Condo

[jodifla]

Another thing I've started doing when we stay for a week at our DVC is buying a big vegetable tray. I use that not only as crudites, but as my veggies for the week, for example adding the cherry tomatoes and celery to a salad, sauteting the carrots and broccoli in a stir fry, etc.

 

[leebee]

If you don't want to cook but want to eat in the room and relax, get take out from Olive Garden. We call in the order (look online for menu) when we leave the parking lot of whatever park we are in, and it's usually ready when we get to the restaurant. You get good-sized entrees, tons of breadsticks, and more salad than you'll know what to do with. We have found that one meal of chicken con broccoli, for example, is enough for DD and me to share.

 

[Brer Shay]

We'll be offsite for the first time this year also and are working through similar ideas. With all the talk of Costco, is there one nearby the "World"? We'll be staying at Windsor Palms.

 

[loooocz]

ewrwrwerwerrere

 

[loooocz]

ewrwerwerwerrwer

 

[punkin]

Another thing I've started doing when we stay for a week at our DVC is buying a big vegetable tray. I use that not only as crudites, but as my veggies for the week, for example adding the cherry tomatoes and celery to a salad, sauteting the carrots and broccoli in a stir fry, etc.

Is that from Costco too? Where are they usually located. I've neot seen them (then again, I wasn't looking.)

 

[loooocz]

werwerretert

 

[mom2alix]

The six pack of Romaine lettuce is also a great deal. Usually about $3.49 here and we have salad every night. I don't know how Costco gets lettuce that is so much better than what I can get at the regular grocery store.

My kids love the chicken alfredo pasta in the prepared food section. I've also occasionally seen them do it with shrimp. Just microwave it and add a salad and you're all set.

Not really fancy, but my family also enjoys the prepared meatloaf and mashed potatoes meal they have. For the night you go shopping, you could bring home one of their cooked pizzas. Plenty to feed a crowd and leftovers too.

In the frozen section, they have some yummy chicken quesadillas that we really like too.

 

[Julia M]

Thanks for all of the ideas. I appreciate all the suggestions. I amy sound lazy, but I don't want to cook at all, so I appreciate the suggestions for specific food items.

I amy consider some take out also-so Olive Garden is a good idea. We do takeout from Chevy's every once in a great while and I usually order just 2 platters for the 5 of us.

Any more suggestions, or even take out ideas, are welcome!

Julia

 

[ohanaMAMA]

one of our favorite quickie nice meals is shrimp and feta pasta

costco has great shrimp and feta cheese too!

1 lb penne pasta
1 lb of precooked peeled shrimp
1 package crumbled feta (I get the tomato and basil one)
1 package of grape tomatoes halved
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
2 tsp dried basil (or fresh if you can find it)


Cook penne pasta to aldente reserving 1 cup of the pasta water
toss shrimp in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in a 400 degree oven for 8 minutes.

toss pasta with shrimp,feta, basil and grape tomatoes. Add pasta water to create a "sauce"
we serve with crusty bread and a salad.

 

[ChrisinNJ]

Is that from Costco too? Where are they usually located. I've neot seen them (then again, I wasn't looking.)

They are in the walk in refrigerator section. The tray has changed over the years. It used to be awesome, about $14.99 but was loaded with broccoli, snow peas & those mini sweet peppers & 2 kids of dips, peppercorn ranch & dill. Not sure if it the same tray in each store or if it varies by location.

The veggie tray they have now is smaller, has only the peppercorn ranch (I liked the dill better) but is around $11.00. I used to buy the dip platter a lot for home because my kids love raw veggies & we would snack on them after school or with dinner instead of a salad.

 

[Suz D]

Another thing I've started doing when we stay for a week at our DVC is buying a big vegetable tray. I use that not only as crudites, but as my veggies for the week, for example adding the cherry tomatoes and celery to a salad, sauteting the carrots and broccoli in a stir fry, etc.

This is a really great idea. TFS!

 

[Cdn Gal]

I like that idea- the veggie and fruit tray, and the already cooked chicken. I would probably also pick up Costco buns to make sandwiches. Umm, I also like the chicken Alfredo theyhave- it's delicious. Great idea about getting pre-made food there. We will probably do the same. Thanks!

 

[jodifla]

They are in the walk in refrigerator section. The tray has changed over the years. It used to be awesome, about $14.99 but was loaded with broccoli, snow peas & those mini sweet peppers & 2 kids of dips, peppercorn ranch & dill. Not sure if it the same tray in each store or if it varies by location.

The veggie tray they have now is smaller, has only the peppercorn ranch (I liked the dill better) but is around $11.00. I used to buy the dip platter a lot for home because my kids love raw veggies & we would snack on them after school or with dinner instead of a salad.

Other grocery stores have these trays as well. The last one we got was at Publix, although I agree, I remember those old Costco trays and they were great!

 

[SylviaL]

My family loves the duck at Costco. There are 2 duck halves and it comes with an orange sauce. It's already cooked in the refrigerated section in those vacuum sealed bags. We also like the pot roast that's already cooked--it doesn't have too much sodium.

 

[punkin]

So where's the most convenient Costco near the parks?

 

[branv]

I never tried the pinwheel flanksteaks. DO you prepare them on the grill or in the oven/broiler? I will have to try them soon!

Hmmm, trying to remember. I know it wasn't the grill, and I want to say it was in a pan in the oven (to catch any of the loveliness that came out of the filling )

 

[ChrisinNJ]

Hmmm, trying to remember. I know it wasn't the grill, and I want to say it was in a pan in the oven (to catch any of the loveliness that came out of the filling )

Ok, Now you are making me hungry! LOL

 

[matosfam]

So where's the most convenient Costco near the parks?

Anyone?

 

[allison443]

Costco sells a big bag of frozen Kirkland meatballs. You could use half the bag to serve with spaghetti and sauce, and the other half to make meatball subs for another meal.
Also, they sell a frozen meat lasagna and a frozen vegetable lasagna that are good!

Something my kids like from Costco for a "snacky" type meal is a box of frozen Mexican items: taquitos, mini tacos, and mini empanadas.

I really like the idea of getting the veggie tray and the cut up fruit!