Homemade Cooking Made Easy

(Family Features) Moms pride themselves on serving their families wholesome, homemade meals. But here’s the reality: 60 percent of moms think that coming up with dinner ideas is more difficult than getting their children to go to bed on time. Moreover, 61 percent of moms frequently order takeout or go out to eat because they don’t have the ingredients on-hand to make dinner. It’s time for a new strategy.

When it comes to mealtime, a well-stocked pantry can be the difference between culinary success and a dinner failure. It’s no secret that canned foods are convenient, but did you know that cans are also one of the best ways to get food from the farm to your family’s table? Canned fruits and vegetables are picked and packed at their peak of ripeness, sealing in their nutrition, freshness and flavor. The canning process locks in foods’ natural goodness so it’s at arm’s reach whenever you’re ready to get cooking.

With a pantry full of canned foods, a delicious and nutritious homemade meal is just minutes away. Find recipes and more information at CansGetYouCooking.com.

Chicken Burrito Salad

Ingredients

Salad:

• 1 small head romaine lettuce, torn into small pieces
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 ounces) chicken breast chunks, drained and flaked
• 1 can (10 ounces) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (4.25 ounces) diced green chilies, drained
• 1 can (2.2 ounces) sliced ripe black olives, drained

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Salad:

   In large platter or individual bowls, place lettuce leaves. Top with brown rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken, corn, green chilies and black olives.

2. Dressing:

   In small bowl, combine lime juice and cilantro; whisk in olive oil. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Drizzle dressing over salad.

Pasta with Spinach Pesto

Ingredients

• 1 can (13.5 ounces) spinach, well drained
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup walnuts or almonds
• 1 large garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 box (16 ounces) fettuccine noodles

Preparation

1. In food processor, combine spinach, parsley, cheese, nuts, garlic, basil, salt and pepper; blend well. In slow, steady stream, add olive oil until mixture is blended and smooth.
2. Cook fettuccine as package directs. Drain. Toss spinach pesto with fettuccine.

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