We all have our ways of disconnecting from the world. For some it is a yoga class, others it is binge watching a Netflix show until they forget all of their problems. For me, it is cooking. I love the entire process from finding a recipe, going to the store, chopping the veggies, and snap chatting the beautiful final product because what type of social media strategist would I be if I didn’t brag about my skills all over my social media?
Living on my own right after college, I quickly learned that eating out more than once a week is just not feasible if I am trying to be responsible and save. That is where my love for cooking was born. Cooking is therapeutic, fun, and the process is (almost) always worth the reward.
My new year’s 2017 resolution was to challenge myself to cook one new dish a week to expand my skills. When you hit a certain age, the Top Ramen lifestyle needs to be left behind. So, as we approach the end of the year, I can confidently say that I have mastered some recipes that are great for the work week and work for both lunch and dinner options, which saved my life this fall with all the events we had going on! Knowing that I am not the only one with a hectic life, I wanted to share some of my favorite busy-life-approved recipes and hopefully spark some inspiration for you to get cooking!
Sweet Potato Nachos
What you will need:
- 4 medium sized sweet potatoes
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 can of black beans
- 1 can of corn kernels
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 pack of taco seasoning
- 1 pack on Mexican cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375
- Cut potatoes in ½ inch thick slices and spread evenly on large baking sheet
- Drizzle olive oil on top of sliced potatoes and add salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Mix sliced potatoes around on sheet to evenly spread oil and seasonings.
- Stick in oven for 10 minutes.
- Cook your ground turkey in a large skillet and mix in taco seasoning.
- Add in beans, onion and corn.
- Once fully cooked, spread evenly on top of cooked sweet potato slices.
- Top with Mexican cheese and stick back in oven for 5-8 minutes or until cheese has fully melted.
- Enjoy!
PRO TIP: I like to enjoy with sour cream and salsa!
Caprese Stuffed Portabellas
What you will need:
- 2 large portabella mushroom caps
- 1 ball of mozzarella cheese
- 1 carton of cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Heat non-stick skillet to medium heat
- Brush olive oil on portabella caps and season with salt and pepper
- Cook each side in skillet for 3 minutes
- Remove from skillet and add cubes of mozzarella, sliced cherry tomatoes and basil into caps.
- Put stuffed portabellas back in skillet face up and cover with lid.
- Let cook for 2-4 minutes or until cheese has melted.
- Remove from heat and finish with drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Enjoy!
PRO TIP: If you are bringing as lunch leftovers bring the balsamic glaze on the side and add after you re-heat!
‘Adult’ Ramen
What you will need:
- 3 packages of Ramen (ditch the seasoning)
- 2 large cans of chicken broth
- 1 bag of shredded carrots
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 bag of spinach
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- Green onion (for garnish)
- Siracha
- Sesame Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Heat chicken broth in large pot
- Once broth is boiling add in 3 packs of ramen noodles (NOT THE SEASONING!)
- Add dash of salt and pepper
- Add a splash of sesame oil
- Add a squirt of Siracha (amount depends on preference)
- Add chopped 1 onion, full bag of spinach and 1 cup of shredded carrots.
- Add in one cup of shredded chicken
- Lower heat and let simmer for 10 minutes
- Garnish with chopped green onion
- Enjoy!
PRO TIP: Great to freeze and enjoy at another time!
Chicken Pot Pie (shout out to Taste of Home for this one!)
Here is the link to my favorite chicken pot pie recipe that I recently perfected. The instructions are a little more complex but this is the perfect comfort food for these colder nights ahead! It makes 2 whole pies and tastes even better as leftovers!
PRO TIP: Use a rotisserie chicken- it saves time and adds AMAZING flavor.
