MEATLESS MEALS IN MINUTES

Family Features

What’s for dinner? Between work, school and evening activities, this question is often left unanswered until the last minute. However, if you want a meal that is fast, convenient and better for you than most take-out options, consider going meatless.

There are many meat substitute products available in your grocery store freezer that can be the cornerstone of any weeknight meal. Because they can be prepared in a variety of ways — on the stove, microwave or grill — you can choose which preparation is best for your schedule. With substitution options for everything from ribs and burgers to chicken and even sausage, the frozen meatless products can satisfy just about any palate. Best of all, they can be prepared and paired with a few side dishes for a simple, hearty meal in minutes, or used as ingredients in a host of delicious, meatless recipes.

For example, the Mango Riblet Wrap, with the new MorningStar Farms Hickory BBQ Riblets, is a quick meal option — it takes just 15 minutes to prepare — that’s ideal when dinner is on-the-go. For your next sit-down family meal, try the Chik’n and Broccoli Fettuccine. Since it takes just 10 minutes to prepare, you’ll have more time to catch up with your family around the dinner table.

For more recipes and quick food ideas, visit www.morningstarfarms.com.

Mango Riblet Wrap

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Time to Table: 15 minutes

Yield: 11‚Ñ2 cups cabbage mixture; 2 sandwiches; 2 servings

3 tablespoons reduced-fat ranch salad dressing

1 tablespoon orange juice

1‚Ñ8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

2 cups finely shredded cabbage or cole slaw mix

1 package (10 ounces) MorningStar Farms Hickory BBQ Riblets

2 (9- to 10-inch) spinach, red pepper or flour tortillas, warmed

1‚Ñ2 medium mango, seeded, peeled and sliced lengthwise

1 tablespoon sliced green onion

In medium bowl stir together salad dressing, orange juice and pepper sauce. Add cabbage. Toss until cabbage is coated with dressing mixture. Set aside.

Cook riblets according to package directions. Cut each portion into fourths, making 8 total pieces.

Spoon cabbage mixture onto the centers of tortillas. Top each with 4 riblet pieces, half of the mango slices and half of the green onion. Roll up. Serve immediately.

Chik’n and Broccoli Fettuccine

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Time to Table: 20 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

1 package (1 pound) whole grain fettuccine

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon (2 cloves) chopped garlic

1 package MorningStar Farms Meal Starters Chik’n Strips, cut into 1-inch strips

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli

2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped and blanched

3 cans (141‚Ñ2 ounces each) chopped tomatoes with garlic, basil and oregano

1‚Ñ4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1‚Ñ4 cup chopped fresh basil

1‚Ñ4 cup (1 ounce) Parmesan cheese, shredded

Cook fettuccine according to package directions.

Cook Chik’n strips according to package directions.

While fettuccine cooks, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saut 1 minute. Add Chik’n strips and heat through. Add broccoli, tomatoes and pepper. Allow to simmer 2 to 3 minutes.

When fettuccine is finished, drain and stir in broccoli and Chik’n mixture. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Time to Table: 25 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

2 (8-inch) flour tortillas

2 teaspoons olive oil

1‚Ñ8 teaspoon garlic powder

3 tablespoons vegan pizza sauce

1‚Ñ2 cup very thinly sliced plum tomato (about 1 large tomato)

1‚Ñ3 cup MorningStar Farms Meal Starters Grillers Recipe Crumbles, thawed

3 tablespoons finely chopped red or green bell pepper

2 tablespoons chopped red onion or sliced green onion

4 large pitted black olives, quartered lengthwise

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1‚Ñ3 cup shredded mozzarella-flavored soy cheese

Place tortillas on baking sheet. In small bowl stir together olive oil and garlic powder. Brush over tops of tortillas. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes or until light brown and crisp.

Cook crumbles according to package directions.

Spread thin layer of pizza sauce over tortillas. Arrange tomato slices over sauce. Sprinkle with crumbles, pepper, onion, olives and parsley (if desired). Top with cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes or until cheese is melted.