Here’s a list of the best things I ate in December…don’t you love a good list?!
Saturday mornings for me are all about meal planning for the week to come. Surrounded by cookbooks, foodie newsletters, my favorite cooking websites and a steaming cup of coffee, I set to work to curate a daily menu full of variety and healthy options that also fit my family’s schedules.
Each month, I share the fruits of discovering new and tested recipes with you. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or to get out of a cooking rut, stop by each month for a round-up of the best things I ate. Or, follow me on Facebook to get a weekly recap.
Homemade Fried Rice (Well Plated)
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 25 min
I was looking for something quick, easy and meatless and stumbled across this. I grew up eating my mom’s version of fried rice (which is great), but this one is packed with veggies. My guys declared it comfort food…I totally agree.
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I was looking for something quick, easy and meatless and stumbled across this. I grew up eating my mom’s version of fried rice (which is great), but this one is packed with veggies. My guys declared it comfort food…I totally agree.
Roast Salmon and Broccoli with Chile-Caper Vinaigrette (Epicurious)
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 40 min
As far as sheet-pan dinners go, this one feels elevated! To make it even easier, opt for precut broccoli florets and portioned salmon filets (which is exactly what I did). That chile-caper vinaigrette, though? Mmmmm!
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As far as sheet-pan dinners go, this one feels elevated! To make it even easier, opt for precut broccoli florets and portioned salmon filets (which is exactly what I did). That chile-caper vinaigrette, though? Mmmmm!
Ayam Percik: Coconut Spiced Chicken (Ann Low for Honest Cooking)
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 40 min (+ overnight marinade)
Our weekend culinary adventures took us to Malaysia this week. The recipe calls for an overnight marinade. We let ours sit for 5 to 6 hours and it still produced great flavor. The other change is that Jeff opted to grill it — excellent decision! We can’t wait to make a big batch of this for spring/summer grilling with family and friends…one day.
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Our weekend culinary adventures took us to Malaysia this week. The recipe calls for an overnight marinade. We let ours sit for 5 to 6 hours and it still produced great flavor. The other change is that Jeff opted to grill it — excellent decision! We can’t wait to make a big batch of this for spring/summer grilling with family and friends…one day.
The Best Steakhouse Burgers (Once Upon a Chef)
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 20 min
These are our favorite beef burgers! Every time the guys say “let’s have burgers,” I know exactly what do! I’ve departed from the exact recipe from time to time (whole wheat bread instead of white bread / sometimes scallions, sometimes not), but always go with 85% lean, grass-fed beef. I make 1/3 the recipe for just the 3 of us, but this is freezer friendly. If you’re feeling it, make a whole recipe and freeze the extra for later in the month!
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These are our favorite beef burgers! Every time the guys say “let’s have burgers,” I know exactly what do! I’ve departed from the exact recipe from time to time (whole wheat bread instead of white bread / sometimes scallions, sometimes not), but always go with 85% lean, grass-fed beef. I make 1/3 the recipe for just the 3 of us, but this is freezer friendly. If you’re feeling it, make a whole recipe and freeze the extra for later in the month!
Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwich Recipe (Cooking Light)
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 17 min
One of my favorite breakfasts is smoked salmon on a mini bagel with cucumber, dill and cream cheese. When I came across this recipe, I knew immediately that I would love it. Add a few fresh herbs, tomato, lettuce, boiled egg and dijon— this was a delish and filling lunch!
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One of my favorite breakfasts is smoked salmon on a mini bagel with cucumber, dill and cream cheese. When I came across this recipe, I knew immediately that I would love it. Add a few fresh herbs, tomato, lettuce, boiled egg and dijon— this was a delish and filling lunch!
Asian Sesame Dressing (Recipe Tin Eats)
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 3 min
We ordered sushi takeout and I decided to make a simple salad to accompany it, but wanted complimentary flavors (my usual olive oil / balsamic didn’t seem appropriate). This dressing was easy and just what I was looking for. It was also a perfect dipping sauce for Trader Joe’s gyoza.
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We ordered sushi takeout and I decided to make a simple salad to accompany it, but wanted complimentary flavors (my usual olive oil / balsamic didn’t seem appropriate). This dressing was easy and just what I was looking for. It was also a perfect dipping sauce for Trader Joe’s gyoza.
Sesame Chicken Dumplings in Spicy Broth with Garlic Crisps (Half Baked Harvest)
Difficulty: Moderate | Total Time: 50 min
My husband and I had a great time making this dinner together. I suspect the dumpling wrappers I picked up were smaller than what was used in the original recipe, so we improvised by making half-moon dumplings instead of purse-like shapes. Worked out just fine. I would recommend a fine chop vs. a rough chop to your spinach or bok choy. Some of the larger pieces got in the way when trying to seal up the dumplings. Not at all difficult and great flavors — I had to stop myself from a second helping!
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My husband and I had a great time making this dinner together. I suspect the dumpling wrappers I picked up were smaller than what was used in the original recipe, so we improvised by making half-moon dumplings instead of purse-like shapes. Worked out just fine. I would recommend a fine chop vs. a rough chop to your spinach or bok choy. Some of the larger pieces got in the way when trying to seal up the dumplings. Not at all difficult and great flavors — I had to stop myself from a second helping!
Braised Lamb Shanks with Rosemary (Epicurious)
Difficulty: Moderate | Total Time: 3 hours
So, here’s the deal. This recipe calls for lamb shanks and stove-top cooking. I made it with boneless leg of lamb and braised it in a 350F oven for 2h 45m, then reduced the juices as the recipe calls for. Either way, stick with all the other ingredients listed and you’ll end up with fall apart lamb and rich, flavorful sauce perfect for spooning over a mashed potato volcano! I served steamed french green beans on the side. Enjoyed every. single. bite!
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So, here’s the deal. This recipe calls for lamb shanks and stove-top cooking. I made it with boneless leg of lamb and braised it in a 350F oven for 2h 45m, then reduced the juices as the recipe calls for. Either way, stick with all the other ingredients listed and you’ll end up with fall apart lamb and rich, flavorful sauce perfect for spooning over a mashed potato volcano! I served steamed french green beans on the side. Enjoyed every. single. bite!
Creamy Coconut Chicken Meatball and Noodle Curry (Half Baked Harvest)
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 30 min
If you like a Thai red curry, you’ll love this recipe! There’s a slow building heat that I found just perfect, but I like spicy dishes. Pull back on the amount of curry paste if you’d like. I swapped light coconut milk for full fat. After cooking the curry per the instructions, I let it simmer on low while the rice noodles soaked. It thickened up a bit, but I thought the consistency was just right.
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If you like a Thai red curry, you’ll love this recipe! There’s a slow building heat that I found just perfect, but I like spicy dishes. Pull back on the amount of curry paste if you’d like. I swapped light coconut milk for full fat. After cooking the curry per the instructions, I let it simmer on low while the rice noodles soaked. It thickened up a bit, but I thought the consistency was just right.
Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Sandwich with Tartar Sauce (Skinnytaste)
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 30 min
I’ve finally jumped on the air fryer train by getting an air fryer lid for my Instant Pot. I’ve made this recipe before using the optional oven directions, but the crunch you can achieve with an air fryer is so much better! The shrimp were still tender and so crispy.
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I’ve finally jumped on the air fryer train by getting an air fryer lid for my Instant Pot. I’ve made this recipe before using the optional oven directions, but the crunch you can achieve with an air fryer is so much better! The shrimp were still tender and so crispy.
Curious about how I meal plan and keep track of all these recipes? How to Completely Transform your Meal Planning Game has all my secrets!
Featured image by Miroslava on Unsplash
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