“Cozy” — doesn’t this word just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, too? This week I want to focus on all things cozy, creamy, warm, easy, and nostalgic.
Painless Monday: Chicken Cutlets
What’s one of the simplest things we all loved to eat, even as kids? For me, it was crispy chicken cutlets. This protein is easy to make and goes with anything — making it perfect for a painless Monday.
Hot tips
- Reheat the cutlets in the oven or the air fryer for the crispiest results. Microwaving usually isn’t able to preserve their signature crispness!
- Serve the chicken with yummy mashed potatoes. To get your veggies in, make a simple salad with whatever ingredients you have at home and serve the cutlets on top.
- Use leftover cutlets to make a wrap or sandwich for lunch the next day with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese!
Gravy Tuesday: Beef Gravy
This beef gravy takes about half an hour to prep, but the magical transformation happens during the (roughly) 45 minute cook time. It contains both protein and veggies, so all your food group bases are covered. Plus, it’s all done in one pan — which means less dishes for you to wash tonight!
Hot tips
- Serve with mashed potatoes, buckwheat or make a batch of macaroni.
- To speed up the cooking process, cut your beef into smaller pieces. The larger the chunks are, the longer they’ll take to cook and get tender.
“Global” Wednesday: Creamy Shrimp Scampi
This week, I’m not going too crazy with an international dish — instead, I want to focus on a simple but delicious Italian-inspired shrimp scampi. The pasta and shrimp are covered in a cheesy white sauce that makes this midweek day more than average.
Hot tips
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Shrimp is great because it cooks so quickly, but if it’s overcooked, it does turn rubbery.
- This recipe uses white wine, but if you prefer to skip it, make shrimp fettuccine Alfredo instead. It’s super similar, but it’s a bit cheesier and alcohol-free!
- Reserve a small portion of the pasta water to thin out the sauce when reheating (if desired).
Slurpy Thursday: Creamy Potato Soup
We can’t go a week without having a soup on the menu, especially if we’re focusing on cozy food. I like to describe this potato soup as silky – the potatoes and broth make it super smooth. WIth the first spoonful, you’ll feel like a soft warm blanket on the inside.
Hot tips
- Any type of potato can be used, but keep in mind that the consistency of the broth depends on the variety of potato. The starchier the potato, the more thick and creamy the soup will be, and vice versa.
- Make it a fancy Thursday by serving the soup with a “topping bar.” Bacon, croutons, sour cream, cheese, and herbs are great options.
- Serve the soup with a toasted slice of homemade French bread.
Flavor-bangin’ Friday: Instant Pot Chili
There’s nothing “chilly” about this chili recipe. Brown the beef, layer in the remaining ingredients, and set the clock to 25 minutes. It’ll be a great Friday night dinner, and the leftovers are great for the weekend.
Hot tips
- If you’ve got leftover toppings from the topping bar on Thursday, use them to top off the chili bowls.
- Chili is a great freezer meal. Make a double batch and freeze it for up to two months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
- For more of a spicy kick, add in diced jalapeños, red chili flakes, or hot sauce to the instant pot. Or, add it as a personal garnish if not everyone is a heat-lover in your family.
Side of the Week: Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks
Tell me I’m not the only one who could never get enough of the Olive Garden breadsticks whenever I ate there? If there’s any side that I can eat over and over (but probably shouldn’t), it’s these breadsticks. Pair them with anything this week!
Weekend Wonder: Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Remember how I said that the word “cozy” just sounds nice and warm? Well, same thing here. Just the sound of “creme brulee” brings me warm feelings, so imagine what the taste of pumpkin creme brulee is going to bring you!
Click Here to Download the Menu and Shopping List!
No Comments