10 Inspired Burger Ideas
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When you have company in your home for a meal, you want to serve something delicious that everyone will enjoy. You must determine whether to prepare the entire meal in advance, a portion of it in advance or select a menu that requires little prep work and time. Your decision is key for selecting the dishes you serve. The good news is that there are many easy recipes at your fingertips on the Internet.
For many adults, beef stew brings back childhood memories of hearty dinners with family. However, with today’s hectic lifestyles it is a dish that is frequently overlooked. The good news is that it is an easy meal you can prepare when you have a slow cooker and a wonderful recipe. Early in the day, dredge your cubed beef in seasoned flour and then sear it in a skillet. Next, put your meat, sliced vegetables, beef broth, wine and seasonings in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. By the time your friends arrive, you can bring out this traditional comfort food paired with a fresh garden salad, warmed bread and red wine.
Prepare a portion of these easy dishes in advance so that you have more time to visit with your guests as you complete the final few steps before serving. A meal with a Mexican theme is sure to please. The night before your guests arrive, prepare taco meat by browning ground beef and a packet of taco seasoning. Also dice a few tomatoes, grate some cheese and chop some lettuce. Keep it all refrigerated, and then reheat the meat before serving with warm flour tortillas. Once your guests arrive, open a bag of tortilla chips to serve with one or more types of Mexican dips as an appetizer. Ideas include pre-made salsas, guacamole and nacho dips from your grocery store. And to keep with the Mexican-theme, make ahead some drinks such as frozen cactus pear margaritas, fresh strawberry margaritas and white peach margaritas for your adult guests to enjoy before dinner.
For an easy meal that company can watch you prepare immediately before serving, look to Asian cuisine. The classic stir-fry menu is one you can get on the table in as little as 30 minutes. The keys to success for this menu are to heat your wok as soon as you walk in your kitchen and to use fresh ingredients. Save some time by buying pre-washed and cut vegetables such as carrots, coleslaw mix, snow peas and broccoli. As for the protein in your dish, you can use chicken, shrimp, scallops, beef, pork or tofu for a vegetarian entrée. You can also prepare a variety of stir-fry sauces such as lemon, soy-sesame, fresh herb and the classic sweet and sour to complete your meal. Add some sticky rice, a green salad with Asian dressing and sake (for adults) for a satisfying, well-balanced meal.
