Weeknight Dinner

Weeknight Eggplant Parmesan

April 15, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Who isn’t always looking for more attainable weeknight dinners that: 1. aren’t crazy labor intensive 2. use a few ingredients 3. help you eat your veggies 4. are delicious!? I know I always am! Enter this weeknight eggplant parmesan.

This eggplant parmesan is different because you broil the eggplant instead of frying it, saving time and making it healthier. A win win in my book! We’re also getting closer to eggplant and tomato season and I fully intend on making this once a week with local produce.

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Roasted Veggie Grilled Cheese

March 18, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Who doesn’t love grilled cheese? Add roasted veggies to make it a meal, even better!

You can roast whatever veggies you have on hand, but my favorite combination is zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. The combo is delicious and makes the sandwich feel heartier. Even better? You can roast the veggies ahead of time so the sandwich comes together in no time. Perfect for busy nights.

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Tomato goat cheese puff pastry tart

February 25, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

My sister-in-law, Casey makes a version of this tart and I always love it! It’s what inspired me to make this. Plus, it’s the perfect appetizer because everyone loves it, it looks super impressive, but it’s secretly super simple to make.

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Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

February 9, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Have you made homemade pizza in a cast iron skillet before? If not you’re missing out! It produces the most delicious pizza with a crust that’s crispy on the bottom and sides. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

The best part is how fun any easy they are to make. Either buy your favorite dough or if you’re feeling fancy, make your own. Then put on your favorite toppings. Perfect for a dinner party, an activity to do with your kids, or just a quiet date night in. Now open a bottle of wine (or champagne, our favorite drink with pizza!) and lets get cooking!

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Crispy Gnocchi with Roasted Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onions

January 25, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Have you ever pan fried gnocchi so they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside? It’s my favorite way to eat gnocchi! I’ve been making gnocchi this way for a years – I posted a recipe for crispy gnocchi with pesto, roasted tomatoes, and goat cheese back in 2017, which I still love.

I have to say, there’s something about the combination in this recipe that I love. Cozy yet sophisticated, this is a dish I would be happy to get out at a restaurant. So bring the restaurant to your kitchen tonight. Pour a glass of wine, turn on some of your favorite music, and make this for dinner!

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Roasted Butternut Squash Arugula Salad

October 29, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

This is my favorite fall salad. It’s hearty, flavorful, and simple. I’ve taken it to numerous Friendsgiving’s, holiday parties, and small get togethers over the years and it’s always a crowd pleaser. It’s nice to take something fresh and green to break up the normal heavy dishes that adorn tables this time of year.

Whether your looking for a lighter dinner tonight or something to take to your next dinner party with friends, this is the perfect salad. I hope you enjoy it as I do!

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Fall Crostini with Acorn Squash, Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese

October 1, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

This is one of my new favorite fall recipes. I knew it was a winner when I made them for dinner and then again a few days later because Rich and I couldn’t stop talking about them…

I tend to like squash recipes that are more savory, so this is right up my alley! But if you wanted to make these a little sweet you could add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the squash mixture, or top them with a drizzle of honey and a few dried cranberries. You could even swap butternut squash for acorn squash. The flavor profile is extremely adaptable and up to you! As for serving, eat them on their own for lunch, as a side with soup or salad, or as a show stopping appetizer.

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The best black beans

September 15, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Have you ever been to Frontera Grill in Chicago? It’s a Rick Bayless restaurant, who I’ve loved since watching his cooking show on PBS as a kid. He cooks Mexican food, but not the Americanized Mexican food we’re all used to. He uses meats that aren’t as mainstream like goat, layers unique spices in a way that adds an unparalleled flavor, and has one of the most extensive tequila lists you’ve ever seen. Needless to say, Frontera Grill is one of my favorites and I try to go every time I’m in Chicago.

Whenever I go we tend to get multiple of the seasonal vegetables and appetizers for the table to try a little bit of everything. It sounds funny, but to me the standout is the black beans. The flavors and textures take a simple everyday dish and turn it into something craveable.

I’ve been trying to make something similar at home and while these black beans aren’t the exact same, they have many similarities. So I guess you could say this is my ode to Frontera Grill’s black beans.

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Chili Lime Noodles

August 27, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

I LOVE anything spicy! But spicy noodles, that’s at the top of my list!

I’ve been trying to come up with a recipe for spicy noodles that wasn’t spicy peanut noodles for a while now. I love spicy peanut noodles and make them fairly often, but I wanted a lighter alternative. These noodles fit the bill. Spicy, salty, acidic, and flavorful because of the addition of cilantro and chives. My mouth is watering just thinking about them!

The secret ingredient in this recipe is Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch. Have you tried it? It’s extremely versatile and I’ve been using it in everything from a dipping sauce for potstickers, to on top of charred vegetables, but it really makes this recipe.

When I make these noodles I tend to serve them with a vegetable, like charred broccoli. But they would be equally as delicious with shrimp, salmon, chicken, or edamame. They’re also great cold the next day, so be sure to make extra.

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Black Bean Veggie Burgers with Cilantro and Jalapeño

August 25, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

I like to think I’m a bit of a veggie burger connoisseur. I’ve ordered countless ones at restaurants over the years and tried even more recipes. It’s amazing how many bad veggie burgers there are out there! Many of the ones I’ve made have been the wrong texture or bland, until these.

These are hands down the best veggie burgers I’ve ever made. They’re flavorful, hearty, and the perfect texture. Dare I say these will even satisfy the carnivores in your life? Perfect for your next cookout or an easy weeknight dinner!

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