Rachael Ray's Blog, page 23
September 15, 2014
Make-Ahead Meals for an Easy Week!
Welcome to the Weekly Meal Planner! Whether you work all day and are out of steam when the dinner hour hits, or are fresh out of ideas and in a cooking rut, we are here to make your life easier.
The fall is a busy time for everyone! This week’s meal planner features some simple one dish recipes that can be made ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners.
Also, enjoy a comfort food classic for your family’s Sunday supper – Drop Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie! Plus, don’t miss our no-bake dessert fake-outs that are fool-proof. Trust us.
Don’t know what to cook? Need help with a recipe? Feel free to ask us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Meatless Monday
Lunch: The childhood cafeteria classic goes vegetarian: Sloppy Veg-Head Joe is even better than the original.
Dinner: Polenta Vegetable Lasagna is a fun and unique twist on the classic Italian favorite.
Snack: Served warm, Everything Roasted Nuts are addictively delicious.
Tuesday
Lunch: White Minestrone with Fennel and Sausage is a hearty soup that’s perfect for brown bagging.
Dinner: Prepare this Make-Ahead Paella Casserole over the weekend and heat and eat tonight for a weeknight dinner that’s a breeze!
Snack: Try subbing your favorite veggies in Roasted Veggie Dip – a fabulous dipper or sandwich spread.
Wednesday
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a satisfying and healthy lunch or dinner.
Dinner: Asian Barbecued Chicken Stir Fry with Peanuts and Rice is an all-in-one dish full of flavor. Pro tip: Have all of your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking because the meal comes together in minutes. Also, omit the nuts if you need to – the dish is still delish.
Dessert: The healthy, homemade apple cranberry sauce in Cranberry Sauce over Pound Cake A la Mode would be delicious over ice cream or on its own!
Thursday
Lunch: Little ones will have fun helping make Chicken or Turkey Quesadillas Suizas (Pizzas). Pro tip: This method works with any toppings your family likes.
Dinner: Chicken and Rice Pilaf Skillet Supper is a family-friendly one pot meal that you will make again and again.
Snack: Cracked Corn and Cheese Squares couldn’t be easier.
Friday
Lunch: More over deli roast beef sandwich. Roast Beef Salad transforms a favorite sandwich meat into a fabulous main course salad.
Dinner: Take advantage of warm temps while you still can and enjoy a summery meal al fresco, Gazpacho with Grilled Peel and Eat Shrimp. Pro tip: The gazpacho can be made up to a few days in advance.
Dessert: No springform pan or water bath needed for this cheesecake recipe. Cheesecake Bars are no-fuss deliciousness.
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: The secret ingredient in Spinach-Artichoke Waffles is the Boursin cheese in the batter that provides an herby flavor. Pro tip: This would be a fabulous lunch, too!
Dinner: Treat your guests to a super healthy and elegant meal tonight with Tuna Steaks with Raw Puttanesca Sauce.
Appetizer: Green Gobble-’Ems Garlic Bread Chunks are a tasty alternative to garlic bread.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Feed a crowd on a budget with this healthy brunch casserole. Panzanella Strata is sure to please.
Dinner: Enjoy a comfort food classic for Sunday Supper. Drop Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie is stick-to-your-ribs good. Pro tip: Make your own poached chicken (it’s easy – we promise!).
Dessert: Top off the weekend with a fun dessert fake-out: Elephant Ears with Caramel Dipping Sauce. No baking required!
September 12, 2014
Surprising Snacks for Movie Night!
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than curling up on the couch, grabbing a blanket, and watching a great movie. And to go with every great movie, you need excellent snacks!
The key to perfect movie noshing is preparing food that’s hand-held and doesn’t require a forks, knives, and a plate. In a dark room with your focus on the screen, who wants to worry about silverware?
And if like me you’re a little tired of basic popcorn, you’re in for a treat with these sweet and savory twists on traditional movie fare. Treat yourself to a combination of a new recipe or two along with a classic flick for a perfect, restful night in!
If you love the taste of buffalo sauce, then get ready to devour this awesome popcorn mix from Rachael. Try her Smoky Paprika Popcorn and Pizza Popcorn, too!
If salsa took a trip to Italy, it would probably come back looking something like this dip. All you need is five ingredients and some warm, toasty Italian bread to enjoy.
Loaded up with fresh, healthy veggies, this snack can make you feel a bit better about noshing on nachos. Cook’s note: Use whatever veggies you have handy and in whatever proportions you like – there’s no way to make these incorrectly!
Who wants to manage a plate and fork when they’re watching a movie? Not you! Skip the hassle and turn your favorite pie into a hand-held bar instead!
These cute cheese puffs are at-home as an appetizer at a fancy party or casually on your coffee table. Bonus: They’re super fun to bake, since you pipe them like frosting!
Store-bought mixes are so boring. What if you like things a bit spicier? What if there’s not enough of your favorite piece in the mix? Make your own and you’ll always love the result.
This popcorn falls more under the category of trail mix – it’s chock full of great munchies like honey-roasted peanuts and pretzels. They’re flavors you love at the ballpark that taste even better at home in front of your favorite flick.
Gorgonzola Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Warm, gooey, and so, so dreamy - who can get enough of spinach artichoke dip? Rachael adds gorgonzola here for an even richer texture. Enjoy with pita chips or toasted bread for the ultimate treat.
September 8, 2014
21 Family-Friendly Meals, Back-to-School Treats
Welcome to the Weekly Meal Planner! Whether you work all day and are out of steam when the dinner hour hits, or are fresh out of ideas and in a cooking rut, we are here to make your life easier.
This week we are featuring some easy and family-friendly weeknight meals like quick pastas, healthy lettuce tacos and a fabulous fish dinner. Check out our Italian classic dinner recipes plus a Saturday night seafood dish that’s perfect for entertaining.
In honor of back to school – and back to packed lunches - we’ve included three super simple cookie recipes that are great sweet treats to be enjoyed with some healthy snacks. Happy September!
Don’t know what to cook? Need help with a recipe? Feel free to ask us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Meatless Monday
Lunch: Make less-than-perfect end-of-summer tomatoes into something perfect in this delicious Minestrone with Tomato and Fennel.
Dinner: Everything is better with an egg on top! Quick Polenta with Mushrooms, Asparagus and Poached Eggs is a satisfying anytime meal. Cook’s note: Swap in veggie stock for the chicken stock if you’d like.
Snack: Flour tortillas rolled with your favorite fresh fruit and jam – now that’s a fun after-school snack! Kids will love customizing Fresh Fruit Roll Ups.
Tuesday
Lunch: Make a batch of Catalan Chicken Stew over the weekend and enjoy all week long. Pro tip: As always, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is just fine in this recipe if you’re in a pinch.
Dinner: It’s Taco Tuesday! Lettuce Tacos with Sesame-Cumin Beef are healthy and affordable.
Snack: Chopped turkey, red bell pepper and cheddar cheese are baked right in Airplane Snacks: Southwest Corn Muffins for a healthy, well-rounded snack.
Wednesday
Lunch: Deli roast beef makes these Greek Subs a snap to put together.
Dinner: Spinach Tagliatelle with Ham-Mushroom Sauce is a comforting all-in-one meal that the kids will love. Pro tip: Any type of pasta would be delicious in this dish.
Dessert: Kahula Chocolate Chunk Cookies are so easy even the most novice bakers can make them. The secret is the chocolate chip cookie mix from your supermarket’s baking aisle!
Thursday
Lunch: Make your own deli-style sammie at a fraction of the cost - Chicken Bagel Sandwiches with Bacon-Walnut Cream Cheese are a delicious departure from your same-old same-old sandwich.
Dinner: Tilapia Piccata is a different take on an Italian classic. Serve with steamed rice and a simple salad and dinner is done.
Snack: Once you make your own hummus you’ll never buy it at the store again. Lemon-Garlic Chickpea Dip with Veggies and Chips also makes a fantastic sandwich spread.
Friday
Lunch: Add some chopped chicken or turkey if you’d like to Spicy Chopped Salad for a zesty complete lunch.
Dinner: Celebrate the end of the work week with yummy Greek Burgers with Feta Sauce. It’s delicious with ground beef, lamb or chicken! Pro tip: The feta sauce is a delicious dip for crackers or raw veggies as well.
Dessert: Your childhood (or adult!) favorite sammie in a cookie: Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie is genius!
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: Get all of your food groups on one delicious plate when you serve Ham and Spinach Hash with Fried Eggs – another great anytime meal.
Dinner: Treat your guests to a restaurant-worthy meal. Fat Spaghetti with Frutti di Mare is chock-full of fresh seafood tossed with a flavorful sauce.
Appetizer: Keep with the Italian theme of the night and tide your guests over until dinner with Chunky Puttanesca Crostini.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Ginger Pancakes are flap jacks with a sweetly spicy twist. Serve with warmed real maple syrup for an old fashioned favorite meal.
Dinner: Prepare an Italian classic for the family tonight when you serve Veal Saltimbocca with Marsala Mushrooms and Asparagus.
Dessert: Chocolate brings a family together, and Brownie Cookies will definitely do the trick!
September 5, 2014
8 Must-Have Tailgating Snacks
Football season is finally here, and so is the grand tradition of tailgating! Whether you’re cheering on your favorite professional team or donning your alma mater’s colors, good times and boisterous bragging await. And of course, there’s the food.
The tailgate is a food mecca for those who love the art of transportable, outdoor feasting. A great burger is necessary. You can even whip up some great BBQ using your favorite brew.
But for me, tailgating is all about munchies – nosh-able snacks and handheld foods that you can grab in a bite before your next turn at cornhole or ladder toss.
While you’re waiting for the big game and to see your favorite team toss around the ol’ pig skin, grab a potato skin, a chicken drumstick, or some crave-worthy kettle corn.
And make sure your food gets there safely! Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold with Rachael’s Foodtastic Party Box (seriously, it’s a party in a box) or her ChillOut Totes.
Chicken drumsticks get a kick from whiskey or bourbon – plus hot sauce! Whip up a big batch of these tasty bites to serve up at your tailgate.
Cobb salads are great – but dips are better! Bacon, blue cheese, avocados and boiled eggs make this hearty dip more than just an appetizer. Serve with your favorite tortilla or pita chips.
You say pig skin, we say potato skins! Spinach artichoke dip is the epitome of tailgating fare, and marrying it with potato skins is a match made in heaven. Betcha can’t have just one.
Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Toes
Why buy frozen chicken fingers when you can make these yummy chicken “toes” yourself? They’re easy for kids to make and even easier for them to eat. Bonus: Grown-ups love ‘em too!
Bourbon and barbecue sauce take these dogs totally over the top. Slice them ahead of time and bring toothpicks or skewers for easy, single-serving bites.
Kettle corn is so addictive. It’s literally impossible to just have one handful. This kettle corn is even more crave-able with the smoky heat of chipotle powder.
Grill seasoning, ground cumin, and poppy and sesame seeds – if you love “everything” bagels, you won’t be able to handle this roasted nut mix.
Pork and potato in one, poppable, meaty bite. What’s not to love?
September 1, 2014
A Week of Healthy and Satisfying Recipes
Welcome to the Weekly Meal Planner! Whether you work all day and are out of steam when the dinner hour hits, or are fresh out of ideas and in a cooking rut, we are here to make your life easier.
Back to school time is here but don’t break out the parkas just yet, summer is hanging on for a little while longer!
This week we are featuring a nice variety of recipes in honor of this time of seasonal transition. Check out our easy recipes for steaks and burgers (with a twist!) on the grill, and comfort casseroles that can be made ahead so you can take it easy during the week. The whole family will love this Sunday’s supper – a flavorful beef pot pie with a cheddar crust.
Soup is on the menu for lunch this week – from a too-healthy-to-believe creamy veggie soup to an Italian Wedding Soup-inspired winner.
Don’t know what to cook? Need help with a recipe? Feel free to ask us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Meatless Monday
Lunch: Fresh, colorful veggies come together for a healthy and satisfying 8-Vegetable Soup with Mixed Herb Pesto.
Dinner: Cauliflower Mac ‘n Cheese tastes decadent but is a better-for-you twist. Triple creamy cheeses with cauliflower make for a tasty make-ahead pasta bake that’s easy to reheat.
Snack: Skip the jarred blue cheese dip and make your own when you prepare Raw Vegetable Salad and Big Blue Dipper Recipe.
Tuesday
Lunch: Your favorite deli sandwich, soup style! Enjoy French Dip Soup for lunch today.
Dinner: Jazz up a pork meatloaf with spicy seasonings and cover with a sauce of tomatoes and chili peppers. Cajun Meatloaf is what’s for dinner tonight. Cook’s note: This recipe would work equally well with ground beef or turkey. Added bonus – it’s a great make-ahead meal.
Snack: Take a snack vacation with Aloha Nachos: Hawaiian-style nachos with ham, pineapple and lots of cheese.
Wednesday
Lunch: A maple syrup, soy and mustard marinade and a home made vinaigrette are the stars of this fabulous Sesame Chicken Salad.
Dinner: It’s burger night with a twist! End of summer is just the time to try fresh Salmon Burgers with Tartar Sauce.
Dessert: Grab the kids and make a treat that’s perfect for after school, lunch boxes, or dessert, of course! Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispie Treats are a classic for a reason.
Thursday
Lunch: Make a big batch of this riff on Italian Wedding Soup – Meatballs and Rice in Broth – and freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy lunching down the road.
Dinner: Treat the family to an easy, make-ahead Mexican feast. Chicken Enchiladas is a complete and hearty meal. Pro tip: Make these enchiladas as spicy or mild as you like. Plus, you can make this dish up to a few days in advance for a weeknight meal that’s a cinch.
Snack: Two store-bought ingredients is all it takes for a fun dessert the kids will love to put together themselves: Creamsicle Sammies.
Friday
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Lunch: Enjoy a light and lively Red Waldorf Salad for lunch.
Dinner: Greek-style chimichurri and feta sauce pack a delicious flavor punch for burger night with these Greek Burgers with Feta Sauce! Cook’s note: You can also serve the three-ingredient sauce with cut veggies, pita chips or dolloped on salad.
Snack: Airplane Snacks: Mediterranean Pitas are a good anywhere, anytime snack!
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: Did you know your waffle iron can make perfect potato pancakes? Make Crispy Hash Brown Waffles and you’ll see how easy it is!
Dinner: Family and friends will enjoy a pretty presentation of Steaks with Grilled Leeks and Celery-Radish Salad. Pro tip: For a complete meal, serve with a crisp vegetable and tomato salad.
Appetizer: Philly cheesesteaks go Asian-style in Cheesesteak Egg Rolls.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Wow your family and friends with this mouth-watering Layered Zucchini and Ricotta Omelet Cake that feeds a crowd!
Dinner: Fall is almost here – bring on the comfort food! “Crazy delicious” cheddar cheese poppy homemade crust covers beef pot pie in this comfort classic. The while family will love Beef Pot Pie Casserole with Cheddar Poppy Crust.
Dessert: Grab a pound cake and some frozen whipped topping from the market and you’re almost done with a Sunday supper-worthy dessert – Key Lime Ice Box Cake.
August 29, 2014
One Last Bite of Summer: 9 Mouthwatering Burgers
If you’re a fan of Rachael’s, you’re probably a fan of burgers.
She has a whole cookbook devoted to them, judges burger competitions, and is always creating new, inspired twists on this American classic.
Get your grill on while the weather’s still beautiful, and change up your usual burger with these amazing recipes. We’ve picked out a range of beef, turkey, and vegetarian options for all tastes – plus a couple must-have sides to make sure your burger is complete!
Bonus tip: For the ideal burger, Rachael recommends making the center of your burger slightly less thick than the outsides. To do so, give the centers a few gentle presses with your thumb. While cooking, your burger will plump up, resulting in an even patty.
Buffalo sauce + Ohio-style nachos give this burger a one-two flavor punch. Add the crunch of potato chips to this crazy combo, and you’ll be asking for seconds in no-time.
Bacon Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola
White wine and rosemary may sound like the makings of a fancy roast. But they’re really just the start of a show-stopping burger that’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Smoke and Fireworks Bacon-Wrapped Chipotle Burgers
The name of these burgers really says it all: savory bacon, paired with homemade BBQ sauce, and burger patties with smoky chipotle powder mixed right in. What’s not to love?
Feeling fancy? Add a little dry red wine right into your burger! Caramelized onions and a little foccacia take this burger to Italy – but it will taste just as great in your backyard.
Spicy Burgers with Sharp Cheddar and Chunky Blue Cheese Aioli
These burgers aren’t messing around! Horseradish is mixed right into the patty for a serious kick, while the blue cheese aioli helps tame the fire.
Even though this isn’t a “burger” by name, it definitely belongs at your cookout. Low-fat ground turkey gets a kick from Buffalo sauce and your own homemade blue cheese ranch dressing. Use the extra ranch (if you have any, that is!) for a yummy dipper for fresh-cut veggies.
Turkey Cheeseburgers with Beer-B-Q Sauce on Pretzel Rolls
Pretzel rolls make everything better. Their crispy outsides, soft insides, and crunchy sea salt topping are too good to pass up. Try and hold your horses long enough to make the tasty burgers and DIY barbecue sauce first!
Vegetarian: Grilled Eggplant and Mozzarella Sandwiches
Vegetarians, look out: All your meat-loving pals will be trying to steal bites of this delish sammie! While not technically labeled a “burger,” the texture of thick-cut eggplant has a meaty bite all its own. I’ll let you decide whether or not to share…
Vegetarian: Tofu Burgers
A homemade veggie burger that’s firm, chewy, and of course, absolutely delectable. You’ll never buy frozen veggie patties again!
You only need three basic ingredients to create your own fries at home. Note: If you make a big batch ahead of time and need to reheat them for your guests, just toss them on a baking sheet to crisp up in the oven (the microwave will make ‘em soggy!).
Making your own pickles is simply too fun not to try. Make sure you prep these 24 hours before you’re going to serve them, so they have plenty of time to finish pickling and for the flavors to really develop.
August 24, 2014
21 Late Summer Meals to Love
Welcome to the Weekly Meal Planner! Whether you work all day and are out of steam when the dinner hour hits, or are fresh out of ideas and in a cooking rut, we are here to make your life easier.
This week we are all about corn! The late summer favorite is at its peak, so check out some fabulous recipes, including two summery corn soups and an impressive corn and bacon pasta that’s quick enough for a weeknight meal.
We’ve also selected a variety of tasty and affordable chicken recipes that span the globe – from a chicken satay sandwich that’s great to bring to work to a down-home pulled barbecue chicken sammie that’s perfect for casual Saturday night entertaining.
Don’t know what to cook? Need help with a recipe? Feel free to ask us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Meatless Monday
Lunch: A taste of Greek tzatziki can be found in this super-healthy soup, White Gazpacho. Pro tip: You can make this as chunky or smooth as you’d like!
Dinner: Start the week off with an easy sandwich and enjoy a satisfying Eggplant-Parm Grilled Cheese.
Dessert: Two ingredients is all it takes to make this healthy treat: Banana “Ice Cream” Fake-Out is delicious on its own or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or maple syrup.
Tuesday
Lunch: Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Creamy Caesar Dressing is an easy lunch with no cooking required – the ideal end-of-summer meal!
Dinner: A creamy, yet light, sauce is the perfect complement to sweet corn and bacon in this flavorful Bacon, Corn and Mascarpone Tagliatelle. Cook’s note: Cream cheese is a sub for mascarpone if you’re in a pinch.
Dessert: Chocolate-Dipped Lace Cookies look complicated but are surprisingly easy. Give them a try!
Wednesday
Lunch: Take advantage of corn season and whip up a batch of Rachael Ray’s Sweet Corn Soup with Mexican-Style Pesto.
Dinner: Serve this fruity, spicy Chicken Curry with rice pilaf for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner. Pro tip: If you”re in a time crunch, a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store makes this dish even easier.
Snack: Grab some home-grown cherry tomatoes and enjoy the ultimate summertime treat: Bruschetta with Hot Cherry Tomatoes.
Thursday
Lunch: A great make-ahead lunch, side or main, Italian Pasta Salad with Sausage is a go-to brown bag lunch that’s tasty served chilled or room temp.
Dinner: A homemade healthy version of a kids favorite, Oven-Fried, Italian-Style Chicken Tenders with Roasted Parsnip and Potatoes is an all-in-one dinner everyone will love.
Snack: A crunchy side to any sandwich, Homemade Pickle Chips also make a healthy snack. Pro tip: These come together in about five minutes and last for two weeks in the fridge – a must-make!
Friday
Lunch: Once you make the quick and easy peanut sauce in Chicken Satay Salad Sammies, you’ll never buy the prepared version again. Pro tip: The sauce is equally delicious on pasta or stir fries or as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken.
Dinner: Homemade spicy croutons top this well-seasoned Spicy Clam and Corn Chowder. It’s summer in a bowl!
Snack: Add some zest to your movie night popcorn when you pop up a batch of Lime and Chili Popcorn.
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: Pull out the waffle iron and transform a classic french breakfast sandwich into these fun Monte Cristo Waffle-Wiches.
Dinner: Have a down-home dinner with friends tonight. Pulled Chicken with Bourbon BBQ features a zesty homemade barbecue sauce and a refreshing apple slaw.
Appetizer: Crispy Cheese-Stuffed Bellas are a lighter version of the traditional stuffed mushroom – perfect for summer entertaining.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Get the kids in the kitchen to help make this sweet treat breakfast: Triple Chocolate Chip Pancakes.
Dinner: Now here’s something different for a meat and potatoes dish! Sliced Steak and Potato Salad uses an affordable and quick-cooking cut of steak. Cook’s note: Be sure to plan for a few hours of marinating time.
Dessert: Berry Delicious Ice Cream has a fabulous topping that you’ll love over ice cream – and practically anything else!
August 23, 2014
10 Heavenly Comfort Foods
I say “comfort food,” and you say…?
Although I can’t really hear you, I imagine your answer includes something warm and hearty. A casserole, perhaps? Are mashed potatoes are involved? Is there something baking in the oven? I bet it smells like home.
Nothing has the ability to transport you to another time and place like food. It’s so wonderful that way.
Tonight, take yourself “home,” or make new memories in a new home with the people you love. Put on your favorite music, gather around the table, and have something comforting – along with your good company.
This hearty baked ziti makes enough food to feed a proverbial army (or at least a legion of starving teenagers). Whip up a big batch, and love it for leftovers!
Paprika, fennel, and spicy green onions might not sound like your typical meatloaf ingredients, but you won’t be able to resist this delish spin on the classic dish.
It’s Not Easy Being Green Bean Casserole
You really can’t beat a green bean casserole with crispy onions on top. That warm balance of creamy gravy and the crunch of beans and onions is tops!
Smoky Roasted Rapini and Strozzapreti
Warm pasta, roasted veggies, and homey spices like paprika and fennel make this simple recipe a dish that’s bound to become a new favorite in your family.
Beef Pot Pie Casserole with Cheddar Poppy Crust
While some pot pie crusts are (delicious) basic biscuits, this recipe brings it to a whole new level. Rach calls it “crazy delicious,” and you will, too!
Bacon, eggs, and pasta. What’s more comforting than that? This is John’s favorite recipe, and it’s going to be one of yours, too!
The great thing about this particular pot pie recipe is how quickly it comes together. While the chicken poaches, the veggies are quickly sautéed while you make a gravy at the same time. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minuts, and voila!
The difference between a pot pie and a shepherd’s pie is in the topping: shepherd’s pie is topped with mashed potatoes (oh yeah!), so pick your favorite taste or texture!
Eggplant parm is right up there in classic, Italian comfort foods with lasagna. This version is a bit lighter (no breading on the eggplant!), but that doesn’t mean it won’t fill you up!
New York Deli-Style Mac and Cheese: Budget-Friendly Version
Warm, hearty mac and cheese is topped with a rye bread crumble. Seconds, please!
Bonus: Sweet and Salty Brownies
What’s comfort food without a comforting dessert? This special brownie features bittersweet chocolate, a homemade caramel center, sea salt, and a huge helping of love.
August 17, 2014
Summery Meals Packed with Produce
Welcome to the Weekly Meal Planner! Whether you work all day and are out of steam when the dinner hour hits, or are fresh out of ideas and in a cooking rut, we are here to make your life easier.
The dog days of summer are here and that means plenty of veggies and fruits are in season!
This week we are featuring recipes starring some of summer’s best produce like zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, and blueberries (Blueberry Cobbler, anyone?). A flavorful fried chicken is on the menu for Sunday supper, and don’t miss a delicious, and affordable, all-in-one chicken dinner that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Don’t know what to cook? Need help with a recipe? Feel free to ask us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Meatless Monday
Lunch: Raves are guaranteed for these super summer Grilled Eggplant and Mozzarella Sandwiches.
Dinner: It’s zucchini season! Enjoy Mama Elsa’s Stuffed Zucchini with a simple salad for a light and summery meal.
Snack: Make your own favorite Greek takeout snack – Spanikopita - in a snap. Store-bought phyllo dough does all the heavy lifting in this recipe.
Tuesday
Lunch: Make a big batch of hearty Supreme Pizza Pasta Salad and enjoy for lunch all week long.
Dinner: More Flavor, Less Bun: Italian-Style Turkey Burger has half the bread but all of the flavor.
Dessert: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect afternoon treat or dessert. Pro tip: Experiment with the recipe and swap-in white or milk chocolate chips. Dried cherries or cranberries are nice additions, too.
Wednesday
Lunch: Packed with fresh fruits and veggies, this refreshing Red Waldorf Salad has a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Dinner: Honey mustard sauce accents chicken, potatoes and green beans in this easy-to-make, budget-friendly Grainy Mustard Chicken Thighs.
Snack: Airplane Snacks: Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups are great for a light lunch or an afternoon treat.
Thursday
Lunch: Why buy lunch kits at the store when you can pack up this healthy Chicken Tender Salad in just a few minutes? You’ll have fun putting together this interactive, “DIY” meal right at school, camp or work! Pro tip: You can get creative and add or swap-in a variety of additional ingredients, such as tofu or sliced grapes.
Dinner: A citrus spark of lemon and Parmigiano-Reggiano added to eggs makes a wonderful dip for Lemon-Parm Sole with Arugula Salad. Cook’s note: This recipe would work equally well with any white fish fillet like tilapia, cod, or halibut.
Snack: Make-Your-Own-Fruit-Leather is a kid-friendly snack that’s great on-the-go!
Friday
Lunch: Quick and super-simple, Chicken Caesar Pasta is great warmed up for dinner, at room temperature for a picnic, or cold in your lunch box the next day.
Dinner: Expect lots of hugs from the family tonight when you serve 10-Flavor Double-Dipped Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Cook’s note: This chicken is delicious hot, at room temperature, or chilled.
Dessert: Pour a big glass of milk and enjoy moist and fudgy Outrageous Brownies tonight.
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: A restaurant-worthy breakfast casserole, Cheesy Triple Mushroom and Bread Gnocchi Bake, is a hearty anytime meal.
Dinner: Porterhouse Steaks with Salsa Verde is a beautiful steakhouse meal you can make in your own home. Pro tip: If you like the salsa verde in this recipe, try it with fish, poultry, grilled vegetables, or even tossed with pasta.
Appetizer: Stuffed Cherry Peppers are perfect for a crowd – half are hot peppers and half are sweet so everyone’s a winner!
Family Sunday
Brunch: A morning spin on a dinner-time classic – Breakfast Crostini - is the star of this brunch and pairs well with some simple scrambled eggs.
Dinner: Take it easy tonight with a simple dinner that’s sure to please: Philly Steak Sandwiches are a classic favorite that are even better made at home.
Dessert: Use locally grown blueberries, or better yet, go for a hike and pick your own for this delicious Blueberry Cobbler. Pro tip: Serve the cobbler with good-quality vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
August 15, 2014
11 Ice Cream Treats to Beat the Heat
I will never turn down dessert. Eating it out at a restaurant is amazing, but making it at home is even better.
It does, however, require an extra leap to fire up your oven when it’s hot outside. Even if you’re well-behaved and don’t open it up to peek at what’s baking (I’m not very good at this), you can’t help but feel the temperature in your kitchen kick up a few notches.
Instead, get inspired by fresh summer berries, classic cocktails, and favorite family treats. Make these simple, delightful, and absolutely refreshing desserts that all use ice cream as their base. There are even a few non-dairy options!
These 11 treats are everything you need to beat the heat:
This German chocolate cake shake is a fun variation on the classic dessert (and even incorporates real cake into the mix!).
If you’ve been missing the fall flavor of apple pie, you’re in luck! Rach transforms an American favorite in this sundae of brandied hot apple slices layered with a cookie, ice cream, caramel sauce, and whipped cream.
Vanilla Ice Cream with Balsamic Fig Sauce
The balsamic-fig reduction with its sweet and savory notes is something you’ll instantly love. Make a little extra sauce for topping all sorts of treats later on!
This one’s rich, creamy, and perfect for people who are lactose-intolerant or avoiding dairy. Frozen bananas and coconut milk give a perfectly creamy (but cream-free!) texture.
A reduction of cinnamon, sugar, and Grand Marnier, paired with fresh, summer berries makes a topping that you’ll love over ice cream – and practically anything else!
A homemade chocolate cookie crust provides a perfect foundation for this cold, minty pie (although you can use any ice cream flavor you have on-hand) with your own DIY fudge topping. Get ready for the compliments to pour in as your guests devour this divine dish!
Very Berry Smash with Meringues and Sorbet
Fresh, summertime berries soak in limoncello with a touch of mint for a super-refreshing flavor combination. The limoncello doesn’t get cooked off in this twist, so this one’s for the grown-ups!
A White Russian meets a root beer float for a truly indulgent drink. Grab a second straw to share with your sweetie.
Ok, so this treat doesn’t use ice cream exactly (it’s Greek yogurt!), but we promise you’ll love this healthy, refreshing, and oh-so-tasty dessert!
If the tropical mango twist doesn’t strike your fancy, this simple frozen banana “ice cream” fake-out is just for you. Perfect for those bananas that are just a little too ripe, or if you’re looking for a healthier, dairy-free dessert.
This is a great recipe that can be made quickly, but it uses super-secret tricks (like brushing the cake with spiced rum!) to make it extra-delish. Another dessert that’s best left for the adults at your table.
Bonus Recipes: Kick it up a notch with these Looking for Mr. Goodbar Sundaes, or make your own Healthy Homemade Pops.
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