You’ll find lots of crunch and color in this week’s menu, not to mention a recipe for one of my favorite cookies. Enjoy!
CHEESY TEX MEX SKILLET SUPPER
This is always a crowd pleaser in our house. It’s a mess of Tex Mex flavors done in a single skillet. Serve with tortilla chips for scooping plus a crunchy salad or slaw.
SPRING VEGETABLE FLATBREAD PIZZA
I pull this out every spring when asparagus and peas come into season. It’s quick to pull together (especially if you use store-bought pesto) and marries fresh mint, lemon zest, goat cheese, and plenty of veggies.
PORK TENDERLOIN LETTUCE WRAPS W/ GINGER LIME DRESSING
These lettuce wraps are like little tacos with Vietnamese flavors and a killer ginger lime dressing to finish. Since they’re pretty light on the appetite, you might want to add a side of brown basmati rice or a favorite Asian noodle tossed with fish sauce, sesame oil, and sliced scallions. Folks who don’t eat pork, swap in chicken thighs. Vegetarians could use firm or extra-firm tofu.
WARM SPINACH SALAD WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND SOFT EGG
Gently cooked spinach with a balsamic splash, crispy bacon, and a soft egg are enough to make a light supper. Serve with a crusty baguette for soaking up that oozy yolk.
SPAGHETTI WITH BUTTER, EGG, AND CHEESE
This is about as easy 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).
CHINESE CHICKENLESS SALAD
This is a flavorful, nourishing salad that’s makes a great desk or school lunch or a light supper. Assembly is pretty darn quick, especially if you prep the cabbage and veggies ahead of time.
COWBOY COOKIES
If you’re like me and appreciate a cookie packed with goodies, this one’s for you. It’s both wholesome and decadent, made with oats, nut butter, chocolate, coconut, dried fruits, seeds, and nuts. Make a batch of dough and freeze half for a rainy day. Bake the rest to tuck in the pantry for when a sweet tooth strikes.
SHOPPING LIST // WEEK 16
Cheesy Tex Mex Skillet Supper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow or red onion
2 teaspoons ground chili powder
Pinch red chili flakes
2 large cloves garlic
½ pound ground beef
2 medium zucchinis
1 cup uncooked corn kernels
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 ½ cups cooked black beans
1 medium lemon
3 ounces grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Corn tortillas for serving
Spring Vegetable Flatbread Pizza
6 scallions (about 1 bunch)
1 1/3 cups asparagus
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2/3 cup fresh or frozen English peas
Pinch salt
Two 8×10-inch pieces whole-wheat or white lavash bread
¼ cup basil pesto
3 to 4 ounces fresh goat cheese
1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh mint
Pork Tenderloin Lettuce Wraps with Ginger Lime Dressing
1/2 cup lime juice (4 to 5 limes)
1/2 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce or other favorite hot sauce
2 tablespoons fresh ginger
1 pound pork tenderloin
1 1/2 cups mung bean sprouts
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 English cucumber
1/4 cup roasted, salted peanuts
1/3 bunch fresh cilantro
1 large head butter lettuce or Romaine lettuce
Warm Spinach Salad with Crispy Prosciutto and Egg
4 thin slices prosciutto
4 eggs
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot
1 large clove garlic
1 pound fresh spinach (not baby spinach)
1-2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Spaghetti with Butter, Egg and Cheese
1 pound spaghetti
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan)
Vegetarian Chinese Chickenless Salad
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 large carrot
½ cup cooked edamame
8 ounces baked tofu
3 green onions
¼ cup cilantro
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 ½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
¼ cup crispy wonton strips or toasted nuts or peanuts
Cowboy Cookies
1 stick (4 ounces) butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup almond butter (or cashew, peanut or sunflower)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
1 cup rolled or quick oats
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons hemp (or chia or flax seeds)
1/2 cup dried cherries (or dried cranberries or dried apricots)