As I was cleaning out my pantry yesterday, and switching some of my pantry items to mason jars, I got to thinking that I’m going to have to store a lot of my food staples while we’re renovating the new house. I’m not going to have access to a stove or oven for who knows how long, and that is going to put a serious cramp in my cooking style. I’m going to be relying solely on the BBQ, microwave, and my beloved toaster oven for all of my cooking. Possibly for months.
And while I’m sure the boys would be perfectly happy to live on microwaved macaroni and cheese and dinosaur shaped chicken, DJ and I are going to need…other options.
So, this is where you come in. I need ideas for meals that I can prepare and cook using either the BBQ, microwave or toaster oven. I have a deep freezer, so if it’s something I can make now, then freeze and reheat later, you’ll get extra points.
There are only so many hamburgers and grilled chicken salads that a girl can eat.
Ready…go!
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
What about Crock Pot meals? Easy to assemble, turn the pot on, and go. When the day is done and it’s dinner time, you’re ready to grab a dish and eat.
Another good idea is that when you are making meals now, such as casseroles, make extra, put it in a freezable/microwave dish and pop the extra in the freezer. Lasagna is a good one. Chicken Casserole is another. Maybe even make a beef stew or roast that you can freeze and use later.
Linda Stewart´s last [type] ..2nd Medical & Psych Eval
Fun grilling recipes that do not include burgers/hot dogs: pizza, quesadillas (add grilled veggies in it too!), grilled fruit (for dessert or make grilled pineapple to go with some grilled fish or chicken), and grilled sandwiches (grill the bread for toasty flavor), add meat and/or grilled veggies). I’m sure Bobby Flay/Food Network has tons of great recipes.
For freezing I’ve frozen baked ziti (and lasagna) and it worked out. Here’s a link to more freezable meals. http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/quick/make-ahead-meal-recipes
Figure out the size baking dish or foil pan that will fit into your toaster oven. Then I’d make some things like meat loaves, lasagna, shepherd’s pie, pot pies, etc. and stockpile in the freezer. I’d really go with foil pans when possible so that 1)there is no breakage worry and 2)clean up is easier.
You might want to check out/google ideas like “freezer cooking” or “once a month cooking.” They usually have good recipes that freeze well and could be reheated in the toaster, microwave, or on the grill.
Beth´s last [type] ..Baby Pictures!
I was going to suggest a slow-cooker / crock pot too! And maybe look into a rice cooker – they can double as a vegetable steamer.
Good luck!
andy´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday
I would talk to @gavmartell
He knows a thing or two about the bbq.
Kabobs on the grill! Fun for the kids and you can switch up the meat and veggies used. Grilled pizza is also delish and takes all of 5-10 minutes…so yummy! I would also suggest the crockpot, there are a million recipes you can make with it. Chilis, stews, soups, pulled pork, mexican dishes (fillings for burritos, etc) you name it!
I was going to suggest the crock pot also. You can cook a whole chicken with potatoes and carrots, BBQ ribs, and a whole host of other fabulous dishes in one. I own 4 different sizes… (Yes, I have a problem with crockpots)
Janelle´s last [type] ..Mass en espanol
We’ve lived there years with no oven or stove. I bought a two burner electric hot plate at target. We barely miss the stove barely.
Amy´s last [type] ..When you have nothing to say… list celebrities you’ve met…
There = three
Amy´s last [type] ..When you have nothing to say… list celebrities you’ve met…
I would really love to help but I think we both know it’s best if I just bow out of this conversation…
Jen´s last [type] ..The Linen Closet Minus The Linens
Yeaaaahhhh, I’m probably of little to no use here, too.
I will say that we do pretty well on lots of Trader Joe’s frozen stuff that just needs to be microwaved — pasta, brown rice, pasta entrees, etc.
Nanette´s last [type] ..Explaining Carmageddon
My mom did a whole kitchen demo and was without a stove, oven, sink etc, for months and months (at least 4 or 5). She and her teenage grandson that lives with her got by with a microwave, toaster oven, and two burner Coleman camp stove. I don’t know if you guys camp—or plan to in the future—but you might consider getting a camp stove. She used the small propane bottles but it can be hooked up to the bigger bottles like you use on a grill. We even had Thanksgiving at her house—used an electric roaster for the turkey but everything else was done on the camp stove and microwave. The most inconvenient thing was washing dishes—for a long time we carried them to the bathroom—then she installed one of those plastic “laundry” sinks in the kitchen—she may later reuse it in the garage where the laundry area is. Being able to do the dishes in the kitchen area made life so much easier.
I second the recommendation to find out what size foil casserole fits in the toaster oven and use lots of those. I tend to cook a lot in advance; anytime I can make something that will freeze then re-heat I make a double/tripple recipe. meatballs, lasagna, casseroles, chili, etc all freeze great. there was a fantastic article by Big Girls Small Kitchen on Huff Post last week about non-cooking meals. I’ll see if I can find it for you… also, if you have a gas grill, you can use that as a stove.
found it!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/big-girls-small-kitchen/summer-cooking-make-dinne_b_902437.html
sharon´s last [type] ..Zoe Rose is Six Months Old!
Maybe a pineapple-chicken dish or a Filipino dish “adobo”. I used to have that stocked on my fridge back in college. It’s a combination of pork, soy sauce, vinegar, black whole pepper, garlic and a little of sugar to add taste. A mix-it-all dish, so easy and it lasts long. Hmm..craving for it. Try it!
Rebecca @Costume Wigs Halloween´s last [type] ..Raggedy Ann Costume
Our BBQ season lasts all of 3 months up here before you need to break out the parkas, so I’m all for taking full advantage of the grill. I see people have already suggested pizza and grilled veggies (my summer fav – toss with oil and spices (or italian dressing *g*)), steaks, chops, ham slices (would go lovely with that grilled pineapple, fish – poached in foil, salmon – planked, shrimp. Corn! Soak it in water then grill it in the husk. Beer can chicken and if you don’t use beer, rootbeer or coke.
Spending many of my summers at a cottage with sketchy power I also know that you can cook almost anything on the grill, use metal mixing bowls as pots if you need something saucy warmed up. Using a non-stick cookie sheet (well bar pan actually) you can do a full breakfast – pancakes on the BBQ!
Enjoy!
neeroc´s last [type] ..Conversations with V – Smartiepants
Do you watch Real Housewives of NYC? If not, watch the last few episodes…housewive Sonja makes EVERYTHING in a toaster oven and is OBSESSED with talking about it. She even has a toaster oven dinner party. Her meals do look pretty tasty though.