Quick and Easy Recipes
So You Can Get Back To Your Hectic Life
Brunch Anyone?
Spring
has sprung, and us 40-somethings have less time than ever. Even with everything going on in our busy lives, we don’t
have to give up on tasty — healthy — meals. The 40 Factor’s Quick and Easy Recipes are here to save the
day.
Whether you have a small brunch
gathering or want to impress your special someone, you can whip us this scrumptious brunch in no time.
Quick
and Easy Brunch Menu
Mimosas
Brunch Strata
Too-Good-To-Be-True Slaw
Strawberry Parfait
Think this may not be enough for your hungry crowd? Add a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Quick and Easy Mimosas
1 bottle champagne
1 half-gallon
orange juice
Fill half a champagne
flute with champagne and top it off with orange juice. Gently stir.
Quick and Easy Brunch
Strata
6 eggs
2 cups milk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon white pepper
½ teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
8 slices white or wheat bread, cubed
1 onion, diced
1 pound grated
cheddar cheese (or Colby)
¼
cup butter, cubed
Preheat the
over to 325. Grease a 13” x 9” pan with nonstick cooking spray. Beat the eggs and whisk in the milk, salt, pepper,
and mustard. Spread the bread out in the pan. Sprinkle with onion and cheese. Dot with butter cubes. Pour the egg mixture
on top. Bake for 45 minutes, until golden.
Tasty Non-Kosher Alternatives: Add 1 cup diced bacon or sausage.
Tasty and Healthy Alternatives: Add 2 cups diced broccoli or mixed vegetables.
Quick
and Easy Too-Good-To-Be-True Slaw
½ cup light mayonnaise
¼
cup cider vinegar
½ teaspoon
celery salt
½ teaspoon white
pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 bag shredded cabbage (for cole slaw)
Mix the first five ingredients in a bowl till
completely combined. Add the cabbage. Refrigerate overnight (or at least two hours) in a container or Ziploc bag. Stir or
shake once or twice while refrigerating. Stir before serving.
Sweet Alternative: I don’t think it’s necessary, but if you prefer your slaw sweet, add
1 tablespoon sugar.
Quick and Easy Strawberry Parfait
2 packages sugar-free instant chocolate pudding
3 ½ cups fat-free milk
1 large container strawberries
Fat-free whipped cream
1 chocolate
bar, refrigerated
Beat the milk and
pudding mix till firm. Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or more). Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. In four wine glasses,
layer the parfait: pudding, strawberries, pudding, strawberries, whipped cream. Using a vegetable peeler, shave pieces of
chocolate onto each parfait.
Make-It-Your-Own
Alternatives: Use your favorite pudding flavor and mixed berries.
And, don’t forget my favorite Friendly and Fun Alternative — invite me over, so we can enjoy our Quick and Easy Brunch together. Happy spring!
Other Quick and Easy Recipes
Sweet and Spicy Chicken
Nutella Mousse
Beef Blast
Asian Chicken
Tequila Marinade
Summertime Cocktails
Have a favorite dish and want a Quick and Easy recipe?
Write lisa-michelle@the40factor.com. If possible, your dish's Quick and Easy alternative will be presented on The 40 Factor.
