What's been cookin' in the Weeknight Gourmet's kitchen?

I haven’t gotten into the rhythm of posting since Charlotte was born but don’t think that means I haven’t been in the kitchen!  I have been cooking.  Weekly Fresh Direct deliveries, augmented by the occasional trip to Chelsea Market, have allowed me to have food on hand to prepare simple meals during the week.

I haven’t tried a ton of new recipes recently.  Instead I have been going back to recipes that I have made in the past that I can either prepare ahead of time or are very quick and easy to make.

Here are a few examples of meals I have made recently:

Lemon Spaghetti: I could eat this dish everyday!  So delicious — fresh and flavorful.  And, it only requires a few ingredients and virtually no chopping.

Chinese Chicken Salad with Asian Coleslaw: I prepped this ahead of time.  I was hoping there would be leftovers for lunch but it was all gone.  The coleslaw was a new recipe.  But, again, super simple and I was able to use the leftover soy glaze for another meal.

RIBS: This weekend we had Tim’s brother and his family up to the Berkshires.  I made my famous ribs, grilled corn, tomato and mozzarella, and shaved zucchini salad.  Instead of making the rub and sauce, I bought a store-made rub at Guido’s and used Bone Suckin’ Sauce.  The only side that really required any prep was the zucchini salad but it only took about 10 minutes.

Key Lime Pie: I made the easiest Key Lime Pie ever this weekend.  Judging by the fact four people finished it in two sittings, I think it was a hit!

Whole Wheat Penne with Eggplant and Mozzarella: I made myself some comfort food while Tim was traveling this week.  I bought some of my favorite eggplant cutlets from Trader Joe’s and cut them into bite-sized pieces.  I mixed the eggplant with whole wheat pasta, jarred tomato sauce, and diced fresh mozzarella.  Delish!

While I have been able to cook, our time around the dinner table has certainly changed since Charlotte was born.  She has uncanny timing — quiet as a mouse as I prepare dinner but then as soon as the meal hits the table the crying starts.  Tim and I sit together at the table and take turn eating and passing our gorgeous little girl back and forth.  I guess Charlotte already knows how important family dinners are and she doesn’t want to be left out.

And don’t worry — Angus has not allowed all the changes to affect his dinnertime behavior.  Our loving pooch sits at our feet desperately hoping for a scrap and being on the lookout for some dropped food.

Our little round kitchen table is getting more crowded and I couldn’t be happier.