November and December are my busiest months of the year. Between Holiday Entertaining and events I have to attend added to my usual hectic schedule, I’m often tempted to stop by and pick up fast food for dinner. I try not to do it often because not only is it bad for my budget, it’s bad for my waistline. Instead I try to rely on frozen meals and a few simple sides when I’m crunched for time. I’ve found I can put together a tasty dinner in around thirty minutes with a minimum of prep and clean up, leaving me more time to do things I want to do, like spend time with my family.
I needed to stop by Sam’s Club and pick up some basic supplies; bread, milk, eggs and toilet paper. I’m a big fan of purchasing items I use often in bulk. Not only do I have the item on hand when I need it, I save time, energy and money by going to the store less often. Since I was gearing up to do my holiday entertaining, I decided to stop and look at the Frozen Foods. They have a great selection of appetizers my guests enjoy that require minimal fuss on my part, making parties less stressful on me. Everyone knows if the hostess isn’t happy, no one else is either!
We had been craving Asian cuisine for several weeks and I happened to see Lean Cuisine Asian Flavor six packs. Each package contained three flavors; Sesame Chicken, Ginger Garlic Stir Fry with Chicken and Chicken Teriyaki Stir. By adding one or two sides and perhaps, a desert I could have a veritable smorgasbord in no time. I wasted no time adding a six pack to my shopping cart!
When I arrived home, I decided to make a festive dinner. I had some Chinese lanterns somewhere I wanted to add to dress up the table, but naturally I couldn’t find them. I concentrated on whipping up a batch of Asian Cole Slaw and adding a fun desert. Doesn’t this look good?
I’ve included the recipe for Asian Cole Slaw if you’d like to try it with your family.
Ingredients for Salad:
1 lb. Cole Slaw Mix
2 packages Beef Ramen Noodles, broken into small pieces
(Remove the seasoning packages and save them for the dressing)
1 cup Sunflower Seeds
1 cup slivered almonds
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 carrots cut into thin strips
Ingredients for dressing:
1 cup canola oil
½ cup sugar
1/3 cup vinegar
2 packages Beef Ramen Noodles seasonings
Directions:
Prepare dressing first by mixing all ingredients together and shaking well. Let chill while preparing the salad. Mix sunflower seeds, almonds and onions together. Stir in noodles. Combine Cole Slaw mix and carrots, stir into noodle mixture. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
The Lean Cuisine meals would make a quick and healthy lunch too. I plan to keep a few of these in the freezer for days when I am pressed for time. Anything that gets me in and out of the kitchen while still presenting me with healthy options will be added to my time saving meals list.
I usually pick these up instead of going with take out. They can tame the craving for sure.
Mmmm! I LOVE Asian Slaw! Can’t wait to try your recipe!
That sounds good. I love Lean Cuisine!
This sounds delicious! Great use for Ramen noodles!
That salad sounds wonderful. I love the Lean Cuisine Sesame Chicken, it’s fabulous!
We love Lean Cuisine in our home- but sure love your yummy salad. Thanks for the recipe.
We LOVE Lean Cuisine!
I love Lean Cuisine for last minute meals. Your recipe looks fantastic and easy too. I’ll have to try it sometime.
What a great and simple recipe; I’ve never thought of using Ramen in a recipe; thanks for sharing and boy the Lean Cuisine sure looks delicious, too. I love their Sesame Chicken..yummm
I love a quick and easy dinner although we hardly ever do microwave meals anymore after learning about some of the preservatives used.
I like some of Lean Cuisine foods. Especially the white pizza. This dinner looks great.
The slaw recipe looks really good. I will have to give it a try
That looks yum esp ‘cos we loooove Chinese food!
I would love some Lean Cuisine!
I love shopping at Sam’s and the multi pack of Lean Cuisine looks perfect for filling up the freezer! Quick, easy meals and something for everyone’s taste! Thanks for the heads up 🙂
Look yummy! I JUST discovered that I love cole slaw!!
I have made Asian cole slaw before and it is really good. Some nights, a quick meal is an absolute necessity!
Hmm, that slaw sounds good! I need to stock up on a few of these for the hubby and son. I have my Nutrisystem meals to feed me, but it will be a busy holiday season here to so we need to be prepared for them!
I love to keep Lean Cuisine on hand at work, just in case I forget to bring something from home or can’t get out. I make your recipe for Asian Coleslaw, but I call it Oriental Chicken Salad and add shredded cooked chicken to make it a whole meal. THANKS for sharing!
I really, truly need to come to your house to eat. You always have the best looking recipes! Wish we had a Sam’s Club near us, I miss shopping and stocking up there.
Cool recipe and around this time of year I stock up on the frozen foods as I’m busy and the men folk can fend for themselves instead of me cooking for them.
That salad sounds interesting. I’ll have to try it.