Now We're Cooking

I'm happy to report that 8 days in to the New Year, I've kept at least one of my resolutions: namely, to cook more.  Have I mentioned before that I LOVE to cook?  And by cook I mean follow a recipe to the t.  I get annoyed with cooking because it requires time and planning, which are two things I don't always have on my side.  I can't tell you how many times I've started a recipe only to realize that we're out of lemon juice or salt (yes, salt).  And until the past couple of months I still felt like Lukas needed to be watched at least every 2-3 minutes for fear of him climbing something he shouldn't be climbing or making some huge mess, which makes cooking dinner after work a difficult task.  Thankfully he can now entertain himself for long chunks of time, or is happy to dance in the kitchen while momma cooks.  So we've been cooking.

For Christmas, my brother in law & his girlfriend gave me Dinner: A Love Story and I am OBSESSED.  I've now cooked 4 meals and have earmarked a dozen others to try soon.  It's a great book that reads like a novel but includes easy, family friendly recipes.  Also, she has a blog that lists many of her recipes, so check it out!

Here's what our 2013 dinner menu has looked like:

Jan 1: @ grandma Sip Sip's house

Jan 2: Mushroom, Pea, Turkey Sausage Pasta (recipe from my friend Emily) - Mr. Cob made this because I was feeling under the weather.  It was AMAZING.  And I love that it was an easy recipe that you can remember without needing to refer to a book or recipe card.  It's on our menu for tomorrow night again..

Jan 3: Panko breaded chicken (From Dinner: A Love Story) w/haircot verts and couscous - I have to remember that dinner doesn't have to be a difficult recipe.  This dinner was easy and delicious.  Again thanks to Emily for the green bean suggestion.

Jan 4: Porcupine Meatballs (from Dinner: A Love Story - but also a childhood favorite of mine) - Something went wrong with this recipe, either one of my spices was bad or it just wasn't good with ground turkey.  I'll try them again but will get my family recipe.

Jan 5: Greek shrimp (from Dinner: A Love Story)  - DELICIOUS - this recipe alone is reason enough to buy the book. (Nevermind, I just realized the link is on her blog...check it out!  Seriously, great!) Serve with cibatta bread to sop up the sauce.

Jan 6: Belgian Beef Stew (from Dinner: A Love Story)  - Better for leftovers day 2.  The twist is adding a dollop of dijon mustard on top.  I forgot this step on Sunday, but remembered it for my lunch the next day - it made all the difference!

Jan 7: Meatless Monday - Southwest Quinoa Salad - I found this recipe on pinterest and have changed it a little bit (I cook the zucchini and add some salsa) - it's always a hit with the hubby.

Jan 8 (tonight): Taco Tuesday  - We're just going with standard tacos tonight, but I'm excited for an easy dinner!

So I'm on track and loving it!  I've also made homemade almond butter granola bars, which were SUPER EASY and delicious.

Do you have any easy, go-to dinner recipes to share?  How are your resolutions coming?