It’s either week 7 or 8 of quarantine. I’m not really sure anymore but even more sure it doesn’t really matter either. It’s been a major change to every part of life, resulting in many, many challenges (homeschooling anyone?). But it’s also provided a unique opportunity to find your passion and really lean into it. I’ve been gardening for a while, so it was no surprise that I find extra joy in watering my plants in the morning. But I’ve also discovered a great love for cooking and baking. With grocery supplies scarce, it’s been a welcome challenge to find new recipes with what’s available already in the pantry. My good friend, Amy, also referred me to a service where we were able to get a crate full of a variety of vegetables, fruits, rice, bread and eggs.
Below you’ll find an ever-growing list of my favorite recipes. There have definitely been some misses, but luckily they are few and far between. Please check back for new recipes and share your favorite ones below. I’m always on the look for new inspiration!
Appetizers
Guacamole
The official appetizer of this house. I’ve been making this for years. It’s a tried and true gem coming straight from my Mama’s kitchen. I always get compliments on this recipe and never seem to make enough.
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Cocktails
Margarita
Cinco de Mayo, quarantine style. It’s not my normal go-to but perfect for a special fiesta. I like Martha’s for her liberal use of tequila.
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Blackberry Smash
What do you do when you have a ton of berries that you don’t know what to do with? Throw them into a cocktail of course! This one can be made with Vodka or Whiskey. Or probably anything really, I’m not judging.
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Main Course
Chicken Milanese
Easy, tasty and plays well with others. This dinner-time staple is a cinch to whip up with ingredients you already have. Pair with pasta, veggies or on a sandwich. It’s too good to miss.
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Aglio e olio w/ Kale
I love this recipe from Bon Appetit. You can hardly taste the kale and it’s super simple.
Pro Tip: I accidentally spilled too much black pepper in, but it ended up being so tasty. So the trick is to use lots of black pepper!
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15 Min Cherry Tomato Pasta – I had a box of cherry tomatoes and no idea what to do with them. Enter this gem from Epicurious. It’s another great, light pasta. I would serve it more as a side with grilled chicken or pork chops.
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Filet Mignon
I’ve been trying to master this one for years. I’m not quite there yet but I am sharing my Dad’s directions for the perfectly grilled filet mignon. Served with cheddar mashed potatoes and asparagus, it’s the epitome of my dream meal.
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One-Pot Spicy Lasagna
This is my lasagna “go-to” thanks to my girl Giada De Laurentiis. It’s so easy. And it doesn’t require you to cook the noodles first. MAJOR. TIME. SAVER. I usually leave out the broccoli. But it’s cheesy, spicy and simple enough to make in under an hour. The perfect comfort food.
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Sides
Ratatouille
The recipe that started it all and the inspiration provided by my friend, Amy. What seemed a little daunting originally was way easier that I thought. It’s a great way to highlight zucchini and tomatoes. This dish was superb. Reheated the next day was even better. Serve with chicken or as a vegetarian main dish. You can’t go wrong with this French comfort food staple.
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Sopa de Fideo
My Grandma’s recipe. Enough said.
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Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Another family favorite. This time coming from my Uncle Butch, the unofficial head chef of the family. This side is critical to any proper Sunday Family Breakfast.
Pro Tip: Leftovers make great potato quesadillas!
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Vegetable Tian
This one is a fancy pants recipe. My cousin, Rachel, first made this for me years ago. It was so special that I’ve been wanting to try it for a while but was way too intimidated. It’s not too complicated but it does take a while. So save this one for the weekend.
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Desserts
Magnolia Bakery-Inspired Cupcakes
When you can’t travel to NYC for their famous cupcakes, you make NYC come to you. Perfect for when you want to eat your feelings or just in need of a decadent pick-me-up. This cheat uses a box cake mix (because who can tell the difference) and the official Magnolia Bakery recipe for chocolate buttercream icing.
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Very Berry Ice Cream
Turn a boring cup of vanilla ice cream into a decadent berry dessert. Just add plenty of berries. I chose blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. I threw in some chocolate chips for crunch. You could even do more by adding nuts or pouring over a little Bailey’s Irish Cream.
3 Ingredient Creme Brûlée
I tested this 3-ingredient dessert hack that has taken over the internet. I am here to tell you this one is for real. Seriously, go and try it tonight. I don’t know why anyone would make it the old fashioned way again.
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One last tip: menu planning has really helped me plan out the week or at least a few days at a time. I’d look at what groceries I had in stock and make my meals accordingly. I converted my activity calendar to a school and dinner plan that I’ll be updating over the next few months.
Bon Appétit!
Sara
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