Short cut skillet Lasagna

It’s another lovely day outside but a little cool.  I’m putting together a quick and easy short cut lunch in my favorite cooking tool, a cast iron skillet.  This one is a small meatless lunch for two that literally took under 5 minutes to assemble.  Out of my freezer I pulled a partial bag of cheese Ravioli and the other ingredients from the fridge and spice cabinet.  Here we go:

Diet friendly quick Bolillios pizza

It’s time to take a little break from the morning gardening and have some lunch.  I’m throwing together a quick 15 minute meal from my “short cut cooking” menus that is diabetic friendly, low calorie, and economical too.  I ate one Bolilillios pizza with a Romaine salad +raspberry vinaigrette dressing for under 200 calories, 22 carbs, and under $1.25 a serving-including the salad.  How great is that!  I bet my grands would would like this for an after school snack.

Pork Chops and dressing with Cherry Gravy for 2

Sometimes turkey doesn't have to be the answer to a great Thanksgiving meal, especially if you are cooking for only two.  Hubs and I enjoyed this delicious pork chop meal adapted from a Rachel Ray show that has made it to my tried and true recipe collection.  The meal includes a spicy dressing and a slightly sweet Cherry + wine gravy that really completes the meal.  It was my first experience cooking with wine and now I know why chefs use it so much.

Salmon Burger and Butternut Squash Soup

My hubs loves salmon burgers and I love that I can make this meal plus a side soup in 30 minutes.  I like to make this meal when we want to eat lightly but want something hot and hearty.  Making a 30 minute meal comes in handy for me when I have spent too much time playing in the garden, on the computer or out shopping!  Throw in a sweet creamy butternut squash soup and we’re both happy campers.  Do you have a 30 minute dinner you use a lot?

Salmon Burger:

• 1 large can quality pink salmon
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 6-8 crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt & pepper
• Remove skin and bones from canned salmon.
• Stir all ingredients together and form burger size patties.  Fry in about 1/2” hot oil for 3 minutes on each side.
• Sometimes I throw in 1/2 cup corn kernels, it is a really nice addition.
• Serve on toasted buns with lettuce and salad dressing.

Butternut Squash Soup

• 1 box creamy butternut soup
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mix ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot.  Serve with seasoned croutons and salmon burger or sandwich of your preference.

Saturday Tuna Salad

Tuna salad sandwiches are on the menu today with a little something special.  Almost everyone can throw one together in a couple of minutes making this a quick and easy lunch that is diet friendly. 

Saturday Tuna Salad 

Here is the base plus the options: