Weeknight Rescue//Summer 2024//Week 41

This week’s line-up of recipes is all about easing into the back-to-school/back-to-work season. You also might want to take a gander at this round up of cozy quick breads and loaf cakes, which is just the sort of baking I like to do as fall approaches. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Lentil Tacos with Indian Spices

Now is the time of year I pull out my slow cooker again. In this recipe, you combine lentils with flavorful spices, which makes a nourishing filling for a twist on traditional tacos. Pile the lentils onto tortillas and finish with yogurt, cilantro, and if you have some on hand, a favorite Indian chutney.

Baked Everything Chicken

This tasty chicken recipe is one of the simplest solutions to supper I can think of. Once baked, cut into slices and serve alongside steamed or roasted vegetables along with rice or little potatoes. Alternatively, pair the chicken with a a generous chopped salad and maybe a heap of croutons (toss cubes crusty bread with a tablespoon of olive oil, add a pinch of salt, and bake at 400 degrees until lightly browned). Make an extra breast or two to turn into Chicken Salad for lunch (recipe below).

Fresh Summer Vegetable Pasta

I made this last week for a big group that included my brother, the chef, who has pretty highbrow taste. He went in for seconds. Success! The barely cooked “sauce” features summer’s triple threat: tomatoes, zucchini, and corn, which are still available and quite wonderful. Feel free to use any pasta shape you like with an arugula or green salad on the side.

Sausage, Apple & Cabbage Skillet

It’s officially apple season, which means perfect timing for this longtime blog favorite. You can make this vegetarian-friendly by using a meat sub, such as Beyond Sausage. Green or red cabbage both work here, along with any variety of apple (I prefer tart ones, such as Pink Lady or Granny Smith).

Turkey Taco Salad with Cumin Lime Dressing

I just made this salad for dinner last night and it was as good as always. Since I was just cooking for two this time, I left half the salad undressed and stored it in the fridge for another meal. Crumbled tortilla chips go on just before serving, making it crunchy and satisfying.

12 Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas

Here are a slew of breakfasts I wrote up back when one of my girls started high school and wanted easy ideas she could make for herself. You’ll find everything from the quick breakfast quesadilla pictured here to oats, smoothies, and more.

Chicken Salad in Lettuce Wraps

Chicken salad gets a lightened up makeover thanks to a creamy yogurt dressing. Scoop it into lettuce cups (as pictured) or sandwich between toasted bread. Pick up a rotisserie chicken or cook up a few breasts. Consider making it on a Sunday, then notice how relieved you are not to have to think about lunch come Monday!