Quick and easy meals to cook?

[Sammy]

I am not a big fan of cooking while on vacation, but our upcoming February trip to OKW is supposed to be more of the "budget" variety, with more time spent relaxing around the resort. We'll have a full kitchen in the 2-BR, and I'm looking for some simple ideas for a couple of dinners. I've already got pasta/sauce/garlic bread on the list, but I'd like to hear some other ideas if you got 'em!

Thanks everyone!
Sammy

 

[geffric]

canned tuna is good too. My theory is to make something and use if for various meals the next day or too.

Usually on the first day or two, I make a turkey breast in the reynolds turkey bag, so it doesn't take much time, Bake pototes, make a salad. I use the turkey for dinner the first night and then sandwiches, turkey salad etc.. The pototoes are used for hash browns the next day for breakfast. I, also, bring a crock pot and make stew or beef.

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

There are several recipes in the box for Reynolds Oven Bags that we often use on travel. Our favorite is a great one with quick-cook rice, chicken, squash, bell peppers and chicken broth. It's a throw-together and bake kind of meal. Baking time is 30-35 minutes.

I pack a teeny tiny little Tupperware container with a bouillon cube and the spices pre-measured, plus the recipe and oven bag. It takes up NO space in the suitcase and gives me everything I need except the perishables.

Happy to PM or e-mail a recipe if anyone wants one!

Looking forward to getting more ideas along this line in this thread!

 

[jonestavern]

i haven't tried this at WDW, but this is a quickie we use at home
Frozen bread dough--defrost (usually) 1 minute in microwave.
roll out (can do this with a drinking glass or wine bottle etc) to about 9" by 12"
layer on Italian cold cuts--we like slicing pepperoni or hot ham or salami or any combo; can add some sauteed onion (saute in garlic oil or garlic & oil) can add tinned artichoke slices, or olives Or can sprinkle with cheese shreds. can sprinkle in some oregano, if desired. Pinch & seal up loaf style. Put seam facing bottom.
put on cookie sheet--the kitchens have these. brush with melted butter or an egg wash. bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until brown
Have also filled with leftover chicken/turkey & 'shrooms & carrots.
Or thawed, drained (there is a colander in the kitchen) spinach w/ cheese (Italian or feta) etc
add a bag of salad & some fresh fruit & wine--ta da

Jean

 

[dairyou]

My kids think it is special when we have Shake N Bake at WDW since we don't have it often here at home. Sloppy Joes is easy and only needs ketchup.

Deb

 

[nono]

Margherita Chicken

Put pierced chicken pieces in a ziploc bag. Add in garlic and enough bottled margherita mix to cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for the day. (Add more spices if you have them).

I cook the chicken on the stovetop in a bit of water with a little bit of fresh margherita mix.

Serve with your favorite side dishes.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I was going to say sloppy joes too.....as well as grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. Baked chicken and rice casserole is easy. If you buy those frozen pie crusts, quiche is also an easy meal. Here's a basic recipe (you can add whatever you want to it) :

QUICHE, BASIC RECIPE MIXTURE

Servings: 6
Yield: 1 Quiche


1 each 9 Inch Pie Shell -- unbaked
2 Ounces Swiss Cheese -- shredded
1/2 Cup Cooked, Meat, Vege, Seafood

6 each Eggs -- large
1 1/2 Cups Half And Half
Salt and Pepper -- to taste
Herb Or Spice -- to taste


[1) Sprinkle Cheese and Meat, vegetable etc in Pie Shell.

[2) Beat Eggs. Blend in Half & Half and Seasonings. Pour Egg mixture over filling in pie shell.

[3) Bake at 375°F in deck oven for 35 to 40 minutes OR---at 325°F in Convection oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Quiche is done when a knife in center comes out clean

[4) LET STAND 10 MINUTES. Cut pie into 6 wedges.


NOTES : QUICHE LORRAINE: Swiss, bacon, onion. Dash nutmeg & cayenne.

OPTIONS: Other quiches - onion, parsley, ham, sausage, leeks, nutmeats, green pepper, mushrooms, paprika, dill, basil, thyme, curry powder.

 

[disneydreamer98]

Crockpot would be the best way to go.....throw everything in in the morning and then when you return "home" your dinner will be ready! Check out the Crock Pot Crazy thread for tons of great recipes!!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=275509&highlight=Crock+Pot+Crazy

 

[Sammy]

These are great ideas so far! I'm not sure I'm going to want to pack my crockpot tho'.....I have one of the large oval ones and I really don't want the extra weight. Plus, how would you pack it well enough to protect it during travel?

The Reynolds bags sounds like a great idea....easy clean up too!

Looking forward to reading more ideas....!

 

[jonestavern]

Re: crockpot transport, will you be driving or flying?
when I take my cp to potlucks, I put it into a sturdy cardboard box cushioned w/crumpled newspaper. The new cp often have an insulated carrier which makes things a lot easier
You could also post it to the resort. Clearly put your arrival date & name on the outside of the box & include a slip of paper on the inside with not only yr name & address, but with resort name & address & arrival date. Hey, you could include yr muffin tin!
as for flying it could go as carryon-
I intend to buy a cheapo at a discount store when I am in Orlando. I will pass it on to another DVC family or donate it to a local charity. Around here I know we can always pick up the 5 qts for between $15.00 to $25.00, which would more than be cheaper(& quicker) than a few meals out. I will check the Orlando discount store ads on line before we go down-

Jean

 

[Sammy]

...I intend to buy a cheapo at a discount store when I am in Orlando. I will pass it on to another DVC family or donate it to a local charity. Around here I know we can always pick up the 5 qts for between $15.00 to $25.00, which would more than be cheaper(& quicker) than a few meals out. I will check the Orlando discount store ads on line before we go down-

Jean

Hi from a fellow NH-ite (Nashua)! My brother lives up near your area (Hillsboro/Deering).

That's a great idea about purchasing an inexpensive crockpot when we get to Orlando. We'll be flying down, and really don't want to bring mine with me on the plane. I can just pick one up when I do my grocery shopping and make a few meals in it for the week. I use my crockpot all the time at home, and some of my family's favorite meals are crockpot ones. That will make cooking away from home very easy! Thanks!

Sammy

 

[SueOKW]

Q - without getting all fired upon - - what would happen if they (the cheap crock pots) were just left in the units - would anyone even notice? Wouldn't it be nice to check in to a crock pot unit? ha ha!

Anyway - for quick and easy (not very cheap) frozen stouffer's lasagna, macaroni, turkey tetrazini etc.. in the family size is very good!

 

[jorodopo]

We do pork ribs often. Sprinkle them with Bbq seasoning. Put in 350 degree oven for about 2 hours and then eat with or without BBQ sauce. Make extra and they taste good cold the next day.

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

I posted this to the crock pot thread listed earlier (thank you PP!), but these ROCK! http://www.reynoldskitchens.com/reynoldskitchens/kitchenconnection/products/slow_cooker/index.asp

They run $2.29 for a box of four. Clean up is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO easy! I think they are just re-shaped/re-sized oven bags. They are oval, but I use them in my 4 and 5 qt rounds. I love love LOVE them! Pull removable crock out, serve dinner, and by the time you are done, the crock is cool enough to put away any leftovers and throw the bag away! Wipe out with a cloth to take care of any moisture and TA-DA! You are done!

Sure wish DVC units came with crock pots. . .

 

[hemispheredancer]

Spaghetti, garlic bread and salad
Tacos
Chicken Parmigian
Shake-n-Bake, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggie
Sloppy Joes