Hi everyone! I hope you are all staying healthy + eating well. We finally got out of the house for a couple days and went tent camping with our kids. It was a much needed break from home and the cook-clean-repeat routine. After a weekend of hot dogs and s’mores, I’m really looking forward to some vegetables and homemade goodness. This week’s meals are light, summery, and simple in the best way. I hope you and your family enjoy them. If you try any of them, I’d love for you to tag us on Instagram so we can see your version!

 

Weeknight Menu Favorites:

For us, weeknight meal means ready in under an hour, not too indulgent, and really good. All of these check those boxes + make great lunch leftovers if you’re into that. 

 

Basil Pomodoro Shrimp + Creamed Corn Polenta

Is it an IDCO meal plan without a HBH recipe? I haven’t made this one yet, but Anastasia made it this week and gave it rave reviews. 

 

 

Lemony White Bean Salad

I’m v into prosciutto-parmesan-lemon in any situation and especially atop a bed of well-dressed arugula. I’m doubling this recipe for lunches, too!

 

 

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Smashed Peas

Both my children love peas, so I’m constantly looking for recipes that feature them. I can’t wait to try this one!

 

 

 

Chargrilled Zucchini with Garlic + Lemon

I’m spending a lot of time in my garden right now—weeding, planning, planting, etc. I love meals like this because my husband can handle the grilling while I wrap up and the kids play outside. 

 

 

Three-Spice Pork with Chickpeas + Carrots

My favorite spot for rice bowls is currently closed, so I’ve resorted to making them myself. And, if you’ve been following my posts for any amount of time, you know I love to incorporate chickpeas!

 

 

This Week’s Brunch Recipe:

These recipes are made for slow Saturday mornings + pairing well with a bloody mary is a requirement. 

 

Egg + Croissant Brunch Bake

If you enjoyed the sweet croissant brunch bake from last week, think of this one as its savory cousin. Lexi has been telling me for weeks to share it with you guys, so here you go Lexi!

 

 

Something Sweet:

After a long week, nothing is better than enjoying a treat, especially if you are able to make it with friends or kids. 

 

Bursting Blueberry Lemon Thyme Tarts

I’m really excited to make these! I love the combination of blueberry + thyme and I know a little guy who will love to help assemble these.

 

 

An Extra Recipe for the Week:

Since we can’t go out for happy hour or brunch, we are making Friday afternoon cocktails a weekly tradition around the office. Anastasia isn’t a big drinker, but we can usually twist her arm with anything gin based.

 

Italian Greyhound with Rosemary Sugar

Tastes as good as it looks, promise.

 

 

 

SHOPPING LIST

 

Protein

1 pound shrimp

1 egg

8 thin slices of prosciutto or other dry cured ham

2 ½ cups diced ham

12 eggs

1 ½ lbs pork stew meat

6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs

Produce

4 cups cherry tomatoes 

7 cloves garlic

3 ears sweet corn

3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

4 lemons

6 heaping cups arugula

2 large yellow onions

2-3 oz fresh baby spinach

5 zucchini

2 large or 3 small carrots

4 ounces freshly squeezed pink or red grapefruit juice

Herbs

1 cup fresh basil

3 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

¾  cup parsley leaves

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary + a sprig for garnish

Fresh cilantro (optional)

Green onions (optional)

fresh dill and fresh mint leaves (optional)

Packaged Goods + Condiments

Olive oil

½ cup white wine or chicken broth

2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 cup instant polenta

1-2 tbsp cornstarch

½  cup honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 sheet frozen puff pastry

1 tbsp + 2 tsp dijon mustard

1 10-ounce package frozen peas

1 can white beans

Handful of croutons (optional)

5-6 mini croissants

French baguette

1/4 cup sugar

1 can chickpeas

3/4 cup pitted, roughly chopped prunes

2 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Rice of choice

Spices

Crushed red pepper flakes

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 1/2 teaspoons ground fenugreek

Dairy

4 tbsp salted butter

1 ½  cups whole milk

¼ cup grated parmesan

Vanilla ice cream (optional)

1 cup shredded cheese (preferably swiss or gruyere) 

1/3 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Extras

1 or 2 ounces gin

1 ounce Aperol or Campari liqueur