Gourmet Meals in 30-45 Minutes: Fast Food My Way!

[Barry Carlton]

Does anyone have any recipes that can be done in 30-45 min that might be considered gourmet> Kinda like "Fast Food My Way" by by Jacques Pepin.

I have a probable show for a cooking group in Jan. These are all "foodies" and I would like to WoW them in addition to selling.

Thanx

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I would consider many of the recipes in the 29 minutes to dinner cookbooks to be along the gourmet line.

 

[Becca_in_MD]

I would not worry so much about recipe choice. If you're doing a recipe that you're comfortable with, you will do a good show. I'm assuming you're doing a main course recipe. How about adding more uses for the products that you'll demo? Then you can go gourmet. Instead of talking about using the Mix N Chop for ground beef for taco night, think of more exotic uses for ground beef/turkey/chicken/sausage. How about for the avocados for guacamole? Emphasize that there are tools for people who like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen and there are tools to make tasks quicker and easier.

Also, some people who consider themselves foodies just mean they don't do processed foods but would be completely lost in a gourmet food store. As in, "above" Hamburger Helper but not going to make a souffle.

Just talk food and have fun! If you're not a foodie (at least what you think they think of themselves), pick up a magazine like "Gourmet" or "Food & Wine" and see what's written.

 

[esavvymom]

I would consider many of the recipes in the 29 minutes to dinner cookbooks to be along the gourmet line.

That's what I was going to say too.

 

[Barry Carlton]

Referring to the 29 min CB'sI don't have those yet. I have just reinstated my standing after letting it go in the mid '90's. I guess I still am thinking the cheesy pillsbury ricipes in the 90's.What cook book would you recommend for the best 'gourmet' type recipes?Maybe I could use the Jacques book (I have it) and use PC tools and cookware.

 

[kcjodih]

Referring to the 29 min CB's

I don't have those yet. I have just reinstated my standing after letting it go in the mid '90's. I guess I still am thinking the cheesy pillsbury ricipes in the 90's.

What cook book would you recommend for the best 'gourmet' type recipes?

Maybe I could use the Jacques book (I have it) and use PC tools and cookware.

Definitely 29 minutes to Dinner for more gourmet like meals.

And yes, you can make whatever recipe you'd like since you're demoing the tools, not the recipes

 

[Becca_in_MD]

Easy and Impressive Appetizers has the high end food items not seen before in PC cookbooks. They let the test kitchens go wild. Lobster Newburg Dip. Yum! But with cream cheese in it instead of making a true cream sauce. See if you can borrow it. It's one of the lesser expensive cookbooks. I made the Sundried Tomato Puffs (not the real name) for a party with my friends and they scarfed them up. Not really a demo recipe. Remember, your demo recipe should use a few good products that you can cross-sell with other products. The guests are there to eat. You are there to sell.

Gone are the crescent rolls!!!! I guess some consultants still do braids and wreaths for their shows. Most PC pizza recipes call for the Pillsbury dough, but that's about the only thing from the old days.

If you can borrow some rubs or seasonings from your upline, I would do that. Introduce the guests to some new flavors.

 

[Barry Carlton]

I would not worry so much about recipe choice. If you're doing a recipe that you're comfortable with, you will do a good show. I'm assuming you're doing a main course recipe. How about adding more uses for the products that you'll demo? Then you can go gourmet. Instead of talking about using the Mix N Chop for ground beef for taco night, think of more exotic uses for ground beef/turkey/chicken/sausage. How about for the avocados for guacamole? Emphasize that there are tools for people who like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen and there are tools to make tasks quicker and easier.

Also, some people who consider themselves foodies just mean they don't do processed foods but would be completely lost in a gourmet food store. As in, "above" Hamburger Helper but not going to make a souffle.

Just talk food and have fun! If you're not a foodie (at least what you think they think of themselves), pick up a magazine like "Gourmet" or "Food & Wine" and see what's written.

But, I am a 'foodie'. I really cook. That's part of the reason I stopped selling in the 90's. I did not believe in the cutlery and cookware when they first introduced them. I had good pans and knives.

Now,however, I think that PC is better than All Clad (my sets of pans) and I totally love the cutlery, for the price point!!!!

That said. I would love to have something with a really WoW factor to make and serve to those with the more discriminating palate.

I am sure I could come up w/ something (and I and I may have to) but I wanted to ask you with more experience for suggestions.

PS My 4 show this Sat (3rd cooking) is shaping up to be 600+

 

[esavvymom]

You would have plenty of time to get the Appetizer cookbook and maybe one of the 29-minute books, and then practice a few over the holidays.And yes, a lot of the newer books use REAL food, versus prepackaged Pillsbury. You still occasionally have them, but not like it used to be!

 

[Barry Carlton]

Easy and Impressive Appetizers has the high end food items not seen before in PC cookbooks. They let the test kitchens go wild. Lobster Newburg Dip. Yum! But with cream cheese in it instead of making a true cream sauce. See if you can borrow it. It's one of the lesser expensive cookbooks. I made the Sundried Tomato Puffs (not the real name) for a party with my friends and they scarfed them up. Not really a demo recipe. Remember, your demo recipe should use a few good products that you can cross-sell with other products. The guests are there to eat. You are there to sell.Gone are the crescent rolls!!!! I guess some consultants still do braids and wreaths for their shows. Most PC pizza recipes call for the Pillsbury dough, but that's about the only thing from the old days.If you can borrow some rubs or seasonings from your upline, I would do that. Introduce the guests to some new flavors.

Thank youI am already featuring the Bread Dips. I will make it a goal to get the Appetizer book!!! ( I started this again due to lack of money...that is a factor). But is is now on my "to get" list.

 

[Becca_in_MD]

I guess you need to get into the deeper question of what you want your biz to be like. I, too, love food. I used to focus so much on offering new and different recipes for shows except no hosts wanted the 3-onion goat cheese tart as the demo b/c the a) didn't like the ingredients themselves or b) were pretty sure that most of their guests wouldn't like them. If you're interested in one good show with like-minded people, then go nuts and adapt a non-PC recipe and spend whatever time you want on developing it for a show. On the other hand, if you want people to consider joining you in the biz, I would not come across as a serious chef b/c they'll think they need to be one to be a consultant and I would not look like I spent a lot of time prepping for one show. Also, do you want your host to only invite "foodies" or do you want her/him to also invite people look for shortcuts or inspiration to get them in the kitchen at all? Not to say at all that you have to do a cookie cutter PC recipe. Just think beyond your personal satisfaction to what your real goal is. Then let me know what Jacque recipe you come up with b/c I'm sure I'll want to try it!

BTW, my Director came for lunch a couple of months ago. I made a recipe from Cooking Light for a Southwestern Cobb Salad. We loved it. I think I'm making that into a show recipe for next summer. She agreed it would make a good show recipe b/c it would use good tools, be quick and simple enough to do in a 45 min. demo and most people will like the flavor. And that gets into the time factor. PC demos are a lot shorter now. People don't have the time to sit. They want to be in and out and have time to socialize.

 

[kcjodih]

I just went and grabbed my 29 minutes to Dinner cookbook...here are the recipes.

Chicken

Provencal Chicken with Brown Rice
Curried Chicken with Couscous
Artichoke Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
Paprika Chicken and Egg Noodles
Turkey Gyros
Skillet Lasagna
Pecan Crusted Chicken with Sweet Mustard Dressing
Turkey Saltimboccca
Crunnchy Whole Grain Chicken Bites
Glazed Chicken with Apple Salad
Tex Mex Chicken and Rice Skillet
Almond Chicken Stir Fry
Berry Pine Nut Chicken Salad
Chicken Posole Verde
Mediterranean Quesadillas with Antipasto Relish
Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps

 

[kcjodih]

Fish and Seafood

Sesame Tilapia with Shiitake Broth
Shrimp Panzanella Salad
Peppery Fish Chowder
Dijon Crusted Halibut and Roasted Asparagus
Sake Glazed Halibut With Edamame Rice
Crispy Parmesan Shrimp with Spaghetti
Garam Masala Salmon
Rigatoni with Tuna and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Shrimp Orzo Skillet
Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Barbecue Salmon with Radish Slaw
Campanelle with Creamy Tomato Clam Sauce

 

[kcjodih]

Beef and Pork

Ultimate Peppercorn Burgers
Chimichurri Steak Salad
BLT Mac and Cheese
Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragout
Gremolata Steak with Mascarpone Potatoes
Beef Enchilda Casserole
Chipotle Herb Flank Steak with Cilantro Rice
Pork Tenderloin Tacos
Brown Butter Tortellini with Spinach and Ham
Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Stew
Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Mango Salad
Korean Style Beef Bowl
Toasted Angel Hair with Sausage and Peppers
Italian Meatball Soup
Moroccan Pork Chops

 

[Barry Carlton]

I just went and grabbed my 29 minutes to Dinner cookbook...here are the recipes.

Provencal Chicken with Brown Rice
Curried Chicken with Couscous
Artichoke Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
Paprika Chicken and Egg Noodles
Turkey Gyros
Skillet Lasagna
Pecan Crusted Chicken with Sweet Mustard Dressing
Turkey Saltimboccca
Crunnchy Whole Grain Chicken Bites
Glazed Chicken with Apple Salad
Tex Mex Chicken and Rice Skillet
Almond Chicken Stir Fry
Berry Pine Nut Chicken Salad
Chicken Posole Verde
Mediterranean Quesadillas with Antipasto Relish
Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Thank you so much. They sound Great!!!!

I guess you need to get into the deeper question of what you want your biz to be like. I, too, love food. I used to focus so much on offering new and different recipes for shows except no hosts wanted the 3-onion goat cheese tart as the demo b/c the a) didn't like the ingredients themselves or b) were pretty sure that most of their guests wouldn't like them. If you're interested in one good show with like-minded people, then go nuts and adapt a non-PC recipe and spend whatever time you want on developing it for a show. On the other hand, if you want people to consider joining you in the biz, I would not come across as a serious chef b/c they'll think they need to be one to be a consultant and I would not look like I spent a lot of time prepping for one show. Also, do you want your host to only invite "foodies" or do you want her/him to also invite people look for shortcuts or inspiration to get them in the kitchen at all? Not to say at all that you have to do a cookie cutter PC recipe. Just think beyond your personal satisfaction to what your real goal is. Then let me know what Jacque recipe you come up with b/c I'm sure I'll want to try it!

BTW, my Director came for lunch a couple of months ago. I made a recipe from Cooking Light for a Southwestern Cobb Salad. We loved it. I think I'm making that into a show recipe for next summer. She agreed it would make a good show recipe b/c it would use good tools, be quick and simple enough to do in a 45 min. demo and most people will like the flavor. And that gets into the time factor. PC demos are a lot shorter now. People don't have the time to sit. They want to be in and out and have time to socialize.

Yeah, I get the intimidation factor. This question is for a specific show and a specific guest set.

Please don't think that I want to make this a regular model as I know that will not fit with the average hostess or guest.

Thank you for all your very fast responses. This is equal to another forum I am a part of. I am very impressed.

 

[Becca_in_MD]

Barry is just my favorite guy tonight

You can search recipes on Cons. Conn. You can search by tool or ingredient. The recipes that are/were in more recent Season's Best are downloadable, ie FREE. Or you can just pull up each of the Season's Bests that are on there and see if any of those recipes float your boat, like the 3-onion goat cheese tart.

 

[kcjodih]

And finally the meatless section...

Spanish Style Stuffed Peppers
Caprese Pizzas
Hot and Sour Soup
Spicy Broccoli Frittata
Persian Chickpea Salad
Pan Fried Polenta with Vegetable Marinara
Poached Eggs Florentine
Lightening Fast Veggie Chili
Crunchy Breakfast Tacos
Harvest Brown Rice Salad
Grilled Portobello Bruschetta

 

[Barry Carlton]

Sesame Tilapia with Shiitake Broth
Shrimp Panzanella Salad
Peppery Fish Chowder
Dijon Crusted Halibut and Roasted Asparagus
Sake Glazed Halibut With Edamame Rice
Crispy Parmesan Shrimp with Spaghetti
Garam Masala Salmon
Rigatoni with Tuna and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Shrimp Orzo Skillet
Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Barbecue Salmon with Radish Slaw
Campanelle with Creamy Tomato Clam Sauce

Ultimate Peppercorn Burgers
Chimichurri Steak Salad
BLT Mac and Cheese
Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragout
Gremolata Steak with Mascarpone Potatoes
Beef Enchilda Casserole
Chipotle Herb Flank Steak with Cilantro Rice
Pork Tenderloin Tacos
Brown Butter Tortellini with Spinach and Ham
Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Stew
Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Mango Salad
Korean Style Beef Bowl
Toasted Angel Hair with Sausage and Peppers
Italian Meatball Soup
Moroccan Pork Chops

Sorry....old newbie here.

Are these 'show recipes'? like 30-45 min. ?

 

[Becca_in_MD]

They do not all make good show recipes. I use several of them for dinner for my family but using 3 tools is not going to get you good sales.

Also, I'm assuming you just have your kit products right now. You want to focus on large bar pan recipes or small saute pan. Or, borrow a 12" skillet or Deep Covered Baker from someone.

 

[kcjodih]

Here's the 29 Minutes to Dinner Volume 2....

Poultry

Pan Seared Chicken Breasts with Creamy Lemon Sauce
Chicken and Noodle Stir Fry
Swedish Style Turkey Meatballs
Chicken with Fennel and Creamy Tomato Sauce
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Lemon Basil Rice
Tamale Corn Cakes with Rajas Topping
Chicken and Toasted Barley Salad
Polenta Lasagna
Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad
Chicken Chilaquiles
Moroccan Spiced Apricot Chicken with Couscous
Braised Cabernet Chicken
Skillet Phyllo Pot Pie
Tzatziki Pasta and Chicken Salad
Southwestern Pizza Con Queso
Indian Spiced Chicken Pitas

 

[Barry Carlton]

They do not all make good show recipes. I use several of them for dinner for my family but using 3 tools is not going to get you good sales. Also, I'm assuming you just have your kit products right now. You want to focus on large bar pan recipes or small saute pan. Or, borrow a 12" skillet or Deep Covered Baker from someone.

Yeah, I borrow some things....but you have no idea what I have accumulated over the years. My director saw things that she did not even know existed!!!I did do well in the mid '90's!

 

[kcjodih]

Fish and Seafood

Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon
Chipotle Shrimp Scampi
Toasted Sesame Salmon
Caribbean Tuna Cakes
Spicy Thai Shrimp Soup
Oven Fried Catfish Po' Boys
Potato Crusted Tilapia
Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits
Halibut Puttanesca
Grilled Fish Tacos
Seared Scallops with Creamy Parsley Pesto

 

[BethCooks4U]

I think the Cooking for Two or More has a lot of "Gourmet type" recipes.

Our recipes have changed big time since the 90's. Most of the newer cookbooks have very little of the crescent roll/cheesy recipes any more.

There are also a lot of gourmet type recipes available online at CC in the theme shows area.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

But, I am a 'foodie'. I really cook. That's part of the reason I stopped selling in the 90's. I did not believe in the cutlery and cookware when they first introduced them. I had good pans and knives.

Now,however, I think that PC is better than All Clad (my sets of pans) and I totally love the cutlery, for the price point!!!!

That said. I would love to have something with a really WoW factor to make and serve to those with the more discriminating palate.

I am sure I could come up w/ something (and I and I may have to) but I wanted to ask you with more experience for suggestions.

PS My 4 show this Sat (3rd cooking) is shaping up to be 600+

I'm a foodie. In fact, I was a Personal Chef before I began to focus more on my Pampered Chef business.

Like Becca said, I guess you need to focus on what you want your business to be like.
For myself, I'm also the mom of a 6 yr. old and the wife of a very busy man. Although I'm a Foodie - I don't live in a world of gourmet meals every day. I live in the world of wanting to make healthy, flavorful meals for my family, but without spending several hours in the kitchen. And that's where my shows come from. I RARELY do dessert shows. I occasionally do appetizer shows. But the bulk of my business is done showing people how they can let go of convenience foods, and make healthy, family friendly meals from real ingredients in 30 minutes or less. I NEVER use recipes other than PC recipes. (although I have to admit to making changes where I see fit).

I've never made a ring, wreath, or braid for a show (In 8 years!) although I've used crescent roll dough as a crust occasionally. (mostly for Clubhouse Chicken Squares) I cannot believe that even foodies don't use products like that occasionally. In fact, I know that they do - because I've cooked in some very "Foodie" kitchens as a Personal Chef...so I know what they have in their refrigerators and freezers.

However, I have to say that if you take the stance that you are a "foodie" and are above making recipes from PC, unless they meet your standards of gourmet(Which means different things to different people), then you will be limiting yourself and your business, because most people who would want to book shows will not be able to relate to you or your cooking. I get the most bookings at shows when I show people how to make Fajitas in 15 minutes - from scratch, or Loaded Baked Potato Chowder, or an entire Roasted Chicken Dinner in 30 minutes.
I don't think I'd try to impress "Foodies" with the recipes. I'd focus more on impressing them with the quality of the tools. After all, speaking as a true Foodie - recipes are just a springboard for ideas anyway. When cooking in my own kitchen, I rarely (if ever) follow a recipe as written, and whenever I see another recipe demonstrated, I immediately start thinking how I can change it. I don't even have the patience to watch most cooking shows....I'd much rather wander through a Kitchen Store and dream of ways that I can use the tools myself. :chef:

 

[Barry Carlton]

I think the Cooking for Two or More has a lot of "Gourmet type" recipes.

Our recipes have changed big time since the 90's. Most of the newer cookbooks have very little of the crescent roll/cheesy recipes any more.

There are also a lot of gourmet type recipes available online at CC in the theme shows area.

Browsed there. And yeah what I have seen is far different from the dark ages.

 

[Becca_in_MD]

Yeah, I borrow some things....but you have no idea what I have accumulated over the years. My director saw things that she did not even know existed!!!

I did do well in the mid '90's!

But you can't sell something that's not in the catalog now. I wasn't thinking that you kept "collecting" after you stopped selling. If it ain't in the catalog, don't bring it to a show. They'll just frustrated. Sounds like you've collected lots of ideas here. Don't forget that just b/c PC says to use the rotary grater for something that you can't use the grating blade on the Mandoline. Now there's a tool that might be good for this group.

Yes, I did pay attention that you're trying to specialize this particular show and it's now how you're going to do all of your shows

 

[kcjodih]

Beef and Pork

Garlic and Herb Beef Tenderloin
Chinese Pork Tenderloin with Baby Bok Choy
Chiles Rellenos Strata
Orecchiette with Spinach, Sausage and Tomatoes
Pork Medallions with Mushroom Marsala Sauce
Asian Beef Noodle Soup
Speedy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Beef Satay Fried Rice
Southern Style Tomato Gravy with Biscuits
Beef Picadillo Tostadas
Moo Shu Pork with Mock Mandarin Pancakes
Brandied Dijon Pork Chops
Orange Glazed Sticky Ribs
Bistro Steak Sandwich
Fettuccine Carbonara with Poached Eggs
Mexican Sausage Skillet
Country Fried Steaks with Chipotle Gravy
Greek Bolognese

 

[esavvymom]

Try searching on the regular pamperedchef.com site. Go to the Recipes section. It has alot of recipe on it that are often times not listed on CC. Someone in my cluster meeting said it has recipes from printed cookbooks, but I haven't checked that for confirmation. Either way- there is alot in there.

 

[BethCooks4U]

But you can't sell something that's not in the catalog now. I wasn't thinking that you kept "collecting" after you stopped selling. If it ain't in the catalog, don't bring it to a show. They'll just frustrated. Sounds like you've collected lots of ideas here. Don't forget that just b/c PC says to use the rotary grater for something that you can't use the grating blade on the Mandoline. Now there's a tool that might be good for this group.

Yes, I did pay attention that you're trying to specialize this particular show and it's now how you're going to do all of your shows

I disagree. I feel it's fine to bring and talk about discontinued items. It shows that our stuff lasts and is a good investment and gives you an excuse to talk about the outlet. Now, that being said, I wouldn't bring TOO many things that are discontinued but there's no harm in having a few. Better that than using NON-PC items.

 

[kcjodih]

and finally...Meatless

Artichoke and Red Bell Pepper Risotto
Green Vegetable Minestrone
Tofu Parmigiana with Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Quick and Creamy Mac N Cheese
Pecan Crusted Mozzarella Salad
Sweet Potato Tagine with Pine Couscous
Roasted Vegetable and Sizzling Brown Rice Soup
Moroccan Ravioli
Chilled Summer Soup with Black Bean Relish
Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce
Corn and Poblano Chowder

Phew! Now it's time to go get my daughter from work and hit the hay. Hope that helped!