Weeknight Rescue // Week 5 // February 2020

Welcome to the weekend, friends. For those of you gearing up for the big game, I’ve got a whole line-up of recipes, which you’ll find here. In the meantime, below you’ll find the menu for the week!

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN MARBELLA

This is a longtime classic from the Silver Palate Cookbook, only adapted for the slow cooker. It’s honestly a good one to make for company, but doable during the week as well. If I have leftovers, I’ll turn it into a second meal by shredding the chicken a bit and spooning everything over egg noodles or farro. As for vegetables, I’d suggest doing a big sheet pan of your favorite roasted roots: fennel, carrots, onion, squash, sweet potatoes, you name it.

CRISPY AVOCADO TACOS

Corn tortillas, Cheddar cheese, avocado, crunchy lettuce, salsa. That’s it, yet these tacos do not disappoint. It’s all about getting some crisp in your tortillas in a hot skillet. If you’ve got kids who aren’t so keen on the green stuff, leave it out or add a spoonful of black or pinto beans instead (which alway make an excellent side dish in addition to this colorful slaw).

SPAGHETTI SQUASH LASAGNA

A winter favorite that I can’t seem to get enough of. You’ll find no pasta in this lasagna, just layers of cooked spaghetti squash, tomato sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. The effect satisfies everyone’s craving for Italian flavors, just a whole lot lighter and veggie-packed. I like to heat up a baguette and serve that on the side along with a green salad.

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

A bowl of delicious comfort, that’s what this soup is all about. It’s got all the basics of a standard chicken soup, but with a powerhouse of flavor thanks to lime, cilantro and a hit of heat. No sides needed here, though a crumble of cotija cheese over the top is a nice touch.

SPAGHETTI WITH BUTTER, EGG AND CHEESE

This is about as simple as it gets when it comes to getting dinner on the table. One pot and just a few ingredients, it’s foolproof and delicious. Blanched broccoli tossed with olive oil and equal parts lemon juice and balsamic vinegar makes a quick side. Tip: blanch the broccoli in the same boiling water you plan to cook the pasta (scoop out the cooked broccoli with a slotted spoon, then cook the pasta).

HEALTHY BREAKFAST COOKIES

Cookies? For breakfast? Yes! These are hearty and wholesome and perfect for a quick morning meal along with a glass of cold milk or cup of tea.
A KALE SALAD KIDS WILL LOVE

This is a salad hearty enough to make ahead and use for a few days alongside supper or as part of lunch (just add chicken or chick peas for a protein boost).
SHOPPING LIST // WEEK 5
Slow Cooker Chicken Marbella
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup pitted prunes
1/4 cup pitted Spanish green olives
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons garlic
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white wine
Crispy Avocado Tacos
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
8 corn tortillas
Favorite salsa, taco sauce, or sriracha
2 ripe avocados
8 crunchy light-green leaves of Romaine
Lime wedges
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
1 large spaghetti squash (~3 1/2 pounds)
3 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic
1 can (28-ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 container (15-ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 large egg
5 ounces baby spinach
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim Mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Parsley for garnish (optional)
Chicken Tortilla Soup
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion
2 large cloves garlic
5 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 1/2 pounds skinless, bone-in chicken breasts
4 corn tortillas
3 large carrots
2 1/2 cups red cabbage (~1/3 of a head)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (2-3 limes)
1/4 cup cilantro
1/2 to 1 tablespoon jalapeno pepper
1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
Avocado for garnish (optional)
Spaghetti with Butter, Egg and Cheese
1 pound spaghetti
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan)
Breakfast Cookies
Non-stick cooking spray for greasing pan
1 large banana
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pepitas
1/4 cup cacao nibs (or mini dark chocolate chips)
1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
A Kale Salad Kids Will Love
6 cups kale
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Bragg Liquid Aminos
2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil or extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large onion
2 carrots
1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds (salted or unsalted)
1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (salted or unsalted)
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