As we enter 2011 many of us make resolutions that relate to food and how we eat. More and more of my clients are asking me for easy recipes they can make at home with few ingredients and minimal preparation. I hope you will try a few of my favorites and that your family will enjoy them as much as mine does!

Parmesan Scallops with Asian Vegetables: An easy meal you can prepare in the morning before you head out for the day. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and spray with non stick cooking spray. Place 5 large scallops per person on the sheet with a dot of butter, a drizzle of low sodium soy sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Surround your scallops with fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice–my favorites include japanese eggplant, zucchini, squash, and snap peas. Drizzle vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. You can place your baking sheet in the oven at 375 for 20 min or in the refrigerator to cook later. Serve with brown rice; Trader Joe’s frozen rice that is easily microwaved is a fan favorite in my household.

Chicken Stir Fry with Soba Noodles: Any meal where only one pot needs to be cleaned will always been a winner. All you need to make this dinner a success is chicken strips, a variety of vegetables, and your favorite sauce. My family enjoys a mixture of onions, peppers,pea pods, broccoli, and carrots–if you cannot make it to the supermarket often it is a great idea to keep frozen vegetables in the freezer. Simply turn on the stove, place your chicken in the pot, add your vegetables, and pour on your favorite stir fry sauce. While the food is simmering boil your water and cook the soba noodles.

Broiled Steak with String Beans and Sweet Potatoes: Broiling is often an overlooked cooking technique that is both quick and requires minimal cleaning–most broiling pans are dishwasher safe! Season and place your favorite meat on the broiling pan–and don’t forget to flip your meat! While the meat is cooking use your toaster oven and/or microwave to prepare sweet potatoes–then bake your string beans in olive oil, garlic and slivered almonds.

Happy New Year!