The Humble Rotisserie Chicken
The rotisserie chicken is a weeknight hero, but it offers so much more than a simple roast dinner. Once you get it home, shred the meat off the bones. From there, the possibilities are endless. Toss the shredded chicken with your favourite barbecue or teriyaki
sauce for quick sandwiches or a rice bowl topping. For a fast and flavourful meal, use it as the protein in enchiladas, tacos, or crispy flautas. It's also a perfect shortcut for creamy pasta dishes; simply stir the chicken into a fettuccine alfredo or a cheesy baked pasta. Don't throw away the carcass, either. Simmer it with vegetable scraps, herbs, and water to create a rich, homemade chicken broth for future soups.
Upgrading Jarred Pasta Sauce
A jar of pasta sauce is a fantastic starting point for a restaurant-quality meal. The secret is to build a flavour base before you even add the sauce. Start by sautéing finely diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until they soften. For a little warmth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Once you add the jarred sauce, let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld and concentrates the sauce, cooking off any 'jarred' taste. To add richness and depth, stir in a splash of red wine, a tablespoon of butter, or a bit of heavy cream just before serving. Finally, finish with a handful of fresh basil or parsley to bring a burst of freshness that makes all the difference.
Transforming Frozen Pizza
Think of a frozen cheese pizza as a blank canvas. Before it even goes into the oven, you can add a world of flavour. A drizzle of good quality or garlic-infused olive oil over the top will instantly improve the taste and help the crust get crispy. Raid your fridge for toppings. Leftover cooked chicken, cured meats like prosciutto or salami, and sliced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms all work wonderfully. For a sweet and savoury twist, try adding sliced pears or figs. Once the pizza is baked, don't stop there. A finishing touch of fresh arugula, a sprinkle of fresh basil, a crumble of feta cheese, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze or spicy honey can turn a simple frozen pizza into a gourmet experience.
Elevating Canned Soup
A can of soup can be a comforting and quick meal, but it can also be a bit one-note. To make it more substantial and nutritious, add extra ingredients. Sautéing aromatics like onion and garlic first adds a huge flavour boost to almost any soup. Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of heating, or add leftover cooked vegetables and proteins like shredded chicken or beans. To brighten the flavour, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end can cut through the richness and balance any saltiness. For a creamy texture, stir in a spoonful of nut butter or a splash of coconut milk. Finally, add some crunch by topping your bowl with croutons, tortilla chips, or toasted nuts.
Creative Cookie Dough
Store-bought cookie dough isn't just for making standard cookies. Press the dough into the bottom of a pan to create a delicious crust for cheesecake or fruit bars. You can also get creative with add-ins. Before baking, mix in chopped nuts, toffee bits, shredded coconut, or dried fruit to create a custom cookie flavour. For a fun dessert, press the dough into a pizza pan, bake it into one giant cookie, and let it cool. Then, top it with frosting, fresh fruit, and chocolate sauce for a crowd-pleasing dessert pizza. Another easy trick is to bake the cookies and then dip them halfway into melted chocolate and cover with sprinkles for a bakery-style finish.
