Weeknight Rescue//Winter 2024//Week 2

A warm welcome to the weekend, friends… most especially to any newcomers to my meal plan. This week’s menu runs the gamut from a crowd-pleasing comfort dish (Tofu Parm) to a fresh take on vegetarian tacos (collard greens!). You’ll also find a favorite way to cook eggs and a dark chocolate energy bar that’s always a hit. Enjoy!

Baked Tofu Parmesan

Here’s a good one for meatless Monday. The tofu is breaded and baked until crispy and then layered with sauce and cheese. Add steamed or roasted broccoli and dinner is done. Leftovers are tasty a day or two later.

Sheet Pan Salmon with Feta and Tomatoes

I do love a one-pan supper (more ease, less mess) and this one is a win. You start by roasting potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and red onions until they’re about done. Then add chunks of feta and salmon filets rubbed in a savory spice blend. Easy!

Pork Tenderloin Lettuce Wraps with Ginger Lime Dressing

These lettuce cups are made with the tenderloin of pork, a very lean and easy-to-cook cut. The best part is that they’re finished with a tangy dressing inspired the flavors of southeast Asia. Since they’re pretty light on the appetite, you might want to add steamed rice or a favorite noodle tossed with fish sauce, sesame oil, and sliced scallion.

Easy Chicken Paillard

The combination of capers, shallots, and white wine is undeniably delicious spooned over chicken. The dish is made entirely on the stovetop, and because it’s done with pounded chicken breasts, it cooks quickly. On the side, try a simple arugula salad tossed with this vinaigrette or a grain dish like this one.

Collard Green Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa & Crème Fraîche

I think corn tortillas are tailor made for delicious, veggie-centric tacos. These are done with a super simple salsa, but feel free to use a store-bought tomatillo salsa if you prefer. If you want to make this entirely plant-based, use a dairy-free plain yogurt in place of crème fraîche. On the side, so up a dish of warm beans, either from a can, cooked on the stovetop, or these slow cooker pintos. 

Barely Buttery Baked Eggs

This is a simple way to make delicious, delicate eggs with little effort. Get these in the oven or toaster oven while you make your coffee or get sandwiches into lunch boxes. Before you know it, breakfast will be ready.

Chocolate Hemp Amaze Bars

I make these bars regularly and always feel grateful to have them tucked in the fridge for a pre-workout boost or when I want something sweet in the afternoon. They are nourishing — filled with a variety of nuts, oats, hemp seeds, dates, and nut or seed butter — but also feel decadent thanks to the chocolate drizzle.