Best Cookbook for Easy to Make Meals

[seattleatkinsfan]

Of all the Atkins cookbooks out there, can anyone recommend one that specializes in easy to make meals/snacks? As in taking 2-5 minutes to make? I'm not a cook, and i'm getting a bit bored of the same old same old..

[not2late]

Unfortunately, no. There aren't many things that take 2-5 minutes to make...even grilling a steak takes longer than 2-5 minutes!

Also, since low carb means you eat more unprocessed foods, the prep time is somewhat longer than if you tossed a frozen dinner into a microwave oven.

The only thing I can advice you is to set aside time to make your food. And also to avoid food burnout, you might want to look at using herbs and spices and trying out new vegetables or new ways to prepare vegetables.

Herbs and spices can change the taste of a food dramatically. For example, a plain grilled chicken breast can be given "Italian" flavors by sprinkling on basil, oregano, and parsley; it can be given an "Indian" flavor by sprinkling on curry powder; it can be given a "Chinese" flavor by using ginger and a splash of toasted sesame oil; it can be given a Tex-Mex flavor with a sprinkling of chili powder; etc.

I typically make a large batch of 'plain food' on weekends, like grilled chicken breast and sauteed ground meat. Then during the week, I use that stash of plain cooked meats in my dishes, seasoning differently for each meal(s). For example, plain sauteed ground meat can be heated, add a few herbs and spices, and used for a filling in an omelette or a burrito (use lettuce leaves as the tortilla) or as a protein in a casserole (like TTDriver's scalloped turnip recipe---add ground or sliced meat to it and you have a one-dish meal). Plain grilled chicken can be cut into strips: stir fry some veggies and at the last minute, toss in those cooked chicken strips to heat through.

I also make extra. So that I have leftovers for the next day's lunch or dinner.

[Checkers]

I agree that having ingredients that are already prepared is the key. I eat whole rice, so I have a batch cooked that lasts for a couple of days. I heat it up in less than a minute and then heat up my pre-cooked and seasoned shredded chicken meat. I have cut up celery on hand that you can use to hold your favorite dip, crab meat mixture, or ????? I always have my veggies cut and ready to go with ranch dressing. Or maybe that's the part that's boring you. I have lettuce cut and prepared and you can throw your favorite meat and cheese on that, plus add anything from your current rungs. Good luck! I'm in Enumclaw, Wa. by the way.

[Checkers]

I forgot to mention, I also have marinated prawns ready to throw right in the pan. These cook super fast and then I add them to either whole grain rice or on top of a salad. I'm also a fan of the super quick meal so I know where you are coming from.

[Tiggerdagibit]

Try Dana Carpender's book "15 minute low carb recipes." It's not 2-3 minutes, but they are pretty quick.. and really good.

I agree with the others about planning though. It's helps a lot. I've never been one that cooks ahead, but that might work for you. If you don't have one, get a George Foreman type grill. It's so quick and easy to use. You can cook meat and veggies super fast. I do recommend getting one that has removable grill plates though because it's MUCH easier to clean afterwards.