I know that many Latinas like me don't love using convenience foods since most of us were raised to believe that cooking from scratch was the best way to feed our families. But as a busy working mom who travels often, I've had to really rethink this custom. And I wanted to share some products that have helped me.
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I have found that there are some packaged foods that provide the same flavor and nutrition that my family would get from my own cooking. Below, you'll find some of my top picks:
Let us know what convenience foods you have incorporated into your American lives! Make sure to give feedback on my selections. Feel free to agree, disagree or even improve upon my recipes.
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Rotisserie Chicken
My local Stop & Shop sells a whole rotisserie chicken for $6 to $7. It feeds a family of 4 for at least one meal. I serve it with a side dish like rice or potato and veggies and within minutes I have a "home-cooked" meal that everyone loves.
Tortillas
Ever since my kids were young, the quesadilla has been a favorite. I either cook them on a skillet, grill or even microwave them after adding their favorite shredded cheese in between. I shred Muenster cheese. I love to put a little guacamole on top and for my Gringo husband, I add fresh sliced Jalapeños and mushrooms. You can even add the shredded rotisserie chicken you bought at your local supermarket to make it more of a meal.
Prepackaged salads
I usually use one or a couple of the prepackaged salads sold at my local supermarket and I add cilantro, feathered red onions and grape tomatoes. I let my kids choose their favorite dressing. My son loves the ginger dressing that they have at our local supermarket–Makoto–because "it tastes like the dressing we get at the Japanese restaurants."
Rice
As a child I would eat rice nearly every day! My familia also loves rice, but gets tired of white rice so I try to switch it up with different brands. My favorites are Goya and Uncle Ben's. They both have a nice selection of flavors. I use the rice that takes 20 to 25 minutes to cook as opposed to the "fast cook" variety. I've served these for my family of four as well as for 20+ guests who join us for Easter!
Pasta sauce
I try not to cook pasta too often, but when I do I tend to use my favorite line of pasta sauces: Rao's, which tastes authentically home made! I alternate among spaghetti, shells and bow ties to make it seem like I'm cooking different dishes. To give it a cooked from scratch twist I add some fresh vegetables like mushrooms and green peppers. You can also top with some parmesan cheese! I also love frozen gnocci and ravioli (I get John's brand which is only available in certain New York supermarkets).
Pizza
My kids and their friends love making their own personal pizza. I typically use the Boboli ready-made crust, then add sauce, cheese, pepperoni and veggies. For the adults in my family I get a bit more adventurous with the toppings–jalapeños, olives and more!
Lasagna
My mom always cooks lasagna from scratch but honestly I don't have the time or the patience! Most everything I cook goes on the grill. So I was thrilled to discover a lasagna that tastes almost as good as the one Mami used to make. Try it and I swear I won't let you down! Stouffer's has small, individual sizes as well as large ones that feed a whole family.
