Everyone has their favorite foods and recipes. But after prepping the same meal a hundred times, sometimes we need some inspiration to keep things interesting.
Stonerail Market’s Chef Kayla Thompson attended Thrive Dover 2024, with cooking supplies and a lot of expertise. This downtown Dover restaurant gave a demo on tasty, easy-to-make meals.
“What can we do that’s fast and not too time consuming?” said owner Theresa Owens earlier in the week, as she brainstormed some veggie-centric recipes to share.
The key to cooking were two dishes that people can modify however they want. A hearty microwave rice bowl can be served with warm, sauteed vegetables. A cold sandwich wrap can use the same mixture of chilled toppings, with a rich layer of hummus to make it more filling.
“It doesn’t take long to make, and it’s good for adults who just need something quick,” Owens said. Maybe you pre-cook the vegetables so they’re ready to toss in a meal. Maybe you buy flavorful packets of microwavable rice to speed things up.
“We mix it all together and … that can take less than 30 minutes,” she said.
For each person, the magic in the variety—and in little recipe tweaks. Just one or two interesting ingredients can really punch up a standard meal.
“In most of our gourmet sandwiches, there’s just one extra little thing we add to it,” Owens said. “When you’re at home cooking for yourself, don’t shy away from adding an extra ingredient that you normally wouldn’t eat.”
For instance, avocado is really healthy, but guacamole can feel like a whole production. Instead, “We do avocado BLTs. In the summer it’s fresh, or in winter it’s an avocado paste,” Owens said.
“In our grilled cheese, we add mushroom. You got get your daily intake [of protein or vegetable], and when you eat it how we blend it, it’s delicious.”
Slices of hardboiled egg is another sandwich topping at Stonerail Market. Pesto mayo adds another savory spin.
“It’s just a matter of finding what the person likes, or what the person needs because of health restrictions ... so it’s just a matter of finding new ways to pep up a dish.
What will a dash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar do to your favorite soup? Imagine bottled barbecue sauce with an extra dash of black pepper, cayenne, sesame oil or garlic.
Will you cook with oil or butter? Will you season with salt, pepper or a rich blackening seasoning? Play with ingredients that fit your tastebuds and dietary needs.
“If people are watching what they eat, they can take regular chicken, boil it, shred it, and whenever they want to—have a different type of meal,” Owens said. Mix it with spice for a salad. Add sauce for a barbecue sandwich.
“I just call myself a creative cook, but we have Chef Kayla who’s amazing and Chef Jackson, who’s in training,” Owens said. “I like cooking, and I love feeding people, I guess it’s the customer service in me.
Stonerail Market is a women-owned market at 25 W. Loockerman Street, Dover, Del. Learn more at (302) 554-0058 and StonerailMarket.com .
“It’s exciting, family-oriented, community-oriented, and I think we’re just a nice positive atmosphere,” Owens said.
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