Busy cooks know it's a challenge to put a nice meal on the table during a hectic week. Just ask Tonya Michelle Burkhard of Englewood, Florida. "I'm a wife, a mom to two young children and I have a full-time job. I need fast meals, but want my children to know there are other things to eat besides chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers and French fries."
Instead of turning to a drive-thru, Tonya relies on no-fuss recipes. "I make meals that can be done simply, yet offer maximum taste," she explains, and that certainly shows in this go-to menu she's sharing. You'll find it's so quick and tasty, there's no need to order out!
Although it's elegant enough to be from a restaurant, Tonya's Sweet-and-Sour Scallops are filled with homemade flavor. They put a delicious twist on a classic.
"This meal will change your traditional way of serving sweet and sour," she writes. "The scallops are so tender, they practically melt in your mouth."
A side of fragrant Almond Rice is perfect with the scallops and lets you enjoy every drop of the sweet-tangy sauce. "The rice absorbs all the great flavors," says Tanya. "When I serve this, I sprinkle the edges of a large serving platter with fresh parsley, add the Almond Rice and then top that with the scallops. It makes a pretty presentation."
Cap off the meal with a dessert that's just as lovely. With its refreshing orange flavor, Dream Clouds complement the menu's Asian-inspired recipes and satisfy your sweet tooth. "I find this to be a wonderful light treat after a hearty meal," Tanya says.
So the next time your jam-packed schedule leaves you feeling too busy to cook, just remember that some of the best fast food is made right at home!
Here's the plan:
- Swirl ice cream and sherbet. Cover bowl and place in freezer.
- Prepare rice. While it stands, toast almonds and drain pineapple for the scallops and mandarin oranges for dessert.
- Saute the scallops. While they cook, julienne green pepper and chop the onion (or use pre-chopped onion) and tomato.
- Finish scallops and rice. Assemble dessert.