CLASS ONE: QUICK

The theme for our first class is Quick. We talked about how a little preparation in the form of planning and pantry stocking goes a long way in getting dinner to the table as quickly as possible and covered a few basic recipes that come together in a short amount of time.

I want most of all for you to feel like this is something doable. I truly believe cooking from scratch at home can be accomplished by anyone who is determined to do it and furthermore, I think Heavenly Father is ready and willing to help us. My opening thought for our Quick class came directly from His diet plan: the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom is not just about avoiding certain things, but rather it largely focuses on what we should be putting into our bodies, and I think cooking from scratch plays a large part in that. "Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints." (D&C 89:3, emphasis added) 

Perhaps you feel like you are the weak one being referred to in this scripture, and if so, never fear! You may feel weak and intimidated by cooking now, but just give it a shot and do not give up. Anyone can cook! I knew very little when I began cooking and still have occasional complete food failures, but time, practice, a sense of humor, and a determination to keep trying have helped me to feel more comfortable in the kitchen. I hope these classes will help you on your way to kitchen comfort (and enjoyment!) as well.

SUPER DUPER QUICK RECIPES

BEANS AND RICE

GROUND BEEF FOR TACOS, BURRITOS, OR TACO SALAD

BEAN BURRITOS

GREEN NOODLES

BEEF STROGANOFF

EASY CHICKEN PARMESAN

FAST CHICKEN FAJITAS

TEX-MEX TORTILLA SOUP

BASIC BEEF AND BEAN CHILI

STUFFED PASTA SHELLS OR MANICOTTI

BASIL PESTO

CREAMY PASTA SHELLS WITH PEAS AND BACON

PASTA PRIMAVERA (This one is much quicker if you have the veggies cut ahead of time.)

CHEESY CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI BAKE

ALFREDO

KITCHEN SINK QUESADILLAS

QUINOA WITH KIELBASA AND VEGETABLES

GROUND BEEF TACOS

BLACK BEAN AND CORN CHOWDER

GRILLED LEMON ROSEMARY CHICKEN

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN

CHICKEN STROGANOFF

BREADED LEMON CHICKEN CUTLETS (CHICKEN MILANESA)

HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE

MARINARA, PASTA SAUCE, AND PIZZA SAUCE

CHICKEN PARMESAN

PINTO BEANS FOR TACOS, TOSTADAS, BURRITOS, ETC.

BASIC GRAVY

BASIC MASHED POTATOES

FRIED CHICKEN BREASTS

PORK TENDERLOIN MEDALLIONS WITH CREAM

PORK SCALLOPINI

STEAK TERIYAKI

STEAK FAJITAS

CHIMICHANGAS

PEPPER STEAK

HAWAIIAN HAYSTACKS This qualifies as a quick meal if you use the stovetop variation in the recipe. There is a crockpot variation as well.

CHICKEN Á LA KING

EASY CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS

PAD THAI

FARMHOUSE CHICKEN CHOWDER

MAKE-AHEAD BREADED CHICKEN CUTLETS

BEEF WITH BROCCOLI

CHICKEN TACOS

CREAMY WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

INSTANT POT "BAKED" ZITI

CREAMY BEEF AND SHELLS