The Lazy Cook

[Kairho]

Ok, so not all of us are great, or even passable, chefs. In fact, some of us probably cannot even assume the title "cook." But I'll be charitable this holiday season:

With Kairha having broken her arm a couple of weeks ago it has fallen on me to be "in charge" of meal preparation. I've learned a lot so far:

First lesson: you cannot go out to restaurants every night.
Second lesson: Hamburger Helper and Kraft Mac&Cheese only goes so far.
Third lesson: somewhere there's a rule that a home dinner should cost under $4 per person!

So I was forced to take the time to wander through the market and look for meals which I could prepare easily. And by easy I mean with no recipes and little direction beyond what's on the package. Interestingly, there ARE options out there for those who are kitchen-challenged but yet can be creative. Oh, and you need to know the basics of decent nutrition to prevent scurvy and death.

I'll post my first "discovery" and invite you to add (personally, I need the help!). Rules are:

No recipes.
No more than one pot/pan per item (like one to fry and one to steam veggies).
Preferably something pre-packaged but out of the ordinary (Subway doesn't count).
Interesting combinations of stuff.
Easy clean up without getting into trouble for ruining anything.

Ok, Hamburger Helper can be included as an ingredient.....

[Kairho]

I was really proud of this one!

Wandering, no make that stumbling, through Albertson's last week I saw a very interesting item in the meat place: Hormel Always Tender Flavored Pork (http://www.alwaystender.com/). They were on sale at 2 for $10 so I gave them a whirl. What a find! (Attn: Moderators. I don't work for them!)

So I bought a couple of pork loins. Froze one for later and cooked the lemon garlic one. These each were about 1.75 pounds with a paste coating rubbed on them. Cooking instructions (checked before purchase!) are basically bake at 350F for 40 minutes or until 155-160F inside.

Fortunately, I'm a gadget freak so I pulled out the wireless(!) meat thermometer and, after pulling open the package and placing the loin on tin foil on a cookie sheet, poked it in (both the thermometer and into the oven). While waiting I opened a box of scalloped potatoes (make hot water, dump contents, stir, wait) and prepared some frozen veggies I found in the freezer.

30 minutes later it beeped. Waited 3 minutes, Cut (not carved) it. Threw everything on to two plates and we ate on our laps while watching the Nightly News.

That pork was actually awesome! Perfectly cooked, amazingly tender, and with marvelous flavor. Total work, not counting the shopping and waiting, about 6 minutes including clean up. Brownie points earned: a million!

[jimtbay]

You can always go to a speciality market, if there is a Fresh Market grocery chain near you, they have many ready to cook meals that are fresh and exciting. More bonus points for you. Lots of variety and combinations with chicken, pork, seafood, fresh veggies etc...

[Lynn]

I will second Jim's recommendation, Kairho. We have a specialty meat market here that I love. The owner butchers and seasons all sorts of meat, he then vacuum packs it and freezes it. He does the same with veggies and starches so you could pick up entire meals and toss them in the freezer! Multiple hero nights!!!!:D

[AaronK]

As a single guy, I am probably the laziest cook known to exist. Before my diet (I am doing Nutrisystem, so I have a closet of nukables), when I didn't order a pizza or pick up Chinese food, I would stop at a market on the way home from work and either rummage the salad bar, or grab a ready made meal. My market would have meatloaf and sides that could be picked up and nuked and served. They also have a hot display where you can pick up chicken dinners, etc.

In a pinch, you could always pick a rotisserie chicken at the market.

[CruiseExpert]

Just after you get the milk and butter mixed in the Mac and Cheese, immediately add a can of chili and continue cooking over low heat until warmed. One pan culinary delight.