Buffalo Chicken Dip

Happy New Year!  Now is the time to hang with family and friends - while you snack. 

This dip is a staple at our family events, so good and yet so easy.  Leftovers are good too, just heat them back up in the microwave and stir.

Buffalo Chicken Dip


1 8 oz package cream cheese
1 c Ranch Dressing
1 small can of chicken (or 1/2 c chopped chicken or turkey)
1/2 c (or to taste) Frank's Red Hot (Regular or Buffalo)
1/2 c shredded cheddar





Mix all the ingredients except the cheddar in a small sauce pan.  Melt while stirring and break up the chicken pieces.  Pour into a serving dish that can be baked, I usually use an 8x8 pyrex dish.  Cover with the shredded cheddar.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the dip is bubbling.


This dip is easy to double, no problems.  Just use a larger dish to bake it in.

NOTE: If you like blue cheese better, a friend of mine substitutes the Ranch for Blue Cheese dressing.  She also sautees some onions and celery chopped fine and adds extra blue cheese to the whole thing.  It is good, but I like mine better. Ha!

Serve with tortilla chips, fritos or crackers.  Get some before it disappears!

This dip is also perfect for Super Bowl parties.

What is your favorite dip to make?

Freezer Blowout Sale! Today Only

As 2012 comes to a close we here at

Dream Dinners are so thankful to you, our guests!

Thank you!!!

Today!!It's that time again....time for our Year End Freezer Blowout Sale!

Tell your friends, family, neighbors!!

Haven't placed your January order? Bring in your order and receive a FREE Herb Crusted Flank Steak*. Only 15 available.

Print Menu

First come, first served. 
*Min. order required. Not combinable with other offers.
 
 

Freezer Sale Today!!!

Thursday ~ December 27th 10am - 7pm

What can you expect?

• No minimum purchase required!
• Fully stocked selection of dinners, desserts & side dishes! Too many to list! Come early. We run out of favorites fast.
• Great time to stock up for your New Year's Eve party - or just fill your freezer for the new year.
• All entrees Buy 3 get one FREE (of equal or lesser value), discounts on our sides and desserts!

     

 

 

Giving Time

It's that time of year again, that "giving time" where you shop for others instead of yourself. But what if instead of just making it through the giving time of year, you could actually gift - time?

In a way, you can! Have us make meals and you can divvy them up to fill your friends and family's freezers OR buy a session and bring them with you. We also have Gift Certificates - where you decide the amount. Or how about Italian...

 

 

Our Mario Batali events are over but we still have an AMAZING OFFER available for you!
Mario Batali in a BAG, EXCLUSIVELY YOURS for only $59.99!!

...

What's included:
Chicken Trifolata with Pasta by Mario Batali,
Broccoli Primavera,
Italian Parmesan Bread with Dipping Oil
ALL presented in a Reusable Dream Dinners Bag!
(All 6 Servings)

Email us to reserve yours victoriavillageca@dreamdinners.com

Come in to pick up a gift certificate and give the gift of Dream Dinners!

No fuss soup mix and Cranberry and Wild Rice gift bags available!

                     Both are $6 each.

Christmas Morning Traditions

My family used to always have pecan rolls every morning on Christmas...until the bakery closed.  Now my husband and I drink mimosas, open presents and make "something fun" for breakfast.  This year is it going to be the Raspberry Stuffed French Toast.  We have had a few of our customers mention that they want this to be a tradition for Christmas morning and to "please, please offer it".  That sounds like an endorsement to me, and I wanted to let you know that we are offering it through the Ventura store this year.  It is BACK!!

6 servings = $25.  It is a made for you item so you can pick it up from our freezer, even if you have already made or picked up your items.  It is also available through the online order form (though it was NOT available if you filled out your order during November in the store! because we weren't sure we were going to be offering it at the time.)

Start a new family tradition and try the Raspberry Stuffed French Toast!  See you soon

~Dream Dinners Ventura


RASPBERRY STUFFED FRENCH TOAST
Fast Lane - Holiday brunch is a snap this Christmas season with a little help from your friends at Dream Dinners. This delicious brunch pairs thick slices of French bread with raspberry jam and cream cheese. Topped with a streusel topping of brown sugar and almonds. Just pop in the oven and enjoy time with your family.

December Gluten Restricted Meals

Every second Saturday of each month all meals and materials at each station are gluten-free.  December 8th, 9am is the gluten-restricted session for December. Substitutions, where needed, will be available at this session.

Sign me up!

Dream Dinners also adds new gluten free menu items, recipes and freezer items each month. 
 
* We have a scrumptious and moist gluten free cake mix. You can adapt it to a spice cake, chocolate cake or lemon cake. Only $4.00 with minimum session.

December 2012 Gluten Restricted Menu

OLD FASHIONED POT ROAST WITH BABY ROASTERS
Fast Lane - Juicy and tender 4 pound roast with carrots and potatoes provides a healthy, satisfying family meal. Cook this long and slow for a complete family dinner in just over an hour. Serves more than a traditional 6 serving dinner.

 

HERB CRUSTED FLANK STEAK

Fast Lane - This famous, original crust of herbs and spices brings a burst of flavor to our succulent, lean, aged steak. Grill or oven broil in just minutes and serve as dinner or slice in pieces for a perfect appetizer.

 

CHICKEN MIRABELLA

A Dream Dinners' signature dish. Bake these all-natural chicken breasts with the savory tang of capers that are mellowed with the natural sweetness of dried plums. Your finished dish is perfect for entertaining or a nice way to treat yourself at the end of a busy day.

 

STEAK GORGONZOLA

This beautiful steakhouse masterpiece comes straight off our "Best of the Best" list. Marinated steaks are easily broiled or grilled, then topped with savory, seasoned garlic butter and our Gorgonzola cheese blend!

 

 

CHEDDAR FILLED MINI MEATLOAVES WITH POTATO PANCAKES

New These easy, cheese filled single serving size meatloaves bake up perfectly in any muffin tin! Delicious potato pancakes on the side with our lite sour cream Ranch dipping sauce makes this fun comfort food hugely popular with kids too.

 

GOLDEN SHRIMP WITH PARMESAN RISOTTO

New Buttery garlic crumbs cover these sweet and luscious shrimp. Paired deliciously with our creamy Parmesan risotto on the side.

 

HERBED BONELESS PORK CHOPS WITH AREZZO MASHED POTATOES

New This comfort dish serves a blanket of tantalizing, blended herbs covering moist and tender boneless pork chops. Smothered with our sweet and savory caramelized onions and served with our Parmesan Garlic Mashed Potatoes (provided).

 

BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN

Chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and spices are blended into our delicious and beautiful bruschetta topping. Cover tender chicken breasts for dinner or skewer as appetizers.

 

THAI GINGER STEAKS WITH SESAME SAUCE

These steaks are marinated in a flavorful mixture of tomatoes, garlic, ginger, zesty lime juice and fresh green onions. You can spice up the heat from mild to 5-alarm hot! Easy to grill or broil in just 10 minutes!  

 

FRUIT STUFFED PORK ROAST

Our lean, boneless pork roast is stuffed with tangy dried fruit. Add a dash of herbs, savory croutons and pecans to a mouthwatering finishing touch of maple glaze to make this a holiday dish to remember!

 

MONTE CRISTO CHICKEN

This favorite takes tender, all natural chicken breasts and layers them with Canadian bacon and Swiss cheese. Then it’s topped with a savory sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and baked to a golden brown.

 

SESAME GLAZED MEATBALLS WITH JASMINE RICE

Serve for dinner or a party appetizer. Highly rated customer favorite simmers in a tasty ginger-teriyaki sauce. For dinner, serve over Jasmine rice (provided) or with toothpicks for a super savory, easy appetizer.

 

MARIO BATALIS CHICKEN TRIFOLATA

We have partnered with Mario Batali to create this truly Italian specialty dinner. Authentic flavors layered with garlicky, mushroom, onion and olives infuse a rich marinara sauce to be served over an encrusted all natural chicken breast.

 

STEAKS WITH SWEET BOURBON MUSHROOM SAUCE

Bourbon sauce, mushrooms and bacon smothered over fork tender Choice steaks gives you pure scrumptiousness. Enjoy the 10 minute cook time that brings a comfort style entrée to the table quick & easy. Check out a variety of our Chef Touched side dishes to round out your meal.

 

CREAMY THAI SHRIMP WITH COCONUT RICE

Fresh grated carrots. Fresh green onion. Fresh cilantro. Ginger. Garlic. All smothered in a creamy sauce on Thai shrimp. Cooks up in just 30 minutes. Touch up the heat for a little spice or keep it smooth and as mild as you like. Perfectly served over coconut rice for a full rounded dinner.

 

HOLIDAY ROASTED TURKEY

It's our spectacular, simple-to-prepare, delicious turkey! Equivalent to a 16-pound bone-in turkey, this juicy, boneless turkey is simple to carve and makes a great holiday presentation. Combined with our Holiday Family Favorite side dishes, you'll have the healthy, stress free holiday meal that makes everyone thankful!

 

 

 

The Gift of Time

Made For You is FREE the Month of December

This means that we will assemble all meals for our customers at NO CHARGE, saving you up to two hours of time!  We know everyone is busy preparing and dealing with various holiday stresses.  So Dream Dinners will assemble your meals for pick-up, giving you healthy, easy and ready-to-make meals without the normal $25 assembly fee.  Place your order from the December menu today.

Our Santa Barbara delivery clients also get their meals assembled at no charge. 
Santa Barbara delivery is December 4th, please order by Saturday December 2nd!

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

We know that not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving this week, but in the spirit of one of our favorite holidays, we wanted to thank you.

Whether this week is business as usual for you, or spent around the table with friends and family, I hope you know that we, here at Dream Dinners, are thinking about you and yours.

And since our job is to help everyone get tasty and delicious meals on the table, and our employees are customers as well, we asked Dream Dinners - Ventura what they enjoyed most about Dream Dinners.

"I am thankful for Dream Dinners because it gives me the gift of more time with my family and not in the kitchen and at the grocery store! They grow up so fast!" ~ Theresa

"I am thankful to dream dinners because it quick delicous and provides such a great variety of meals." ~ Emily

"I am thankful for Dream Dinners because it helps so many of our clients enjoy their meal time with their families and friends in a more relaxed atmosphere." ~ Christine

"I am thankful for Dream Dinners because I can finally stop asking myself, "What's for Dinner?". With Dream Dinners, I KNOW what's for dinner!" ~ Lauri

"I am thankful for Dream Dinners for having such a great variety of food that is quick to make. Sometimes I just want to come home and relax and want something ready pronto, Dream Dinners makes this idea very easy for me, plus I love all the no hassle pasta dishes that can be cooked from frozen :) " ~ Nicole

"I am truly thankful for Dream Dinners for making dinnertime so much easier so we can spend more time at the dinner table together as a family sharing our day and enjoying our yummy meal! " ~ Suzanne

Thanksgiving from Dream Dinners

Thanksgiving is next week (it is as early as it could possibly be this year!) and those of us hosting for our families had better be planning out dinner.  I just found out that I am going to have around 35 people at my house and as I was breathing into the bag to avoid hyperventilating, I realized that Dream Dinners is there to help.  Not only is the turkey available but they have all the trimmings as well.  Also, the Thanksgiving dishes are Fast Lane, meaning there is no assembly fee if I don't have the time to make it to a session!  

I might have time to finish cleaning and preparing AND get to play with the kids after all! 

Click here to place your order.

Holiday Roasted Turkey

Fast Lane It’s our spectacular, simple-to-prepare, juicy turkey! Equivalent to a 16 pound bone-in turkey, this delicious boneless turkey is simple to carve, makes a great holiday presentation and is not readily available in stores.

Holiday Family Favorite Side Dishes

Fast Lane Save time and money by preparing all your holiday side dishes at Dream Dinners! Your family will think you've spent days in the kitchen.  Eight different side dishes are available.   You can purchase additional family favorite sides during your session.

How Long Will my Dream Dinners Last Once Defrosted?

We recommend that you take 3 dinners every week from your freezer and place them to thaw in your refrigerator. Depending on where you place them in your refrigerator and what temperature you hold at (recommend 38 – 40 degrees), and what the dinner is, it can take several days ( 2 – 5 ) to completely thaw your Dream Dinners.

Once your dinner is completely thawed, be sure to cook your dinner within these timeframes:
- Steaks/beef, three to five days
- Poultry/Pork, one to two days
- Seafood, one to two days

Chocolate Jam Bars

I enjoy making these bars because they call for so few ingredients and they taste delicious!  You can even change the flavor with your choice of jam.  They are always a hit.

1 1/2 c oats (quick-cooking or old fashioned)
1 1/2 c flour
1/2 c white sugar
1/2 c brown sugar, packed down
1/4 tsp salt
1 c butter (cold)
3/4 c seedless raspberry jam - (I find the berry ones stand up best to the oats and chocolate though I did use apricot one time and it was lovely)
1 1/2 c chocolate chips (I use less or more according to how much chocolate I want)
1/4 c chopped walnuts (optional)

In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugars and salt.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.  Set aside 1 cup for topping, press remaining crumb mixture into a greased 9-inch square baking pan.  Spread with jam; sprinkle with chocolate chunks.

Combine the walnuts (if using) and reserved crumb mixture; sprinkle over the top.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.  Cool on a wire rack.  Cut into squares.

Tip: To get the bars out of the pan easily, I will cover the bottom with parchment paper.

November Santa Barbara delivery

The November delivery date for Santa Barbara is next week:

Friday, November 9th

Please place your order by Wednesday November 7th.  We usually deliver between 12pm & 2pm. But we can be accommodating if you have different needs. Please feel free to call us at 805.644.4478 and let us know how we help you simplify your life with Dream Dinners.

November 2012 Gluten Restricted Menu Items

Dream Dinners recognizes that many people are allergic to wheat and need strictly controlled meals. Every second Saturday of each month all meals and materials at each station are gluten-free.  November 10th, 9am is the gluten-restricted session for November.  Substitutions, where needed, will be available at this session.

Sign me up!

Dream Dinners also adds new gluten free menu items, recipes and freezer items each month.

October 2012 - Try out Gluten Free Pizzas and Cakes!!  Delicious!

November 2012 Gluten Restricted Menu Items:

Holiday Roasted Turkey
Fast Lane It's our spectacular, simple-to-prepare, delicious turkey! Equivalent to a 16-pound bone-in turkey, this juicy, boneless turkey is simple to carve and makes a great holiday presentation. Combined with our Holiday Family Favorite side dishes, you'll have the healthy,...

Holiday Family Favorite Side Dishes
Fast Lane Save time and money by preparing all your holiday side dishes at Dream Dinners! Your family will think you've spent days in the kitchen! For this one price you choose three of our eight side dishes. Purchase additional family favorite sides during your session.

Old Fashioned Meatloaf with Twice Baked Potatoes
Guest Favorite Savory, satisfying fall flavor. This meatloaf is amazing! Lean, ground beef is seasoned just right, then covered with a touch of sweet, mild chili sauce. (That's your secret.) Serve it with our twice-baked potato skins stuffed with mashed potatoes, Cheddar cheese, bacon...

Chicken Paella
Guest Favorite This Spanish classic dish is now easy to make here at Dream Dinners. Just take our tender white chicken and mild sausage with garlic & butter infused rice, sweet red peppers, artichoke hearts and fire roasted tomatoes and serve up a hearty balanced meal from the...

Chicken & Rice with Lemon & Artichoke Sauce
Guest Favorite Fall freshness! Luscious lemon, Alfredo and artichoke sauce sprinkled with a Parmesan crust to take your taste buds over the top with excitement! This bistro style entree is deliciously balanced and cooks up in just 20 minutes and served with rice.

Slow Cooked BBQ Beef with Baby Bakers
Guest Favorite Slow cooking is the busy person's perfect dinner solution. This one takes a smoky autumn flavor of rich BBQ sauce that slow cooks into the "fall-off-the-fork" beef. It's extra satisfying with our Baby Baker spuds to hit those hungry meat and potato lovers. You can bake low and slow in the oven or crockpot!

Honey Pecan Pork Roast with Cranberry Applesauce
Fast Lane Lean, juicy pork roast is marinated in a garlic seasoned, Dijon honey sauce, then you bake it up with a crunchy pecan crust. Pair it with our festive red cranberry-applesauce (included). Each bite is an explosion of holiday flavors! Plan a little extra time to thaw and bake.

Creamy Thai Shrimp with Coconut Rice
Guest Favorite Fresh grated carrots. Fresh green onion. Fresh cilantro. Ginger. Garlic. All smothered in a creamy sauce on Thai shrimp. Cooks up in just 30 minutes. Touch up the heat for a little spice or keep it smooth and as mild as you like. Perfectly served over coconut rice for a full rounded dinner.

Steaks with Sweet Bourbon Mushroom Sauce
New Bourbon sauce, mushrooms and bacon smothered over fork tender Choice steaks gives you pure scrumptiousness. Enjoy the 10 minute cook time that brings a comfort style entrée to the table quick & easy. Check out a variety of our Chef Touched side dishes to round out the meal.

Chicken with Honey, Garlic & Orange
Sweet, tangy colorful oranges smoothed with honey make this not only kid friendly, but zesty delicious! The glaze melts garlic into the citrus sauce to make this all natural chicken breast dinner melt-in-your-mouth with each bite. It's a healthy and creative entree to use on your super busy nights.

Steak Caprese
Delicious! Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil smother these marinated sirloin steaks with light fresh flavor and bright colors of green and red. This dish is inspired by the classic flavors of “Insalada Caprese", found in great Italian restaruants. Nice for a quiet "date night" or impress your friends and family with this stress free 20 minute dish.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken
Spice up your life a little or a lot! This healthier version of a New York favorite takes boneless, skinless, all natural chicken breasts in a mild Buffalo wing marinade you cook up in just 20 minutes. Your chef secret happens when you glaze it with a kicked up lite Ranch dressing. You decide the spiciness. Finish with a sprinkling of Gorgonzola cheese and voila!

Sesame Marinated Flank Steak
Hearty tender and juicy flank steak is the perfect way to your family's heart on a cool fall night. Marinated in deep traditional Asian flavors of soy, ginger, green onions and sesame seeds, it's easy to grill on the backyard barbeque or broil inside. It serves up with beautiful ease!

Blackened Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
Comfort food with healthy southern flare! Blackened herb dusted fillets cook up in just 15 minutes for big bold flavor your family loves! This salmon is tender and fresh and when you cook it on high you seal in all the natural juices. Colorful pineapple salsa adds sweetness. Plus, the hint of cilantro makes it beautiful for holiday entertaining. Enjoy!

Chicken and White Bean Chili With Corn Fritters
Healthy, hearty chili made with tender white chicken simmers with white beans, fresh celery, carrots and onions. Add a little heat with jalapeno peppers. It's a complete meal with our corn fritters flavored with Gorgonzola cheese. Cooks up in 30 minutes or better yet, simmer all day in your crockpot and come home to dinner already done!

Chocolate Chai Cookies

My entire family knows and loves these tasty little treats. Also, if you make them into small cookies you get around 6 dozen...You would never know that the base is from a boxed chocolate cake...I always add them to my holiday cookie platters!

Chocolate Chai Latte Cookies

• 1 package butter recipe chocolate cake mix (though I use any chocolate type)
• 3 T instant chai tea latte mix (generally found by the cocoas/coffees, I get mine at Trader Joes)
• ½ cup Butter – softened
• 1 egg
• 3 T milk
• 1 cup chocolate chips (they call for milk, I use semi-sweet or white)

Drizzle

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 3-5 tsp water

Heat oven to 350F. Combine all cookie ingredients except chocolate chips in a large bowl. (I start with the butter and chai latte mix, then add the cake mix a little at a time until the egg and milk is needed, but it really doesn’t matter). Beat at medium speed until well mixed and smooth. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. It is a thick, sticky dough.
Shape dough into ¾ inch balls. If using your hands, butter them so they don’t stick. I use a cookie scoop and it makes nice little even balls. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until tops are set and cracked. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.
Combine all drizzle ingredients except water in a small bowl. Add enough water for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies (I use a fork and drizzle like mad with all cookies on a sheet so I don’t make too large a mess). Store between sheets of waxed paper in container with tight-fitting lid. I store them in ziplock bags, and they are just fine!

New to Dream Dinners?

Introductory Offer

Dream Dinners is a "dinnertime solution" that helps you serve a great meal to your family easily and with little to no thought. It answers that nagging question... "What's for dinner tonight?"

The ingredients are ready to assemble, but not cooked, we leave that part to you.  If you are interesting in seeing if it works for you and your family, we have an introductory price that shouldn't be missed!  $74.95 for 18 servings!  Take advantage today.

Ordering is easy:

• Click Here 
• Select a session date and time & select your dinners
• Complete your registration & pay
• Arrive & assemble dinners
• Freeze your dinners at home
• Thaw up to 3 dinners a week & enjoy family dinners with less stress!

Sample our menu with this special Introductory Offer.

Just $74.95 for 18 servings!

How to Hardboil Eggs

It is funny, but sometimes the easiest stuff isn't that easy.  I don't know about you, but I used to cook the heck out of my eggs, boiling them for 15 minutes or so and ending up with overcooked and usually cracked eggs.  It usually wasn't a big deal unless I was going to decorate the eggs, but when I found this recipe from Cook's Illustrated I felt like things finally made sense. 

TIP - Use your older eggs (not expired!). As an egg ages it pulls away from the shell, so the freshest eggs will stick to the shell and be the most difficult to peel.

How to boil an egg:

1. Put 1 layer of eggs in a sauce pan (6)
2. Cover with water (1 inch above the eggs)*
3. Get to boiling (hard boil) over high heat
4. Turn off the flame, cover and let sit for 11 minutes

*Note - I just read online that if you add 2-3 lemon wedges to the water before boiling it will help make the shell easier to peel off.  I have never tested that, but just thought I would share!

Meanwhile fill a bowl with one tray of ice cubes and a quart of water.  Transfer eggs to ice bath with slotted spoon.  Let sit for at least 5 minutes.  Refrigerate or use.

IF you need the eggs immediately, before you put them in the bath, pour the hot water out of the pan and then shake the eggs in the pan, cracking the shells.  Put into ice bath and the water can now get underneath the shells making them easier to peel.

End of Year Giveaway - Apple iPad!

HAVE YOU HEARD????

Dream Dinners Ventura is giving away an Apple iPad2!
 

 

There are many ways to enter. Sign up for November at your October session.

Hostess a taste party. Sign up for December at your November session.

Sign up for all 3 months, Oct-Dec and get bonus entries!

 

Be sure to get a ticket in that bowl, the winner is going to get a very nice end of 2012 gift.

 

 

Crock Pot Cooking Tips

Crock Pot Cooking Tips


Many Dream Dinners cook deliciously in a Crock Pot. Don’t you love the aroma of dinner cooking in the house when you get home from a long day, it’s so comforting. 

Having dinner ready to serve when you walk in the door is pretty comforting as well!  :)



Here are a few tips we have learned:



■One hour on High is equal to 1 1/2 to 2 hrs of cooking time on Low.

■Always cook with the lid on and don’t lift the lid for the first 2 hrs of cooking.

■Cut your vegetables in larger pieces than you would if cooking on the stove top. They benefit from slow cooking to develop a richer flavor and will shrink. At the smallest, a 2 inch raw cut of any vegetable is best.

■Fresh herbs should only be added in the last 5 – 10 min of cooking, the flavors will dissipate if you slow cook them. It is best to use dried herbs and add them when you start the cooking. They simmer and hydrate into the dish, imparting richer flavor.

■Only add milk, cream or sour cream in the last 15 – 20 min of cooking time or it can break down and separate.

■When cooking frozen meats or dinner, add 1 cup of room temp or warm liquid to thaw food evenly before it begins to cook. Use stock, beer, red or white wine depending on what the dinner is.

■You can add a cup or so of beans, barley or other fiber rich grains to what ever dinner you are cooking. Its easy and we all need more fiber!

■Always fill the crock 1/2 to 3/4 full.

■Allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning the crock or the lid. Water on a hot surface can cause it to break.

Crock Pot Temperatures: You should check you crock pot during cooking to verify the cooking temperatures. Low setting should cook foods in 4 hours to 160 – 180 degrees. High should cook the food to 160 – 200 in 3 hours. Not all crock pots cook at those even temperatures and knowing your crock pot temp will help you adjust your cooking times and settings.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus

We know, summer is over, but here in California do we really stop using our grills?  One of the easiest and tastiest ways to cook many vegetables is on the grill and one of our favorites is asparagus. 

• 1 lb Asparagus - thick spears
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• Pepper (if you like it)

1. Pre-heat grill for high, direct heat.
2. Prepare the asparagus by washing and breaking off the tough bottom ends.  Place the asparagus in a pan or a ziplock bag and coat with olive oil and sprinkle with a few shakes of salt and some pepper.  (You can also get fancy with 1/4 tsp hot pepper flakes or some garlic salt, but it tastes good with just salt and pepper as well.)  If I am making for a lot of people, I use a ziplock bag so that I can get oil on all of the asparagus without using a lot and making a big mess. 
3. Keep oil in ziplock or pan to keep them contained near the grill.
4. Grill the asparagus spears for 6-10 minutes until you develop a nice char and they are fork tender.  Be sure to turn them every few minutes so they brown evenly.  (Watch out for rolling asparagus!  I always lose a few spears through the grate!)
5. Remove to a new tray, serve immediately.

Serves around 4 for 1/4 lb each



October 2012 Schedule

Dream Dinners ~ Ventura: October Schedule Highlights

 

It is hard to believe it is October already, especially considering the weather!  But soon,  we will have cooler nights, shorter days, kids in costumes, fall comfort foods and busier schedules. 

If you are too busy to come to Dream Dinners this month, we assemble dinners each week for a $25 assembly fee.  At our Gluten-free session, we don't mess around, all of the stations are gluten-free!  We realize some of our clients have very strict diets and make it easy to keep your dinners safe for your family.  If you live in Santa Barbara and can't make it to our store, we deliver once a month to keep your freezers stocked. 

If you have any questions, please call the store at 805-644-4478

Gluten-free Session: October 13th, 9am (2nd Saturday of every month)

Made For You: October 5th, 13th, 20th and 27th
     Please order 2-days before

Santa Barbara Delivery: Delivering on Tues. October 9th (order by this Friday, October 5th)

To schedule your session or place your order, please go to the Dream Dinners website here.

Sauteed Green Beans

We can all use easy and friend tested recipes to help us expand out of our normal routine.  This is my favorite way to cook green beans. 

Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
* gluten-free

1 package green beans (12-16 oz), washed and destemmed
1-2  garlic clove(s) - crushed or chopped small (or use a frozen cube from Trader Joe's)
2 Tbl Olive Oil
1 Tbl Butter
1/4 c water (or white wine, stock, or vermouth - whatever is on hand)
Salt & Pepper to season

Add olive oil to sautee pan and heat on medium for one minute.  Add green beans and cook on medium for 5 minutes.  Stir frequently (I use tongs to easily manage the long beans).  Add butter and garlic.  Continue to sautee beans until the garlic becomes fragrant.  Around 1- 2 minutes.  Add liquid and cover so the beans can steam.  Cook for another 8-10 minutes or until they reach desired tenderness.  If you like them crisper, lessen steaming time.  Be sure to stir occasionally during steaming.  Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately.

Made For You

MADE FOR YOU

School is back in session, kids are playing sports and schedules are full.  If your time is short right now, it's the perfect time to make sure your freezer is filled with Dream Dinners. Let us be your extra helping hands and make your dinners for you. Our next Made For You service is this coming weekend.  Take advantage!

Sat Sep 29th - 11am

We assemble dinners for folks who can't make it in but still want their yummy Dream Dinners. Capacity is limited and orders must be placed 24 hours ahead of time. Don't let time slip away and miss out!

Back to School Dinner Solutions

Back to School Dinner Solutions (September 2012)


To most of the mom's I have talked to, Back to School means your schedule is packed. Don’t let those additional activities discourage you from cooking and getting dinner on the table at a decent time.

These dinners not only cook in under 30 minutes but also travel well. Take them on a picnic or as dinner in the car - soccer season anyone?


■Crispy Salsa Ranch Chicken

■Maple Valley Boneless Pork Chops with Rice Pilaf

■Carne Asada Steak Tacos


These dinners work great in the crockpot, have dinner ready when everyone gets home.

■Normandy Pork Roast with Apples

■Autumn Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes


Change up that everyday cold cut lunch with your Dream Dinners leftovers. Try these wonderful options from September's menu.


■Flank Steak - Cut thin slices of this steak to make a delicious sandwich served with mayo and tomatoes.

■Oulaw Chicken Marinara - great warmed up and on a crusty roll.

■Normandy Pork Roast - Slice thin on a roll with a little mayonnaise.

■Crispy Salsa Ranch Chicken tenders - Kids will love these in their lunch. If by themselves add a little BBQ or ranch dipping sauce and some carrots!  Or they will make an awesome sandwich.

Do you have delicious and creative ways you serve your Dream Dinners leftovers?  We would love for you to tell us about it.

Don't forget, to submit your tickets for the iPad2 contest during your Ventura Dream Dinners session.  The drawing will be held in December.

Schedule your session today with Victoria Village Dream Dinners

February 2012 Menu
For Sessions January 30th - February 26th

Continue the New YOU...

In recognition of American Heart Month®, 40% our menu in February has dinners that are especially low in fat, sodium and cholesterol and we’ve highlighted them with our heart symbol making it easier for you to select “heart healthy” choices for your family.

View menu and sessions