Throwing the Gauntlet

[BattleNymph]

I have a challenge for you all. In my new place I have no working refrigerator yet. The doors keep falling off the one I have and until they're fixed, no fridge.

So, what are some good recipes I can do with foods that don't require refrigeration? I'm getting tired of canned chili...

[silverwhisper]

no fridge = no meat, but you're a vegetarian so that doesn't matter.

let me think about this...what else do you not eat/not like?

[COTSBOE]

Humans have managed to eat unrefridgerated food for thousands of years. I think you'll be okay.


Fruits and vegetables do not require refridgeration. Neither do eggs, butter, or olive oil. Rice, flour, bread, many cheeses, even some meats (prosciutto is one that comes to mind) are fine if stored at room temperature. Aside from fresh meat and a few processed foods that are on the market today, I can't think of much that is off the table for you.

[Mouser]

Veggie?

That's easy.

You buy as you go.

[Stephane]

I think that buy as you go is the option.

Are you vegetarian? I must have missed that.

If you are, then it should be fairly easy. You can do soups and pasta with vegetables/oil base

[BattleNymph]

Right now breakfast has been being fruit and tea. Lunch is the canned chili since I'm at work and dinner has been pitiful. :D Some fresh veggies but I don't get time to shop every day so i can't just buy fresh that way. :(

[Mouser]

Spices don't go bad.
Dried fruit don't go bad.
Rice doesn't go bad.
Pasta doesn't go bad.
Canned stuff (small cans for single servings) don't go bad.

My solution would be to:

Make a base.
Make a sauce.

Pour sauce over base.

Make only as much as you can finish in one sitting.

Share and enjoy.

:D

[BattleNymph]

See, here I was hoping for some creative recipes like everyone was giving in all the other threads here. All I get is "Buy some fresh veggies"...

I want recipes DAMMIT! *harumphs*

[Mouser]

I want recipes DAMMIT! *harumphs*


Pasta

Beans
Peppers (red & green)
Jalapenos
Can of tomato sauce
Small onion.
Some cloves of garlic.
Put in a blender.
Spice to taste

Pour spicy sauce over pasta.

Heat in microwave.

Share & Enjoy.

If there are leftovers, this recipe also doubles as a salsa or minestrone soup.

[BattleNymph]

Does it work cooked in a saucepan? I gave my microwave away.

[Mouser]

Does it work cooked in a saucepan? I gave my microwave away.

Absolutely!!

The great thing about this recipe is it only needs one saucepan at a time.

[COTSBOE]

You can try making a very simple primavera dish. Basically it's just whatever pasta you prefer, a bunch of chopped fresh veggies, and a light garlic butter (or olive oil) sauce.

Peel and crush a few cloves of garlic. Sauté with whatever spices or herbs you like in a bit of butter or oil until aromatic. Add in vegetables (I usually include onions, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, asparagus, olives, and artichoke hearts) and sauté until slightly tender. Cook and drain pasta. Combine vegetables and pasta. Douse with a splash of white wine, drizzle a bit more olive oil, mix, and eat. Drink the rest of the wine. :sawink2:

Painfully easy, and no refridgeration required.

[Stephane]

You can try making a very simple primavera dish.

That's what I meant by pasta & veggies with oil.

Do you have a slow cooker? If you do, you can easily have some decent stew dish. Maybe a curry chicken dish?

Does anyone have a good curry chicken recipe? I wouldn't mind giving that a shot myself..

[BattleNymph]

That's what I meant by pasta & veggies with oil.

Do you have a slow cooker? If you do, you can easily have some decent stew dish. Maybe a curry chicken dish?

Does anyone have a good curry chicken recipe? I wouldn't mind giving that a shot myself..

No slow cooker. I'm lucky to have a stove at all! My last apartment didn't come with one. I've unburdened myself of a great number of my possessions, including kitchen appliances this last year.

How about a fish curry dish?

[Mouser]

How about a fish curry dish?

Fish, fresh tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic...

Start with the potatoes, onions, garlic, and spices until the potatoes are soft.
Remove from the fire.
Cook the fish.
Add the tomatoes.
Add the original mix.

When the entire mix is finished, spoon over rice.

Add chutney to taste.

I make my own from pesto and green schug.

[silverwhisper]

bah, fish is best eaten raw.

[disdainful sniff]

[Mouser]

bah, fish is best eaten raw.

[disdainful sniff]

and Wrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrigling!!

[Paulypalooza]

if you want cooked fish (I know ed, I know) how about a salmon.

All you need is
a nice piece of salmon
lemon
dill
salt & pepper
white wine
aluminum foil

salt and pepper the fish
lay out the foil making a bowl and pour in splash of wine
add the fish, dill and a lemon slice
cook till done (this all depends on the thickness of your fish)

[BattleNymph]

That sounds good Pauly! Any ideas for smoked salmon or fish? (no fridge)

[Paulypalooza]

I've never used smoked fish before but you could always check the food network (http://foodtv.com). Or buy the salmon on the way home from work.

[Zayda]

BN--This is really good; it does have cheese in it, so that doesn't entirely solve your problem of no refrigerator.


Eggplant and Mozzarella Sandwiches

1 large eggplant, ends trimmed and sliced into 12 rounds
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning
12 basil leaves
1 8-ounce ball fresh mozzarella
1 large ripe tomato, ends trimmed and cut into 6 slices, optional

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

2. Brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

3. Place the eggplant on the baking sheet, brush with the remaining olive oil.

4. Sprinkle with salt and bake for about 12 minutes, until just soft.

5. Remove the eggplant from the oven and allow to cool.

6. Meanwhile, slice the mozzarella into 6 rounds.

7. Sprinkle the basil leaves with olive oil to coat.

8. On top of an eggplant slice layer a slice of mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and two basil leaves.

9. Top with a second slice of eggplant and transfer to a flat container with a paper towel.

10. Sprinkle with kosher salt right before serving.

[BattleNymph]

That sounds really good! I think I just may try that this weekend. Thanks Zayda.

[silverwhisper]

my friend super z don't shiv.

[Hitcher]

Borrow or buy a large cooler chest. Even a good-sized styrofoam one will do. A 10 lb. bag of ice should last two days, allowing you to keep some refrigables on hand like milk - assuming you drink it.

Look for a restaurant supply store in your area. You can pick up packets of ketchup, mayo, etc you can put them in the cupboard and not have to worry about refrigerating them.

There's a ton of things you can do with condensed soup and canned meats like Chicken ala King -

1/4 c butter or marge
1/2 c diced green pepper
1/c c chopped onion
1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
3/4 c milk
2 c cubed chicken (you can use canned chicken, drained)
3/4 c shredded swiss
1/4 c diced pimento (you can do without this)

In a 10-inch skillet, cook green peppers and onions in hot butter until tender. Mix in soup and milk, blend well. Stir in meat, cheese and pimento. Cook about 5 minutes or until heated through.

Serve on noodles, rice, shredded toast or shredded zucchini that's been cooked and drained. Leftovers are great for tomorrow's lunch.

You can use cream of asparagus, tinned ham and cheddar instead, serve on a split baked potato.

And there's a ton of things you can do with canned tuna.

[Zayda]

Speaking of tuna....


Tuna Bonanza

1 can (6 ounces) water-packed tuna, drained
2 tablespoons grated carrot
2 tablespoons finely diced celery
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 slices whole grain bread
1 roasted bell pepper, skin removed

1. Flake the tuna into a bowl.
2. Add the carrot, celery, and 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; combine well.
3. Lightly spread the remaining mayonnaise on the 4 slices of bread.
4. Top 2 slices of bread first with half the tuna salad and then with a roasted red pepper half.
5. Top each with a remaining slice of bread.


**I use less way less mayo than the recipe calls for though. I basically just go by taste so the tuna mix won't be too dry.**

[Zayda]

That sounds really good! I think I just may try that this weekend. Thanks Zayda.


You're most welcome. It makes 6 sandwiches, as is; if you can find a relatively small eggplant it will work for reducing the recipe. Sometimes finding a small eggplant is the biggest challenge.

[Hitcher]

You might find something helpful here -
My Lunch Can Beat Up Your Lunch! (http://www.c4vct.com/kym/bento/faq.htm)
Camping without a Cooler (http://www.daviddfriedman.com/Medieval/Articles/Camping%20without%20a%20cooler.html)(SCA)
Cooler-free Camping (http://www.ostgardr.org/cooking/more.camp.cooking.html)(SCA)
Guidelines for assembling no cook food bags (http://www.foodsafetysite.com/consumers/resources/nocook.html)

[Zayda]

BN--How strict of a vegetarian are you? Do you eat any meats? I am assuming you aren't vegan since you will be eating mozzarella if you try that eggplant recipe.

[Amso]

She can't be that much of a vegetarian because we ate dinner at KFC last time I was over at her place.

And I have to 2nd Hitcher's suggestion of canned chicken. I used to buy it in bulk and live off the stuff. You can eat it hot or cold, throw it in pastas, casseroles, salads, whatever. It's yummy and easy to work with.

[Kalzazz]

Ramen is pretty much refrigeration free and can be cooked on a stove

Also, a personal favorite, get a loaf of bread, cook up a nice batch of boullion and seasoning and eat the bread dipped into it

[BattleNymph]

I"m a very bad vegetarian, let me put it that way. I generally try to only eat fish or eggs if I'm eating meat, but if I want chicken one day, I have chicken. If I want beef one day (rarely but it happens) I have beef. I do eat eggs and cheese. Not vegan at all.

[Zayda]

Thai Noodle Salad

6 - 8 oz. dried vermicelli
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
1 red sweet pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
3 green onions, cut diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish


1. Cook vermicelli according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, broth, peanut butter, lime juice, ginger and crushed red pepper.
3. Cook over medium-low heat until peanut butter is melted.
4. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
5. Stir in cooked chicken, sweet red pepper, green onions and cilantro.
6. Serve with lime wedges.


Nutrition Info
Calories: 230.5
Fat: 6.8 g
Carbohydrates: 24.4 g
Protein: 19.4 g

Serves: 4


If you can stop and get the chicken on your way home from work, this might work since you don't have a fridge.

[BattleNymph]

That looks awesome! I bet it would work good with tofu as well.

[Zayda]

I think it probably would, with relatively firm tofu. You know, I might just have to try making it with tofu now that you've said that. :D

[BattleNymph]

I think it probably would, with relatively firm tofu. You know, I might just have to try making it with tofu now that you've said that. :D

YOu can even buy tofu already shredded and spiced like chicken. It's pretty good. :D

[Zayda]

BN--If you're looking for something snacky and like rice cakes, this is actually good. Two to three of them actually make a good fast meal. But darn it one of the steps is to refrigerate it. :(

Mediterranean-Style Vegetables

10 Quaker® Rice Snacks (your choice)
15oz garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1⁄4c non-fat sour cream
1⁄4t dried basil
1⁄4t dried thyme leaves
1⁄8t black pepper
1⁄8t garlic powder
Chopped red onion and red and yellow peppers (optional)


1. In food processor, puree beans until smooth; transfer to medium bowl.
2. Stir in sour cream and spices; mix well.
3. Cover; refrigerate.
4. Spread 2 tablespoons of bean mixture onto a Quaker White Cheddar Rice Cake.
5. Sprinkle with chopped red onion and chopped red and yellow peppers, if desired.

Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 rice cake with topping
Calories 100, Total Fat 1.5g

[Paulypalooza]

YOu can even buy tofu already shredded and spiced like chicken. It's pretty good. :D

tofu is the work of satan

tofu =
tasteless
offesive
food
unit

[silverwhisper]

however, as alton brown rightly notes, tofu's great merit is that it absorbs flavors like a sonofabitch. it's like a potato that way.

[Paulypalooza]

however, as alton brown rightly notes, tofu's great merit is that it absorbs flavors like a sonofabitch. it's like a potato that way.

I refuse to believe A.B. likes tofu. Alton is beyond reproach. He would never do such a thing.

Also I would like to quote lewis Black on the subject of soy milk
There is no such thing as soy milk because there is no soy cow. Soy milk is really just soy juice

[silverwhisper]

watch the right ep of good eats. my mon AB don't shiv.

[nods emphatically]

[Hitcher]

I refuse to believe A.B. likes tofu. Alton is beyond reproach. He would never do such a thing.

Also I would like to quote lewis Black on the subject of soy milk
There is no such thing as soy milk because there is no soy cow. Soy milk is really just soy juice
Marketing - although any liquid that looks sorta like milk gets called milk. Like Milk of Magnesia. Think that came from a cow?

[Paulypalooza]

watch the right ep of good eats. my mon AB don't shiv.

[nods emphatically]

Damn right he don't shiv! The man's first episode was on preparing ribeye steak in a cast iron skillet.

[BattleNymph]

tofu is the work of satan

tofu =
tasteless
offesive
food
unit

Oh, I bet I could make tofu so you LOVED IT!

And couldnt' tell it was tofu either. :D

[Paulypalooza]

Oh, I bet I could make tofu so you LOVED IT!

And couldnt' tell it was tofu either. :D

I accept your challenge.

[TinSoldier]

Marketing - although any liquid that looks sorta like milk gets called milk. Like Milk of Magnesia. Think that came from a cow?Coconut milk?

[BattleNymph]

Coconut milk?

Doesn't even look like milk unless they add pulped coconut to it. :)

[BattleNymph]

I accept your challenge.

Right as soon as we're in the same location. :)

[Paulypalooza]

Marketing - although any liquid that looks sorta like milk gets called milk. Like Milk of Magnesia. Think that came from a cow?

Milk of Magnesia is not sold as a substitute to cows milk. The makers of soy milk tell you it is good in your coffee, over cereal, even *ick* with cookies.

[Paulypalooza]

Right as soon as we're in the same location. :)

Pffft. I new you would find some way to weasel your way out of this.

[BattleNymph]

Milk of Magnesia is not sold as a substitute to cows milk. The makers of soy milk tell you it is good in your coffee, over cereal, even *ick* with cookies.

Well, it IS good in your tea at least. :D

Although with cookies is a bit much. Did I tell you I make a killer tofu/oatmeal cookie? :mischievous:

[Amso]

Well, it IS good in your tea at least. :D

Although with cookies is a bit much. Did I tell you I make a killer tofu/oatmeal cookie? :mischievous:
You're starting to gross me out

[silverwhisper]

ditto that.

[Paulypalooza]

Well, it IS good in your tea at least. :D

Although with cookies is a bit much. Did I tell you I make a killer tofu/oatmeal cookie? :mischievous:

Tofu confections?

I think I just threw up a little, in my mouth:throwup:

[BattleNymph]

Tofu confections?

I think I just threw up a little, in my mouth:throwup:

You're all a bunch of sissies! They taste just like normal oatmeal cookies but fluffier and more like cake.

Whimps...

[silverwhisper]

yeah. whatever...

[Hitcher]

....Did I tell you I make a killer tofu/oatmeal cookie? :mischievous:
Recipe? ..........

[BattleNymph]

Recipe? ..........

Equipment:
A good ol' fashioned baking sheet

Ingredients
6 oz firm silken tofu (1/2 a package of the vacuum sealed kind)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup soymilk
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
2 cups sugar or sucanat
4 teaspoons molasses
2 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups quick cooking oats
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions
Prehat oven to 350

In a medium bowl, sift together whole wheat pastry flour, oats, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

In a seperate large bowl, cream together peanut butter and sugar with a spatula until well combined, 3 - 5 minutes.

In a blender, crumble the tofu in, add applesauce, soymilk and oil. Whiz on high until completely smooth. Add this mixture to the sugar mixture and cream together until well combined. Beat in the molasses and vanilla. Fold in the oats/flour mixture.

Drop by rounded spoonfulls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten the tops by lightly pressing with a fork in a criss cross pattern. Bake for 15 minutes.

Optional: Fold 1 1/2 cups raisins or semi sweet chocolate chips (or both) into the batter

[Amso]

Tofu and soymilk?

:vomit:

Please don't ever bake them while I'm around.

[BattleNymph]

Tofu and soymilk?

:vomit:

Please don't ever bake them while I'm around.

You know I will now just to prove a point. And I won't tell you until AFTER you eat them. :D


And, thanks to the kindness of BattleDragon I now have a working fridge.


ALL HAIL THE BATTLE DRAGON!!!!

[Paulypalooza]

You know I will now just to prove a point. And I won't tell you until AFTER you eat them. :D


And, thanks to the kindness of BattleDragon I now have a working fridge.


ALL HAIL THE BATTLE DRAGON!!!!

:bowdown: BATTLE DRAGON :bowdown: