She Strengthens

Mastering the Art of Cooking: Essential Recipes for Grown-Ups

Growing up is full of challenges, and learning to cook is one of the most significant ones. Unlike other life admin tasks, cooking is an ongoing process that requires constant attention. Once you’ve finished a meal, you need to start thinking about the next one. As a non-expert in the kitchen, I’ve discovered some simple yet impressive recipes that can help you cook with minimal ingredients.

My Favorite Recipe Sources

Before we dive into the recipes, I want to share my go-to sources for inspiration:

• Allrecipes.com
• Pinch of Yum (Lindsay is an amazing food blogger!)
• Buzzfeed Tasty (their Instagram is a must-follow!)
• FoodNetwork.com (their shows have been my obsession since I was 10!)

Easy Recipes for Busy Grown-Ups

Here are some easy recipes that require minimal ingredients and are quick to prepare:

Quiche: The Ultimate Leftover Solution

Ingredients: Eggs, Pre-made Puff Pastry, Milk, Cheese, Bacon, Ham, and Vegetables

Quiche is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and looks impressive, too! Simply thaw the puff pastry, cook your filling, grate some cheese, and mix in eggs. Don’t forget to brush the crust with an egg wash for a golden brown finish.

Baked Salmon in Aluminum Foil Packs

Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Lemon, Mayo, Asparagus, Rice/Potatoes

This recipe is a game-changer for a quick and mess-free meal. Preheat your oven to 350°F, prep the salmon fillets, and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add asparagus and bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve with rice or potatoes, and you’re done!

Beef Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Option

Ingredients: Beef (fillets, chunks, or ground beef), Tomato Sauce, Carrots, Celery, Stock

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. Saute onions, carrots, and celery, then add beef and cook until browned. Pour in tomato sauce and stock, and let it simmer until the flavors develop. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a filling meal.

Tortilla Pizzas: A No-Cook Wonder

Ingredients (varies depending on toppings)

This recipe is a favorite of mine because it’s quick, easy, and customizable. Simply toast tortillas, add your desired toppings (smoked salmon, caprese, or avocado), and serve. It’s a great option for a lazy day or a quick lunch.

Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Oil

Ingredients: Shrimp, Linguine, Lemon, Frozen Spinach

This recipe is a slight modification of Giada De Laurentiis’ original recipe. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Saute shrimp and garlic, cook linguine, and mix in lemon oil and spinach. Voila!

I hope you enjoy these recipes! They’re my go-to favorites, and I’m sure they’ll become yours too. Don’t forget to tag me on Twitter or Instagram if you try any of these recipes, and happy eating!