Thursday, January 31, 2013

Every Last Spice

You know how you pour out the seasonings from the quart size bags and sometimes, a bit of it sticks to the sides? Co-founder Stephanie Allen is brilliant at providing the simplest little tip that gives you the biggest bang of flavor.

-Simply pour the liquid out as directed.
-Then put a tablespoon of water in the bag.
-Seal it.
-Swish it around and then pour it all out in the pan.
-Voila! You got it all without jeopardizing the recipe or flavor of your dish.
 
 

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Please Sir, May I have some more?

Second Helpings?

What is it?
Would you like a "second helping" of something from our menu this month? Did you already eat your Canadian Bacon Stuffed French Bread or Chateau Chicken with Almond Butter Sauce and now you wish you had more? Or are you regretting that you didn't order our new Coconut Mahi Mahi (which is amazing, by the way)? There is no minimum order!
Simply call or email!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Sandwich Ideas


Have some leftovers or want to change up the serving suggestion on a few of your January Dream dinners? Here are a few ideas you can use at dinner or for lunch!
  • Kentucky Pork Chops – These also make delicious sandwiches served cold. A little sweet, spicy mustard and a slice of tomato on a bun or roll of your choice and you have an easy, delicious alternative.
  • Meatloaf Milano – A slice of cold meatloaf is great on a sandwich and cold mashed potatoes formed into pancake size patties are wonderful pan fried like hash browns for breakfast.
Yum!

Friday, January 18, 2013

February Gluten Restricted Menu

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


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

Be sure to try our 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.

We also have many potato, sweet potato and vegetable side dishes in our freezer.

February 2013 Gluten Restricted Menu

I can't seem to upload pictures today, for beautiful, scrumptious pictures of the following menu items, please click here.

Rio Grande Chicken Fajitas
Smell the aroma of sizzling onions, sweet peppers and chicken tossed with an authentic marinade to transform your kitchen! Two tortillas per serving make a satisfying, whole balanced meal. (Whole wheat tortillas where available.) Quick cook time of just 20 minutes!

Tuscan Steaks
Zesty sun-dried tomato pesto is spiked with balsamic vinegar and a pinch of Italian herbs that wrap around these melt-in-your-mouth steaks. Your family will think they're on a trip to Tuscany with this easy 20-minute dinner. It's heart healthy, light and easy!

Buffalo Ranch Chicken
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 secret is the kicked up lite Ranch dressing glaze. Finish with a sprinkling of Gorgonzola cheese.

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches
Tender pulled pork is downhome country and comfort in every bite! In just 25 minutes heat up this lean, shredded pork with our delicious, tangy barbeque sauce and serve on warm gluten-free rolls. Quick, easy and family approved!

Creamy Chicken Risotto
Favorite This one is creamy, elegant and easy. This traditional Italian dish with broth and Parmesan cheese turns magic when you assemble it with all our secret ingredients: chicken, bacon, fresh vegetables and zesty seasonings. It’s rich and smooth that serves in just 40 minutes.

Cattleman's Pie
New Comfort foods draw families together in this classic English dish that combines ground beef, rosemary, herbs and vegetables. Then it’s topped with velvety mashed potatoes and Parmesan cheese. You'll brown the beef and assemble to perfection in just under an hour.

Blackened Mahi Mahi
New A traditional Cajun blend of spices with a sweet touch of butter makes this entrée irresistible! This definitely has a kick to it, but you decide how hot you want it, adjust the heat to your liking. It's also easy on busy nights and cooks in less than 30 minutes.

Mandarin Flank Steak
Fast Lane Take your taste buds on a trip to the Orient with this epicurean delight! Sweet mandarin oranges, fresh cilantro and zesty hoisin sauce make this a perfect combination for our tender, juicy steak. Cook it easy in an hour and make time to breathe and enjoy.

Terracotta Chicken with Pita and Hummus
So delicious and versatile! Serve as an entree or when entertaining. Mediterranean flavor with tangy fresh lemon, herbs, garlic and yogurt create a nice aromatic marinade for all natural chicken breasts. Serve with traditional hummus and pita bread on the side!

Tangy Down Home Pork Chops
Lean, moist and tender boneless pork chops are cooked until golden brown, then simmered in a sweet and sour sauce of apples, brown sugar, raisins and spices, and brightened with just a hint of cider vinegar. Truly a winning combination!

Cola and Lime Tender Pork Roast
Fast Lane Customer voted hit with a little lime twist! Tropical, roasted pork becomes a party dish when you glaze it with our special blend of tropical flavors. Let the cola tenderize this pork to make it moist and irresistible. An easy and slow bake in 75 minutes.

Arroz con Pollo
A signature Dream Dinner on our greatest hits list! It’s a balanced Mexican dish with all great ingredients: layer rice, black beans, corn, zesty red salsa and now with chicken tenders. Then top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown for about 1-1/2 hours.

Parmesan Pesto Salmon with Cheese Crisps
Parmesan cheese and rich green basil pesto coat our light, flakey pink salmon fillets marinated in a blend of seasonings, a touch of wine, and the freshness of lemon juice. You easily whip these up in less than 30 minutes and then top them with homemade Parmesan crisps.

Spitfire Beef Roast with Mashed Potatoes
Fast Lane Spice up this beef roast with our amazing marinade. We’ve got full bold flavors in the juice and then top the roast with our secret horseradish sauce and herb crust. Perfect for crockpot cooking or oven bake slow. Serve with roasted mashed potatoes (provided).



Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Every Last Drop - Saucy Tips

Sometimes it is hard to get all of the sauce out of your sealed bag. Especially if the sauce is thick. Here is a great way to get all of that yummy sauce out.

-Take the sealed bag and push it flat and get as much of the sauce out of one corner as you can.
-Take your scissors and snip the empty corner so that you have an opening that you can pour out from.
-Squeeze the sauce out of the bag and get it all without leaving a drop behind.
 
Here is a video from Dream Dinners Corporate for those of you who are more visually inclined (like me!).
 
 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Healthy Habits, for the body and pocketbook


Start out the new year right by ...


Eating healthier meals
Spending more time with your family around the dinner table
Saving money at the grocery store
Wasting less food
All are immediate benefits by choosing Dream Dinners!
Have you made any resolutions this year?  I tend to stick to vague ones that can be completed with a little extra thought, usually something I have been contemplating for a while.  This year I am going to try to actually read the books on my bookshelf, exercise a bit more, eat healthier meals and reduce snacking.  Those are relatively loose, but I have plenty of help because of those meals I have in the freezer from Dream Dinners.  When I am at the end of my rope and don't know what to make for dinner, (because I am tired from no snacks in the afternoon), I am covered with very little extra thought on my part!  :)  Usually they are made in 30 minutes or less so I can fit a little exercise in without getting dinner on the table late, AND I don't have to worry if I have the ingredients already in the kitchen.  Sounds like a dream to me!

 



Monday, January 7, 2013

Important Dates - January 2013

January 2013 Important Dates 

@ Dream Dinners Ventura

 
 
Tuesday 8th    Santa Barbara Delivery
 
Thursday 10th   5:30pm Made for you
 
Saturday 12th   Gluten Restricted 
 
Saturday 19th   11am Made for you
 
Saturday 26th   11am Made for you
 
 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Gluten Restricted Menu - January 2013

Every second Saturday of each month all meals and materials at each station are gluten-free.  January 12th, 9am is the gluten-restricted session for January. Substitutions, where needed, will be available at this session.  Sign up today!


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.

January 2013 Gluten Restricted Menu

Kentucky Pork Chops
Guest Favorite These chops are rubbed in a blend of spices sweetened with brown sugar, then brushed with a smoked glaze flavored with sweet molasses. They caramelize to perfection in less than 20 minutes stovetop for an easy homemade dinner on those busy nights.

Firehouse Three Cheese Pasta with Meatballs
Guest Favorite Creamy Ricotta cheese is blended with Italian seasonings and savory marinara sauce mixed with gluten free pasta and juicy meatballs. Topped with a yummy Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese blend. Choose your heat: mild to 3 alarm. Kids love it!

Texmex BBQ Turkey Wraps
Guest Favorite We've taken our popular recipe and given it a healthy twist using our delicious pulled turkey flavored with tomatoes, garlic, barbecue sauce and salsa. Curb your appetite with these hearty wraps made with warm tortillas filled with white rice & cheddar cheese.

Meatloaf Milano with Mashed Potatoes
Guest Favorite Our Milano Meatloaf secret is the layer of Gorgonzola cheese that bursts of flavor! It's topped and baked with a rich marinara sauce and served with our fluffy mashed potatoes. So satisfying and bakes in just 70-80 minutes. (Leftovers make great sandwiches.)

Chateau Chicken with Almond Butter Sauce
Guest Favorite Twenty minute, fancy French inspired dish to die for! You'll make a silky, toasted almond butter sauce and then drizzle it over all natural browned chicken breasts. Elegant and light, it makes your home feel like a chateau straight from your stovetop.

BBQ Chip Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce
Guest Favorite Our tender, juicy white meat chicken tenders are marinated in a special sauce and then coated with crushed BBQ chips. Served with our Ranch dipping sauce makes this an easy, fast, kid favorite! Serve for dinner or any entertaining appetizer.


Coconut Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice
New Enjoy a taste of summer in mid-winter! This complete island treat takes your taste buds on a trip and adds more fish for a healthy diet! Even the kids will gobble this one up. Sweet coconut delightfully paired with our brand new Mahi Mahi filets. It’s ready in 20-25 minutes!

Cranberry Buttermilk Chicken
New We have marinated our all natural chicken breasts in seasoned creamy tangy buttermilk and then topped it off with a sauce that uses sweet and savory flavors simmered with whole dried cranberries.

Yum Thai Turkey Cutlets with Dipping Sauce
New This new recipe brings a Thai influence to our tender and moist all white turkey cutlets. Marinated in a lite soy sauce based Thai style sauce made as spicy or mild as you like! Serve with our Thai dipping sauce for an easy family dinner or party in just 20 minutes.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Guest Favorite Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and herbs encrust all natural chicken breasts. Marinated for flavor, you simply bake for 20 minutes until crisp on the outside and tender & juicy on the inside. Pair with one of our vegetable sides or just slice into appetizers.

Pacific Rim Glazed Steak
Guest Favorite Asian inspired aged sirloin steaks make this a favorite everywhere! These steaks are marinated in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame and green onions, and then topped with a gorgeous salt and pepper wonton. This easy meal takes just 20 minutes.

New Orleans Jambalaya
Guest Favorite You may find this dish becomes your new secret for hearty portions with light calories. Loaded with shrimp, smoked sausage, tomatoes, and a confetti of chopped peppers and rice that will satisfy a crowd! Simple to pop in the oven in one pan for 90 minutes.

Fiesta Fajita Shredded Beef with Tortillas
Fast Lane Crockpot favorite! Slow cook Tex-Mex style with onions, garlic and a little heat from the fiesta seasonings (make it as hot as you like). Then just shred the "oh, so tender" beef and wrap in flour tortillas with our mild sour cream and salsa mixture.

Kung Pao Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Guest Favorite Fresh green onions, red peppers, carrots, baby corn and peanuts, all stir fried with generous pieces of tender chicken breast make this dinner gorgeous! Made with a delicious sauce and served with our Jasmine rice in just 30 minutes!

Steak Salsa Verde
Fast Lane These juicy, tender aged steaks are garnished with a Spanish influenced salsa of green herbs, Dijon mustard and a zesty hint of lemon. It's an easy, yet elegant dinner for family and friends that is quick to grill or broil in under 20 minutes.



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Couples Night at Dream Dinners

What are you doing Friday? 
Need a date night?
This Friday, January 4th at 6pm is Couples night at Dream Dinners
As of right now, only 4 spots left!
 
Bonus - Win our trivia question at the session and
get 2 tickets to Cinemark
 

movie-tickets