Category: Weeknight Meal

Swordfish with Macadamia Nut Crust and Papaya Salsa

I can’t say that I know much about Hawaiian food, past that I assume is it fish-heavy and influenced by tropical and Asian/Polynesian flavors (with their favorite canned meat, Spam, sprinkled in, of course). So when I was given the opportunity to review Tommy Bahama‘s FLAVORS of ALOHA: Cooking with Tommy Bahama (paid link), I was really curious to see what the cookbook had in store.

 

 

The cookbook is filled with quite the range of dishes, from appetizers to dessert. Written by Rick Rodgers, the cookbook transports you to Hawaii through 100+ island-inspired recipes including:

  • Tuna Poke with Guacamole and Flatbread
  • Flavorful Ono Oxtail Soup
  • Saimin with Asian Chicken Broth (arguably Hawaii’s state dish)
  • Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger Dipping Sauce
  • Huli Huli Pork Tenderloin and Pineapple with Old-School Teriyaki Marinade
  • Pineapple Crème Brulee
  • Hibiscus Lime Cooler

 

 

The cookbook also contains little facts about Hawaiian culture and history as well as tips for eating, drinking, and “living the life,” FLAVORS OF ALOHA invites aspiring cooks of all abilities to embrace the Tommy Bahama spirit by taking an “island time” approach to cooking for family and friends. Plus the photos are gorgeous!

 

 

I wanted to use this opportunity to work with a seafood I rarely make (although I am absolutely going to have to make the Kona Flan in the near future!) and adapted the cookbook’s recipe for Mahi Mahi with Macadamia Nut Crust and Papaya Salsa to use swordfish instead.

 

Adapted from Flavors of Aloha, Cooking with Tommy Bahama

Ingredients:

Papaya Salsa:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallots
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup diced papaya

Swordfish:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted macadamia nuts
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 swordfish steaks, about 6 oz each
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Continue reading Swordfish with Macadamia Nut Crust and Papaya Salsa

Lime Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls

I posted a recipe for a Salmon Teriyaki Stir Fry a while back and was craving something similar but not the exact same recipe. I found this recipe for an Asian Salmon Bowl with Lime Drizzle on Epicurious and doctored it up to suit my tastes to make these Lime Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls.

These Lime Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls are super satisfying and comes together really quickly. Feel free to experiment with different mix ins and toppings!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked rice, white or brown
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 package (8 ounces) sliced baby bella mushrooms
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos to make gluten free)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 4 salmon fillets (4 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 package (5 ounces) baby spinach
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons black sesame seeds

Continue reading Lime Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls

Frog in a Hole with Blueberry Pancakes

Did you know that February is Hot Breakfast Month? If your schedule is anything like mine, the closest you get to a hot breakfast on a week day is instant oatmeal. So why not switch up a weeknight dinner and serve breakfast instead?

Coinciding with National Hot Breakfast Month in February and to make sure everyone can regularly enjoy both the simplicity and fun of breakfast for dinner, Krusteaz has officially named every Wednesday Night in February “Breakfast Night.”

 

To make Breakfast Night super simple, Krusteaz sent me some of their Baking Mixes so I could have breakfast for dinner!

My fiance absolutely loves breakfast, so he was so excited for us to switch it up and have a sweet and savory dinner. I used Krusteaz’ Blueberry Belgian Waffle Mix to make pancakes (I don’t have a Belgian waffle maker), and cut out the center of each pancake to make a spin on Frog in a Hole with Blueberry Pancakes. (Frog in a Hole is usually made with a piece of toast that has the center cut out to make room for an egg.) I added some crumbled bacon for good measure on top as well.

You only need to add water, oil, and eggs to the Krusteaz Blueberry Belgian Waffle Mix to have your batter ready to go, the blueberries are already in there!  Krusteaz was also kind enough to allow me to host a giveaway. You can receive a bunch of their yummy mixes, including:

  • 1 box of Buttermilk Pancake Mix
  • 1 box of Blueberry Belgian Waffle Mix
  • 1 box of Chocolate Chunk Muffin Mix
  • 1 box of Honey Wheat Pancake Mix
  • Krusteaz coupons for free product

More details and how to enter after the recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 4 strips of bacon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 3 cups Krusteaz Blueberry Belgian Waffle Mix
  • 6 eggs, divided
  • 1 1/4 cup water
  • 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
  • cooking spray
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Continue reading Frog in a Hole with Blueberry Pancakes

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Happy Carnevale! Carnevale is celebrated in Italy 40 days before Easter. It is the last hurrah before Lent begins. (It’s similar to Mardi Gras). The word “carnevale” actually means “no meat” in Latin, so the best way to celebrate this holiday is with some protein before fasting begins for Lent.

Redpack Tomatoes sent me a package of assorted canned tomatoes to get me in the spirit of Carnevale, and included some tasty recipes to go along with it. I decided to make Chicken Parmesan, one of my favorite comfort foods. I adapted the recipe from Redpack, but decided to bake the chicken rather than pan fry it, so here is my recipe for Baked Chicken Parmesan.

Redpack is also offering one reader the chance to win the same kit I was sent! It includes:

  • 1 20-oz can of Redpack crushed tomatoes
  • 1 28-oz can of Redpack whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 28-oz can of Redpack diced tomatoes
  • 1 6-oz can of Redpack tomato paste

 

Details on how to enter after the recipe below.

 

Redpack is also hosting a Facebook promotion running until March 4 where 1,000 Redpack followers will win a Redpack branded apron each week. One grand prize winner will receive a pasta stock pot, pasta-related serveware, and a selection of Redpack products.

 

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • cooking spray
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 shallots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 (28 oz) can Redpack Crushed Tomatoes in Thick Puree
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Continue reading Baked Chicken Parmesan

Steamed Mussels in Saffron Broth

I am so excited to share this dish for Steamed Mussels in Saffron Broth with you for a few reasons:

  1. I love mussels and am always looking for a new recipe to add to my rotation
  2. This recipe looks fancy pants because it has saffron in it
  3. BUT  it’s really simple to make!

 

 

This is actually yet another recipe sent my way through the Cooking Light Diet plan. (That plan is on a roll. The menus are amazing!)  They suggest serving it with an easy rice noodle mixture but if you’re feeling a little more carb-y, you could serve this with day old bread, over rice, or with pasta.

 

This sauce is amazing.  I actually packaged up the leftover broth to use to make rice the next day. Why yes, I did love it THAT much.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons whipping cream
  • 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded

Continue reading Steamed Mussels in Saffron Broth

Ancho Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream

This is another recipe from the Cooking Light Diet Plan. These tacos are great for a weeknight meal because it’s an under 30 minute recipe– it’s honestly mostly assembly.

As a reminder, if you’d like to try the Cooking Light Diet Plan along with me, use the code DIETSAVE20 to receive a special discount!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4-inch strips
  • 3/4 teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/8 teaspoon grated lime rind
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
  • 1/4 cup light sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons 1% low-fat milk
  • 1/2 ripe peeled avocado, diced
  • 2 cups packaged angel hair slaw
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas

 

Continue reading Ancho Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream

Crab Cakes with Spicy Mustard Sauce

I have recently started using Cooking Light’s new diet plan. Subscribers receive a calorie-driven weekly meal plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks customized for their dieting goals and food preferences curated by the editors of Cooking Light. It allows you to substitute in other options if you aren’t digging the ones selected, and even has the option to list “Dining Out” or “Leftovers” if you have a non-cooking meal.

So far, I’ve been really impressed with the selection of recipes and how tasty they are. The recipes also take into account time constraints, so they aren’t like 2 hour recipes on a week day (very much appreciated!) If you want to try the Cooking Light Diet Plan along with me, use the code DIETSAVE20 to receive a special discount!

I wanted to begin sharing some of the recipes I have been sent to give you an idea of what options are offered. This recipe for Crab Cakes with Spicy Mustard Sauce was an awesome weeknight meal. It comes together in under 30 minutes and is super satisfying. (I am a huge fan of quick weeknight dinners; in fact, I have a whole section of “weeknight meals” on my blog.)

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/3 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs), divided
  • 1 pound lump crabmeat, drained and shell pieces removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (I used stone ground)
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

 

Continue reading Crab Cakes with Spicy Mustard Sauce

Chicken Satay

I have been meaning to make this recipe for Chicken Satay forever; seriously, years. I don’t know why it took me this long because Chicken Satay is a pretty easy recipe, but for some reason I kept putting it off. And boy do I regret that. It’s so tasty! Honestly, what isn’t better with some peanut butter?

 

Chicken Satay is skewered chicken marinated in a peanut sauce that is typically eaten as an appetizer or street food. By adding a side of brown rice, this turns into an easy dinner!

This Chicken Satay recipe actually has you ground your own peanuts with some other ingredients to make a sauce rather than starting with peanut butter. The result is really tasty!

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon toasted cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (~2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 shallot, peeled
  • 1/3 cup light coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 serrano chile, stem removed
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Continue reading Chicken Satay

Charred Lemon Chicken Piccata

I love Chicken Piccata, it’s a simple recipe that really delivers on flavor. Plus, I usually have the ingredients needed on hand! Cooking Light’s latest issue has a recipe for Chicken Piccata that browns the lemons to intensify the lemon flavor while taking away some of the “bite.”

This recipe would go great with a side of green beans and/or mashed potatoes. You could also add the chicken piccata over some egg noodles or other pasta, like I have with my past recipe for Chicken Piccata with Spaghetti.

Ingredients:

  • 2 small lemons, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 4 garlic cloves, halved
  • 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 teaspoon grated shallot
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic
  • 1 oregano sprig
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

 

 

Continue reading Charred Lemon Chicken Piccata

Halibut with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes

I spent the last two weeks in total holiday mode. With my birthday, Christmas, and getting engaged all in the past couple of weeks, it’s been one big celebratory meal! I’ve done very little cooking and a whole lot of eating, so it’s time to get back into a normal cooking/eating schedule again.

This recipe for Halibut with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes from Cooking Light is a really simple weeknight meal option. I served it with a simple salad; green beans or asparagus would also work great with this recipe.

I changed the recipe slightly because my supermarket was out of basil; this version uses some oregano leaves to give a pop of flavor.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (I used basil infused olive oil)
  • 2 (6-ounce) halibut fillets, skinned
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 oz cherry tomatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves

 

Continue reading Halibut with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes

Browned Butter and Lemon Brussels Sprouts

I love love love Brussels sprouts. I truly don’t understand why I was told they were gross when I was a kid, they are a favorite veggie of mine now! So I’m excited to share this recipe for Browned Butter and Lemon Brussels Sprouts!

Most recipes for Brussels sprouts include bacon, however. And as much as I love bacon, sometimes you just want a truly vegetarian side. Cooking Light had this recipe for Browned Butter and Lemon Brussels Sprouts in its November 2014 issue and it sounded so yummy! Lemons brighten up the flavor of the Brussels sprouts and works really well with the browned butter.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Continue reading Browned Butter and Lemon Brussels Sprouts

Cardamom Glazed Carrots

Carrots are a staple on most Thanksgiving tables. My dad loves super mushy carrots, which just don’t do it for me.  I want a bit of a crunch! So this recipe for Cardamom Glazed Carrots from Cooking Light is perfect for me; sorry, Dad!

The cardamom adds a lightly floral taste which works so nicely with the fresh ginger. This recipe takes just 15 minutes to make so it’s a great weeknight option as well. The recipe serves 6, so multiply as needed.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or margarine to make vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

 

Continue reading Cardamom Glazed Carrots

Steamed Spinach with Curry Butter

Sometimes your sides need a bit more pizzazz. This simple recipe for Steamed Spinach with Curry Butter from Cooking Light adds a ton of flavor (and a little bit of heat if you want it) with little effort and time. The recipe below makes enough for 4 people but can easily be multiplied to fill a crowd (this would be a yummy side at Thanksgiving!)

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil to make paleo)
  • 1 tablespoon mild curry powder
  • 2 (16-ounce) containers fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Slow Cooker Sausage and Sweet Potato Chili

Nothing warms you up quite like a bowl of homemade chili. I love how hearty chili is while still being a relatively healthy dinner choice. And when made in a slow cooker, it’s waiting to greet you when you get home!

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of slow cooker recipes; I have almost 30 slow cooker recipes on my blog as of this post!  And chili is a perfect slow cooker meal — brown your meat, saute the onions and peppers, throw everything else in, cover, and let the slow cooker do it’s magic.

I was sent this slow cooker chili recipe from Redpack tomatoes for Slow Cooker Sausage and Sweet Potato Chili, along with a kit containing some of their yummy crushed tomatoes. I had never made chili with sweet potatoes in it before but it sounded absolutely delicious! I adapted my recipe slightly, mainly due to me using a 28 oz can of diced tomatoes instead of a 14.5 oz can (oops).

Redpack also will be hosting an awesome promotion from today, Oct. 22 to Nov. 12 during which they will give away two slow cookers a day for three weeks on its Facebook page — that’s 44 slow cookers! Just go to RedPack Tomatoes Facebook Page to enter.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, removed from its casings
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (28 oz) can Redpack Crushed Tomatoes in Thick Puree
  • 1 (28 oz) can Repack Petite Diced Tomatoes in Juice
  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
  • cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)

Continue reading Slow Cooker Sausage and Sweet Potato Chili

Fish with Bacon Tomato Butter

I know you’re probably not going to believe me on this, but this recipe for Fish with Bacon Tomato Butter is a Cooking Light recipe. Bacon? Butter? Yup. Still Cooking Light. Everything in moderation, my friends.

The problem here may just be the “in moderation” part. The Bacon-Tomato Butter is just the best.  THE BEST.

This was originally a grill recipe so I used my indoor grill pan. Actually grilling (on a gas or charcoal grill) would add a really great smoky taste to this though so I highly recommend trying the original recipe out.  This is also a great kind of “fridge cleaning” recipe. Is it just me who ends up with like two pieces of uncooked bacon that get lost in the fridge for me to find way past their prime?

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 4 (6-ounce) firm white fish fillets (I used Chilean Sea Bass)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt, to taste
  • 1 slice center-cut bacon,  chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
  • 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Continue reading Fish with Bacon Tomato Butter

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