[donotprint]Chicken recipes are one of the most widely searched on the web, particularly at 4pm according to recipe…
Tired of Planning Dinner?
Julie Child called it the ‘t’ word and would never say it, nor allow those around her to say it. I’ve read many books about Julia; she was known for cooking tirelessly (almost said it!) then exuberantly heading out for a late night on the town. But if you want to say you’re tired of planning meals (come on, even if you like to cook that can happen, yes?) I’ll understand! That’s why I’ve decided it’s time to cook from the plethora of food websites, clippings, magazines and cookbooks I collect. Besides, as my friend Dianne Jacob wrote about food blogging, it takes at least 6 hours (often more – I know) to create, and write, and photograph, those recipes. So I’d like to give credit for that work!
I regularly read recipes in magazines, books and screens and love to share favorites because I know how much the writer worked on the recipe and wants to share. Sometimes I’ll adapt recipes depending on my pantry or taste preference, because recipes (except baked goods usually) can be considered guides for your own inspiration. I hope this helps take the ‘t’ out of some meal planning for you. And if you have favorite recipe finds, please drop me a note in the comments section below — I’d love some help planning dinner too 😉
Here’s one recipe that jumped from my computer to the kitchen: Swiss Chard and Lemon Ricotta Pasta. The photo appealed to me, I could see it was quick to make, and by chance I had the ingredients with the exception of kale instead of chard.
Two things I liked:
1) blanching greens in the pasta water before sauteing with the bacon and shallots is a quick way to soften the stems
2) ricotta adds creaminess without being overly rich and is perfect for using up a small amount of leftover ricotta cheese. Dinner was planned and I’ll use these ideas again! Look for more of my recipe finds in future posts.
This recipe is from Susan Pridmore, author of the blog www.thewimpyvegetarian.com
Thank you so much for featuring my recipe, Rosemary! You have made my day. And I can’t tell you how often I find myself in the kitchen at seemingly the last minute trying to quickly figure out what the heck to make for dinner for Myles, my carnivore husband, and me, a wimpy vegetarian but trying hard. You’re tapping into a huge need out there!! Great approach!
Happy to share your recipes Susan! I do feel we’re spoiled that we have so many choices we can’t make a decision. I often find myself staring at grocery carts wondering what other people are making for dinner. And more than once I’ve asked them!
Wow! I can see why you chose that recipe. And Susan is a former student of mine. Small world.
Thanks for the link, Rosemary. I enjoyed seeing your personality come through in this post.
Thanks Dianne. I hope readers link to your post!
Thanks for another good article. I enjoy reading them everytime.
Thanks Lili — great to hear from you! If you have any favorite recipes please pass along.
I love ricotta in pasta dishes. It’s so creamy on its own that with just a little of the pasta cooking water, it practically creates its own sauce. Can’t get easier than that. 😉
You’re right Carolyn — the bit of pasta water is like magic to make a creamy sauce without cream! I just have to always remind myself not drain all the water 🙂