Quick and Easy Weekend Meals

Summer weekends are always chock full of something. There's always a barbecue or some function to attend. The beach beckons. There's a ton of demanding household and garden chores that need to be done. Somewhere in this you 've have to create meals that are tasty and satisfying for your family. Yes , it 's easier to head to your local fast food joint however that can be costly both in money and calories. The best path to take is creating simple, creative dishes that the whole family will enjoy.

Sandwiches are always a good solution to a Saturday lunch or a Sunday supper. For added zing use good crusty Italian or French bread. There's nothing like prosciutto or morta della on a thick slice of one of these. For added fun have any of the Italian olives such as the Gaeta or the Cerignola varieties and with fresh or sun dried tomatoes. Now that this is the season for tomatoes a good old fashioned tomato sandwich on thinly sliced sandwich bread (such as Pepperidge Farm's kind) is a yummy lunch. Just slice tomatoes, slather generous amounts of mayonnaise on both slices and place the tomatoes on one slice. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper and voila - a tasty quick lunch that's a summer favorite. If you want you can turn it into a BLT with some bacon and freshly picked lettuce. Another good tomato sandwich is one with sliced tomatoes , mozzarella cheese and fresh picked basil. Make this open faced on Italian or French bread.

If you're looking for something a bit more exciting , consider filling a sandwich with any kind of spread. My Mom and I love making this wonderful chicken tarragon spread. I had been inspired years ago by that great chain restaurant, Au Bon Pain. The chain still makes this great spread that we adapted. It just requires Underwood Chicken Spread , some tarragon and mayo. Mix it together and it creates this wonderful paste that can be spread on bread or even crackers. Another variation is deviled ham , mayo and celery bits or celery seeds. The flavor is amazing and it's just great on anything. Remember that simple cream cheese makes a fantastic sandwich filler. Have it plain or add garlic or olives (two of my family recipes) Serve on an opened faced baguette slice.


Don't discount soup during this hot weather. A hot lunch is always appreciated and it 's filling if served with a salad. However cut down on cooking time in a hot kitchen by using bouillon cubes or soup packages such as Knorrs and Bear Creek. The last sells a wonderful potato soup in which extras such as corn or ham bits can be added for extra kick. You can make a fresh vegetable soup just by using your garden's bounty and a simple beef, chicken or vegetable bouillon based stock. Canned soups are good as well if you're time restricted.

Don't be tied down in the kitchen if you have a busy weekend schedule. Create quick and easy meals that are light but filling this summer.

Easy Chicken Tarragon Salad ( my thanks to Au Bon Pain for the inspiration for this recipe.

1 can of Underwood Chicken Spread
2-3 heaping tablespoons mayo
2 or 3 tablespoons of tarragon. (dried or fresh)


Mix chicken and may until thoroughly blended. Fold in tarragon. You can vary this by adding less or more mayonnaise and tarragon.
Serve on crackers or bread. Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container.