June 12, 2009 3:03 pm

I Heart Trader Joes, and I'm a Professional Chef

When my husband and I mention that we are both chefs, the reaction of others is always the same, "Wow! You must have great meals in your house!" On the contrary, after cooking all day the last thing that we really tend to think about is what to cook for dinner.

Though we both believe that we should prepare for our family a meal with as much love as we cook for others, there is often one hindrance that gets in the way, time. Plus with the rule in our home being, one cooks while the other cleans, I often find myself getting a jump start on preparing dinner. Luckily we have one "go-to," on hand in our freezer. Yes, I said freezer.

The neighborhood grocer, Trader Joe's sells a product simply called, Mandarin Orange Chicken and this has been a lifesaver for our busy, kids-included household. The contents in the bag are just that, basic chicken and a Mandarin orange sauce. Not only is this a quick alternative to take-out Chinese food, but it's inexpensive, versatile and a little healthier.

During the school year, this can be found on our dinner table at least two nights out of the week. The directions are effortless and the outcome is satisfying. For a family of four very hungry people, one bag is simply not enough. Two bags fills each of us satisfactorily, as well as the brown rice and mixed vegetables that are the usual accompaniments in our house.

I am fully aware that at the end of a long work day, it's easy to say, "let's just order take-out," but with the Mandarin Orange Chicken on hand a "home cooked" meal is mere minutes away, and you can forgo the need to scrounge for tip money.

—Hailee Moore

— Written by Hailee Moore

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