The other day, I ventured into a place I like to call the appliance graveyard — that kitchen cupboard where rarely used machines that you thought were a great idea at the time, like the juicer and ice cream maker, go to die — and rescued a dusty kitchen tool: the George Foreman grill! I’ve actually had it for a couple of years but only dragged it out again after my mother and sister began raving about how much they love theirs. And I must admit, I’m now hooked!
Preheated for just 5 minutes, this thing can grill a chicken breast to perfection in about 8 minutes flat, produce a perfect salmon fillet or porkchop in 6 minutes and a juicy burger in only 5 minutes. Seriously, you have to start your side dishes well ahead of your meat, it’s that fast. And the best part about it? The grease all runs off into the handy grease tray, making your meal not only quick and delicious but healthy too. The fork-like spatula and non-stick surfaces also make clean-up a breeze. It’ll be the best $39.97 you’ve spent in a long time. It also makes awesome panini-style grilled sandwiches… mmmmm, melty cheese! Your culinary imagination is the only limit.
Arriving back from a long bike ride this evening, I was famished. I threw some fresh green beans on to steam and (I confess) cooked up some instant rice (from a can, with sachet of seasoning… by no means gourmet but good in a pinch!). Five minutes later, I slapped my seasoned pork chop (salt & pepper, garlic and oregano, my holy trinity of flavourings) on the heated grill.
In the time it took for my rice and green beans to cook, the pork chop was done (6 minutes!!!) Presto! A healthy dinner, from fridge to table, in under 15 minutes. Take THAT, Rachael Ray!
Quick, healthy dinner, with the condiment that makes EVERYTHING better: tzatziki!
