As snow blows across the country, I tend to spend my evenings sitting by the fireplace trying to keep warm. Included this week are a delicious slow cooker chicken stew, healthy lentil soup, 7 do-ahead dinners, and even a Mexican inspired dish to have you dreaming of sunny beaches and palm trees when your car is under a foot of snow. If you can’t take off to Mexico to escape winter, why not at least take a culinary vacation?
| MONDAY |
It’s no secret in our house; I love Mexican style food. Avocados and pico de gallo call to me even in the darkest, coldest winter months, like sunshine on a tropical beach. These look easy, and oh so good with thinly sliced steak, grilled and served with lime wedges. Serve with rice and beans on the side, and you set for Mexican fiesta.
Photo copyright Simply Recipes, used with permission
| TUESDAY |
Tender chicken smothered sticky preserves, then baked into perfection sounds absolutely delicious. OMG! Yummy featured this awhile back as a Hannukah dish and it sounds so effortless, you’d have dinner on the table in no time. Try serving with some steamed rice and veggies. Then break out the napkins and be prepared for sticky fingers!
Apricot Glazed Lemon Chicken
Photo copyright OMG! Yummy, used with permission
| WEDNESDAY |
Are you looking for some dinners to make ahead, so that you can get a jump on the week? I love cooking ahead, and then coming home to something that is either bubbling away in the crockpot or that just needs a finishing touch to get it on the table. Simple Bites has a wonderful article with delicious recipes featured like Taco Bake, Buttermilk Chicken Strips, Roasted Carrot with Cilantro Soup, and more. I love the featured recipe in that article-a chili done up in your crockpot, with a handful of chocolate chips thrown in. YUM.
Photo copyright Simple Bites, used with permission
| THURSDAY |
With the flu and various colds making their way through many households this season, this delicious looking stew from The Fuji Mama is just the thing. Full of chunks of chicken, rice and veggeis, it just simmers away in your slow cooker as you go about your day. Who says you need to be sick to enjoy such a comforting dish? Spoon some up by the fire and enjoy.
Slow Cooker Chicken Gohan Stew
Photo copyright The Fuji Mama, used with permission
| FRIDAY |
