A Cozy Italian Dinner, Lunar New Year Fish, and Breakfast Oats 2.0
What to cook this week...
A few weeks ago, I shared a recipe for chicken cacciatore, a cozy, saucy, one-pan meal that feels like a hug from Nona. I know some of you prefer white meat so I made it again with chicken breasts and turns out, it worked beautifully. If you love a classic chicken parmesan (there's something so satisfying about chicken with a rich red sauce), this could be a real winner for you.
I wasn’t thrilled with the photo I posted the first time around, and if you weren’t completely convinced back then, these new shots (and a video!) might push you over the edge. Look at this beauty:
I went easy on myself and served the chicken with simple roasted potatoes and a basic green salad. My advice: channel the vibe of a sage old hunter (let’s say… Gianluca Selvaggi- anyone remember Jean Luc from the coffee comercial??), living in a rustic stone farmhouse in the hills of Tuscany. Maybe add a hunk of baguette to dip in the sauce and clean the bowl with. Fresh, crisp butter lettuce with a classic French vinaigrette. A glass of red wine or other thoughtful beverage. I love making non alcoholic old fashioneds with this n/a “Kentucky Bourbon.” A piece of dark chocolate for dessert. Are you there with me yet?
Now, for something entirely different but equally delicious…
A Lunar New Year-Inspired Steamed Fish
Lunar New Year had me thinking about traditional whole steamed fish, which is symbolic of prosperity and good fortune. But let’s be real—steaming a whole fish can feel intimidating So, I went with something more approachable: steaming a fillet or two instead.
This method is easy, quick, and packed with flavor from a great sauce. First a little ginger, garlic, and scallion (you can use the scraps from the sauce ingredients) are tossed in the steaming water which lightly infuses the fish as it cooks. Don’t have a steamer? I’ll show you how to make one!
Serve it with steamed rice and sautéed or steamed greens (bok choy, spinach, whatever’s in the fridge.) Add dumplings - store bought unless you’re looking for a project (I have a link in the recipe for you if you are). I made this twice last week, and both times it was a huge hit. Once at work, and then again at home where even my kids liked it. If they don’t…there’s always the dumplings and rice. Sometimes just exposing them to new food is the point.
Steamed Fish with Ginger, Lime, Scallions and Cilantro…
Breakfast Oats 2.0
Speaking of meals that keep you full and satisfied, with the cold weather, I’ve been making myself these hearty oatmeal bowls. I cook old fashioned rolled oats on the stove, and to amp up the protein and fiber, I add a tablespoon each of hemp hearts, chia seeds, and flaxmeal while the oats are cooking. Topped with blueberries, banana and cinnamon, it’s sooooo good. If you like it sweet, you can drizzle a little maple syrup, but honestly, the blueberry and banana make it sweet enough for me.
Best part?
It keeps me full until lunch—with 13 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber, 395 calories. That’s with 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, 1 tablespoon each hemp, flax meal and chia seeds, 1/2 banana and 1/3 cup blueberries and cinnamon.
Sometimes, I stir in a tablespoon of almond butter or add extras like chopped nuts, different fruit, coconut, etc….
I pair it with a whole milk cappuccino with two scoops of Bulletproof collagen protein powder, which adds another 23 grams of protein (18 from the collagen powder and 5 from the milk),
and then my breakfast clocks in at 36 grams of protein, and 14 grams of fiber.
Whole Foods sells a bag of all three seeds called Super Seed Trio, which I buy and store in the fridge. You can find it here.
So, if you’re in the mood for rustic Italian comfort food, a clean, fresh, Lunar New Year-inspired meal, or a warm, nutrient-packed breakfast, I’ve got you covered.
Which one are you making first? Next week I have a tomato soup recipe coming for you… And I’m taking requests! If you have any, tell me in the comments.
All of this looks amazing!!