What’s Cooking This Week 🍽️
what to cook, what sales to shop, and an outfit idea fit for the season
Subject: The One Sale I’m Actually Shopping This Weekend
Let’s be honest — this weekend your inbox and Instagram feed will be flooded with sales. As a self-proclaimed expert in “never paying full price,” I can confirm: there are actually a few worth your time.
If I were only shopping one thing, it would be these sheets. This is the best deal I’ve ever seen them offer — even better than holiday discounts. Living in a household where dogs rule the roost, I can vouch for their durability. We’ve loved them so much we even upgraded the guest bedrooms because everyone deserves to sleep in this level of luxury. Hands down, one of the best life upgrades I’ve made was improving my sleep — and these sheets are a huge reason why. Shop the deal here.
Of course, long weekends and BBQs are great — but let’s not forget what Memorial Day is truly about. Despite my qualms with the current state of our country, I will always show up for the men, women, and nonbinary folks who’ve served. If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back, local cemeteries often rely on volunteers to help with Memorial Day flag ceremonies. It’s a small gesture that means a lot.
What to wear this season? These pull on linen blend shorts will be a summer staple in any of the color ways. Pair them with a simple white tee, elevate with a colorful button up, or show your American spirit on chilly evenings in this graphic sweatshirt. All on sale, of course. Shop this entire look here.
Here is what’s cooking this week:
SPRING ORZO PASTA SALAD (20 Minutes)
I had other plans for Memorial Day cooking, but we are headed to a BBQ with friends and I couldn’t deny this request for what’s become one of my signature dishes. This recipe really is THAT good so if you want bragging rights at your next party, put this on the menu.
What You’ll Need:
8 oz orzo
1 cup peas, defrosted if frozen
1 1/2 cups asparagus
4-5 cups arugula
3 tablespoons basil
3 tablespoons mint
4 oz feta cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Crispy Shallot Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup olive oil
1 large shallot or 2 small shallots
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 lemon, juice and zest
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
Pinch of salt & pepper
THE RECIPE 🍴 : https://broccyourbody.com/spring-orzo-pasta-salad-with-crispy-shallot-vinaigrette/
If you need another idea, this was my first go-to🍴: https://broccyourbody.com/lemon-basil-pasta-salad/
CHIMICHURRI GRILLED CHICKEN (45 Minutes + Marinade Time)
We’re skipping Crock Pot Monday this week in the name of the holiday. John is off all weekend, I am off all weekend, so we are taking full advantage of the 3 day weekend with a lot of rest, relaxation and since time is in our favor, some really good food.
What You’ll Need:
1 cup fresh cilantro
2/3 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh oregano
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pound chicken thighs
couscous salad
2 cups cooked couscous
¼ cup chimichurri
1 cup cherry tomatoes
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons chopped chives
THE RECIPE🍴: https://www.howsweeteats.com/2021/08/chimichurri-grilled-chicken/
BURGER IN A BOWL (30 Minutes)
My list of favorite recipes is long, but a variation of this would make the list each and every time. It’s everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—minus the bun and in fresh, salad form. The real star? A special sauce that delivers all the flavor of a Big Mac. Pair it with a side of fries, trust me.
What You’ll Need:
For the Burger Meat:
1 pound ground beef
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
Romaine lettuce
Tomatoes
Pickles
Red onion
Special Sauce:
¼ cup mayo
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon pickle juice
1 tablespoon dill relish
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
THE RECIPE 🍴: https://allthehealthythings.com/healthy-burger-bowls-with-special-sauce/
PROSCIUTTO + ASPARAGUS FLATBREADS (15 Minutes)
The OG’s may remember this recipe from my early Instagram days as ‘The Every Couple’ and I hesitate to even call it a recipe, because it really just requires assembly. Quick, easy, makes a great appetizer, fantastic for picnics, and the perfect dinner recipe for when you don't actually feel like cooking.
I love the Trader Joe's pizza crust, but naan works great too
goat cheese (any variety)
asparagus
prosciutto
Italian blend cheese
optional hot honey or balsamic drizzle
THE RECIPE:
If you’re using the Trader Joe’s pizza crust, bake accordingly to directions. If using naan or flatbread crust, start by spreading the goat cheese evenly across the surface as your base, then chop (or snap) asparagus to a size of your liking and place on top of goat cheese.
Top with prosciutto, sprinkle cheese over all of the ingredients, and bake until golden.
400 for 10-12 minutes does the trick.
And then to really take it up a notch, give it a good drizzle with hot honey or balsamic when it's done.
SUMMER MINESTRONE ( 45 Minutes )
The weather in Chicagoland has been real shit this past week—gray, chilly, and rainy. So, I’m taking the “when life gives you lemons” approach and using it as an excuse to stretch soup season just a little longer. But since we should be feeling the first hints of summer, I’m doing so by paying tribute to the ultimate summer icon: the one and only Ina Garten.
What You’ll Need:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion
4 cloves garlic
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
1 medium zucchini
1 cup green beans
1 (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or orzo)
1 (15 oz) can of cannellini beans
Fresh basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese
THE RECIPE 🍴: https://inagartencooks.com/a-garten-summer-minestrone-soup/
BBQ CHICKEN TACOS ( 30 Minutes + Marinade Time )
Taco Friday, but make it summer.
What You’ll Need:
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2/3 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup red onion
15 ounce can black or pinto beans
15 ounce can corn
1 avocado
12 tortillas
OPTIONAL: Fresh cilantro for topping
Creamy cilantro lime sauce:
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
THE RECIPE 🍴: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/bbq-chicken-tacos/
HAPPIEST WEEKEND, FRIENDS!🇺🇸
Welcome to THE LIFE EDIT- I’m Linds 👋🏼
