Quick Meals from Freezer Staples

Filed in archive Ingredient Spotlight , Recipes , Tricks & Techniques on March 16, 2010

© L. Marie

How many times have you opened your freezer door, hoping that the contents would inspire you and give you ideas on what to cook for the next meal? If you're freezer looks anywhere like one on the photo, well, good luck. I'm sure for creative cooks out there, it is possible to whip something up, perhaps with a few additional ingredients from the pantry.

But for mortal cooks like the rest of us, you'd need to stock up your freezer a bit more wisely for those days when you're running out of ideas what to prepare for dinner. Heed this tip from Real Simple and stock up on these freezer staples:

* Chicken breasts
* Italian sausage
* Bacon
* Shrimp
* Tortellini (or some other stuffed pasta)
* Dumplings
* Peas
* Corn
* Spinach
* Edamame
* Crusty bread

What culinary treats can possibly result from these, you ask. Here is a list of possibilities: Lemon-Honey Chicken With Olives, Smoky Corn Chowder, Pan-Seared Dumpling Salad, Chickpea and Sausage Stew, Tortellini With Peas and Tarragon, Salt and Pepper Shrimp With Thai Fried Rice.