Do you have a severe lack of skills in the kitchen? Unfortunately, not everyone has the natural ability to throw ingredients together to yield a tasty masterpiece; however, I have a solution for those of us who lack culinary finesse! If you’re tired of stove-top Ramen and Hot Pockets, then get ready to wow your stomach with these simple recipes!

Homemade Pizza

1 package pizza dough
1 jar pizza sauce (tomato puree works, too – and it’s cheaper!)
grated cheddar cheese
toppings of your choice (pineapple, onions, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, etc.)
Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste

To prepare: If the pizza dough comes in a package, prepare it according to the instructions (usually you just add water, then knead it). If it comes in a tube (like biscuits), then you just have to roll it out. To do this, just sprinkle a bit of flour on the (clean) counter top, roll the dough with a rolling pin. If you don’t have a rolling pin, use a round glass or do as best as you can with your palms. If you prefer a truly deep dish pizza, then leave your dough about half an inch thick. If you like it a little thinner, roll it out until it’s 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a greased cookie sheet. Preheat the oven according to the temperature on the pizza dough packet.

Next is the sauce. Spread the sauce over the dough – as much or as little as you like! Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on top, then a little of the grated cheese. Throw on your toppings (ground beef and sausage need to be browned in a skillet beforehand), then coat with more cheese. Sprinkle a bit more Italian seasoning, then pop it in the oven. Use the cooking time on the pizza dough as a guide, but keep an eye on it. The pizza will be ready when the crust has turned golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

1 package Knorr “Pasta Sides” Alfredo (or you can just buy a cheap jar of Alfredo sauce and a package of noodles)
1 cup broccoli
1 cup grilled chicken breast strips (frozen kind works fine as long as it’s fully cooked)
salt and pepper to taste

If you opt for the jar sauce and noodles: boil some water in a pot, add the noodles, and cook for about 8 – 10 minutes. Heat the sauce in a saucepan on a medium heat.

If you chose the packaged Alfredo, just prepare is per the directions on the package.

Fill a small saucepan about half full of water and put on the stove to boil. Chop most of the stems from the broccoli (I like to leave about 1/2 an inch of stem on mine), then chuck in the pan of boiling water.

When the noodles are done, strain them. Toss a spoonful of butter into the pot and return the noodles to it (this keeps them from sticking). Check on the sauce – is it piping hot? If so, add it to the noodles and mix it well.

The broccoli should be done after about 8 – 10 minutes of boiling. Test a piece to make sure the texture is to your liking, then strain the broccoli and add to the noodles. In a microwaveable bowl, heat the chicken in the microwave until steaming hot, then add to the noodles. Give it all a good mix and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Tuna Salad

1 can tuna (drained)
3 cups wide egg noodles
1/2 cup mayonnaise (real mayo, not miracle whip)
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/2 can corn
4 spoonfuls relish

Boil the noodles in a pan of water for about 10 minutes, or until fully cooked. Strain them and rinse with cold water to cool them. Throw the noodles in a large container (preferably one with a lid). Mix in all the ingredients together, stirring well. Cover and refrigerate. (It makes a lot, but this lasts a few days in the fridge, so you can munch on it whenever you’re feeling peckish.)

By: Patrick Carpen