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I have recipes today using a skillet to prepare a meal.  One of the best things about this kind of cooking is there is usually only one pan to clean after the food is prepared. Dishes, serving bowls, utensils, etc. don’t count. Skillet meals most always have a blend of ingredients, flavors and textures. Most recipes are ready in less time than casserole or oven baked meals, making  time spent preparing a meal quickly and easier when there are so many other things going on in our lives.

I’m going for skillet meals!

The pork sausage used is a nice change from ground beef many chili recipes call for.

30-MINUTE CHILI
1 lb. bulk pork sausage
1 large onion, diced (about 1- 1/4 cups)
3/4  c. diced green pepper
2 – 15 oz. cans chili beans, undrained
1-28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
3 c. water
1 – 4 oz. can chopped green chilies
1 envelope chili seasoning mix
2 T. sugar

In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, onion and green pepper over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking into small pieces; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Lower heat; simmer, covered 25-30 minutes., stirring often.  Makes 8-10 servings. Note: Put a shaker of chili powder on the table for those who like a little more “kick” to their chili. Serve with crackers, corn muffins or bread, garlic French bread,  “Fritos” chips and sour cream if you wish. Turn the chili into a large bowl or serve it buffet style. Yummy!

SKILLET CHICKEN AND RICE
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1-8 oz. can no-salt-added tomato sauce (Hunt’s)
1/2 c. water
1-15 oz. can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, un-drained
1-15 oz. can dark red kidney beans, drained
1 c. uncooked instant brown rice (white rice can be used (Minute Rice)

Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken; cook 3-4  minutes, browning on both sides. Remove chicken from skillet. In same skillet,, combine all remaining ingredients; mix well. Top with chicken. Bring mixture to a boil. Lower heat; cover and simmer 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fork tender and almost all liquid is absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.   Makes 4 servings. Note: For a milder flavor, substitute Italian-style stewed tomatoes. To serve, place chicken breasts on a plate or platter and turn tomato mixture into a serving bowl. You can substitute regular tomato sauce for no-salt.

BEEF N’ NOODLE
SKILLET
1 lb. lean ground beef
4 oz. (2 c.) uncooked medium egg noodles
1 c. frozen corn
1 c. sliced green onions
1 c. water
1/2 c. salsa
2 – 8 oz. cans no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

In a large skillet, brown ground beef until thoroughly cooked, breaking into small pieces as it’s cooking. Add all remaining ingredients except cheese; mix well. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to low, cover and simmer 10-12 minutes or until noodles are done to your liking, stirring occasionally.  Sprinkle with cheese. Makes four 1-1/2 c. servings.  Note: You can substitute 1/2 c. diced onion for green onions if you wish.
Have you noticed that I often will include a sweet treat at the end of my column? It’s usually a bar recipe, as you know it takes less time to bake a pan of bars than to make a batch of cookies. Looking at the recipe you will see crisp rice cereal (Rice Krispies) as one of the ingredients. Well, if you like chocolate, making a decadent rice krispy bar will satisfy your palate. A good after-school treat or a treat for yourself.

AFTER SCHOOL TREATS
2 c. (12 oz. bag) chocolate chip
1/4 c. shortening
5 c. rice krispies
1 – 10 oz. pkg. Milk Duds candy
1 T. water

In a large micro-safe bowl, combine chips and shortening. Cover lightly and micro on HIGH until chocolate is melted, about 2 minutes; stir until well blended. Stir in cereal until well coated. In another micro-safe bowl, combine water and Milk Duds. Cover and micro on HIGH for 1 minute or until mixture is pourable; mix well. Stir into cereal mixture. Spread  into a 9 x 13-inch buttered pan. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.   Makes 2 dozen.

Thought for the Day: Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation. For when you come back to your work, your judgment will be surer. (You don’t have to go far….maybe just to another room!) 

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