There are many days when we just don’t feel like cooking—both at all or the things we always seem to cook. To help give you new ideas for back pocket family dinners, we talked to one of our very favorite cookbook authors for new ideas in this week’s episode of the Comfort Food podcast.
Image by Nicki Sizemore
You can download this episode from iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn Radio, or wherever else you get your podcasts. or listen to it here! Then use this page to check out any links, notes, or tips we referenced.
Meet Nicki Sizemore
Meet Nicki SizemoreNicki is behind the site From Scratch Fast and is the author of the cookbook Build-a-Bowl: 77 Satisfying & Nutritious Combos: Whole Grain + Vegetable + Protein + Sauce = Meal. It’s become one of our go-to cookbooks and we especially love the make-ahead options and all of the sauces!
Go-to Pantry Staples
We talked to Nicki about some of her favorite pantry staples, which included:
- Pasta: All kinds, all shapes, all sizes to mix things up nutritionally and to pair with different sauces.
- Beans: Black, pinto, garbanzo, white…keep canned or dried beans on hand for protein ready and waiting in the pantry.
- Whole grains: Make a double batch and freeze half for later. Both Virginia and I regularly do this and it’s so darn handy!
Use Sauces to Your Advantage
Sauces are something that many of us home cooks forget about, or simply find to be daunting. (You know, other than ketchup.) These three can elevate a meal even if the meal itself is simple.
- Pomegranate Molasses: Sweet and tart, and you can use it to drizzle over adult plates to transform a more plain meal. Try it on roasted chicken for a Moroccan flair. Adds more dimension.
- Kimchi: Just for the adults. Vital to have things that you and your partner really enjoy that that the kids don’t have to eat. Great with fried rice or grain bowls. It makes it tastes so good to us.
- Tahini: Use in a nice sauce, with honey if serving it for the kids. Can make anything taste so much better. In your store, it should either be near the olive oils or the peanut butter, depending.
Quick Last Minute Dinners
Here’s a peak at Nicki’s favorite quick dinners. She shared more details on all of this in the episode, so be sure to have a listen.
- Eggs: Breakfast for dinner. You can do this so many ways!
- Stir Fry or Fried Rice: This is a great way to use up any leftover rice. Or to use rice that you batch cooked and have on hand.
- Flatbread Pizzas: Try with toasted naan, topped with marinara or pesto or yogurt and other toppings of their choice.
Links from the Episode
Links from the EpisodeGreen bags to keep herbs fresher longer.
Silicone Feeder: Use it to serve frozen fruit like Virginia does with her toddler to help with teething.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode, so please comment below or reach out to us at comfortfoodpodcast@gmail.com.
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