by Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team
Member since:
February 19, 2008

Live Chat on 30-minute meal plans, 9/17 @ 4PM ET. Win 50 Gather Points™ and "The Illustrated Quick Cook"

September 16, 2009 04:54 PM EDT (Updated: September 16, 2009 05:12 PM EDT)
views: 413 | rating: 10/10 (12 votes) | comments: 283

As a parent, you take care of the kids, pick them up from school, do household chores, work – and the list goes on and on. You may be busy, but you and your family can still enjoy a meal prepared from scratch. When you have a limited amount of time, what do you make?

Gather wants you to share your timing saving tips for creating home-cooked meals when you only have 30-minutes to spare. Join us in a live chat on this topic Thursday, September 17th 4-5PM ET. The chat is scheduled right before dinner. We hope you can learn something new for your next meal!

Gather will draw five people who participate to win 50 Gather Points™ each and DK Publishing’s new book, The Illustrated Quick Cook.

The chat takes place in the comment field of this post. Refresh your internet browser to see new comments appear.


http://media-files.gather.com/images/d183/d818/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

One entry per person who participates in the chat. No purchase necessary. See official rules.
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Comments: 283

golds g. Sep 16, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
send me a reminder please!
Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team Sep 16, 2009, 5:03pm EDT
Golds, I will be sending a notification out to the Parenting group tomorrow. If you're not already, become a member before then to get the reminder.
d d. Sep 16, 2009, 5:02pm EDT
sounds good, hope i remember.
Lori B. Sep 16, 2009, 5:23pm EDT
please send me a reminder!!
I'll definitely make it a point to catch this chat.
Kat W. Sep 16, 2009, 6:18pm EDT
I'll try to remember to be here.
♠~Dnbuster~♠ ~. Sep 16, 2009, 10:16pm EDT
sounds like a great chat!!
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 10:17am EDT
I'll be at work, but try to remember to join in..
MaryAnne, Director of Member Services Sep 17, 2009, 11:45am EDT
This chat looks great. I never like to spend more than 30 minutes prepping dinner.
Mary M. Sep 17, 2009, 2:33pm EDT
I don't think I'll be home. Darn!
Mary M. Sep 17, 2009, 2:34pm EDT
I try to keep several different types of meat or chicken in the freezer and pull one out to thaw the night before or the morning of. Not always easy to remember but in case I forget, I keep easy to fix rice and pasta on hand as well. A pound of ground beef, hamburger buns, a can of Sloppy Joe sauce, bagged salad, and a canned veggie like green beans or corn or baked beans is a family favorite with the kids.
Julie F. Sep 17, 2009, 2:39pm EDT
The chat is right before dinner on the east coast...here in Phoenix, it's in the middle of my workday. :( Sounds like it'd be fun, I'll check on the chat later before my dinner to see if I can find any good ideas?
lamarana s. Sep 17, 2009, 2:45pm EDT
i will b be here on time what time will it be in the UK?
Angela A. Sep 17, 2009, 3:35pm EDT
I hope I can make it.
Maybe hubby will help our son with homework, so I can!
Then, again, he may not make it home on time. Poo!
Crystal T. Sep 17, 2009, 3:52pm EDT
I hope I can make it too, I get confused with the time difference. What time will it be here in Samoa? PST?
Jonbonjovious M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:00pm EDT
Are we ready to roll?
Jonbonjovious M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:02pm EDT
When you have a limited amount of time, what do you make? With the fall weather here, nothing warms us like a bowl of good soup. When time is limited, I make a roux out of olive oil and flour, then add 5 cups of milk, left over baked potatoes, some grilled onions, any type of left over meat, salt, pepper, rosemary and let it simmer for 20 minutes. It's easy and wholesome and saves soooo much time...plus it's a great way to get rid of leftovers!
Nancy S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:08pm EDT
that sounds great
sally g. Sep 17, 2009, 4:03pm EDT
hi everyone
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:03pm EDT
When you have a limited amount of time, what do you make?
I try to make extra food when I have spare time, so I can just pull something out when I'm in a hurry. One of the advantages of having a big freezer!
Jonbonjovious M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:03pm EDT
Great ideas...it's easy to double a recipe and freeze half
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:04pm EDT
Exactly! Cooking twice as much rarely adds much to the prep time!
Nancy S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:06pm EDT
cool idea, I will have to try that too!
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:04pm EDT
I make casseroles and instead of using one large pan I use 2 smaller ones - one goes into the freezer and one goes into the oven!
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:14pm EDT
I do this a lot, as well as crockpot meals that I freeze half the pot!
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:17pm EDT
That's a good idea too!
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:04pm EDT
I'm basically a thirty minute meal person.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:04pm EDT
Almost all pasta meals can be made in 30 minutes.
Raven Wytch Sep 17, 2009, 4:09pm EDT
Unless you're doing a slow cooked sauce. That's where the crock pot comes in handy. When it's time to eat, all you have to cook is the pasta.
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:14pm EDT
I usually cheat and use store bought sauces. Pasta's always quick that way lol!
Raven Wytch Sep 17, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
I can't do store bought sauces....allergies. Much safer and tastier to make my own.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
And still easy, especially with a crock pot!
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:05pm EDT
Good afternoon, everyone.

When I have limited time (or limited energy), I tend to go with pasta. It's quick; it's easy, and it's versatile.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:05pm EDT
And I like TVP tacos - they only take about 15 minutes!
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:11pm EDT
That sounds good. I haven't had tacos in a long while; I'll have to pick up the stuff for them the next time I'm in the store.
Nancy S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:05pm EDT
When I have a llimited amount of time we sometimes have breakfast for dinner, like pancakes or eggs and bacon. I does break up the routine of trying to figure out what to have too!
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:16pm EDT
I do this often! I don't eat breakfast, except for dinner!
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:05pm EDT
Tonight I'm thinking vegetarian chili. I'll go to the garden, get a green bell pepper, a couple of tomatoes, and add a can of kidney beans, garbonzo beans, onion and spices, and also some squash from the garden.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:07pm EDT
That sounds delicious!
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:11pm EDT
Thanks, I'm trying to decide whether to use that as topping over pasta or tortilla chips. My husband will probably opt for the tortilla chips. If I use tortilla chips I'll make some side quacamole which is quick - I scoop out an avocado and add about two tbs of salsa and sea salt to the food processor.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:13pm EDT
That sounds good. I've never done garbonzo beans in chili.

I usually use Boca crumbles as the "meat" of the dish.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:13pm EDT
I'd like it over a nice baked potato! Mmm! Are you vegetarian? I almost am - I occasionally eat seafood.
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:13pm EDT
never tried to make my on guacamole.. you make it sound so easy, maybe I'll try it!
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
I used to be scared of making a lot of this stuff, but now I just throw everything together, and it usually turns out pretty good. That is the easiest way to make quacamole, especially if you have a really good salsa that you like. I use Green Mountain Gringo. One day I'm going to make my own from the garden, but tomatoes came very late this year, and not so many.

Yes, I'm vegetarian as is my husband.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:20pm EDT
That's great! I wish my husband was - he eats more and more veggies every day though!
sally g. Sep 17, 2009, 4:06pm EDT
Me and my family love eating my home made vegetable soup. It never last one day. And I make it in a big pot. Lots of vegetables,burger mixed in it,tomato juice,powdered beef broth,fine chopped onion and cabbage if you like it.
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
Do you ever use lentils in it?
sally g. Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
Know I have never tried that in the soup. Sorry didn't see you message till now Chris.
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:06pm EDT
Yes, pasta with stir fry veggies or steamed veggies takes little time.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:06pm EDT
I also like making quinoa salads when I'm short on time - I've got a couple of recipes posted that use it!
Jonbonjovious M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:08pm EDT
Grilled chicken with microwaved potatoes and some steamed veggies is an easy and fast meal with little prep.

You all have such great ideas!
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:08pm EDT
Then there is always leftovers. One night I took a left over Indian rice dish, left over quesdilla filling I had made which was mainly green peppers and onion with some garlic, and added beans on top of that. That now has turned out to be one of my staple meals.
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:10pm EDT
ooh.. might have to try that.. I'm indian, and so we always have leftover rice dishes!
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:13pm EDT
I have really been trying to learn Indian dishes lately. I did two last night - and they were quick - a ginger asparagus dish and masala potatoes.
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:16pm EDT
The asparagus sounds good!
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:21pm EDT
I have a picture of it up on gather - last article.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:09pm EDT
And of course there is always the option of a great big salad!
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:11pm EDT
Thai salads are really good. I'm trying to recreate the spicy peanut dressing they use, but haven't been successful yet.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:14pm EDT
I love the spicy peanut dressing you can get at thai places! I've tried to recreate them too without luck - it's always missing just a little something!
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:09pm EDT
I love to make soups.. tomato basil is my favourite, and the tomatoes I've seen this year have been awesome!

I'm also a fan of stir fry's which are very quick and you can use whatever veggies you have on hand.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:10pm EDT
I love homemade soup and veggie stir fries as well!
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:10pm EDT
It's pretty easy to cook 30 minute meals these days since you can get veggies already prepped if time is of the essence.
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:12pm EDT
pre-cut veggies are a bit pricey for my budget, but I do clean and prep a lot of it as soon as I bring it home from the grocery store.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:15pm EDT
They are for me too - I'm like you, I prep them when I have spare time and cook with them later. Usually when I'm feeding Little Miss dinner I get the veggies prepped for my dinner!
sally g. Sep 17, 2009, 4:10pm EDT
I like making potato soup it is fast and easy and my kids like it. Chicken and steak salads are good to and a fast meal.
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:13pm EDT
Chicken breasts with a medley o' fresh or frozen veggies is perfect anytime, as well as quick cooking! I also like spinach salads with grilled chicken breast...yummy & healthy too.
sally g. Sep 17, 2009, 4:16pm EDT
that sounds yummy
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
Anytime I see chicken breasts on sale in the family pack, I buy them up & put in portioned baggies, then it's easy to defrost for a quickie yummy!
sally g. Sep 17, 2009, 4:20pm EDT
we buy big bags of chicken all the time. I never go without chicken being in the house. Its healthy.
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
Same here! And great for BBQ too!
sally g. Sep 17, 2009, 4:25pm EDT
I agree with you Ruthi. I love to cookout. We make corn on the cob on the grill and its so good.
sally g. Sep 17, 2009, 4:26pm EDT
I have been cutting up squash and freezing it. Its yummy on the grill to.
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:28pm EDT
Yes, and eggplant is one of my favorites grilled, with a bit o' butter & garlic & parmesan.
sally g. Sep 17, 2009, 4:33pm EDT
Now that sounds really good.
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:46pm EDT
It is Sally! I do the same thing with squashes & zuchinnis, but eggplant's my favorite.
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:14pm EDT
Vegetarian tempura is also really quick.
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:15pm EDT
In the summer.. we sometimes just throw a few burgers on the grill, and have a variety of toppings.
Ashley M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
I do love a grilled burger!
Raven Wytch Sep 17, 2009, 4:15pm EDT
We've been doing meatless meals a bit lately. Cuts down on cooking time a lot.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
That it does. Plus, it is usually less expensive going that route.
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
I guess that is why most of my meals are less than 30 minutes - they're usually meatless!
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:19pm EDT
And healthier too!
Raven Wytch Sep 17, 2009, 4:21pm EDT
I'm just glad my husband is willing to try it and hasn't mutinied!
Ashley M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
My husband and I usually have quick to prepare mills. High fiber soup and some whole grain cereal for "bread." Those types of things. Usually wash it down with a glass of V8.
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:19pm EDT
I love V-8 and cook with it a lot, especially the spicy V-8!
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
Fish generally doesn't take a lot of time to cook, and doesn't need a lot of seasonings to be flavourful
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:20pm EDT
Tracy, have you made fish tacos? I love them!
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:21pm EDT
You know.. I never have.. and I've been hearing so much about them lately. Maybe it's a sign that I should try it.
i keep hearing good things about fish tacos.
Raven Wytch Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
You can also do meatier fish, like swordfish, with pasta as part of the sauce.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:26pm EDT
Fish tacos are good.
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:20pm EDT
Cous cous is also really fast. I either stir fry veggies that I have on hand or steam them to put over the cous cous. I love using red bell peppers a lot. I love color in meals.
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:22pm EDT
cous cous is mediterranean is it not? trying to figure out what could go with it. (I'm a big meat eater.. not the healthiest, i know!)
There are so many 30 minute meals that can be made. Sandwiches and/or pannini's; I make a homemade Hamburger helper with my own pasta that cooks while the meat is cooking (seasoned also), and I add either a jar or Ragu cheese creations or a cheese sauce that I can throw together quickly myself. Do ahead meals are great also if you know you will be pressed for time on a certain day. Planning ahead is always the best way for me.
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
Love pannini's.
Bridget ♥ Sep 17, 2009, 4:21pm EDT
I almost forgot about this chat, my bad!

Sheperds Pie is always a quick and easy choice! And everyone in our family likes it!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
One of our favorites in a hurry!
ChrisJerri S. Sep 17, 2009, 4:26pm EDT
I have to learn to make vegetarian sheperds pie.
good afternoon, ladies! how is everyone?
Bridget ♥ Sep 17, 2009, 4:22pm EDT
Hi Lori! I'm good, how are you?
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
Doing good! How are you?
good to see you, bridget. how are you making out being alone during the day?
hey, april! how's that sweet baby?
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:27pm EDT
About to go pick her up! She's been so good this week - I've been sick, so we haven't gotten to have as much fun as we usually do, but she's been a trooper!
Bridget ♥ Sep 17, 2009, 4:22pm EDT
Grilled Ham & cheese sandwiches with a cup of soup is another great choice!
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
ooh.. that takes me back to my childhood.. yummy!
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:22pm EDT
Sloppy Lennies is another fast and easy meal.
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
I've heard of sloppy Joes, but sloppy Lennies????
April H. Sep 17, 2009, 4:27pm EDT
Made with lentils instead of hamburger!
Tracy F. Sep 17, 2009, 4:32pm EDT
Ahhh!
*Sandi*'s Bacon Cheeseburger Quiche was so very quick to throw together. It made a nice meal for 4 and we had a bit leftover for a lunch one day.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:28pm EDT
I totally spaced when I went shopping yesterday. I need to check that recipe and figure out what I need for my own variation on it.
penni d. Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
almost any meat tastes good with a basil based vinegarette marinade.... then broil, don't bake...broiling takes very little time.
penni, you're letting all of your secrets out, right? so don't act like you're not in a cooking mood when i get there!
penni d. Sep 17, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
Lol, lori...I am not a cook....I had a friend over for dinner yesterday and he said I'm not a cook at all...I am an ~Artist~ in the kitchen, I use what's there
penni d. Sep 17, 2009, 4:59pm EDT
Come on down, girlfriend! plenty for all! :)
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
Hi everyone! Rushing in to Gather as I make dinner ;)
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
A 30 minute meal???
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:26pm EDT
That's the ticket!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Sep 17, 2009, 4:27pm EDT
Hmm, where did my salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and carrots go ;)
Bridget ♥ Sep 17, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
Sloppy Joes!


I also have some TV dinners in the freezer just in case. We don't eat them often but are great for those nights when we are busy and don't have much time to fix anything else!
i haven't had a sloppy joe in years!
Ruthi C. Sep 17, 2009, 4:26pm EDT
I love sloppy joes...I add frozen corn to mine :-)
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Sep 17, 2009, 4:27pm EDT
Mmm sloppy joes and corn...
Bridget ♥ Sep 17, 2009, 4:29pm EDT
We had sloppy joes and corn for dinner last night! LOL! With tater tots!
Some days we just like omlettes made with bacon or maybe some corned beef hash on the side and it's a complete meal.
Bridget ♥ Sep 17, 2009, 4:29pm EDT
We love having breakfast for dinner!
penni d. Sep 17, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
Grab an electric cook pan, slice your choice of veggies thin, quick stir fry...you can also cut meat thin and do the same...add to the veggies or serve seperate
Joy Blessing Sep 17, 2009, 4:48pm EDT
That sounds GREAT. i might add some terriyaki sauce to that and throw it over fried or even regular rice!
Ashley M. Sep 17, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
We also tend to eat a lot of straight out the can foods, like canned chicken.
Pasta and a good jar sauce is wonderful. You can add meat and some ricotta cheese and make baked ziti in no time.