Rachael Ray's Blog, page 25
July 20, 2014
Weekly Meal Planner: A Few Inventive Twists on Classics
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’re firing up the grill and featuring a balance of light summer meals with some inventive twists on classic favorites like cheeseburgers, chicken Caesar salad, deviled eggs and meatballs.
Plus, forget the PB&J this week (which we love, by the way!) and check out a nice variety of lunch recipes that are perfect for at-home or brown bagging.
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: Enjoy summer’s best from the farmer’s market with this gorgeous Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Basil.
Dinner: Hearty and delicious, Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts and Sage Butter features a garlic butter and sage sauce that is off the charts.
Snack: Delicious with crackers, chips or on toasted bread, Roasted Veggie Dip is super healthy and versatile.
Tuesday
Lunch: Healthy and Flavor-Filled Soba Salad is terrific on its own or topped with chicken.
Dinner: Enjoy another light and flavor-packed summertime meal when you prepare Grilled Sweet-and-Sticky Chicken with Asparagus and Harissa. Cook’s note: The marinade is fantastic with pork, chicken breasts and even flank steak.
Snack: Jazz up the microwave popcorn that’s on your pantry shelf with spices, butter and parmesan. Zippy Italian Popcorn is a go-to snack that comes together in under five minutes.
Wednesday
Lunch: Swiss Chard au Gratin French Bread Pizzas bump up the nutritional content of pizza with lots of garlicky greens – yum!
Dinner: It’s burger night – with a twist! Cheeseburger Salad puts a healthy spin on your favorite indulgence. Cook’s note: This preparation would work equally well with turkey, chicken or lamb sliders.
Dessert: Monster Cookies are as monstrous in size and deliciousness as they are chock-full of peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips and M&Ms. Perfect for sharing!
Thursday
Lunch: Hot or Cold Nicoise-Style Tuna Pasta is a fantastic brown bag lunch. Prepare it the night before and enjoy room temp or chilled the next day.
Dinner: Bread bowls aren’t just for soup anymore! Chicken Caesar Salad Stuffed Garlic Bread combines Caesar salad and garlic bread into one delicious sammie.
Snack: Applesauce Cake or Muffins couldn’t be simpler to prepare and are a tasty snack, dessert or breakfast.
Friday
Lunch: Skip the ho-hum brown bag sandwich today and make something special. This Italian Sandwich layers pesto with your favorite deli meats and provolone cheese.
Dinner: Make Friday Sandwich Night and put together Meatballs Three Ways: Meatball Sliders.
Snack: These yummy Caesar-Stuffed Eggs are a twist on the classic deviled egg.
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: Delight your family and friends with fresh berries in baked bread cups topped with cinnamon, maple syrup, powdered sugar and whipped cream when you make Berry Tasty Breakfast Cups
Dinner: Serve your guests a restaurant-worthy all-in-one meal tonight: Grilled Veal or Pork Chops with Marsala Fig Sauce, Lemon-Ricotta Orzo, Celery and Mushroom Salad.
Snack: Hummus takes on southwestern flavors in this delicious Cilantro-Jalapeno Bean Dip.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Get the little ones into the kitchen and make this fun kid-friendly brunch (with frozen waffles!): Monty Cristo Waffle ‘Wiches.
Dinner: Gather a group tonight for Argentinean Mixed Grill – a delectable mixed grill with a spicy chimichurri sauce and salad. Delish!
Dessert: Fresh ginger and lime kick up fresh fruit in this perfect ending to a Sunday supper – Pineapple with Lime and Coconut.
July 18, 2014
6 Recipes for Your Best Picnic Yet
Outside. Al fresco. Afuera.
No matter how you say it, everything tastes better in the great outdoors. Add a blanket, your closest friends and family, and perhaps a nice bottle of wine, and you’ll really be ready to enjoy the best part of summer dining: Ditching your kitchen!
Go grab your baskets (or one of Rachael’s stay-cool totes!) and whip up these simple recipes. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a few lawn games for an ideal afternoon!
Baked Devil’s Chicken
Rach says: “This is a crispy, spicy baked chicken that can be served hot, but like traditional fried chicken, I think it’s best room temperature or cold the next day. This chicken is addictive and wonderful for picnics and potlucks.”
If you’re not sold yet, the recipe even makes a sweet citrus slaw to serve on the side. Cook’s Tip: If your kiddos aren’t into spicy things, try these Honey Nut Chicken Strips!
We’d be hard-pressed to find a better mash-up of summer flavors. Corn and tomatoes provide contrasting texture, while beans and avocado make the whole dip creamy without being blended. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips for an easy appetizer!
New Pesto Pasta Salad
Hall without Oates. A hamburger without fries. Mac without cheese. Just like these famous pairings, what’s a picnic without pasta salad? This version gives you new flavors to play with, versus a traditionally creamy concoction.
Grilled Potato Salad
Forget potatoes drowned in mayo. This fresh, grilled salad brings some greens to your picnic. Don’t miss out on serving them with spicy arugula to really get the freshest dish!
Pineapple with Lime and Coconut
Beyond being outrageously beautiful, this sweet salad packs a nutritional punch.We recommend you make an extra batch of this tropical fruit mix. Unfortunately, you won’t have any leftovers!
Blondie-Topped Brownies
Why should you have to settle for blondies vs. brownies? Fight for your right for an amazing dessert and have both! Again, you might want to stash an extra batch at home – these guys aren’t making it back to the house.
What are your favorite things to pack for a picnic? Tell us in the comments!
July 13, 2014
Summertime Meals that Come Together in a Snap!
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.
Zucchini season is here, and we’ve got a variety of easy and delicious recipes to take advantage of this favorite summertime veggie.
Plus, we’re featuring a number of light summer suppers that are a snap to prepare. Take advantage of berry season and check out our recipes for a berry-packed muffin and a super-healthy smoothie – delish!
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: Orzo and Zucchini Salad is a delicious vegetarian lunch on its own or served on a bed of greens.
Dinner: You won’t believe how delicious this spin on french bread pizza is – Ratatouille-Stuffed Zucchini Pizzas use zucchini in place of bread. Genius!
Snack: Sunny Morning Muffins are packed full of fruit and perfect to bake in berry season.
Tuesday
Lunch: Make a batch of this Rollover Sweet and Spicy Sesame Noodles with Shredded Jerk Chicken and enjoy for lunch all week long. Pro tip: This dish is delish warm, at room temp or cold from the fridge.
Dinner: This super-simple pasta dinner will be on the table in minutes: Farfalle with Hot Sausage and Zucchini is a great go-to recipe for zucchini season. Cook’s note: Not a hot sausage fan? Swap in your favorite variety – mild or medium, pork, turkey or chicken would all be tasty.
Snack: Just a few high-quality ingredients is all it takes to make this beautiful Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta.
Wednesday
Lunch: Treat yourself to a Chicken Cutlet BLT for lunch today – a combo of two favorite deli sammies.
Dinner: Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon is the perfect one-pan weeknight meal. Serve with some steamed rice and a salad and dinner is ready in minutes.
Dessert: This yummy Strawberry Milkshake is packed with healthy ingredients like raw cashews and dates. Pro tip: If you want to have this smoothie for breakfast, go ahead and soak the coconut, cashews, and dates in the refrigerator overnight, then in the morning you’ll be ready to blend.
Thursday
Lunch: Sausage, Zucchini and Potato Stoup cooks up in less than 30 minutes and is a healthy homemade lunch perfect for brown bagging. Pro tip: Freeze any leftovers in individual portions for stress-free future meals!
Dinner: Serve a light and delicious summer meal tonight when you make this surprisingly kid-friendly meal: Lemon-Parm Sole with Arugula Salad.
Dessert: A warm homemade cinnamon honey fruit sauce steals the show tonight when you serve Black Pepper-Cinnamon Honey with Fruit and Ice Cream.
Friday
Lunch: Crisp, tasty and light, White Bean Salad with Preserved Tuna and Parsley Vinaigrette makes a wonderful salad.
Dinner: TGIF! Celebrate the weekend and fire up the grill to make these loaded BLT-inspired Cobb-Style Burgers.
Snack: No one will be able to resist seven layers of flavor in this outrageously cheesy 7-Layer Chili Dog Dip. Cook’s note: If you don’t want to cook with beer, replace with chicken or vegetable stock or even water.
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: Apple, Cheddar and Mushroom Monte Cristos are the perfect anytime meal. Cook’s note: If you’re cooking for little ones, swap in apple juice for the Calvados and skip the igniting!
Dinner: Treat your guests to finger-licking barbecue sammies tonight when you serve Pulled Chicken with Bourbon BBQ.
Dessert: Treat your guests to a restaurant-worthy, grown-up dessert – Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic and Black Pepper Syrup. Cook’s note: Any stone fruit is delicious with this preparation, including peaches, nectarines and plums.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Raspberries and Yogurt with Buttermik Crepes is a special-occasion breakfast you can easily make at home. Cook’s note: Any in-season berries will do!
Dinner: Well-seasoned steak, salad and charred ciabatta bread provide a beautiful but simple summer Sunday supper. Everyone will love Tagliata with Pecorino, Arugula, Green Olives and Tomato-Rubbed Bread.
Dessert: Celebrate family with an old-fashioned favorite, Peach Clafouti. It’s where cake meets casserole!
July 11, 2014
Eat Your Veggies: 8 Fresh Dishes for Summer
Whether you’re strolling through your local farmers market or taking a trip to your favorite grocery store, it’s hard to miss the beautiful, fresh produce that’s available this time of year.
The leafiest greens and brightest veggies are ripe for the picking (literally). And we think a fresh, hearty salad on a warm evening is just what you need to let the flavors of the season shine.
Thankfully, this doesn’t mean anything boring will be in your bowl! Spices from around the world and some gloriously grilled proteins make each of these a delish dish:
Steak and Spinach Salad with Bacon Bits and Blue Cheese
What’s not to love about homemade bacon bits? And if you have fresh watercress or cress handy, don’t forget to mix it in with the spinach for an extra zip in your salad.
Spanish-Style Grilled Chicken and Dark Greens Salad
Baby kale and spinach, plus marcona almonds and garbanzo beans pack a nutrient punch in this salad!
Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Basil
If you haven’t tried the combination of basil and strawberries before, you’re in for a real treat! Plus, they’re both in-season right now. Feel free to top with grilled chicken.
Italian Chef Salad
Refreshing honeydew wrapped in prosciutto di parma, potatoes with a honey Dijon dressing, tomato, ricotta and fresh, and crisp lettuces make a colorful and tasty salad. Plus, no mixing! You’ll love putting this one down on the table – it looks beautiful!
Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Salad
The spices in this salad make it tops! Lightly crisped chicken with cumin, paprika, and coriander combines with a dressing featuring chipotles in adobo. It’s too good to miss.
Warm Greek Salad with Sliced Steak
You’ll love the contrast of cold salad with warm steak in this Green-inspired salad. Swap in fish, chicken breast, or even portobello mushrooms as alternatives, too.
Cheeseburger Salad
The dressing for this salad is the real surprise. Mustard, ketchup, and relish flavors are all blended for a totally authentic burger in a bowl.
Sugar Snap Pea Salad
Who says you need lettuce to make a salad? Hit the farmers market and grab fresh peas, radishes, and a few peppermint leaves for this refreshing summer blend of summer produce.
July 4, 2014
Easy and Light Summertime 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.
This week, we’re featuring some delicious summer salads perfect for lunches or sides, along with creative, easy, and healthy dips great for entertaining or kicking back with the family.
Don’t miss Saturday’s dinner which will definitely be a hit at your next potluck: Meatball in a Tomato!
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: Packed with protein and veggies, Lentil Salad Version 2 makes a great lunch or side dish.
Dinner: This light Quick Cherry Tomato Sauce and Spaghetti gets you in and out of the kitchen in no time and makes use of summer tomatoes! Pro tip: For an even lighter version using fresh, seasonal veggies, this sauce is fantastic with zucchini or spaghetti squash.
Snack: Zucchini never tasted so good! Even the kids will love these crispy, cheesy Zucchini Fritter Cakes.
Tuesday
Lunch: Savor the flavors of spinach and artichokes tossed with cheese tortellini, tuna and a light lemon dressing when you make this easy and tasty Spinach, Artichoke and Tuna Tortellini Salad.
Dinner: Fire up the grill tonight but forget the hot dogs: Grilled Chicken Cacciatore Panini is delicious and nutritious.
Snack: Peppers and onions spice up your favorite summer fruit in sassy Watermelon Salsa.
Wednesday
Lunch: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Creamy Caesar Dressing a snap to prepare and perfect for brown bagging.
Dinner: A summertime fish fry goes gluten-free and is paired with a new go-to side. Gluten-Free Fish Fry with Potato Salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Dessert: Get ready for the easiest dessert ever when you serve Warm Strawberries and Cream. Three ingredients and you’re done!
Thursday
Lunch: Spicy egg salad adds a hearty layer of flavor in these BLT and Deviled Egg Sandwiches. Cook’s note: Swap in Greek yogurt for the mayo in the egg salad for a lighter sammie.
Dinner: Everything tastes better outside! Try this perfectly balanced salad with petite filets and a few pieces of bacon al fresco for a beautiful evening meal. The only bad news? You probably won’t have leftovers from this Steak and Spinach Salad with Bacon Bits and Blue Cheese.
Snack: Healthy and delicious Avocado Ranch Dip is great served with chips, crackers, veggies or anything you feel like dipping. Cook’s note: If you don’t have all of the herbs for the recipe, swap in whatever you have fresh and on-hand.
Friday
Lunch: This chilled summer soup – Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho - is the perfect meal on a hot summer day.
Dinner: Celebrate the weekend with a classic burger with a twist that no one will be able to resist: BLT Burgers with Swiss and Russian-Style Aioli with Garlic and Herbs. Cook’s note: Store-bought mayo is fine, but give the homemade aioli a try. You won’t believe how easy it is!
Snack: Baked, not fried, Jalapeño Poppers are a tasty twist on this favorite bar snack. A four-cheese stuffing mellows out the spicy jalapeño peppers. Olé!
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: Peanut butter + honey + banana + whole grain bread = Monkey French Toast. Yum!
Dinner: Bring this inventive Meatball in a Tomato, paired with a baby caprese salad, to your next potluck or dinner party and watch it disappear! Cook’s note: These are equally tasty served warm or at room temperature.
Cocktail: Cool off with some grown-up slushies when you whip up a batch of Margarita Slushes.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Poached Eggs in Chorizo-Tomato Stew with Garlic Croutons is a delightful brunch with Spanish flair.
Dinner: Make Sunday night Pizza Night but skip the traditional takeout and make your own. Pair White Pizza with a big salad and dinner is done. Cook’s note: You can buy dough at the grocery store or your local pizzeria, but if you are feeling ambitious, give Rachael’s Pizza Crust recipe a try – you won’t believe how simple it is!
Dessert: Fresh seasonal berries never tasted so good in this easy to make (and even easier to eat!) Blackberry and Almond Crumble.
June 29, 2014
21 Quick and Easy Meals
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 special Mexican inspired-dishes, delicious seafood, and easy homemade dips that are all prefect for weeknight meals or weekend entertaining.
Be sure to try this week’s Sunday supper: juicy grilled pork chops with a delicious honey mustard glaze and a fresh berry pudding. Sorry, there won’t be leftovers!
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: Prepare the sauce and salad over the weekend to enjoy a stress-free weekday lunch when you assemble Roasted Vegetable Tabbouleh with Grilled Flatbread and Yogurt-Tahini Dressing.
Dinner: Broccolini and pasta is complemented by a spicy pesto sauce for another satisfying Meatless Monday meal. Everyone will love Spicy Parsley Pesto. Cooking the broccolini with the pasta cuts down on time and dishes! Pro tip: Leftovers make a great brown bag lunch the next day!
Snack: Turn bottom-of-the-jar salsa into a cheesy Queso Dip – brilliant!
Tuesday
Lunch: A little bacon goes a long way in this satisfying Smoky Bacon and Bean Salad.
Dinner: It’s Taco Tuesday! Make these easy and crowd-pleasing Fish Tacos with Corny Guac with your family’s favorite white fish. Pro tip: The corny guac is delicious on its own as a dip.
Dessert: It’s a mid-week treat when you whip up a batch of Dark Chocolate Brownies. Save a few for tomorrow’s lunches, if you can!
Wednesday
Lunch: The blue cheese ranch dressing makes this Lunch Box: Cobb Salad Triple-Decker Sandwich something special. Cook’s note: If you’re brown bagging, sauce your sandwich just prior to serving to prevent a soggy sammie.
Dinner: You can feel good about serving this delicious, healthy main course salad packed with super foods – Spanish-Style Grilled Chicken and Dark Greens Salad.
Snack: Make your favorite dip in your own kitchen (homemade is always better!) with this French Onion Chips and Dip.
Thursday
Lunch: Lunch Box Turkey Sushi is a fun lunch for all ages and a great recipe to get little ones cooking in the kitchen!
Dinner: Mexican is on the menu tonight. Layers of rotisserie chicken, cheese, tortillas and a spicy sauce come together in one delicious dish – Chicken Suizas Quesadilla Cakes.
Dessert: Use your favorite in-season fruits and Greek yogurt in this delicious Fruit with Honey Cinnamon Sauce. It’s the perfect healthy dessert, snack or even breakfast!
Friday
Lunch: Red Lentil Salad is hearty and satisfying – enjoy over fresh spinach or your favorite greens.
Dinner: Serve a fun and casual Friday night dinner when you prepare Chicken Monte Cristo Burgers. The flavors of chicken picatta and chicken francese are combined into a delicious patty served on savory Parm toast – delish!
Snack: Refrigerated pie dough makes these irresistible M-Y-O Cheesy Crackers a snap to prepare. Three ingredients are all you need!
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: Andouille sausage gives Gumbo-Style Chunky Hash with Fried Eggs a kick!
Dinner: Treat your guests to a luxurious meal that comes together in no time – Lemon Cream Shrimp Scampi. Don’t forget the crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce!
Cocktail: Wow your guests when you serve your favorite summer cocktail with festive Watermelon Ice Cubes.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Treat the family to the ultimate decadent brunch – Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon.
Dinner: A sweet and tangy honey-mustard, wine and herb sauce is the perfect topper to juicy grilled pork chops in Pork Chops with Dijon Glaze.
Dessert: Take advantage of berry season and make this easy and beautiful Summer Berry Pudding. Cook’s note: Make sure to plan for overnight chilling time!
June 26, 2014
How to: Cook with Beer at Your Next BBQ
Grill masters all know that the best recipes need a few secret ingredients. Sometimes it’s a custom chili blend, sometimes it’s sugar to complement heat and spice, and sometimes, it’s a cold brew.
Before your next cookout, grab your favorite beer – not to drink, but to amp up your food’s flavors. From lagers to pale ales, you’ll be surprised at what depth and richness can be added to your recipes.
While the alcohol does cook off, always enjoy your beverages responsibly. In the meantime, let’s get cookin’!
Succulently seasoned pork shoulder gets amped up with pickled peppers and chilis in adobo. Grab a bottle of your favorite Mexican beer for truly authentic flavors!
These spicy, southwestern sloppy Josés get their kick from serrano peppers, black pepper, hot sauce, and a cup of lager!
Don’t store your slow cooker away just ’cause it’s summer. Get this chili simmering early in the day to dish out at your next barbecue. No one will be able to resist this spicy stew, brewed with a bottle of pale ale!
Lager-style beer adds depth to a chili con carne you can eat with chips.
This recipe is for serious meat-lovers only! Advanced prep is required – but you’ll be rewarded! Apple juice and lager-style beer combine to create a sweet, smoky flavor that can’t be beat.
Low fat ground turkey in a tasty barbecue-style sauce is delicious in these sandwiches. You’ll flip for the buffalo kick that’s amped up with a cup of your favorite brew.
Not ready to put the grill away, yet? Try a few more spirit-infused recipes:
- Boozy Wings
- Whiskey BBQ Sauce
- Whiskey Brisket Sandwiches
5 Reasons Watermelon is Awesome
The second you sink your teeth into that first juicy, sweet bite of watermelon, you know it’s really summer. I’ll bet you can close your eyes and picture sinking your teeth into a refreshing, cold piece of this magnificent melon.
If you love watermelon, eating it sliced is just the tip of the iceberg. To quench your thirst for this favorite summer fruit, Rach, in her usual style, has recipe twists and turns that range from sweet to spicy.
Whether you’re off to a big cookout or just relaxing at home, here are a few inventive ways to use watermelon…
As a Refreshing Dip: Watermelon Salsa
Jalepeños and lime juice mean this salsa isn’t for the faint of heart. Try it with your favorite tortilla chips (blue corn would make a pretty contrast!) and make it a day ahead to really let the flavors develop.
As a Pick-Me-Up: Watermelon Ice Cubes
Forget cucumber or lemon in your water. Pretty-in-pink watermelon ice cubes are the way to go!
As Healthy Dessert: Watermelon Ice Pops
Cut, slice, stick, and freeze. That’s all you need to do make a sweet treat that’s healthy and fast! These will really beat the heat at your next outdoor fete.
As a Savory Side: Feta-Stuffed Chicken with Tomato-Watermelon Salad
Take advantage of glorious tomatoes when they’re in season and pair them with feta-stuffed chicken breasts. Simple and scrumptious!
As a Drinking Vessel: Watermelon Punch Bowl with Watermelon Mojito
Forget simply adding watermelon to your drink – drink out of the watermelon! This recipe uses a hollowed-out melon to replace your typical punch bowl. Hey, that’s one less dish to wash, too!
June 22, 2014
A Perfect Summertime Week of Meals
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.
Grill season is in full swing, so this week we’re featuring some delicious burgers and a great grilled sammies perfect for Meatless Monday.
You also won’t want to miss the quintessential quick summertime meal: feta-stuffed chicken with fresh watermelon and tomato salad. Plus, don’t put away the slow cooker just because summer is here. Take it easy Tuesday with a crowd pleasing teriyaki chicken one-pot meal.
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: Macho Gazpacho Vegetable Chunk Salad is a refreshing departure from the typical lettuce tossed salads – it travels well so it’s perfect for brown bagging or potlucks.
Dinner: Hearty grilled veggie sandwiches are on the Meatless Monday menu tonight. No one will be able to resist Grilled Pizza Planks a la Norma.
Snack: A healthy choice for a snack or breakfast, Morning Glory Muffins are packed with fiber. Perfect paired with a cup of tea or coffee, or a glass of milk!
Tuesday
Lunch: Homemade hummus dip is the star of Spicy Hummus Subs.
Dinner: [Note: Advanced prep required!] Take it easy tonight and pull out the slow cooker in the morning for a low-stress, delicious meal: Slow Cooker Meal: Teriyaki Chicken.
Snack: Apples and almonds add healthy crunch to a classic dip in this Apple and Almond Guacamole.
Wednesday
Lunch: Make a batch of Pasta Salad with Herb Pesto and Peas and enjoy it for lunch all week. Pro tip: Add some cooked chicken or turkey for a complete meal!
Dinner: Make Wednesday Night Sandwich Night and enjoy easy and healthy BLAST Burgers (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Salmon and Tomato Burgers with Sriracha Aioli). Cook’s Note: If you want to make this dish even lighter, skip the bun and serve the salmon patty with the sauce over a salad.
Snack: Even the littlest ones can make (and enjoy!) Salsa Verde Dip.
Thursday
Lunch: Skip the PB&J today! Thai Chicken Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce are a go-to crowd pleaser. Cook’s note: If you’re in a pinch, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken.
Dinner: Feta-Stuffed Chicken with Tomato-Watermelon Salad is the perfect simple and healthy summertime meal!
Dessert: Waffle Brownies are a fun and delicious dessert. Plus, they couldn’t be easier -use your favorite brownie mix!
Friday
Lunch: A bagel with homemade veggie cream cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato sounds like a good lunch to us! Enjoy Everything Veggie Cream Cheese.
Dinner: Fire up the grill and celebrate the weekend with Bacon Burgers with Carmelized Onions and Gorgonzola. The caramelized onions sautéed in bacon fat put these burgers off the charts!
Dessert: Ginger-Poached Pears with Ice Cream and Blueberries is a dessert you can feel good about. Sweet and spicy poached pears are topped with ice cream and blueberries – yum! Cook’s note: Make this dessert your own and swap out the blueberries for any fresh berries you have on-hand and a sorbet, or even frozen yogurt, in place of the ice cream.
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: Egg salad topped with sliced steak on hot, toasted English muffins or biscuits? Yes please. Steak and Eggwiches are are a delicious anytime meal.
Dinner: Grilled Paprika Shrimp is the perfect summer party food – no utensils required!
Cocktail: This Refreshing Mint and Lime Sparkler puts a fun spin on the classic mojito.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Treat the family to a fabulous all-in-one meal featuring eggs, spinach, ham and melted cheese. Croque Monsieur with Fresh Spinach is sure to please.
Dinner: Nothing says Sunday supper like a steak dinner! Affordable London Broil is topped with a tasty onion sauce and served alongside mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli in London Broil with Smothered Onions and Crispy Smashed Potatoes.
Dessert: You won’t believe how easy it is to put together this irresistible Plum Cake. Ingredients from the pantry are elevated to a restaurant-worthy dessert when you top with fresh plums. And don’t forget the vanilla ice cream!
June 20, 2014
Road Trip! The Best Food for On-the-Go
It’s officially summer!
Even though I grew up in Arizona, summer is still one of my favorite seasons. There’s nothing like the warm sunshine and the call of the open road to make you want to explore the world and see somewhere new.
Rather than opt for unhealthy gas station snacks, create your own travel food faves with these 14 ideas that pack perfectly. And of course, they’ll be just as tasty on planes or trains as they are in automobiles!
[Pro Tip: Keep food fresh while you travel with Rach's food totes and carriers!]
Honey-roasted peanuts, pretzels, and even a little cayenne make this popcorn outta this world. Rachael has a number of popcorn combos you can try if this doesn’t suit your tastes, like Smoky Paprika Popcorn or Salt and Vinegar Popcorn.
One bite of these, and you’ll be saying goodbye to store-bought forever. Add twists like cinnamon or cocoa powder to make them your own!
Chick peas are hearty and filling, and their pop-able size make them perfect road trip fare.
The beauty of these oat bites is that you can mix and match the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes (and whatever’s in your pantry). They’re quick to whip up and easy to eat on-the-go.
Use this recipe as a template to make this classic mix your own. Do you like things a little bit spicier? Prefer different mix-ins? This one’s yours for the making.
Pumpkin seeds are so versatile. This version gives them a sesame kick, but you can also try Rach’s BBQ or Cheesy varieties, too.
Hearty, satisfying, and packed with good-for-you fiber. These muffins aren’t the sweetest, but they’ll definitely keep you going on a long drive! You can also try Rachael’s Southwest Corn Muffins for another filling muffin fix.
These crackers are fast to make and will probably be gone even faster!
This one may not be a snack, but there’s something about a stick of gum in the car or on the plane that makes traveling a little better. Try this homemade version that’s fun to make with kids!
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