Welcome to the week of “handhelds,” my friends. I think there’s something quite satisfying about holding onto your food as you dig in, and handheld meals are notorious for being hearty and consistently delicious. Whether it’s a sandwich, a seafood boil, or skewers, each dish on the menu will have your taste buds singing!
Sandwich Monday: Classic Club Sandwich
Don’t you feel like Mondays are the most chaotic day of the week? Sandwiches are often my hero on a busy Monday, and today just happens to be National Cold Cuts Day. My boys are obsessed with this club sandwich (minus the tomatoes) because it’s loaded with protein and tastes amazing!
Hot tips
- Use your favorite deli meats! Roast beef, capicola, mortadella, and salami are a few delicious options.
- The foundation of a great sandwich is the bread. Use homemade white miche, sourdough, or whole wheat bread to add that extra “oomph.”
- If you’re taking a sandwich on-the-go, skewer it with a cocktail toothpick to keep the layers together.
Dumpling Tuesday: Gyoza
My mouth is watering just thinking about these Japanese dumplings. They’re filled with juicy meat, tender and crispy, and absolutely irresistible with a dipping sauce.
Hot tips
- Buy extra ground turkey (or other ground meat) for tomorrow’s wraps.
- Seal the dumplings well to keep all the yummy filling inside.
- Make the dipping sauce from the recipe post, or serve the gyoza with ponzu sauce or regular soy sauce.
- Make an extra batch and freeze the raw gyoza for up to two months. Whenever a craving strikes, cook them as directed or throw them into soup!
Wrap Wednesday: Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Light, simple, and filling — that’s the magic trio of these turkey lettuce wraps. I love them as an unfussy pick-me-up dinner to get the family through the rest of the week. Plus, I always feel great after eating them!
Hot tips
- Use large leaves of lettuce and double stack them if needed to prevent the wraps from falling apart.
- Swap the turkey for ground beef, pork, or chicken if you prefer.
- Check out the recipe post for a ton of customization ideas!
- If you’re not feeling the low-carb vibes, swap the lettuce for tortillas.
Southern Thursday: Shrimp Boil
The first time I tasted a seafood boil, I was blown away by the simplicity and incredible flavor of this culturally rich dish. I highly recommend digging in with your hands and trying every piece!
Hot tips
- Andouille sausage is traditional, but if you prefer less spice, opt for Polish kielbasa or any other mild sausage.
- If you can’t find fresh corn, use frozen corn-on-the-cob. It’s just as tasty!
- Throw in your favorite seafood and veggies. Clams, lobster, green beans.. the sky’s the limit.
- Serve crusty bread or cornbread with the boil to mop up the extra sauce. A glass of iced tea and lemon bars are perfect for rounding out this decadent meal!
Skewer Friday: Honey Chicken Skewers
If “bursting with flavor” was a dish, it’d be these chicken skewers. The chicken is marinated with five special ingredients, then grilled to juicy, caramelized perfection. My secret ingredient makes these skewers a guaranteed crowdpleaser!
Hot tips
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for at least a few hours to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate the chicken for a few hours to allow all those delicious flavors to soak in.
- Skip the side dish and thread assorted veggies (like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms) onto the skewers, alternating with the chicken.
- To satisfy any carb cravings, serve the skewers with cilantro lime rice or roasted fingerling potatoes.
Breakfast of the Week: Freestyle Quiche
Imagine you get to stuff all your favorite breakfast foods into a perfect little package… then make that dream a reality and enjoy these delectable mini quiches.
Dessert of the Week: Cheesecake Chocolate Cupcakes
Moist chocolate cupcakes are filled with a luxurious cheesecake mixture for a treat that leaves you wanting one more bite. And then another. And then — you get it.
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