Cheri Strange, Christian Speaker and Author

       This week I mentioned on fb/Twitter that I was able to cook fajitas in a GLAD steamer bag in the microwave. What an ingenious invention, those steamer bags! My first introduction to them came through Homemade Gourmet (a Christian company that specializes in making family mealtimes a priority by minimized prep-time without sacrificing flavor). I don't sell it or sponsor it - but I buy it once a quarter. They have a few different meals utilizing the steamer bags called "Season 'n' Steam" mixes. Homemade Gourmet provides the bag, the spices, and the directions. The customer provides the meat and veggies, as called for in the recipe. Basically, I put my raw meat inside the bag, seal, and cook for the time allotted. I cooked the chicken, stopped and stirred as instructed on the directions; then added cut peppers and onion; and cooked an additional 2 minutes.

       I have also tried a HG Season 'n' Steam Beef with Broccoli meal using the same basic instructions. I was absolutely shocked at the authentic taste this mix provided. I have the Philly Cheesesteak, Tenderlion, and Orange Ginger Chicken mixes in my pantry, still waiting.

       If you want the benefit of using the steamer bags without purchasing from Homemade Gourmet, you can find the Glad Steamer bags at Wal-Mart. I Googled "Glad Steamer Bag Recipes" and found three I want to try with my family soon. Anything I can do to reduce the time I spend preparing essential meals, without compromising quality, flavor, and healthy living is worth trying. The use of the steamer bags and my microwave provide this combination. I hope you find it helpful. If you want to investigate further, try www.glad.com Here are the three recipes I will soon be sharing with the Strange crew:

Ham and Cheese Omelet

2     Large eggs

1/2 c  shredded cheddar cheese

3 slices  ham (diced)

Fill: Break eggs and place in steamer bag. Add remaining ingredients. Stir with whisk. Season with salt and pepper. Seal bag.

Cook: Microwave on high (100%) for about 2 minutes or until cooked to taste. Let stand 30 seconds before opening.

Makes: 1-2 servings

Cinnamom Apples

 2     medium apples

2 tsp.  cinnamon

1 Tbsp.  sugar

1 Tbsp.  butter

Prep: peel apples (if desired) and slice.

Fill: Place apples in steamer bag. Add cinnamon, sugar and butter on top of apples. Seal bag.

Cook: Microwave on high (100%) for 2-3 minutes. Let stand 30 seconds before opening.

Makes 2-3 servings

Meatballs and Pasta

1 cup      Spaghetti sauce

1/3 cup   Water

1 cup      Dry angel hair pasta

8-10     Frozen meatballs (1")

Prep: Mix together spaghetti sauce and water.

Fill: Break dry pasta into 2-inch lengths and arrange in steamer bag. Pour spaghetti souce mixture over the pasta. Add frozen meatballs. Seal bag. Gently massage mixture in bag until all meatballs are coated with sauce.

Cook: Microwave on med-high power (70%) for 9 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes before opening.

Serve: Stir well

Makes: 1-2 servings.

Happy Steaming! Let me know what you think about the steamer bags.