Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (January 31 – February 6)
We love preparing trendy, elegant dishes just as much as the next home cook. But sometimes, all we want is food that tastes like what Mom used to make. To combat the winter blues (and everything else that’s got the world down), we’re cooking seven nostalgic dinners this week that hit us right in the childhood. While they’re inspired by classics that we couldn’t get enough of us as kids, each recipe features a grown-up twist that makes them that much more delicious.
RELATED: 40 Comfort Food Recipes for When You Need a Hug on a Plate
Shopping List
Produce
2 white onions
7 garlic cloves
5 zucchini
1 sweet onion
3 carrots
3 celery stalks
1 bunch basil, for serving
1 bunch parsley
Meat
24 to 32 slices pepperoni
3 large eggs
1½ pounds ground beef, pork, turkey, chicken or a mixture
6 strips bacon
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy
6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1 quart whole milk
1 stick unsalted butter
2 ounces cream cheese
12 ounces cheddar cheese
14 ounces ricotta cheese
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
Grains
2 plain bagels
1 pound orecchiette
2 slices sandwich bread
30 ounces egg noodles
Canned and Packaged Goods
2 ounces jarred tomato sauce
3 ounces plain breadcrumbs
Peanut or other nut butter
Jam, jelly or fruit preserves
One 7-ounce package sweetened shredded coconut
Thai sweet chili sauce, for serving (optional)
16 ounces marinara sauce
Two 32-ounce cartons chicken broth
5 ounces frozen peas
Pantry Ingredients: freshly ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, extra-virgin olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, paprika, cumin, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, barbecue sauce, dried oregano, bay leaf
Monday: Pizza Bagels
Proof that sometimes, simpler just tastes better. The secret to better pizza bagels is no doubt double-layering the cheese and pepperoni (aka the best parts).
Tuesday: One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Were you team Velveeta or Kraft as a kid? No matter where you stand, we’re sure you’ll agree this creamy, dreamy version of mac and cheese trumps them both. (The key is stirring in a touch of cream cheese with the cheddar.)
Wednesday: Mini Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Instead of being doused in a retro crimson glaze, the ketchup (and a slew of other flavorful pantry staples) are mixed right into the meat. Might we suggest serving it with mashed potatoes?
Thursday: Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Your kids will be positively blown away when they realize what a difference a pat of butter and a hot skillet can make.
Friday: Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders
Sure, you can bake these dunkable gems in a 400°F oven until they’re crisp and golden, but nothing compares to frying them. Have Thai sweet chili sauce, honey mustard and ketchup at the ready for dipping.
Saturday: Baked Zucchini ‘Ziti’ Spirals with Mozzarella
One bite will transport you back to Nonna’s Sunday feasts. (We don’t think she’d mind too much that we swapped pasta for thin-sliced zucchini.)
Sunday: Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
When it comes to comfort food, no cold or sore throat is a match for this soul-soother. Instead of leaning on the canned stuff, why not round up fresh ingredients and let your Crockpot work its magic?
RELATED: 50 Easy Kid-Friendly Dinners The Whole Family Will Love
For even more great recipes, check out our first cookbook, Only the Good Stuff.
