Weekly Meal Plan

I've challenged myself to branch out and try new recipes this year. I would like to think that I can manage at least one new recipe a week. If all goes according to plan, this is what I will be having for dinner this week.

Sunday

Brussels Sprouts Tacos with Caramelized Shallot Salsa

From How Sweet It Is

This is one of my favorite recipes. I ended up added shrimp since I had some on hand. You can also save a ton of time by using a packaged brussels sprout salad bag. 

Monday/Tuesday

Chicken Fajitas from Simply Recipes

Wednesday

Steak with roasted kalettes and cauliflower "mashed potatoes"

From Steamy Kitchen

Thursday

Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad

From Two Peas and Their Pod

I have dinner plans but will be making this for lunch.

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

From Nicholas Sparks' website: A chance encounter on a rain swept road will alter the course of both Colin and Maria's lives, challenging deeply held assumptions about each other and ultimately, themselves.  As love unexpectedly takes hold between them, they dare to envision what a future together could possibly look like . . . until menacing reminders of events in Maria's past begin to surface.

2. Eating:

Kalettes = a kale and Brussels sprouts hybrid.
You can roast, steam, microwave, or eat them raw.

3. Listening to:

Adele's Hello
All. The. Feels.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

This Chopped Fall Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette from Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers. Bacon, brie, butternut squash. What more do you need? I had this twice for dinner last week with salmon instead of chicken. It was so good!

5. Things making me laugh:

These 16 Texts Long Distance Sisters Send to Each Other

Thanksgiving doesn't get enough love in my opinion.

Happy Friday!

What I Baked on Sunday

This is my new favorite salmon recipe. It comes together in no time and is just as good leftover. Make the recipe for dinner one night and then have the leftovers for lunch. You can also easily divide or multiply this recipe depending on the number of people you are feeding.

Salmon with Dill Sauce
Recipe from Full Moon, High Tide

source

Salmon
2 1/2 - 3 pounds whole salmon fillet, skinned
1/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup sherry
1/4 cup Parmesan
1/8-1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup small capers, rinsed and drained
Dill sprigs and grape tomatoes for garnish

• Coat salmon with mayo and set aside.
• Combine milk and sherry in 9x13 glass casserole dish; place salmon in dish.
• Sprinkle salmon with Parmesan, dill and capers. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
• Place fish on serving platter. Garnish with dill sprigs and grape tomatoes.

Dill Sauce
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
1/2-1 teaspoon horseradish
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

• Combine sour cream and remaining ingredients, mixing well. Serve sauce chilled or at room temperature on the side.

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

I started this last night and I am already 100 pages in! 

From Amazon: From the acclaimed author of Forever, Interrupted and After I Do comes a breathtaking new novel about a young woman whose fate hinges on the choice she makes after bumping into an old flame; in alternating chapters, we see two possible scenarios unfold—with stunningly different results.

2. Eating:

Talenti. It was on sale at Publix this week. No buyer's remorse here! 

3. Listening to:

Vance Joy's Fire and the Flood

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

source

Southern Living's Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce. We made these for dinner on Wednesday night with roasted green beans and potatoes. It's an easy weeknight meal.

5. Things making me laugh:

Unless it's Talenti!

Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Watching:

Sara and I watched this on Sunday night. It's pretty silly but I needed a laugh and I can't resist a young adult novel turned movie. 

2. Eating:

I blame my mom for getting me addicted to Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee. Thankfully it only comes in small packages or I would need some serious self control.

3. Listening to:

Rachel Platton's Fight Song
The perfect summer anthem.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

Averie Cooks Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

The perfect summer pasta salad. 

5. Things making me laugh:
Outtakes from last week's beach trip.

Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life–dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge–he follows. After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues–and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.

2. Eating:

It's a good thing this is a limited batch because I have no self control around Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Half Baked.

3. Listening to:

Mumford and Sons "Believe"

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

source

Inspiralized's Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai

5. Things I'm loving:

Be the tortoise, not the hare

Happy Friday!

What I Baked on Sunday

Easter Edition

These Coconut Macaroon Nests are the perfect addition to your Easter spread. Press the mixture into mini muffin tins to create bite-size baskets for your favorite Easter candies. For a chocolate version, fill each basket two-thirds full with melted chocolate before adding candies. 

Coconut-Macaroon Nests
Recipe from Martha Stewart Living

Ingredients 
Cooking Spray
4 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 package (14 ounces) sweetened flaked coconut
1 package mini Cadbury eggs or your favorite Easter candy

Directions 

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Coat mini muffin tins with cooking spray.
• In a bowl, stir together egg whites and salt with a fork; mix in coconut. Drop 2 tablespoons of mixture into prepared tins.
• Lightly press mixture into bottom and up sides of each cup. Bake until light golden on top, about 28-30 minutes. 
• Let cool in tins on wire rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the sides to loosen. Lift out of cups; let cool completely. 
• To serve, fill nests with 2-3 mini Cadbury eggs. 

The Friday Five

1. Watching:

I started watching State of Affairs on the NBC app this week. It's Scandal-esque in nature and I was hooked after the first episode. 

2. Eating:

These things are delicious and addicting. One of my roommates in DC used to eat them all the time. I bought my first box last weekend and will definitely be getting more.

3. Listening to:

Jason Derulo "Want to Want Me"
Catchy song, weird video.
I apologize in advance for getting this song stuck in your head.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Broccolini with Mustard Cream Sauce. 

I'm sure you could lighten this recipe up (or not depending on your mood).

5. Things I'm loving:

The sunrises this week:

His mercies are new every morning. - Lamentations 3:23

This quote:

Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

Reading this book is like sitting down to visit with a best friend. It's good for the soul. I borrowed it from the library but want my own copy to mark up and cook from.

From Amazon: Bread & Wine is a collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. This mix of Anne Lamott and Barefoot Contessa is a funny, honest, and vulnerable spiritual memoir. Bread & Wine is a celebration of food shared, reminding readers of the joy found in a life around the table. It’s about the ways God teaches and nourishes people as they nourish the people around them.

2. Eating:

On Sunday I felt like baking so I made this Healthy Cinnamon Coffee Cake. I've been eating it for breakfast with plain greek yogurt and berries.

3. Listening to:

Neal Carpenter's album Good Guys
My favorite songs are Line in the Sand, Dance, and Good Guys.
He just so happens to be going on tour with Steve Moakler.
Sadly, they aren't coming anywhere near Sparkle City.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

Mushroom Barley Soup from Two Peas and Their Pod. 

I've been craving soup with all this cold weather (see below).

5. Things making me laugh:

It's crazy to think that this dress has caused such a stir on the internet. 

Clearly it is white and gold!

Happy Friday!

Weekly Meal Plan

For the first time in a long time I don't have plans every night this week. I am looking forward to heading home after work and spending time in the kitchen. I bought a Spiralizer a few days ago and am excited to put it to use. If all goes according to plan, here's what I'll be eating this week:

Monday 

Ginger Seared Salmon in Miso Broth with Jalapeno-Scallion Relish and Zucchini Noodles

From Inspiralized

Tuesday

 Seared Mahi Mahi with Zesty Basil Butter

Served with brown rice and roasted green beans

Wednesday

 Eggplant Noodles topped with spaghetti sauce 

Thursday

Zucchini Spaghetti, Crispy Prosciutto and Roasted Cauliflower

From Inspiralized

I made this two weeks ago and it was incredible. 

Fun Facts Friday

1) I impulsed bought some dried apricots at the store on Sunday and have enjoyed snacking on them all week. Random, I know.

2) I finally upgraded my phone. I went from the 4 to the 6 and it was long overdue. The customer service at Verizon was incredible.

3) I've been cooking up a storm in my new kitchen and entertaining a ton. I've loved having people over for happy hour and dinner. I can't wait until it is warm enough to enjoy my porch.

4) If you need an easy weeknight meal for a crowd consider making Ina Garten's Linguine with Shrimp Scampi. I made it for Bible Study this week and it was a hit. Add a salad and some bread or serve it over arugula with roasted tomatoes.

4) One of my new favorite traditions is Pancake Saturday. This is my new go to recipe: 2 eggs, 1/3 cup oats, cinnamon and a splash of vanilla. Spray pan with cooking spray and heat to medium high heat. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and pour into the prepared pan. Cook until edges begin to harden, flip, and cook for 2 more minutes. Top with fruit and syrup to serve.

5) I think I may have finally found a church home. I'm going to go a few more times before officially joining but I have a good feeling about this one.

6) The warm weather over the weekend was such a tease. I'm ready for spring!

7) I've spent the past two Saturdays running a ton of errands on the west side of town. Even though I need to take something back, I am thankful to not be heading that way tomorrow.

8) I watched So You Said Yes on the Hallmark Channel and fell in love with the male lead. Now I just need for my real life Sam to appear.

9) I realize that I am super late to this bandwagon but I started listening to Serial and am hooked. It's been my go to entertainment this week while on the treadmill.

10) I tried to register for the 8k that I am supposed to be running yesterday and Eventbrite shutdown during my transaction. I'm not quite sure what the universe is trying to tell me.

Happy Friday!

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

I just ordered this and am excited for it to arrive.

From Amazon: From the author of Blue Like Jazz comes a book about the risk involved in choosing to impress fewer people and connect with more, about the freedom that comes when we stop acting and start loving. It is a story about knocking down old walls to create a healthy mind, a strong family, and a satisfying career. And it all feels like a conversation with the best kind of friend: smart, funny, true, important.

2. Eating:

Roasted Coconut Chips from Trader Joes. I've been sprinkling them on my almond butter banana toast in the morning. I also added some into my green smoothie today. It was so good!

3. Listening to:

Vance Joy's "Mess is Mine"
I've been listening to him in preparation for seeing him open for Taylor Swift in June. I love this song but the official music video is bizarre.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

Cauliflower Rice Veggie Lettuce Cups with Sriracha Peanut Sauce from veggieandthebeastfeast.com. All of my favorite things in one dish!

5. Things making me laugh:

Jimmy Fallon has been on point this week with this Saved by the Bell reunion. 

 

I was pulling for the Patriots on Sunday but this was too funny not to share.

Happy Friday!

What I Baked on Sunday

Another Cookie Recipe

As soon as your Christmas food coma passes, make these! You will not be disappointed. Self restraint is required since the batter is just as good as the final product. (This e-card sums up my thoughts on eating cookie dough fairly well). Note to the baker, read the whole recipe before starting. I had my oven preheated and ready to go when I realized that the batter needed to sit for two hours. My afternoon project turned into a late night in the kitchen.

Truffles Cookies

Ingredients 
4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions

• Melt unsweetened chocolate, butter, and 1 cup chocolate chips in a 1-quart heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Cool.
• Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
• Beat together sugar, eggs, and vanilla with an electric mixer until pale and frothy, about two minutes. Mix in melted chocolate mixture and then flour mixture at low speed until combined well. Stir in remaining cup of chocolate chips. 
• Chill covered, until firm, about 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
• Roll heaping teaspoons of dough into 1-inch balls with dampened hands and arrange 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake in batches in middle of oven until puffed and set, about 10 minutes (cookies will be soft in the center). Transfer to racks to cool. 

Yield: Approximately 6 dozen cookies.

What I Baked on Sunday

Easy Appetizer 

Whipped Feta is my new go to for an appetizer. It comes together in under five minutes and is a crowd pleaser. I made it for the first time a few weeks ago and then made another batch last night to take to a dinner tonight.

Whipped Feta 
Recipe from How Sweet Eats

Ingredients 
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled and at room temperature
3 ounces whipped cream cheese, at room temperature

Directions

• Add crumbled feta to a food processor and pulse until small crumbles remain.
• Add in cream cheese and puree for 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides when necessary, until feta is super creamy.
• Serve as desired. I topped mine with cracked pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

The Friday Five

1. Watching:

Thanks to Hallmark, I've finally found another Christmas movie that rivals Christmas Kiss. I think I like it so much because I can relate to the main character. Watch it if you can.  

2. Eating:

Coconut flakes. On everything including toast with almond butter, banana slices, and cinnamon as well as mixed into plain yogurt with blueberries.

3. Listening to:

Michael Buble's "Cold December Night"

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

source

Averie Cooks Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies because I love the salty sweet combo.

5. Things making me laugh:

Get it?

Staching through the snow!

Happy Friday!