The Weekly Galette

Colder Yet

Temps plummeted this week. On Tuesday we woke up to a balmy -19 degrees, which prompted a metro wide shut down of schools. The girls and I spent the afternoon gleefully lunching with friends and playing Just Dance on the Switch. Not only were the kids home from school on Monday and Tuesday but also Thursday and Friday for the end of the semester. That left just one day of school for the week and I, of course, happened to be on chaperone duty for a class trip. So much for working. And it’s my busy season too! On Thursday, the youngest came down with a respiratory illness and we battled at home boredom for the 4th straight week. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you how many times I’ve played Queens 2 or listened to Apt. by Rose and Bruno Mars. I fear I will never get that song out of my head.

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Merrill’s Chicken Fingers (Alexandra Cooks)

A family favorite. Panko- parmesan crusted boneless chicken thighs baked in the oven. I repeat. Baked in the oven. No splatter – rejoice! The other genius aspect of this recipe is that it eliminates a bowl at the dredging station by combining the egg and flour together in one bowl.

Monday, January 20, 2025

No school in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. – must be pizza night! We picked up Papa Murphy’s after a trip to the mall and pan sautéed a head of chopped cauliflower with a smattering of salt and Aleppo pepper.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Grandma’s Chicken Barley Soup (Food.com)

Nutrient dense and so tasty. Perfect for a cold night. I prefer to reduce the amount of barley to 1/2 cup, to prevent it from soaking up too much liquid, and I often omit the mushrooms. Topped with parmesan and served with pan steamed broccoli and toasted baguette with butter.

Wednesday, January 22, 2015

Spicy Ground Pork & Zucchini Stir-Fry (The Kitchn)

I have the distinct feeling I have made this before and liked it neither time. The sauce was so bitter I had to add two teaspoons of rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to make it palatable. The best part of this meal was a side of sweet potato wedges tossed with olive oil, seasoning, and a squirt of honey. The sweet potatoes roasted at 425 until caramelized and tender.

Thursday, January 24, 2025

Roasted Salmon Tacos (Ina Garten)

Chipotle chili rubbed salmon stuffed into warm corn tortillas with guacamole and slaw. I’ve made this recipe before and loved it. I even wrote, “dinner party worthy,” on my notes. This time, not so much. I blame the quality of my salmon for its lackluster flavor. Ina never lets me down, so I can only assume the mistake was on my end. The slaw, however, is always a stunner. I recommend keeping a batch in the refrigerator at all times. Roasted parsnips and carrots, seasoned with salt and pepper and roasted at 425, rounded out the meal.

Friday, January 25, 2025

Pre-made burger patties griddled straight from the freezer. What a revelation for someone like me! I was forced to buy pre-made patties, because my store was out of organic ground beef, but I regret nothing. This has to be the easiest dinner and a brilliant purchase to have knocking around the freezer for those nights when I don’t feel like cooking. Especially when the only ingredient is 100% grass-fed beef. TGIF!

Breakfast of the Week

Healthy Carrot Muffins (Pinch of Yum)

A blender muffin packed with shredded carrots, oats, and dates. Simple to make and so delicious straight out of the oven with a pat of salted butter and a drizzle of honey tucked inside. These never last long.

January 28, 2025

Breakfast, Chicken, Dinner, food, Hamburger., January 2025, Muffins, Pork, recipe, recipes, Soup
In the Throes

We were in the throes this week. The throes of Minnesota January cold. Beautiful sunsets, but negative temps that kept us confined to the indoors and, of course, sniffles and fevers to add a pinch of insult. Most notably, we watched nearly every episode of Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn on Nickelodeon while recuperating on the couch. It kept us laughing despite the malaise. Also, I almost killed my daughter’s hamster by forgetting to check her water spout after I refilled the bottle earlier in the week. On Friday evening, the poor thing emerged from her burrow with one eye glued shut and a listlessness about her. A swift check of everything in the cage uncovered the culprit. She’s now rehydrated and back to her chipper self but I’m left with the knowledge of what could have been. It’s enough to send an extra shiver down my spine.

Foodwise, the week was a delight!

Monday, January 13th

Sheet Pan Chicken and Cauliflower “Shawarma” – Alexandra’s Kitchen

A family favorite that’s both easy and comforting. Think warmly spiced chicken thigh morsels roasted on one sheet pan alongside onion slivers and cauliflower. We tucked heaping forkfuls into warm naan and topped each bite with a cooling yogurt sauce.

To make the yogurt sauce, simply mix plain whole milk yogurt with lemon juice and salt to taste.

Greek Salad (Traditional Horiatiki Recipe) – Mediterranean Dish

Hands down the best dish I made all week. A salad of crisp cucumbers, green pepper, and onion with creamy feta and an oregano spiked vinaigrette.

Tuesday, January 14th

Southern Beef Stew – Paula Dean

This is an old favorite that was once filed away in the Food Network archives. We like it best without potatoes and a sprinkle of cloves as opposed to all spice. Add more water to the pan as needed.

This was devoured with a green salad and diced potatoes roasted with salt and pepper.

Wednesday, January 15th

One- Pot Rice and Beans – Ali Slagle (New York Times Cooking)

Rice and beans. One of the most satisfying dinners ever with a dollop of sour cream and a a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Simply Sautee one onion in olive oil until translucent. Add 1 cup rinsed white basmati rice, 2 cups chicken stock, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 can of beans – your choice! Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over a low simmer for 18-20 minutes.

Served with a side of roasted sweet potato wedges.

Thursday, January 16th

Weeknight Skillet Lasagna (The Kitchn)

The easiest “lasagna” with pan steamed broccoli and a green salad with vinaigrette and croutons.

Also, Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookies to lighten the mood.

Friday, January 17th

Frozen pizza, edamame, and guacamole with veggies. Inspiration was lacking tonight. Sadly, we used to love this brand of pizza but it’s no longer as good as it used to be. We tossed most of it in the garbage and ate extra cookies.

Make Ahead Breakfast of the Week

Baked Oatmeal With Berries and Almonds – Melissa Clark (New York Times Cooking)

January 19, 2025

food, health, nutrition, recipe, recipes

Colder Yet

In the Throes