With both Christmas and Hanukkah in the coming week, it’s going to be a big one for most of us and I’ve got a meal plan custom-made for it. You’ll find a few simple, everyday recipes as well as special occasion dishes for the holidays.
HEALTHY EVERYTHING BAKED CHICKEN
This has become a staple for nights when I want something simple and on the lighter side. Pair it with a salad or veggies, and add baked or roast potatoes for a little more substance.
WEEKEND HUEVOS RANCHEROS
Our annual Christmas morning tradition is centered around this big, flavorful pan of Mexican-style eggs. If you’ve already got that meal covered, it also works well for a weeknight supper.
RED LENTIL COCONUT CURRY SOUP
It’s always good to have a comforting pot of soup on the stove this time of year and this is a good one if you’ve got company staying over the holidays. It’s both vegan and gluten-free, so it’s suitable for folks with dietary restrictions.
TURKEY TACO SALAD WITH TACO LIME DRESSING
In our house, this counts as a crowd pleaser. Serve on its own, or add a side of guacamole and chips.
MUSSELS IN WHITE WINE & GARLIC
Plunk down a big pan of mussels, a salad, and a crusty baguette, and dinner is done. If you’re trying to coax a kid into embracing mussels, try serving them over spaghetti and see what happens.
DARK CHOCOLATE ALMOND BARK
Here’s a last minute idea for holiday food gifts. Dark chocolate bark takes no time to make is endlessly adaptable depending on the nuts and dried fruits in your pantry.
RASPBERRY BUTTERMILK COFFEE CAKE
Make this as one big coffee cake, or do individual cakes like the ones pictured here. The recipe calls for frozen raspberries, but can easily be done with roughly chopped cranberries for a seasonal twist.
SHOPPING LIST // WEEK 51
Everything Baked Chicken
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 lemon
3 tablespoons Everything bagel spice blend
Weekend Huevos Rancheros
6 bacon slices
1 medium onion
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 chipotle Chile en adobo
1 tablespoon lime juice
2/3 cup cilantro
8 eggs
8 corn or small flour tortillas
1 cup coarsely grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Avocado or sour cream for serving (optional)
Red Lentil Coconut Curry Soup
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon fresh ginger
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (32 ounce box)
One 13.5-ounce can light coconut milk
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red curry paste
1 1/4 cups split red lentils
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce (or 3/4 teaspoon salt)
3 medium carrots
1 large zucchini
1 lime
1/2 cup cilantro for garnish
Turkey Taco Salad
1 pound ground turkey
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 head Romaine lettuce
3/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 English cucumber
5 radishes
1/2 large avocado
1 cup coarsely grated sharp Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Handful tortilla chips
Mussels in White Wine
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion
2 large cloves garlic
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 pounds fresh mussels
1 tablespoon butter
Grilled bread for serving
1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
1 pound bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup roasted, slivered almonds
1/2 cup golden raisins
Raspberry Buttermilk Coffee Cake
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 medium orange
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup low fat buttermilk
1 1/2 cups plus 1/3 cup frozen raspberries
3 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/3 cup chopped pecans
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