What I ate (and loved) in February
Happy Leap Day!
Hello!
February is historically my least favorite month of the year. There’s not a lot to look forward to, any warm days here feel a little… unearned and like I’m getting my hopes up too soon, we’re in the middle of cold season with a toddler, etc. And my inspiration for meals is pretty dry at this point. But spring is coming and I’m trying to stay hopeful. Here are some meals that have seen us through this month and I hope they help to usher in the new season for you.
Quick Links
chicken soup with rice // italian wedding soup // focaccia // marry me chicken // quinoa bowls // pot roast // carne asada // honey lime enchiladas, veggie enchiladas // apple muffins
Weeknight Meals
We’ve had some pretty consistent sickness going around our house for the last month and this soup is the perfect thing to eat when you are feeling crummy. The garlic, ginger and turmeric are all very healing. You also don’t need to be sick to enjoy this though as it’s warming and lovely. I used only one chicken breast and slightly lowered the other quantities and we had plenty of soup for 2 adults and 3 children.
You could make this with vegetable stock, some miso and tofu if you’re avoiding meat.
Another soup for you and this one is so easy and delightful. I like to bake the meatballs in the oven at 400 while the soup base is getting prepared and then add them in after about 10 minutes in the oven. This way there’s no splatter and it ends up being faster.
This can definitely be made with vegetarian meatballs and I’ve also seen versions with white beans added as well.
Inspired by Jenny’s newsletter I made a focaccia in a 9x13 pan and proceeded to a. eat the best sandwich of my life and b. have rave reviews from all members of my family. (The review from the toddler was carrying the bread crust around after leaving the table and not letting go.)
My sandwich was: Boursin cheese on one half of the bread, Trader Joe’s premade bruschetta on the other half, sauteed mushrooms, red onion (I wish it was pickled tbh), and arugula. Blew me away. There are so many options here: kids love pesto, tomato and mozz; hummus, roasted red pepper and feta; and marinated beets with goat cheese, onions and greens. You really can’t go wrong here.
Just be prepared for the joy this elicits in the people you make this for. We like it with rice and garlicky green beans.
Mediterranean Bowls with Red Pepper Sauce
I always end up putting way more veggies in this like roasted potatoes and cauliflower, tomatoes and crispy chickpeas. The sauce is so good and has many uses: great in a pita sandwich, on the aforementioned focaccia sandos or especially with pan fried gnocchi.
Weekend Meals
Pot Roast in the Instant Pot with Polenta
This is just so cozy and warming all the way to the bones. I love serving it on top of polenta but you could also have it with some crusty bread.
Honey Lime Enchiladas or Veggie Enchiladas
I really like to have a side of cowboy caviar with these, the flavors complement them but it’s just the right freshness I need.
This marinade was really delicious. We had this on a salad but it would be great in tacos or on nachos.
Treat of the Month
I’ve made so many different apple muffins over the years but I like this one the best. The spices are exciting and they feel wholesome but also craveable.
Some things to Listen to
Two podcasts: The Recipe with Kenji and Deb, Becoming an Expert on Stress. Both of these were great, informative and fun listens. (Some swears in the second one.)
Listening to Tea for the Tillerman right now as per usual, I liked In the End It Always Does recently and the song Right Back To It. I want to find new music but I’m very frustrated with spotify recently! Just all the same stuff being served back to me. Time to listen to more records I guess?!
Have a lovely March!
Emily
Kacey Musgraves has a new album coming out in March, she's released two songs so far and they're both deeelightful!