Leah here---and I'm openly admitting that sometimes I get in a cooking rut. Some weeks I rip out a handful of recipes I find in magazines, pin dozens of tasty looking entrees on Pinterest and can't wait to plan my week. Other weeks I've got nothing. Nothing sounds good. "Can't we just eat scrambled eggs for dinner every night?" I think. A nice side of buttery toast...I see nothing wrong with this picture.
But because I like to make things adventurous (sometimes difficult, my family would say) I like to keep dinner different each night with a sprinkle of familiar standbys. Now, that's not to say breakfast never happens for dinner. It's actually some of our favorites.
Here are a few new recipes I've tried in the last few weeks that got rave reviews at my house and they're so simple, I'll spare you the step by step photos. Hopefully they'll get you in the "try something new" mindset.
As mentioned, breakfast for dinner is a hit at my house. These lemon cornmeal pancakes from Two Peas and a Pod blog were so delish! There's nothing wrong with the flour based, fluffy flapjacks we all love, but the thought of adding lemon sounded like a nice switch. The cornmeal base makes them more cake like than normal. I'm a two pancake girl. I may have nibbled on a third later that night. I loved these topped with warm blackberry jam.
I'm ready for warmer weather and this southwestern avocado and black bean salad from Paula Dean sounded like a good transition to lighter meals. I did want some protein or texture so this night I sauteed some large shrimp in olive oil after tossing them in a few warm spices like cumin and a dash of cayenne plus garlic and onion powder. Both my husband and I cleared our plates but I can't help but think it could have been improved with even more lime juice and some cumin mixed in to the dressing.
I have to warn you--if we eat sushi together, I'll probably ask if I can have your pickled ginger. Yes, the garnish. The palate cleanser. I can't get enough of that hot pink pickled goodness. But I figured out how to make a good substitute to snack on at home. Picked red onions. This recipe on Bon Appetit's web site was so simple.
I made these to go on pork tacos--and promptly ruined the pork. Didn't matter. I've been eating these with a fork (and, ok, my fingers) all weekend. Simply slice a red onion thin and soak in apple cider vinegar, a little salt and sugar. I let these soak overnight....so good! Would be great on a barbecue sandwich. I might be making these all summer.
A few more "hits" at my house lately:
French dip crescent rolls from Mama Loves Food. Wish I would have doubled the recipe! This might be my new secret weapon at parties.
Strawberry season is too short. I'm making this addicting strawberry bruschetta from Annie's Eats until the last berry falls from the vine.
I'm not sure which was tastier, this blackened chicken from Sarcastic Cooking or the avocado cream on top. Use what you've got. She blended avocado with yogurt. I blended it with a little sour cream and mayo.
Like what you've seen here? Almost all of the recipes were found on Pinterest. Are you on Pinterest? Follow me here, I'll follow you and we'll find new favorites together.
But because I like to make things adventurous (sometimes difficult, my family would say) I like to keep dinner different each night with a sprinkle of familiar standbys. Now, that's not to say breakfast never happens for dinner. It's actually some of our favorites.
Here are a few new recipes I've tried in the last few weeks that got rave reviews at my house and they're so simple, I'll spare you the step by step photos. Hopefully they'll get you in the "try something new" mindset.
As mentioned, breakfast for dinner is a hit at my house. These lemon cornmeal pancakes from Two Peas and a Pod blog were so delish! There's nothing wrong with the flour based, fluffy flapjacks we all love, but the thought of adding lemon sounded like a nice switch. The cornmeal base makes them more cake like than normal. I'm a two pancake girl. I may have nibbled on a third later that night. I loved these topped with warm blackberry jam.
I'm ready for warmer weather and this southwestern avocado and black bean salad from Paula Dean sounded like a good transition to lighter meals. I did want some protein or texture so this night I sauteed some large shrimp in olive oil after tossing them in a few warm spices like cumin and a dash of cayenne plus garlic and onion powder. Both my husband and I cleared our plates but I can't help but think it could have been improved with even more lime juice and some cumin mixed in to the dressing.
I have to warn you--if we eat sushi together, I'll probably ask if I can have your pickled ginger. Yes, the garnish. The palate cleanser. I can't get enough of that hot pink pickled goodness. But I figured out how to make a good substitute to snack on at home. Picked red onions. This recipe on Bon Appetit's web site was so simple.
I made these to go on pork tacos--and promptly ruined the pork. Didn't matter. I've been eating these with a fork (and, ok, my fingers) all weekend. Simply slice a red onion thin and soak in apple cider vinegar, a little salt and sugar. I let these soak overnight....so good! Would be great on a barbecue sandwich. I might be making these all summer.
A few more "hits" at my house lately:
French dip crescent rolls from Mama Loves Food. Wish I would have doubled the recipe! This might be my new secret weapon at parties.
Strawberry season is too short. I'm making this addicting strawberry bruschetta from Annie's Eats until the last berry falls from the vine.
I'm not sure which was tastier, this blackened chicken from Sarcastic Cooking or the avocado cream on top. Use what you've got. She blended avocado with yogurt. I blended it with a little sour cream and mayo.
Like what you've seen here? Almost all of the recipes were found on Pinterest. Are you on Pinterest? Follow me here, I'll follow you and we'll find new favorites together.
Leah, I love your cutie-pie blog! Think I'll try the French dip cresent rolls on my family Fri night for the Thunder game party!
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