The week that was January 3, 2022

Welcome to 2022! I'm not quite embracing the optimistic task of "new year, new me" because honestly, who has the capacity for that kind of undertaking these days. However I am setting some realistic goals for myself that include maintaining this blog which has so far been extremely fun! Plus the challenge of finding and making new dishes has been such a great creative outlet to balance the spreadsheets that have dominated my 9-5 life. What a way to make a living.

So onward we go! Here is what kept us full and warm this week as the snow fell and the temps dropped.

  

Creamy Chicken and White Bean Chili 

Chili is my love language. Hearty, spicy, cheesy and lots of toppings. This recipe was outstanding and made plenty of leftovers. I swapped in chicken thighs instead of breasts for a little more fat and flavor and was able to use a few more of the radishes that have been sitting in the fridge. Win Win Win.

Crispy Chickpea and Kale Caesar - found on instagram @Tania_Raffaele16

I used this recipe as an excuse to bring out these old wooden bowls that I inherited after my grandmother passed. I remember being small enough to crawl inside her lower cabinets and play with pots and pans and growing up I always loved this salad bowl set. I rarely use them but its a treat when we do, they are beautiful and bring back very happy memories. The salad was also a winner! Very crispy chickpeas and plenty of peppery caesar dressing.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Friday night dinner has to be easy and quick. I'm deep into weekend mode by 6pm (sometimes 4pm but it was a good week) and don't always want to have my brain turned on. This recipe was everything I needed. Carbs, bacon, enough spinach to curb any guilt, and leftovers! Ready in 20 minutes and definitely a repeatable meal.

Thai Shrimp Curry

We got a little snow on Monday morning that was just about gone by Monday night. But it didn't stop my enthusiasm for a spicy limey curry. I like all variations of curry and was excited to try this particular version. It used a red curry paste which saved on time and the flavors were balanced and soul warming. I found it a little hard to photograph but it was the perfect start to a busy week.

Ricotta Polenta and Drunken Meatballs

Sunday supper, also known as what is in the fridge that won’t make it another week. I was able to pull together a rendition of this recipe with leftover ground lamb which was perfect for this super flavorful and comforting dish. In case you were wondering, yes, the Sunday scaries can be overcome by a bowl of cheesy polenta and gravy.

I hope you all are having a great start to your year!

Enjoy