Giving the gift of a very easy dinner

By J.M. HIRSCH
AP Food Editor

December 01, 2008 12:00 am

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Gizmos and gadgets are fine, but the gift we all really want this holiday season is more time.

While that may be hard to come by, you can help those you love take back a little of their own time by giving them these one-pot dinner kits. They help the recipient get dinner on the table in a hurry, and won't take much of your time to make.

The premise is simple. You mix rice with a variety of seasonings and other dry ingredients, then package them in cellophane gift bags. The lucky person to receive the kit simply adds liquid and protein, such as chicken, and lets it simmer.

We've crafted two variations on this theme: a creamy Italian chicken and porcini mushroom dinner and a vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean chickpea and feta cheese blend. For flexibility, chicken, tofu or beans work well with either kit.

The kits were designed to limit to three the number of ingredients your recipient must provide.

To make your work even easier, we've crafted gift tags for each kit that include instructions for preparing the dinner. To download and print the gift tags, go to: http://tinyurl.com/6x77p6

Craft and baking supply stores are your best bet for inexpensive gift bags. Use only dried herbs and seasonings when making these kits.

Creamy Italian Chicken with Porcini Mushrooms Kit

1&1/2 c. long-grain white rice

1 t. dried basil

1/2 t. dried marjoram

1/4 t. dried thyme

1/8 t. red pepper flakes

1/4 t. white pepper

1/2 t. powdered garlic

1 T. dried minced onion

Two 1/2-oz. packages dried porcini mushrooms, cut or broken into small pieces

1/4 c. dried red bell peppers (optional)

1&1/2 t. cornstarch

1 t. salt

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Use a spoon to mix well, then pour into a gift bag. Seal and use a ribbon to attach a gift label. If you would rather make your own gift label, the preparation instructions should read:

In a large saucepan, combine the contents of this package with 3&1/4 cups chicken broth and 1&1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small chunks. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, then let the pan stand off the heat for 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream. Makes one gift bag of 4 servings.

Mediterranean Chickpeas with Feta Cheese Kit

1&1/2 c. long-grain white rice

1 t. cumin

1 t. dried oregano

1 T. dried parsley

1/2 t. ground black pepper

1/2 t. powdered garlic

1/2 t. salt

1&1/2 t. cornstarch

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Use a spoon to mix well, then pour into a gift bag. Seal and use a ribbon to attach a gift label. If you would rather make your own gift label, the preparation instructions should read:

In a large saucepan, combine the contents of this package with 3 cups water and a 15-ounce can of chickpeas. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes. Stir in 1 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1&1/2 cups frozen peas. Cover the pan and let stand for 5 minutes. Makes one gift bag of 4 servings.

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