Weeknight Rescue // August 2020 // Week 33

I’m excited about this week’s menu, especially since I pulled out a few recipes that you may not have seen in a while. And if you’re interested in seeing how I pull together my Fattoush Salad, check out my Weeknight Rescue cooking demo on Instagram this Wednesday.

MUSSELS IN WHITE WINE & GARLIC

A big pan of garlicky mussels and a good baguette for sopping up all the juices always feels like a celebration at the table to me. Just add a generous salad and dinner is done. If you’ve got an outdoor table and the weather cooperates, bring the whole affair outside and pretend you’re feasting seaside along the Mediterranean.

FRESH SUMMER VEGETABLE PASTA

It feels like no accident that tomatoes, corn, and zucchini grow and thrive during the same season, since they cook up deliciously together. The tomatoes are a must here to make a proper sauce, but feel free to scale the other vegetables up or down depending on what’s in your fridge or garden and what you love most.  

LOADED CHICKEN QUESADILLAS WITH AVOCADO SALSA

These quesadillas are a good way to use up leftover chicken or repurpose a rotisserie chicken from the store. Pair quesadilla wedges with a plate of crunchy veggies and a simple guacamole (1 avocado smashed with a few teaspoons lime juice, a tablespoon of minced onion, and a pinch of salt).

MIDDLE EASTERN-STYLE LAMB PIZZA

This may not be your ordinary margarita pie, but it is tasty. It starts with whole-grain naan that you top with a savory blend of onions, ground lamb, spices, and diced tomatoes. Fresh mint and quick pickled red onions make a bright finish. Feel free to make it in the oven or fire up your grill and get the job done there.

FATTOUSH SALAD

I’m borrowing from the cuisine of the Middle East in this recipe as well. I consider this the Lebanese version of Italy’s panzanella. It’s a generous, crunchy salad with toasted pita tossed in and a lemony, garlic-spiked dressing. Serve it as a side or make it a main by adding a can of chickpeas or sliced chicken breast.

EASY EGG-IN-A-BAGEL BREAKFAST

Egg-in-a-hole toast has always been a hit with my kids, so they love this spin on the idea using a bagel instead of sliced bread. Add fresh tomato wedges, sautéed spinach, or ripe avocado to the plate for a bump of color and nutrition.

BLENDER WATERMELON JUICE

I’vee been blending watermelon weekly and stowing a little pitcher in the fridge for a refreshing pick-me-up. The juice doubles as a great mixer come cocktail hour as well. Delicious, especially when you get a good sweet watermelon.