Chicken Fried Rice

This fried rice recipe can be done in five easy steps. As you can see, it doesn't look like traditional fried rice with carrots and peas. That's because I don't like carrots and peas, so I simply switched out the veggies!

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 large eggs, beaten
2 packages of brown, 90 second rice (I use Uncle Ben's)
1 (12 oz) package frozen 3 pepper & onion medly
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 package of Fried Rice seasoning (I use Sun Bird)
2 Tbs. Light Soy Sauce (I use La Choy)
Promise or Extra Virgin Olive Oil for sauteing

1. Saute chicken in a large pan with about 2 Tbs. of Promise, then set aside.
2. In the same pan, scramble the eggs, then set aside.
3. In a large pan, saute the frozen veggies and rice (do not microwave the rice first) in ~2 Tbs of
extra virgin olive oil for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, seasoning packet, and soy sauce and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add in the chicken and cook for 1 minute.

You do not have to use chicken. You could use pork or just leave it as a veggie dish if you want. You can also use your choice of frozen veggies, as well. As always, make it your own and have fun!

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Whole Wheat Sprial Pasta with Sweet Basil Meat Sauce

I feel like I'm cheating a bit with this dish, but it's one of our staple dishes, and it still good food, so I'm putting it on the blog anyway. It's quick, easy, and filling.

3 lbs. lean ground round
2 (24 oz.) jars of Traditional Sweet Basil pasta sauce (Classico Traditional Favorites)
1 (16 oz.) bag of whole wheat spiral pasta (I use Hodgson Mill)

In a large sauce pan, brown the meat. Stir in the 2 jars of pasta sauce, mix well, cover, and simmer on low for 10 minutes.

While the meat sauce is simmering, boil the pasta in a large pot for 14 minutes with a little salt and olive oil. After 14 minutes, drain, then add the meat sauce. Mix the meat sauce and the pasta together until well blended and serve right away.

I know this isn't fancy or even really 'homemade'. It's out of a jar and a bag, but let's be real. Every night can't be spectacular because a lot of people work and are tired when they get home or don't have a lot of time to cook an elaborate meal. This is something that is quick and easy, and it's warm and filling. It will SEEM like you spent a long time making it when, really, it only takes about 15-20 minutes!

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