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.
The Weekly Galette 