THE MEMORIAL DAY EDIT 🍽️
What to Wear, easy weeknight recipes for the week + a few of my potluck favs for your long weekend.
There’s no menu this week.
I know, I know. Very off brand for me.
I’m traveling the next 3 weekends, still feeling like I’m chasing my tail to get caught up on my to-do list, and more importantly, due for a restock of my weekly menu pad.
All of that to say, the show goes on and I still have plenty of recipes to share.
The weather isn’t particularly warm yet in the Midwest so if an afternoon BBQ is on your agenda, this casual yet elevated outfit is made up of linen pieces that will serve your closet well when the temps feel a bit temperamental. I love a white pant in every season, but summer is the best time to find the perfect pair.
As someone that shares a lot of style tips, you might assume that I am well dressed. But if I’m being fully transparent, working from home has really been a detriment to my willingness to be uncomfortable. If the fabric sucks or the fit is bad, I’m out, and more often than not I’m reaching for a matching set that works for walking the dog and running errands around town. For a weekend at the lake when it’s not quite warm enough to be in the water, this outfit is a copy and paste of exactly what I’d wear. My #1 pair of sandals, miles tested, arch support approved, included.
If you are somewhere with a warmer climate, just know that I’m already envious of your beach season and boat days. Unless, of course, you’re land locked….and in that case, my condolences.
My first swimsuit purchase of the year was this scrunch number that is a dead ringer and a look for less of a much pricier Hunza G. Still on my wait list for “one day”, but in the meantime, this more affordable lineup is scratching that itch.
PSA: Sunscreen should be worn daily regardless of the season, but the longer days outside are all the more reason we should be doubled up on our SPF. Supergoop is currently having their annual friends and family sale so it’s the perfect time to stock up for summer. You’ll never waste money quite like needing to buy sunscreen when you’re on vacation so I’m getting this jumbo bottle with pump that should last the long haul. I also keep this small one in my purse and carry-on for everyday use.
Now for the good stuff, what’s cooking this week:
ENCHILADA QUINOA (Crock Pot)
Crock Pot Mondays have saved my sanity more times than I can count, but especially in weeks where I’m wound particularly tight. This one is a vegetarian recipe I come back to time and time again and it never misses.
What You’ll Need:
1 15-ounce can black beans
1 15-ounce can yellow corn
2 15-ounce cans mild or medium red enchilada sauce
1 15-ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes and green chiles
1 cup uncooked quinoa
½ cup water
4 ounces cream cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Mexican style cheese
optional: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sour cream
THE RECIPE 🍴: https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/slow-cooker-enchilada-quinoa/
ELOTE INSPIRED TURKEY SKILLET (30 Minutes)
I recognize the sheer number of you that live in busy households so I know how just how many of you are tuned in for easy weeknight meals. And here’s a new one for us both to try. It’s probably obvious from previous menus (and Monday’s dinner for that matter) that I love a Tex-Mex moment. This checks the one pan dinner prerequisite both of us favor during the week and would make a great make ahead option for those meal prepping lunches.
What You’ll Need:
For the skillet:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion
1 bell pepper
3 scallions
1 lb ground turkey
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 15 oz can black beans
2 cups frozen fire-roasted corn
1 1/2 cups frozen/precooked brown rice (1 bag from Trader Joe’s, obviously you can make your own)
1/4 cup water or chicken broth
For the sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Juice of ½-1 lime
A pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles
A sprinkle of Tajín, chili lime seasoning, or chili powder
THE RECIPE: https://broccyourbody.com/elote-inspired-turkey-skillet/
BUFFALO CHICKEN BURGERS (20 Minutes)
How often I come back to this recipe should be an indicator of just how much we love them. The burgers themselves come together in little over 10 minutes so for an easy weeknight option, start and stop there. Minimal ingredients and a win every time. Now if you really want to take them up a notch, the whipped feta spread does add something special but don’t feel obligated if it’s not in your bandwidth to do both. Some store bought ranch can also be a great addition here.
What You’ll Need:
For the burgers:
1 lb. ground chicken
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup hot sauce (I used Frank’s Red Hot)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the whipped feta spread:
6 ounces feta cheese (block or crumbles)
4 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons water
For serving:
2 tablespoons melted butter + 2 tablespoons hot sauce for brushing
Buns
Lettuce
THE RECIPE 🍴: https://pinchofyum.com/buffalo-chicken-burgers-with-whipped-feta-spread
MAY RESTAURANT CLUB: PIZZ’A MICI
My monthly dinner date with my girlfriends lands at what is currently my favorite pizza in the city of Chicago: Pizz’a Mici. Contrary to popular opinions, I would wager a bet that most Chicagoans actually prefer a thin crust over deep dish. My family is from the South side and while Beggars pizza, Mostaccioli from Obie’s catering, and neopolitan cakes ruled every party growing up, if I have a choice it’s going to choose a cracker thin crust every time. I always look forward to these reservations for the yap sessions to get caught up on what’s going on in life and it doesn’t hurt that great food is always in the mix. ME 🤝RESTAURANT CLUB.
A FEW POTLUCK FAVORITES:
If you’re entertaining over the holiday weekend, spending time with family, or just having a chill BBQ at home, these are a few of my tried and true, most requested party favorites.
Spring Orzo Pasta Salad
The crispy shallot vinaigrette might be one of my favorite salad dressings of all time. You can make in advance, but plan to redress with some extra oil or lemon juice before serving if so.
THE RECIPE: https://broccyourbody.com/spring-orzo-pasta-salad-with-crispy-shallot-vinaigrette/
Hashbrown Casserole
When entertaining a crowd, this copycat Cracker Barrel recipe comes in clutch. For what it’s worth, I don’t actually like Cracker Barrel, but something about this cheesy potato comfort food always hits, especially for weekends at the lake. I usually make a day or two ahead of time and the first one up in the morning knows to throw in the oven to get it started before everyone else wakes up.
THE RECIPE: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/cracker-barrel-hashbrown-casserole-recipe/
Ina Garten’s Pan Fried Onion Dip
French onion dip isn’t groundbreaking in the realm of party foods, but I would go out on a limb to suggest this recipe is. The best compliment, in my opinion, is being associated with Ina in any capacity so when I get a “Linds will you bring your dip?” I wear that badge proudly.
THE RECIPE: https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/pan-fried-onion-dip
Welcome to THE LIFE EDIT- I’m Linds 👋🏼
