Savory Breakfast Oats
Mornings during the pandemic are a scramble to get everyone up, in front of laptops, and ready for a day of remote learning and work. I usually realize at some point mid-morning that I never ate anything, and I’m now starving.
Sugary breakfasts aren’t helpful, so lately I’ve been craving something more savory. This filling bowl of oatmeal is ready in minutes, keeps me going for hours, and is delicious, once you get used to the idea that oatmeal doesn’t have to be sweet.
I’ll use name-brand ingredients here, since the directions for preparing oatmeal are specific to the brand and style of oats, and because the saltiness of the dish depends on the type of broth and salt used. If you’re using different brands, follow the oatmeal’s package directions (adding the egg two minutes before the end), and season according to your own taste.
Baby Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce
This super-fast side is delicious alongside most Asian dishes.
Asian Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs
Three and a half months in to a global pandemic, socializing with friends indoors or meeting in restaurants isn’t an option. There’s little comfort level for sharing food or even serving utensils. The best way we’ve found to see friends is outside, and sharing food straight off the grill (everyone can grab their own skewers) seems reasonable.
These flavorful kabobs are absolutely delicious and provided a bright moment of entertaining during a long challenging summer.
Pressure Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice with Sausage
If you like dim sum, you’ve probably had Lo Mai Gai, which is glutenous rice, chicken, mushrooms, and Chinese sausage wrapped in a lotus leaf and steamed. This recipe for the filling is easily accomplished in a few minutes if you have a pressure cooker and can find Chinese sausage at an Asian market.
Chicken, Broccoli, & Mushroom Stir Fry
This dish is so good, our five-year-old loves it even though the ingredients are all mixed together. Fresh broccoli, mushrooms, tender chicken, and teriyaki sauce pair with rice for a satisfying weeknight family dinner.
Cashew Chicken
This homemade version of the Americanized Chinese food classic is fool-proof enough for a harried weeknight and delicious enough to make you happy you’re making the effort of cooking. Kids and adults wolf down the tender chicken, bite-sized chunks of bell pepper, cashews, and delicious sauce.