It's getting closer to year end at the company where I work. No, I don't mean Christmas/New year/holidays/parties. No, not that year end. I'm talking about the time of year which strikes terror into the heart of all accountants and auditors out there..*gulp*.. Financial Year End. A time where data needs to be completed, recons need to be reconciled, balance sheets need to be balanced, cash flows need to flow, consolidations need to be consolidated.. and the auditors are at your heels. Inevitably, this will result in late hours at the office, ticking up schedules and tying up numbers (for those of you who dont know what this means, count yourself fortunate). Ah, the life of an accountant.
So, I am going to try to list my ideas for 'go-to' prepared/semi prepared meals which I have come across and really enjoyed. These meals are not exactly 'dinner party' material - but they are certainly a step up from eating scrambled eggs and toast for supper. Ladies, feel free to email these ideas to your other half - "Honey, I am working late tonight, please can you prepare dinner.. Its really easy.. No skill required". Also, I would suggest including where certain items are located or you may be getting some frantic calls (e.g. "Frozen fish? - It's in the freezer - thats the big white box in the kitchen - where you get ice from - no, not the fridge, the other one - yes, the one thats very cold").
1. Fish with vegetables
What is easier than fish with vegetables? There is a huge variety of frozen fish available, only requiring 20 mins in a preheated oven. Some varieties are microwave prepared, which is even quicker. I enjoy serving fish with creamed spinach and feta, which comes in single serve portions, which go directly from the freezer to the microwave and onto your plate. Alternatively, oven baked vegetables or chips are also a firm favourite, and these can go into the oven with the fish.
2. Fish burgers
Fish burger pattis + a roll and some relish = A delicious quick meal.
3. Prawns burger
I recently discovered frozen prawns - these are prawn tails in batter. Fry the prawns in oil, add a roll and some relish and you have delicious prawn burgers. Healthy - not so much - I'm definitely not a promoter of deep fried food, but I think once in a while an exception can be made.
4. Hot Wings
Another of my recent discoveries at my local butchery: hot wings! These are delicious prepared chicken wings already with all the sauces needed. They are not covered in batter so there is no need to deep fry - just place in a pot with a little butter and cook on medium heat until done.
5. Marinated chicken
Along the same lines as the hot wings above, there are chicken pieces available already prepared with all the spices and sauces required. Just cook and serve with rice or roti.
6. Frozen Leftovers
When making meals that can be easily frozen, double up on quantity. Freeze half the meal so when dinner is required, defrost and ta-da! A meal with no extra work. Our butter chicken recipe works quite well for this.
7. Pizza!
Thank you so much to a follower of this blog for the following tip - Keep frozen pizza bases on hand - the type with the cheese and tomato topping. These pizzas usually need 10 to 12 minutes of oven time. Enjoy as is or add any extra toppings (like yesterday's leftover chicken).
Next time you visit your local supermarket or butchery, take a few minutes to have a look at the semi-prepared meals on offer. With a little inspiration and some planning ahead, working late does not have to mean eating take out. Keep some easy 'go-to' meals in your freezer and there will always be another option. What is your 'go-to' meal? E-mail your ideas to us, we will add them to the post!
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