My, my, my, these days are certainly flying by. In most families today, both husband and wife work full time jobs. Add children to the equation, and you have daily trips to and from school, sports practices, and events to the hectic routine.

Truth is, with today’s crazy and busy schedule any help in the kitchen is welcome. It really is amazing how much we pack into one day.

I have recently rediscovered a cooking method that been around for years. It’s very easy, and there is virtually no clean up. I call it, Blasted Packets, because they are cooked at high temperatures, and ready in less than thirty minutes.

Be creative and use your imagination! Soon you’ll be serving your own specialties, by adding the vegetables, sauces, and meats your family loves.

So, faster than you can say, drive-thru, your family can be enjoying a hot, very nutritious meal, by using this method of cooking. My husband thinks they’re so delicious, and wants me to put them on my restaurant menu!

Blasted Beef Tips

(Serves 4)

4 steaks, your choice

3 tablespoons oil for searing

2 large Idaho potatoes, sliced thin

1 cup carrots, baby whole

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 cup onions, sliced

1 cup celery, chunks

1 Knorrs Hunters Sauce Mix

1 cup water

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a skillet, heat oil, season meat with salt and pepper, and brown on both sides. Slice meat in to strips. Divide vegetables into center of four large squares of foil. Place meat on top of the vegetables. Mix Hunter Sauce Mix with 1 cup of water. Seal foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Serving ideas: Just add a Bag Salad, and you will have dinner in minutes.

Notes: This recipe serves four, but can easily be adjusted for more or less.

Blasted Chicken

4 large boneless skinless chicken breast halves

1 cup broccoli flowerets

1 cup onions, sliced

1 cup mushroom, slices

1 cup cabbage, sliced

1 package Knoors Brand Prima Rosa Sauce Mix

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

4 large squares of foil big enough for veggies and chicken

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. First divide and place vegetables on center of foil, season chicken, put on top of vegetables. Mix sauce mix with cream, and pour equal amounts on top of chicken and veggies. Seal all edges of foil to make a packet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Notes: This is so easy and gourmet!

Blasted Fish

4 fish filets, of your choice

1 cup whole baby carrots

2 cups frozen peas

1 package Knorrs Lemon Herb Sauce

1 cup heavy cream or milk or water

1 large lemon, sliced thin

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Divide vegetables onto 4 very large squares of foil. Season fish filets with salt and pepper, and place on top of vegetables. Mix Lemon Herb Sauce mix and milk or water, and pour over fish and vegetables, place lemon slices over fish. Seal foil in packet style, leaving room for the packet to expand. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Notes: This make four individual meals, serve over rice.

Blasted Asparagus

1 lb fresh asparagus, washed

1 tablespoon olive oil

Dried rosemary, thyme, to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a large square of foil, place asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Seal foil, and bake for 10 minutes.

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Sharon Veres is chef/owner of All In Good Taste LLC