Sometimes It’s OK To Cheat

Sometimes, in cooking at least, it’s OK to cheat a little. As you know, I much prefer making my own things from scratch, and I do most of the time too, but every now and then I get pressed for time and have a backup plan. But on those rare occasions that I do cheat and use something premade, I always enhance it and doctor it up. I always make it my own. ALWAYS!

We had some frozen Indian butter chicken from Costco in the freezer. Larry pulled it down and wanted it for dinner. It’s not bad on its own. But I made it much better. The original package had way more sauce than chicken, and no vegetables. I added more chicken and a bunch of vegetables, a dash of yogurt, more curry and turned it into something completely different.

My additions included more chicken, a few colorful tomatoes and peppers, still from Janet & Bob’s garden, green beans and red onion, as well as about 2 TBSP of yogurt, 1 TBSP of curry and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes. Much better! 🙂

I sauteed the peppers and onions in olive oil and butter for about 5 minutes.

I boiled the green beans, then cut them into pieces about 1 inch long and added them and the chicken to the vegetable mix. Then I added the Costco version, the tomatoes, yogurt, red pepper flakes and curry and mixed everything together well.

I brought it all to a boil, then reduced the heat to a simmer and continued to cook until everything was completely heated, for about 5-7 minutes. My final addition was about 2 TBSP of my Bella La Crema Bella La Crema wildflower butter right at the end of the cooking process to finish the sauce.

And Voila! Isn’t this version much better than the plain, boring original version? I certainly think so. 🙂

I served it over rice and added some pita bread on the side. I didn’t have naan bread, but in a pinch, pita bread is a good substitute for naan bread. And to make the meal complete, some good, chilled white wine. Delicious! 🙂

So like I said earlier, sometimes, it’s OK to cheat a little. But if you do cheat, add enough of your own style and personality so no one will know, and make it your own. 🙂

Have a great day and make everyday great. Life is short. Live life to the fullest and make the most out of everyday no matter what you do. Enjoy the ride. ‘Til next time.