The funny thing about Texas, the second the temperature drops, everyone wants to come visit. It's also the perfect excuse to break out some comfort food classics!
And I'm not going to lie to you. I had a bit too much fun over the weekend, so was in need of some lighter fare. So I compromised and pretty much split the week in two - a veggie palooza and some homestyle dishes.
- Sunday: Thai lettuce wraps (+lunch leftovers)
- Monday: street corn spaghetti squash (+lunch leftovers)
- Wednesday: baked meatballs with a salad and bread (dinner for 3 + lunch leftovers)
- Thursday: chicken and dumplings (dinner for 3)
Being that my sister was coming in from college, I back-loaded the week with all those comfort foods. Tasty food is hard to come by at the dining halls!
- bananas
- mango - snack fruit
- lime
- avocados
- parsley
- cilantro
- celery
- carrots
- spaghetti squash
- jalapeno
- romaine
- cucumber
- green onions
- red pepper
- grape tomatoes
- onion
- pineapple
- thyme
- ciabatta
- cotija cheese
- black beans
- buttermilk
- eggs
- frozen corn
I've got to be frank, I'm not actually sure if all of the flavor components of this dish are actually Thai inspired, but I just love these lettuce wraps! When I'm craving veggies, but not necessarily feeling a salad, I like playing with variations of lettuce wraps. Just pick a flavor profile and concoct a sauce for some ground turkey or diced chicken. Fair warning - it didn't make for the cleanest eating lunch at work, but it was damn delicious regardless!
And while the veggies were all fine and dandy, I was really ready to devour some homemade meatballs! My sister was flying in fairly late. When I'm waiting on company, I like to prepare dishes that can easily simmer away on the stove for a good long while. And frankly, meatballs and gravy (or tomato sauce to you normal, non-Italian folk) make for the most delicious smelling home. What a welcome! Meatballs are pretty versatile. Of course, you can serve over pasta or atop a hoagie roll. But I also enjoy topping these meatballs with a bit of mozzarella cheese and baking in to the oven until golden and bubbly. Served with a simple tossed salad and a crusty hunk of bread, these meatballs make for a delightful weeknight meal!
And finally, my crowning achievement this week, the chicken and dumplings. There's a number of different ways to make a dumpling. Personally, I love a fluffy dumpling with a bit of body. A confident dumpling, if you will, capable of standing up against a thick and luscious sauce. For adding just a touch of fat-free half and half, this recipe is wildly unctuous and flavorful. Definitely one of my fall favorites, and college kid pleaser for sure!
Total Grocery Cost: $98.50
Comments
Post a Comment