Two Favorites

I get really excited when I plan ahead enough to make two great meals out of one main ingredient -- and have all the ingredients on hand after an efficient grocery shopping trip. An extra bonus is making enough to last for leftovers, or put some in the freezer. This week it was one pre-cooked rotisserie chicken that made all the difference and made cooking effortless.

On Monday I made Broccoli and Chicken Calzones (from Everyday Food, although they don't put the chicken in theirs!), and on Tuesday I made Chicken Curry in a Hurry (from Real Simple).

The calzone recipe makes eight calzones, so I always serve two and freeze six for later. It's the perfect pull-out-in-a-pinch dinner or lunch. Whenever I make them, I pre-cook them (the recipe says not to) so I can just zap them in the microwave (on the convection/crisper function) and serve them with some pasta sauce on the side. I buy the pizza dough pre-made (2 1-lb. balls) and separate it into eight equal pieces. I dice up the rotisserie chicken and save half for the curry. I mix a bag of frozen broccoli florets with the chicken, some ricotta and mozzarella, maybe an onion or red onion, and some garlic and red pepper flakes.

For the curry the next day, the chicken is already set to go. I also alter this recipe a bit by adding some veggies. In a pan, I sautee a chopped red pepper, a green pepper, an onion, and some mushrooms. Then mix in the curry powder, yogurt, canned tomatoes, and light cream. I serve it over jasmine rice.

Yum!