HIBERNATE THIS WINTER BUT DON'T SLEEP ON THESE 🔥 RECIPES
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Let’s start with a recap:
Since the weather in Chicago is still miserable, I decided to continue my winter hibernation by staying in all week and snuggling up to my dog, PD aka Mistha P aka Peter aka Petri Dish (he’s too cute to have one name).
I also took this opportunity to work on the itinerary for my long-awaited trip to Japan! My husband and I have always wanted to go to Japan. When we quit our jobs in 2020 to travel through Asia for six months, we planned on ending the trip there. But you know, it was 2020, and the world shut down, and so did our dreams of Japan. Until now! 🤗 We leave at the end of February and will be visiting Tokoyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with a couple of day trips mixed in. Some highlights include our reservation at Monk in Kyoto (a small wood-burning pizza restaurant that we saw on Chef’s Table and had to set an alarm on our phone to secure a reservation), our stay at a traditional ryokan in one of the best onsen (hot spring) towns in Japan, and of course, eating the most amazing sushi of my life. I’ll also be chronicling this adventure on YouTube (more exciting details about that to come)!
Cheers 🥂
CURRENT OBSESSIONS
Feat. the Pantry Sisters.
This section is getting a refresh and will now be a collab with my sister. While the kitchen remains my domain, she’s the real-life influencer of the family. TBH most of what I wear, the makeup I buy, the skincare I use is hers or she told me to buy it (did she write this…maybe). So now, instead of just the things I’m currently obsessing about, we also get to hear from the connoisseur herself.
NAT’S SELECTS
Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer
Stole from my Mom and I’m obsessed. Perfect color match, and blends “like a dream.”
Nugget Countertop Ice Machine from Amazon
A recent purchase to replace my old and broken ice machine. I am new to “nugget” ice and IMO it is the ice of all ice. This countertop ice maker is on the pricy side but if you’re in the market, I highly recommend it.
Artichokes from J. Alexander’s
A fan for years. They recently opened up a J. Alexander’s right by my house, and their artichokes are the best I have ever had in my life, hands down. Don’t knock J. Alexander’s or their incredible artichokes.
My mom came to visit and was so disturbed by my bath mats that she ordered me these. Yes, my old ones were thin and slid all over my bathroom floor, and she was right that someone was bound to break their neck on them. But I could not have imagined how nice it felt to have a quality bath mat to cushion my feet like these do. 10/10
HIL’S SELECTS
This is my favorite place for pasta in the city and it’s right down the street from me. It’s a causal hole-in-the-wall BYOB spot with a rotating daily pasta menu. I’m also part of their pasta program and get a pound of fresh pasta each month. Highly suggest checking their Instagram page before going to make sure they’re open!
My mom originally bought me these from Costco and I’ve been getting them ever since. They are so flavorful and perfect for soups, pasta, and risotto. They’re about $15 from Costco but are not always available. If you can’t find them at Costco, Amazon has them for $25.
AS SEEN ON TIKTOK
FATTOUSH SALAD
There’s nothing better than a crisp, refreshing fattoush salad. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together and how few ingredients you need to make it at home.
WHAT I’M COOKING THIS WEEK
This week has a mix of fresh, cozy, and quick recipes. I crave this Fattoush Salad when I need something tangy with lots of veggies. My Broccoli, Cheddar & Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is great when you are in the mood for something hearty and kid-friendly. Crispy Cauliflower Tacos are one of my favorite vegetarian options and make a quick and easy weeknight dinner. If you want a recipe that will make perfect leftovers then make these Chicken Meatballs with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta.
FATTOUSH SALAD
This healthy and refreshing salad with homemade pita chips is surprisingly easy to make. The crispy lettuce, freshness of the herbs, lemony dressing, and crunch of the pita all come together to create something so delicious.
Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 15 min Total Time: 30 min
BROCCOLI, CHEDDAR & CHICKEN WILD RICE CASSEROLE
This casserole is so good and comes together quickly, especially if you use fast-cooked or microwaved wild rice and rotisserie chicken. You can add other vegetables, beans, or different proteins if you have them in your fridge.
Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 30min Total Time: 45 min
CRISPY CAULIFLOWER TACOS WITH AVOCADO & CHIPOTLE SAUCE
Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetables and these crispy cauliflower tacos are so easy and delicious. They are topped with store-bought chipotle sauce, avocado, and cheddar jack cheese and stuffed into a crispy corn tortilla. You can serve them with rice and beans or just as is for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 30 min Total Time: 40 min
CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES, OLIVES & FETA
I love making this recipe because everything cooks for the same amount of time so it comes together easily. The sun-dried tomato, olive, and feta topping is so flavorful on top of the chicken meatballs. If you can’t find broccolini you can use broccoli or any roasted vegetable you like.
Prep Time:15 min Cook Time: 20 min Total Time: 35 min
That fattoush looks sooo good