Who doesn’t like a win-win? Leeni’s favorite thing to play right now is Spa. I’m thrilled. Spa involves me sitting in front of her mirror reading books and magazines while she brushes my hair and stiles it. Could anything be more win-win? You know what else is a win win? Outsourcing dinner components when the girls are in the mood to help. This is something my natural urge wants to fight against at all costs, but when I give in it’s usually the right move. On Sunday night, Nola made salad vinaigrette all by herself. It’s a life skill I’m glad she’s yearning to learn, and she’s getting good at it! I know there was champagne vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and yogurt, but I couldn’t tell you what else went into her concoction. Leeni also wanted to help and we were nearing the end of dinner prep, so I gave her softened butter, honey, salt, and cinnamon to make “fancy butter” for rolls. She whipped and tasted until it was perfect. Win-win all around!
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Baked Chicken and Veggies (The Kitchn)
A super speedy, throw in every veggie you’ve got, type of dinner. We used broccoli, purple sweet potatoes, onions, and orange peppers.
Monday, February 24, 2025
Turkey Meatloaf with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Giada DeLaurentis)
A flavorful turkey meatloaf with Italian flare. We ate ours with Granny’s Roasted Spuds via Curtis Stone and spinach topped with Nola’s leftover vinaigrette.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Soy-glazed Chicken (Smitten Kitchen)
We had exactly 50 minutes to get dinner on the table and eat tonight before a conference at Leeni’s school. This recipe was certainly quick and easy to make but left a bit to be desired. I think we needed the black vinegar here, as Deb suggests. to add extra stress, Nola was determined to make sushi with smoked salmon using this How to Make Sushi Without a Mat recipe and she wouldn’t take no for answer. We went for it and, I have to say, this was the real star of dinner! Steamed broccoli on the side.
Wednesday, February 25, 2025
Steak Fajitas (Add a pinch)
Steak fajitas with guacamole, sour cream, and canned black beans. I made a quick slaw by thinly slicing red cabbage and massaging it with a scoop of plain yogurt mixed with white vinegar and salt to taste.
Thursday, February 26, 2025
A riff on Colu Henry’s Creamy White Beans with Herb Oil
A big production felt unnecessary tonight, as Leeni and I were on our own for dinner. To make the beans, I sliced two garlic cloves and added them to a pan with swirl of olive oil. This cooked over medium-low heat for one minute until softened. I then added two cans of drained white beans, salt, and pepper. As the recipe suggests, I let the beans cook for three minutes to meld the flavors. I then smashed half the beans with the back of a spoon and added 1/2 cup chicken stock. I let this simmer for about three minutes and then adjusted the seasoning. We ate the beans, topped with store-bought pesto, and zucchini. For the zucchini, I sautéed one chopped zucchini in olive oil and topped it with a squeeze of lemon, salt, and fresh parsley.
Weekend Treat
Best-Ever Fudgy (Shiny-Topped!) Homemade Brownies (Fine Cooking via Alexandra’s Kitchen)
The best brownie recipe, in my opinion. Especially when served warm with Haagen Dazs coffee chip ice cream.
The Weekly Galette 