We all need a little help in the kitchen from time to time. It's one of the reasons ust-add-water products continue to be so popular.
The problem with this type of stuff is, more often than not, it's pretty unhealthy—filled to the brim with salt and additives you can't pronounce, or figure out what the heck they're doing in your food for Pete's sake! And the bottom line? They don't even taste that great (unless you like that chemical aftertaste).
Here are a few mixes that are not only very healthy alternatives, but will help you save your time and pocketbook. And the bonus? They taste way better, too!
Enjoy:
Taco Seasoning:
1 cup dried minced onion
1/3 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin (I actually add an extra tablespoon — we love cumin)
4 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon oregano
4 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
Combine all ingredients and store in a cool, dry place.
When you're using for Mexican dishes, use about 1 tablespoon or so per 1 pound ground beef, or chicken or beans. More if you like the extra flavor.
Noodle Mix:
1 cup instant nonfat dry milk
2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Combine ingredients and store in a sealable container or zipper-topped plastic bag. This will keep for two months in the pantry. However, I would personally store in the fridge because of the cheese; plus, it will last longer. Mark the date on the bag with a Sharpie pen. This recipe doubles and triples well. To use: combine 1/4 cup mix with 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/4 cup milk. Toss with 8 ounces pasta (cooked).
Homemade Shake and Bake:
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste
Combine ingredients and store in a sealable container or zipper-topped plastic bag. This will keep up to four months in the pantry, depending on the humidity (you may just want to keep it in the freezer). This recipe will also double or triple well. To use: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place one cup mix in a plastic bag. In a bowl, mix an egg and 1/2 cup of milk. Dip chicken pieces one at a time in the milk mixture, then shake one at a time in the plastic bag. Place on a baking pan and bake for appropriate time (depending on the chicken you're using — as a little as 20 minutes or up to an hour for bigger, bone-in pieces).
Homemade Flavored Rice Mixes:
4 cups uncooked rice (I always use brown rice)
1 envelope dry onion soup mix (this isn't my favorite, but I'm working on a mix for this, too!)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine all ingredients together and store in a zipper-topped plastic bag or sealable container. This will keep up to four months if stored in a cool, dark and dry place. With brown rice, you may want to keep it in the freezer.
To use: Mix 1 cup mix with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, lower heat, place lid on rice and simmer till liquid is completely absorbed, about 20 minutes or more. Check if you need to. (I would add an extra half cup liquid for the brown rice.)
Variations: To make Vegetable Rice Mix, substitute an envelope of vegetable soup mix.
To make Spanish Rice Mix, substitute 1/2 cup Taco Seasoning (see recipe above) for envelope of onion soup.
Leanne Ely, a k a Dinner Diva, is the author of the best-selling "Saving Dinner" and "Saving Dinner the Low Carb Way" (Ballantine). What's for dinner? Go to www.savingdinner.com and find the solution!