I’ve been meal planning for so long that it has become a part of my routine — almost automatic each weekend. I check the calendar for busy days or evening events, look in the pantry, fridge, and freezer for food that needs to be used up, and consider the weather that may dictate my cooking methods or my mood. Who wants to eat a cold salad on a windy rainy night?
This week, I’ll continue that process, but I’ll also focus on cooking for myself and my family to provide comfort and nourishment. There’s so much negativity and division out there – cooking is a way to provide safety and warmth for yourself and to others. It’s one of the few things I can control, and I’m happy to offer that for us. I’m also personally excited about the earlier daylight in the mornings; walking my dog in the fresh air first thing is one of my favorite daily rituals.
I hope you find inspiration in these recipes and that they bring you comfort and nourishment as well.
Happy cooking,
Christina
1
Salmon with Orange Mustard Glaze
This is a family favorite and so simple to make. I recently updated the cooking technique to include a quick pan sear before transferring the salmon to a low temperature oven to finish cooking – a delicious upgrade! This week I’ll serve the salmon with roasted Brussels sprouts and herb roasted baby potatoes. A nice Sunday dinner for my family but quick enough to be a weeknight meal.
An oldie but goodie comfort dish. I’ll make it early in the day and pop it in the oven about an hour before dinner. Serve with a big pile of arugula salad.
Mixed Green with Roasted Chicken, Figs and Shallot Vinaigrette
The reality is my teenagers will probably eat around the figs so to avoid any food waste, I’ll serve the figs on the side and offer a sliced pear or persimmon as an alternative. I have some frozen tomato soup I’ll serve on the side for a soup and salad dinner. And I still have a kiddo in water polo playoffs so a grilled cheese for him will likely be in order! A perfect soup + salad + sammy combo
Asian Chicken Salad with Orange-Sesame Vinaigrette
My friend raved about this salad and happily passed it along to me. I cannot wait to try this refreshing, flavorful salad this week. I love everything about this quick to prepare salad! I’ll make sure to buy enough bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts to roast and shred for both salads this week.
