With today's busy lives, making meals that are easy and nutritious can be challenging. Luckily, a well-stocked pantry and a little creative thinking are all you need to create delicious meals fast. Here are some must-haves for interesting dinners—see the complete pantry shopping list for more ideas
Stock Up on Sauces
Pre-made sauces turn a handful of ingredients into a meal. Chik'n Strips, onions, peppers and mushrooms can be a stir-fry with Szechwan sauce, Indian with curry, or top a pre-made pizza with marinara. The possibilities are endless, and almost any combination of fresh ingredients works great.
Cover Your Bases
Grains and starches anchor many meals. By having a variety on hand, you can choose one that complements your meal. Barley goes in soup or a bean salad. Pre-made pastry can make a potpie or a quiche. Even Veggie Burgers get variety from oven-baked sweet potato fries.
Pump Up the Volume
Some foods pack a lot of flavor. Dried mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and chilies give a dish depth and complexity. Flavored oils and vinegars can dress up salads and pasta dishes. And a small amount of a full-flavored cheese can turn mixed vegetables into a satisfying gratin or casserole.
Keep Your Cool
Frozen fruits and vegetables are convenient and they can be as nutritious as fresh since they are picked and frozen at the peak of ripeness. They also let you have variety without waste. The freezer can yield an instant stir-fry or pasta dish, and frozen fruits can be used in smoothies, pancakes or desserts.
Traci (08/17/2010 11:29:09 AM)
How do I get COUPONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sharon Burk (01/07/2010 16:59:36 PM)
WHERE ARE YOUR COUPONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wendy Verdon (12/29/2009 09:36:05 AM)
WHy have you stopped selling the corn dogs? Those are the only corn dogs I will buy for my family. I called about 6 mos ago and the person on the phone told me they were being distributed at that time and no one has them. PLEASE tell me why they are not being sold anymore.thanks
vinsue (04/27/2009 19:21:53 PM)
I love these products, my family can't believe they are not eating meat.I would recommend a jar of sofrito as a staple in the fridge. It makes spanish,tex/mex so much better! I also keep cans of beans on the shelf, add them to almost anything. I love being Vegan!!
Traci Z (03/14/2009 14:03:43 PM)
Like your product but on a budget. Where can I get coupons?
Ell (01/14/2009 16:49:34 PM)
Love the buffalo chik'n wings - so tasty!
Marcia E. (12/29/2008 20:02:07 PM)
Your products are the "bomb"! Presently, I'm hooked on the chicken tenders and prefer them with organic ketchup from Whole Foods.
mary (10/26/2008 18:36:32 PM)
why have some stores stopped carrying the spicy black bean burger? with the economy tanking, I have to be cautious where I shop. When I buy them at other grocery stores, they cost at LEAST $1.50 more!!. by the way, they taste amazing!!!
Rob (10/24/2008 01:03:03 AM)
Our Vegan daughter opened our hearts and minds to foods that had such fantastic flavors and were good for your health that didn't have all the additives. THANK YOU MORNINGSTAR!!!!!!
Ronnie B (10/14/2008 15:07:46 PM)
Price goes up and the quantity goes down. It would be nice if just once a company cares about the consumer. This is why consumers have to buy what they can afford it's not always the healthy choice. I love your products but it's getting out of my price range.
Zaina (08/26/2008 23:55:08 PM)
My Son is in love with your Spicy Black Bean Burger. I love the Chik'n Sandwiches, the bacon, the corn dogs...everything! I REALLY love the veggie cakes with ginger and edamame...they are intriguing!
L. Simmons (08/21/2008 19:11:43 PM)
I need to find stores with the largest assortment of MorningStar Farms foods. At present, Food Lion carries the largest, but not all that I want. They only carry a few. Please help me find them.
Mommy G (08/07/2008 19:21:26 PM)
Bring on the Vegan Products!
Gina (06/28/2008 00:13:21 AM)
More vegan options - other products have no eggs. You can do it, I have faith in you !!
ciao (06/27/2008 18:36:36 PM)
Interested in your products to serve to my son's vegan and vegetarian friends.
Johnny (06/01/2008 02:28:29 AM)
More Vegan options! From what I understand the Meal Starters are, but you should consider many vegetarians use your your competitors because of the ingredients of egg in your products. I still love ya tho...
Jet (05/26/2008 15:23:06 PM)
I would love to see veggie taquitos (a corn tortilla rolled in a similar fashion with a filling of beef, chicken or cheese and fried until crisp).
Antje1 (05/22/2008 15:12:27 PM)
I still feel challenged bringing veggie eating into my diabetic diet plan. It is hard to limit the carbs and provide the right amount of protein without going way over in total calories. Help!
LeftCoastFrank (05/21/2008 01:11:55 AM)
I agree with Debbie M. about the chicken pot pies. They were good. Mmmmm. I am hungry for one right now!
Debbie M. (05/16/2008 12:11:02 PM)
I miss the chicken pot pies and the chicken marinara. Any chance these two items will be brought back?