It’s a big week for cooking, so I’m throwing some simple recipes your way along with a few that you might want to cook for the holiday. I hope things in the kitchen go swimmingly for you and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Genius Butternut Squash Soup
My daughter just made this for a “friendsgiving” potluck on Sunday and it earned rave reviews all around. It works for a simple supper, and also makes a nice addition to Thanksgiving menus. Another plus? Because it’s made with coconut milk instead of cream, it perfect for folks who don’t do dairy.
Spaghetti with Butter, Egg, and Cheese
This is about as easy as it gets when it comes to getting dinner on the table. One pot and just a few ingredients, it’s foolproof and delicious. Blanched broccoli tossed with olive oil and equal parts lemon juice and balsamic vinegar makes a quick side. Tip: blanch the broccoli in the same boiling water you plan to cook the pasta (scoop out the cooked broccoli with a slotted spoon, then cook the pasta).
Baby Bok Choy with Pork and Tofu
A longtime blog favorite, this is savory, sweet, and a little bit spicy. It might make a convert of folks who haven’t yet taken to tofu. Serve over cooked brown rice and it’s a complete meal. Need a side? Sliced cucumbers and radishes doused with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a crack of black pepper will do.
Turkey Sandwiches with Spicy Pecan Muhammara
This recipe was developed with chicken in mind, but it’s also a terrific way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Just whiz up the savory muhammara in your food processor, tuck in arugula or any extra salad greens, and you’ve got an excellent lunch or dinner on your hands.
Warm Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
It might be nice to have something a little on the lighter side in the lead up to Thanksgiving. This warm spinach salad is filling and really tasty. For a vegetarian version, swap the prosciutto for roasted or sautéed mushrooms.
Rustic Apple Walnut Tart
I’m getting an early start on Thanksgiving, so I made the dough for this tart in advance. It’s currently in my freezer awaiting the big day. The dough is quick to make in the food processor and the tart is a very forgiving one (not to mention, very tasty too!).
How to Make Turkey Broth
Don’t toss those turkey bones! Your future self will be so grateful that you turned them into a golden broth to stash in the freezer. This method shows how easy it is to do. You can make it with your Instant Pot if you prefer, figuring 45 minutes and either quick or natural release.
SHOPPING LIST // WEEK 47
Genius Butternut Squash Soup
1 large yellow onion
1 large butternut squash (~3 1/4 pounds)
5 ounces full fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/2 to 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh sage (optional)
Spaghetti with Butter, Egg and Cheese
1 pound spaghetti
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan)
Brown Sugar Baby Bok Choy with Pork and Tofu
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/3 pound ground pork
6 baby boy Choy (about 2 bunches)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or GF Tamari)
1 tablespoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
12 ounces firm tofu
1 to 2 pinches red pepper flakes
2 to 3 cups cooked brown rice
Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Pecan Muhammara
One 12-ounce jar roasted bell peppers
2/3 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup panko or other unseasoned bread crumbs
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (or 1 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar + 1 tsp honey)
8 slices crusty bread, such as whole-grain levain
8 ounces shredded rotisserie chicken (~ 3 cups)
Generous handful arugula
Warm Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
4 thin slices prosciutto
4 eggs
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot
1 large clove garlic
1 pound fresh spinach (not baby spinach)
1-2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Rustic Apple Walnut Tart
¾ cup whole-wheat flour
¾ cup all-purpose flour
4 ounces cold salted butter
4 medium apples, such as pink lady or granny smith
7 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
2/3 cup walnuts
1 egg white
How to Make Turkey Broth
1 cooked turkey carcass
2 ribs celery
2 carrots
1 large onion
2 bay leaves
Optional add-ins: 2 cloves garlic, 2 sliced leeks, 6 black peppercorns, handful of parsley, 3 sprigs thyme