One of the many fun things about food is there really are no rules. Oh sure, gourmet chefs would lead you to believe that spectacular fare requires precise prep. But let’s face it. Most of us are frantically juggling work and family, meetings and soccer games. It’s an ongoing challenge to just pull simple meals together and dodge the drive thru. If you’re committed to being creative and boundary-free, every day can be a buffet. Just focus on the categories of foods you want to include and mix-and-match like a pizza. Watch this video for some ideas.
You can’t build a bowl unless you have ingredients handy. So let’s start with your stash. Do you have a variety of grains in stock? Beans, canned or dry? Fruits & veggies galore, including peppers, spinach, avocado and more? How about sauces and salsas? And if you really want to get fancy, stock sun dried tomatoes, capers and artichoke hearts.
Next a tiny bit of prep. Cook up some quinoa, millet or brown and wild rice for eating all week. It’s a great oatmeal alternative and simplifies throwing together your colorful concoction if it’s ready-cooked.
There surely is nothing wrong with buying canned beans so stock en masse. Garbanzos. Kidneys. Be brave and buy black-eyed peas. Don’t forget chili beans to mix with corn, rice, red and green peppers, and your favorite salsa. Instant bliss.
One of the cool things about mix-a-meal is it can be flexible with your mood. Hankerin’ for Mexican? Add your favorite salsa. Chinese on your mind? Stir in soy. Feeling like something light and salad-ish? Go with good ol’ balsamic vinaigrette. Like Baskin Robbins, flavor options abound. Just remember the basics: avoid mayo-based dressings (Ranch) and go lite on soy sauce sodium.
Still feeling shy about mixing recipe-less? Start with these combos, then add your own ideas:
Mexican – avocado, black or pinto beans, corn, rice (brown and wild) or quinoa, sweet potato or yam, peppers, onion, cilantro, white cheese, then top with your favorite salsa
Try Thai using brown & wild rice, chicken, carrots, green onions, peanuts and Thai dressing
A little lighter – quinoa, garbanzos, diced peppers, arugula, avocado, carrots, and feta splashed with balsamic vinaigrette.
Prove yourself primitive – millet or bulgur, figs or dates, cranberries or dates, asparagus, maybe some mint
On the sweeter side – dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots) or fresh (orange, apple, kiwi), nuts, mint, sweetened with extra virgin olive oil/OJ dressing.
Be brave by adding uncommon or oft’ forgotten ingredients like amaranth, edamame beans, capers, and coconut oil.
Even as you read add-ins likely come to mind. Throw them in! Remember, no rules.
Surely we have a LOT of recipe resources on-line, but don’t you find old family favorites, handed down through generations, more interesting? Then don’t miss www.simplyrecipes.com, a terrific family blog. And with Elise’ permission, here’s a tasty White Bean Salad.
Making meals is surely a time-tested tradition yet cooking today seems old fashioned. Markets make mega-money on grab-and-go. We all have good intentions but work deadlines & kids’ commitments often get in the way. So what if you helped out your friends by sharing the Every Day’s a Buffet concept. Host an ingredients-only pot luck. Have some guests bring grains, some beans, others diced chicken and/or beef, and you provide a plethora of diced veggies, dressings, salsas and sauces. Set it all out and just like a craft party, let everyone make their own creation. Have lots of extra forks and spoons ready for sharing bites. It’ll be a fun gathering and a great way to get you and your pals motivated to pack more interesting lunch boxes.
Enjoy your daily buffet!
Live Life Well.
