Craft your own dinner kits as holiday gifts
Gizmos and gadgets are fine, but the gift we all really want this holiday season is more time.
You can help those you love take back a little of their own time by giving them these one-pot dinner kits. They help the recipient get dinner on the table in a hurry, and won’t take much of your time to make.
The premise is simple. You mix rice with a variety of seasonings and other dry ingredients, then package them in cellophane gift bags. The lucky person to receive the kit simply adds liquid and protein, such as chicken, and lets it simmer.
We’ve crafted two variations on this theme: a creamy Italian chicken and porcini mushroom dinner and a vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean chickpea and feta cheese blend. For flexibility, chicken, tofu or beans work well with either kit.
The kits were designed to limit to three the number of ingredients your
recipient must provide.
Use only dried herbs and seasonings when making these kits.
Creamy Italian Chicken with Porcini Mushrooms Kit
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Dash red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic
1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
2 packages (half-ounce) porcini mushrooms, cut or broken into small pieces
1/4 cup dried red bell peppers (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Use a spoon to mix well, then pour into a gift bag. Seal and use a ribbon to attach a gift label. Makes 1 gift bag. Instructions should read:
In a large saucepan, combine the contents of this package with 3 1/4 cups chicken broth and 1 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small chunks. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, then let the pan stand off the heat for 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream. Makes 4 servings.
Mediterranean Chickpeas with Feta Kit
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Use a spoon to mix well, then pour into a gift bag. Seal and use a ribbon to attach a gift label. Makes 1 gift bag. The preparation instructions should read:
In a large saucepan, combine the contents of this package with 3 cups water and a 15-ounce can of chickpeas. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes. Stir in 1 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1 1/2 cups frozen peas. Cover the pan and let stand for 5 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
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