When my kids were little, my dinner rotation looked like this: Pasta, Pizza, Pasta, Burgers, Pasta, Pasta. It made me crazy—not only because of the relentless repetition, but because I loved to cook and missed my old, pre-kid dinners, the ones that didn’t come with a side of ketchup. So instead of waiting out the toddler years, I decided to take control of the situation. I told my family they were embarking on an adventure: Andy and I would cook thirty new dinners over the course of a month . . . and my girls would try a bite of every single one. Was it a little nuts for two working parents to take on this challenge? Yes. But did it bust us out of our dinner rut and transform family dinner from stressful grind to happy ritual? Completely.
In Dinner: The Playbook, I tell the story of my experiment, and share everything I learned along the way. Think of it as a boot camp for kick-starting family mealtime, offering tips and strategies for shopping, organizing, and feeding picky eaters. Playbook also includes 80+ recipes for delicious (kid-vetted) crowd-pleasers like Sticky Pomegranate Chicken, Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs, and superfast Pan-Fried Whole Wheat Pizzas.
Stuck in a rut? Ready to reboot dinner? This book is your secret weapon. Get started tonight!
Jenny Rosenstrach is the creator of the blog Dinner: A Love Story and the New York Times bestselling author of Dinner: The Playbook and Dinner: A Love Story. She has appeared on NPR’s Weekend Edition and NBC’s Today. She and her husband, Andy Ward, write “The Providers” column for Bon Appétit. They live in Westchester County, New York, with their two daughters.
Media and Event Queries
Sharon Propson
Random House
spropson@randomhouse.com
212-782-9008
Cover design: Kristina DiMatteo; Author photos: Johnny Miller; All food shots: Jenny Rosenstrach
Book Owners: What’s your favorite part of Playbook so far? Join the conversation below!
I am so excited about this book! It just came in, perfect timing to start my challenge today!!!
The braised korean short ribs, for sure!! Thanks Jenny!#dinnerplaybookLC
planning ahead with a menu plan on the weekend has definitely made our family life more peaceful and enjoyable. #dinnerplaybookLC
Pan-fried pizza! Thanks so much for the great recipe ideas. (Just tried kale/sausage/beans which kids adored!) #DinnerPlaybookLC
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Page 155-162 Simple, Quick Sides! Perfect; a dog-eared go-to section. Also, page 42: The Kitchen Dump! Great tips–roasted tomatoes are a must for the leftover tomatoes coming up in the garden right now. Thanks, Jenny!!
#DinnerPlaybookLC What has stuck with me most is the simple but powerful wisdom that dinner has to get on the table every night. This non-negotiable kicked me in the gut a bit and reminded me that just like brushing my teeth or loading the dishwasher, I can’t avoid this coming around once a day – time to embrace it and enjoy it!
Favorite recipe, by far: the shrimp rolls. Holy cow, so good! #DinnerPlaybookLC
So far, the grilled chicken w/ Asian style bbq sauce! My husband made it for us the other day! Also I can not thank you enough for both your books and this website. My husband used to be convinced he could not cook. Now he says, “If it’s from the Dinner book/website, I know I can do it.”
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#DinnerPlaybookLC — the Lazy Bolognese! That has saved my skin more than once!
#DinnerPlaybookLC Ok I love the whole book, it really speaks to me right now with a 3 year old that one week loves chicken, avocado and salmon and the next week won’t look at anything unless it’s grapes and blueberries! But the one tip that I laugh at every time I read it and was like a “duh” moment for me was in the section The Art of the Kitchen Dump. At the end of the week I am always throwing away food instead of enlisting some of the suggestions that you had. Especially with the grape tomatoes. “Even if they are shriveled as gremlins, you can save them with a slow roast”. I never think to do that! I always look at them with a sad look on my face as I throw them away. No more! As I type this, those little gremlins are in my toaster oven roasting away!!! 🙂
#DinnerPlaybookLC – ok let me count the ways in which I love this book. By far my favorite tip is the weekly organization – clearing out the fridge before going shopping and prepping things as soon as we get home. I also love how “real” the narrative is!
#DinnerPlaybookLC This may be silly, but I love the size of this book. It almost feels like a novel! But it has so much valuable information with planning and creating good meals. I love all the old standbys inside. I haven’t gotten all the way through yet. I am trying to take it slow and really absorb all the advice.
Keeping track of the family reviews (and modifications) helps not to make the same mistake twice. Hard to rely on memory.
#DinnerPlaybookLC “What’s for dinner?” “I don’t know yet.” This exchange has magically transformed that toxic 25 minute period between changing out of work clothes and sitting at the table, when everyone is hungry and grumpy and nobody needs to hear complaints about supper.
#dinnerplaybookLC Definitely, PLAN! PLAN! PLAN! It has made life so very easy!!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I thought you couldn’t top DALS, but boy, this is not only an awesome read in itself, but the recipes combined with the simplicity of the weeknight meals? Perfect for us. I have to say that my favorite recipess fall into “Keeping the Spark Alive” category with particularly deep feelings for Sticky Pomegranate Chicken Pieces – oh and the whole chapter on sides – Thank You!
#DinnerPlaybookLC going through the photo-filled recipes with my 5 year old to get her buy-in! love it.
#DinnerPlaybookLC Slow cooker Korean shortribs!!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I adored DALS, and Dinner the Playbook hits it out of the park too. The Kitchen Dump is genius! It’s definitely been keeping me from throwing so much away!
#DinnerPlaybookLC My favorite recipe is zucchini fritters – page 130 – I have it memorized because we have sooooo much zucchini right now!
#DinnerPlaybookLC my favorite tip is for picky eaters- repackage, rebrand, respin. This has worked many times for us! Thanks Jenny!
#dinnerplaybooklc Love the goat cheese quesadillas!
#DinnerPlaybookLC The cornmeal fish recipe. I’ve never used cornmeal as a crust and it was so easier and SO MUCH BETTER than bread crumbs for the crunch-factor. Never going back!
Far and away making a meal plan for the week ahead has changed my life. No longer do I wander around the grocery store in a daze! And the Art of the Kitchen Dump is totally brill. I hate wasting food, and I just can’t get enough of your practical tips. 🙂 #DinnerPlaybookLC
I love the morning get-ahead tips! It’s changed my thinking every day about how to prepare for that night’s dinner. #DinnerPlaybookLC
Love your book! I’m already a meal planner but I love, love, love all the ideas! The bbq chicken sandwiches are my current fave – make the sauce in the pot then throw in the chicken and let it sit until ready to serve. Perfect make ahead meal! Thank you! #DinnerPlaybookLC And happy anniversary!
#DinnerPlaybookLC the chicken with artichokes skillet dinner was amazing! tonight is the chicken parm meatballs – it’s 10 am and i’m already looking forward to it!
What isn’t to love? My favorite recipe so far is the cauliflower pasta (and yes! I even used the anchovies!). And my favorite tips are the morning prep. Somehow, having a pot of water ready to go does make things so much easier. #DinnerPlaybookLC
bbq chicken sandwiches are my favorite recipe so far. I have been trying to remember your repeated wisdom/mantra that dinner will make it on the table tonight, even when we get in the door at 7 pm after a packed after school schedule for my soccer playing/theater loving girls! Thank you for simplifying.#DinnerPlaybookLC
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I love how down to earth and normal you guys are and how easy and delicious all the meals are. Seriously, everything has been so good and un-fussy. Just made the chicken with artichokes in creamy mustard sauce and it was a huge hit! Thanks!
#DinnerPlaybookLC The short ribs, hands down! These are the best ribs I’ve ever had! Thanks so much for this divine recipe!
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I cooked directly from the book pretty much this whole week. I love the make ahead tips! The chicken barley soup was great.
#dinnerplaybookLC – working our way through all the weekly meal plans. Favorite recipe so far: Pulled Barbecue Chicken sandwiches. Favorite tip: how to pan fry tofu, I was never able to get it right until reading your tips. Thanks!
Love those braised short ribs! #DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC. Sunday Minestrone … living in Colorado I love all things soup this time of year.
We love the chicken parmesan meatballs!!! #DinnerPlaybookLC
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I love the meal plans on pages 30 through 39. So helpful!
I think my favorite recipe is for the chicken parm meatballs. So good!
#dinnerplaybookLC: Chicken pot pie with sweet potatoes
#DinnerPlaybookLC Love the chicken with artichokes. Yes, please!
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By far the advice that has brought us the most success thus far is use of the phrase “I don’t know yet” in response to “what are we having” questions from the kids. I’ve stopped trying to convince them to like things in advance and instead just put food in front of them and, like magic, they generally pick up their forks and eat!! Genius.
it would be the minestrone #DinnerPlaybookLC
I love your website, the Playbook, and the first cookbook! Thanks for all the great ideas – and especially the great writing. My favorite recipe from the Playbook so far is the Chicken Chili. Made it in no time the other night and it was a huge hit. #DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC I’ve already made the Slow cooker Korean shortribs and they are to die for! (and they make great leftovers!)
#DinnerPlaybookLC I adore the chicken parmesan meatballs. What gamechangers!
#DinnerPlaybookLC Chicken Chili is my favorite. So perfect for those colder days to come.
I’m answering this as if my kids were writing: hands down, the Mac and Cheese recipe! They can’t get enough of it!! Love the book! #DinnerPlaybookLC
The Chicken and artichokes is DELICIOUS- we’re big on artichokes around here. #dinnerplaybooklc
Love the fish tacos recipe, as well as all of your anecdotes throughout. While we don’t have kids, we’ve found the book so helpful for planning meals during the weeknight given our busy schedules. #DinnerPlaybookLC
I made the pan-fried pizzas the other evening: where have they been all my life?! And for some reason the size of the book and its recipe layout (one page = picture, one page = recipe, do-ahead tips, etc) makes the whole thing eminently accessible. #DinnerPlaybookLC
We love the chicken parm meatballs and the section on sides (my Achilles heel in terms of cooking), but what I truly love is the thoughtfulness and excitement over daily meals that comes through in the book. It makes me want to rush home to cook dinner! #DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC Summer Stew with Chicken, Corn, and Sausage
#dinnerplaybooklc The pan-fried pizzas are my new go to! The best!
#DinnerPlaybookLC Chicken parm meatballs! My husband told me that I had to save that recipe and make them again, which is a very rare occurrence in my house.
#DinnerPlaybookLC I love your tip about responding, when asked what was for dinner, with the name of the favorite ingredient: “Pasta!” will work in my house.
#DinnerPlaybookPC I love the spaghetti with shallots and brussel sprouts. We’re on a total brussel sprout kick over here and this was a new way for me to use them. Plus, my three and four year old LOVE them (crazy, right?)
#DinnerPlaybookLC – Favorite tip from the Playbook is telling the kids that we’re going to have a dinner “adventure” and that they get to help decide what new foods are keepers. Also, my husband would eat the Pork Ragu (from your blog) non-stop. Even in the Arizona summer, we’re making it more Sundays than not. Yum!
#DinnerPlaybookLC–the braised short ribs. Delicious!!
#DinnerPlaybookLC — Favorite idea is keep the spark alive dinners!
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Love overall concept of trying 30 new dinners in a row. Anyone who has been cooking for any length of time makes approximately the same 7-10 meals in a random rotation. This encourages us to try many new things in a short amount of time to add to that repertoire!!
#DinnerPlaybookLC — Adore the zucchini fritters and the goat cheese quesadillas!!
#DinnerPlaybookLC best advice is having a drink with dinner preparation:)
#DinnerPlaybookLC I love the shrimp rolls, they are a new go-to over here since it is so quick to defrost the shrimp! It helps me remember the tip that the important part of dinner is spending that time together. Thanks for all the great tips, and the giveaway!
#DinnerPlaybookLC—I really liked in the go-to weeknight meals section, where you suggest even if an ingredient (artichokes, in this case) is a potential deal breaker for the kids, make the recipe anyway! You never know who’s going to find a new flavor they love.
#DinnerPlaybookLC so hard to choose- kale cobb salad and black bean quesadillas were the biggest hits this week, but making chicken breasts and a marinara on Saturday were huge for saving my sanity.
#DinnerPlaybookLC The shrimp rolls are perfection!! Thank you, Jenny!
#DinnerPlaybookLC – Definitely the weekend menu planning. Life saver or should I say dinner saver!
I loved the reminder that dinner is not just about eating. That it is about coming together–to share a three course dinner or a quickly thrown together quiche.
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Stromboli!! way more exciting than our normal pizza night and so yummy with ricotta! Also can’t wait to try the sweet and spicy tofu bowl.
#DinnerPlaybookLC – I have already made a few recipes, but I’m possibly most excited about the quick sides! They’re simple, but sometimes it is so hard to think of a different side!
#DinnerPlaybookLC cauliflower pasta!
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Jenny, I have loved everything you cook since I laid eyes on your website years ago. I really appreciate you “getting” the lives of us with working parents, homework and lots of kid sports and activities. This is definitely present in the new book! So far, we have made the kale cobb salad, the pan fried pizza and the kolbi ribs. Delicious recipes and great make ahead tips. Ready for a full month challenge! Thank you.
As parents to two girls who have just started the whole after-school sports juggling, I love how real and practical your book is and how encouraging/”pushy” (in a good way!) your philosophy is of still getting that dinner on the table! It can be done; it will be done! Thanks for that! #DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC I love the tips about organizing the fridge. Gone (mostly) are the days of the fridge looking like it had been tipped to one side and fiercely shaken after we put the grocery away after shopping!
#DinnerPlaybookLC – Korean Short Ribs, which my slow cooker-hating husband pronounced “The least terrible crock pot meal ever!” Also the Chicken Sausage Summer Stew – fabulous flavor!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I love the idea of a dinner ritual.
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This tip from “a few quick tips for parents of picky eaters” changed everything for me
POINT AND COOK
I have a reluctant eater in my 5yr old, and a flat out refuses to eat anything not dairy in my 2yr old, but when I gave them the power to pick the meals for the week from this book they ATE IT UP (pun intended)
One sloppy joes and homemade Mac an cheese later, and we r on our way by George!
PS – fav braising meal is braised adobo pork, hands down, no question 🙂
#DinnerPlaybookLC. I think the best tip is to just assemble all those clipped recipes, make a plan and get in there and cook. I’m not even in quite the same boat as many of your readers with small kids (anymore) but still work full time and want to have a nice dinner on the table every night for the Hubs and one kid still with us. I’m opening that file folder, the binder from my sister and that vast Yahoo email folder where I stash recipes and I’m going to start cooking them! Who knows, there might be some additions to our own family favorites cookbook.
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Just tried the grilled sausage and kale salad. Kids were raving, plates were cleaned and it only took 15 minutes!
Loving the report card tracker in the back! So far our favorite has been the buttermilk chicken fingers! Yum!
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#DinnerPlaybookLC I love love love Dinner a Love Story and was so happy when the Playbook came out! It’s full of awesome information and tips. The focus on planning is really something I have taken to heart. Thanks for sharing!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I loveDALS, Dinner a Love Story, and The Playbook! I also love braising season!! My favorite tip from The Playbook so far is to leave the non-perishable ingredients on the kitchen counter before leaving in the am! If only I had viewed lemons as non-perishable, last night’s prep of avgolemeno would have gone SO much better! And I was too scared to sub limes for lemons!
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Page 124. Summer Stew with Chicken, Corn, and Sausage.
So simple, but SO good! 4 out of 4 diners agree. Even the 4 year old!
#DinnerPlaybookLC One of my favorite things is that it is paper backed and priced easier to sell at the bookstore where I work. I love spreading the DALS love to strangers!
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p.41 The Kitchen Dump has changed my life!
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My favorite tip from the books is to prep as much as you can the morning before. I agree that having all the non perishable items set out, water in the pot, and things pre chopped makes cooking go so much faster!
#DinnerPlaybookLC Zucchini fritters and homemade mac and cheese. My 3 year old will actually eat the mac and cheese. Thank you!
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My favorite recipe thus far has been the sticky pomegranate chicken pieces. Although we are trying the pan-roasted chicken thighs next!
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How can you go wrong with chicken parm meatballs? LOVE! Thanks 🙂
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Favorite recipe: kale Cobb salad. My kids were eating kale out of the bowl as I prepared the other ingredients!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I Love the veggie-loaded fried rice. I can use whatever I have on hand… or use the rest of my CSA box… I also love that I can add in a meat choice if I like… pork, chicken, shrimp… mmmm!
#DinnerPlaybookLC The recipe for braised short ribs is my favorite!
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How did I miss that you have a new book??? Clearly behind the curve but cannot wait to get it. Can’t tell you how many friends I’ve shared your first book with. Such a wonderful narrative, and of course, delicious recipes.
#DinnerPlaybookLC The best tip is about prepping in the morning
My favorite detail is the do-ahead advice: what you should do in the morning to prep for dinner! A gift to your future self! #DinnerPlaybookLC
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I love the Veggie loaded Fried Rice. My six year old pickster ate it deconstructed and the 8 year old and I devoured it two nights in a row!
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I love the photos – they are perfect for this book and all the more special because you took them!
But hand’s down, without question, my favorite recipe is the Sunday Minestrone.
fave — kitchen dump (p. 41)
#DinnerPlaybookLC Chicken and artichokes!!!! My kids love it! Thanks for the inspiration and motivation 🙂
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On Monday I made Pasta with Butternut Squash and Smoked Paprika and last night I made Veggie Fried Rice. My favorite was the former; kids’ favorite was the latter. For me, the planning ahead tips have been golden.
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Hands down, my favorite recipe is the slow cooker Korean Short Ribs!!! It hasn’t failed me yet! Thanks Jenny!
#DinnerPlaybookLC Love the zucchini fritters!
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we made the Creamy GreekChicken Noodle Soup last sunday night – it was just the perfect ending to a very busy weekend! Love the new book – I’ve already bought a copy as a gift for my niece in Colorado – she has a 5 year old and 8 month old twins – she can definitely use your help!
Chicken parm meatballs for feeding football fans!!!! #DinnerPlaybookLC
The short ribs are the BEST I made them once and I am obsessed #DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC The kitchen dump and ideas on how to use the bruise fruits and ripe veggies was very helpful! I always hated throwing away food and now I can repurpose it!
Goat cheese quesadillas are my favorite! Love anything w/ goat cheese. #DinnerPlaybookLC
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So many good ideas in the book but I think the Kitchen Dump wins. Thank you very much for the giveaway and for writing this book.
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My all time favorite advice, is the response to provide when asked “what is for dinner?” “I don’t know” or “pasta and I don’t know what is going with it yet.” I always dread hearing groans from my two girls as I am in mid dinner prep. Such simple advice I wish I would have heard of sooner:)
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Ooooh the Short Ribs for sure! So good!
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The goat cheese quesadillas are simply incredible – I could eat them for every meal!!!
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Morning prep/planning has helped me to focus on what to cook for dinner at night. And after a hectic day at work plus chauffeuring 2 Jr. Messi’s, I can use all the help I can get!
Our favorite recipe (so far) is the chicken parm meatballs. I’ll be making them again tonight and storing them in the freezer for a night next week when my husband works his second job and I need a quick and easy dinner, fast!
Our favorite recipe (so far) is the chicken parm meatballs. I’ll be making them again tonight and storing them in the freezer for a night next week when my husband works his second job and I need a quick and easy dinner, fast! #DinnerPlaybookLC
Just got my copy in the mail!!! Can’t wait to read it this weekend! #DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC Best recipe is shrimp rolls. All 4 kids devoured – even the ones who “hate shrimp”. Best part of all, this was on our busiest weeknight – 2 soccer practices, 1 – 3 hr gymnastics practice, and a dance class! I could have sworn it’s be a drive through night until I discovered your book earlier in the day. So easy yet so delicious. Thank you!
just ordered my book today! but i am looking forward to all the amazing recipes
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#DinnerPlaybookLC. I love the book! Favorite tip: Putting out pantry items in the AM. It shouldn’t make a difference (it takes 30 seconds, after all) but the psychological benefit at 6 o clock at night is immeasurable. Don’t know why it makes such a difference, but it does-Thank you!
#DinnerPlaybookLC – zucchini fritters for the win! Perfect timing for the bounty of baseball bat sized sneaker zucchini coming out of the garden.
#DinnerPlaybookLC – best tip absolutely hands down no contest is the Art of the Kitchen Dump. Brilliant!
#DinnerPlaybookLC – The slow cooker korean short ribs, for sure. And basically anything braised in the book. I adore braised food.
Thanks so much for making this book. My partner and I will be joining houses soon and cooking for *six* kids!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I love the tips for organizing meals in the morning. I needed a reminder of how simple it can really be since I tend to over complicate it (being tired and stressed from a long day). Thank you!!
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I had a forehead-smacking moment when I read that you put the pot for pasta on the stove , filled with water, before you leave for work. This 28-second step feels like such a big deal when you walk in the door 10 hour later!
#DinnerPlaybookLC – Pulled BBQ Chicken definitely.
#DinnerPlaybookLC. Salad pizza. Fresh veggies on a family favorite.
#dinnerplaybookLC The shrimp rolls!!
Kitchen Dump! Seriously, life changing.
#DinnerPlaybookLC – Sloppy Joes. My super picky, mostly vegetarian four year old loves them as much as her older sister and parents. We never have fights about trying what’s on our plate on Sloppy Joe night. Many thanks!
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The goat cheese quesadillas–obsessed 🙂
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Love the pulled pork ragu
#dinnerplaybooklc. Morning prep!!!
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Love the entire sides section – favorites, tomato & avocado salad and dilly cucumber salad
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Chicken Parm meatballs b/c my 6 yr old swore he would never eat them but tasted then ended up eating three! This is huge for us.
p.41 LOVE the Kitchen Dump!
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#DinnerPlaybookLC – I also loved the zucchini fritters. Easy enough to make two twin 2 years olds at your feet, tasty enough for the kids to eat, and uses the CSA box before the next one arrives!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I love the whole concept. Your first cookbook changed our family dinner and now this has helped me get excited again. We will do 30 day soon. I love th chicken thighs with sausage and corn….YUM
#DinnerPlaybookLC I love that you cook for two girls, who seem close and connected to you and A. Something I hope for my ladies.
#DinnerPlaybookLC My kids immediately tagged the Mac and Cheese as a must make! I can’t wait to try the shrimp rolls 🙂
#DinnerPlaybookLC- Spinach and Feta Omelet. The book was SO FUNNY! And I have been so afraid of making an omelet my whole life I always resort to scrambled. This was so easy.
I love it all. All the meat recipes! Simple and awesome. I may win dad of the year. #DinnerPlaybookLC
Braised short ribs are delicious and kid approved.
DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC If we’re picking favorite recipes, it’s the short ribs, no question. However, if we’re picking favorite anythings, then it’s the entire book. The love of family and friends and food. The idea that food is more than food…it is love in action. That is my favorite of all.
#DinnerPlaybookLC. When you say you are not making dinner for your boss, you are just trying to feed your family. It reminds me not to overcomplicate it, just make a decision, put the shopping list together and start cooking!
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I love calling bullsh*t on the non cook! (I haven’t tried it yet, however.)
#DinnerPlaybookLC Stocking the pantry with spices and unknown ingredients instead of making them “page-turners” 🙂
#dinnerplaybooklc Pork Ragu! So true – the older I get, the more I cook, simple recipes like this are great for everyday & entertaining. With recently potty- trained twin toddlers, the fog is starting to lift. The tips, stories and non-pretentiousness of the book and blog gives me a glimmer of hope that I can have a family, career, and really really good food. If I am going to “lean in”, let it be at the dinner table with friends & family around a homecooked effortless gourmet meal!
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The zucchini fritters have converted my 7 year old!
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I love that having dinner as a family every night is as big a part of your life as it is for our family. If I had to pick a recipe, I would go with some braised short ribs, since I always shy away from dishes like that… not that I can’t make them, but ribs always seem to get left out!
xo
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The Veggie Fried rice! Delicious!
I love the meal planning tip. I have read about it a ton but your book got me to actually do it.
Planning is everything! I so totally agree. That and a little bit of prep time goes a long way! #dinnerplaybooklc
#dinnerplaybooklc We made the Stromboli last night and it took Friday pizza night to a whole new level! And the pork ragu from your first book changed our lives. And the salmon salad! Can’t stop won’t stop with your cookbooks.
#DinnerPlaybookLC I’m all about the Lazy Bolognese!
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Lovc your idea to freeze food in ziplock bags, flat for quick thawing on busy weekdays or a “ready” meal when pinched for time. Also, I now wash all veggies & fruit when I return from grocery store so that everytig is cleaned & prepped for week. It motivates me to make things I might be put off due to extra preparation. Your recipes are a delight & have certainly helped me to motivate my 7yr old to try new things. So…BIG THANKS!
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My favorite section is the chapter on Quick Sides because even after all these years cooking, sides trip me up.
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Zucchini fritters!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I am so excited about the fried pizzas and never knew how easy Cioppino is and will be making it very soon!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I have made the pork in adobo over polenta and pan-fried pizza. Both have come out looking just like the pics, and tasted amazing!
#DinnerPlaybookLC I have made the pork in adobo over polenta and pan-fried pizza. Both have come out looking just like the pics, and tasted amazing!
#DinnerPlaybookLC. We loved the Shrimp Rolls, the Korean Short Ribs, Basic Barbecued Chicken and The Angel Hair Pasta with Homemade Marinara. But I think one of the most helpful reminders was to do even the little things like fill pot with water to boil in am, set out spices etc.. The small things DO make a big difference. Setting myself up for sucess!
#DinnerPlaybookLC chicken parm meatballs : )
#DinnerPlaybookLC I made the slow cooked Korean ribs. I used country pork ribs in place of short ribs. My husbanded couldn’t stop raving about the meal. So easy too.
#DinnerPlaybookLC The lazy bolognese by all means. Perhaps other ones are more spectacular, but this suits, me, I’m lazy.
#dinnerplaybookLC Shrimp rolls! So delightfully delicious!
I love that you give suggestions for what to do in the morning and how a meal can be repurposed. I plan on making the mac and cheese tomorrow and using the leftovers later in the week, when we’re running here and there. I also love the way you describe the was to prep for the week. I spent a good portion of today in the kitchen, prepping for the week. Using left over meat bones and veggies to make a stock to be frozen for later use, soaking beans for a soup I’ll make tomorrow, making the barley for dinner on Monday, and then making dinner for tonight. I’m loving the book! #DinnerPlaybookLC
Loving the chicken parm meatballs. Winner winner chicken dinner!
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The simple but game changing step of making a jar of vinaigrette! #DinnerPlaybookLC
I love the morning prep ideas. So often, even with a plan, I am starting everything at 5:30. #DinnerPlaybookLC
It’s so simple but I can’t get enough of the Pasta with Butternut Squash and Smoked Paprika. Perfect for fall!
It’s so simple but I can’t get enough of the Pasta with Butternut Squash and Smoked Paprika. Perfect for fall! #DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC – the deconstructed meal has SAVED us with two little boys. Fav so far is summer stew with chicken, corn and sausage. Bravo Jenny!
I’m loving your book so far! I’m really enjoying your black bean and goat cheese quesadillas. Yum!!! #DinnerPlaybookLC
The whole concept of getting my family involved has been such an eye opener! Duh. Also I love love love the do ahead steps. I need that desperately in order to make dinner work. Thank you thank you so much! #DinnerPlaybookLC
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the weekend meal plans- love it!
Love the suggestions for how to “save” food, i.e. freezing extra berries, wilted vegetables, etc., the phrase “I don’t know yet,” in response to the “What’s for dinner question,” and the concept of Broccoli Logic. Genius! #DinnerPlaybookLC
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1) The fish tacos. Oh man. That cilantro pesto. OH MAN. Jenny – thank you for this recipe. It is now in my regular rotation!
2) I love the layout of the book. Time savers, weeknight meals, and more involved meals – it’s approachable and easy to find a quick recipe.
#DinnerPlaybookLC
fish tacos!
Deconstructing dinner! Life-changing!
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Oh man, there are so many good details! One of my favorites has to be that every recipe has suggested easy sides to go with it and make it a full meal! #DinnerPlaybookLC
I love the idea of getting non perishables out and on the counter in the morning to get a head start. Breaking the meal down into manageable stages.
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Planning to try to the braised pork this week for my husband’s birthday! Love the book. #DinnerPlaybookLC
#dinnerplaybookLC-Pork Ragu over Papparelle……party in a pot! Just took this meal to a new mom along with a copy of Dinner: The Playbook. She’ll need it now that she has 2 little ones!
Zucchini Fritters – this recipe is saving my life right now with all of the zucchini in our garden!
#DinnerPlaybookLC Definitely chicken chili!
#DinnerPlaybookLC salad pizza!
Grocery shopping on Sunday’s and prepping for the week- this new habit has save many a trip through the drive-thru! #DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC One of my favorite tips is the deconstructing the same meals for the kids as a way to introduce them to new dishes. Wonderful idea!!
#DinnerPlaybookLC Chicken parm meatballs!
Happy Anniversary! I love the new book.
We tried and enjoyed the shrimp rolls, and they will be made again. But my favorite recipe is the homemade marinara sauce on p.65- I’ve made it 3 times, weighing tomatoes from our CSA and one VERY productive Roma tomato in our front garden to use in place of the canned ones. It’s truly awesome! #DinnerPlaybookLC
#dinnerplaybookLC fish tacos!
This weekend I made a pot of the Greek chicken noodle soup. Yum.
# dinnerplaybookLC This weekend I made a pot of the Greek chicken noodle soup. Yum.
#dinnerplaybookLC
fish tacos! always a winner!
Gosh, everything I’ve cooked from this book so far has been fantastic. However, the shrimp rolls and the chicken parm meatballs are definitely vying for a top spot in our house. My husband was halfway through his first shrimp roll last night when he looked at me and said, “We need to make this again on Friday.”
#DinnerPlaybookLC I love the scorecards – a way to actually capture feedback so we aren’t reliant on our (faulty & feeble) memories 6 weeks from now – “I know we made this…did we like it? did the kids eat it? hmmm…”
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Planning, Prepping, Eating! Your ‘Just do it’ theme is inspirational and makes me excited about dinner, which good because it is one of those daily things that has to happen! Thanks for the encouragement.
#DinnerPlaybookLC With a four year old who only gets dressed when we give up on all other strategies and ask”Who can get ready the fastest?” I like the challenge tip on p. 17. Tonight we will be playing the “Roasted Salmon with Lentil Challenge”….
#DinnerPlaybookLC We loved the recipe for Sticky Pomegranate Chicken — delicious. After the fabulous recipe for pork loin with purple cabbage and pom juice in DALS it was one of the first recipes in the new cookbook I wanted to try. A huge hit with the kids and adults!
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Rosa’s Mudcake and the chicken parm meatballs are my go to recipes.
Also, let me just say that your advice about not trying to make family dinners happen while you have toddlers has taken a huge burden off my sholders.Your site reminds me often there is life beyond 3yr olds. Thank you.
#DinnerPlaybookLC Love overall message of trying new things! Some new recipes will be failures but overall your family will find new recipes they love. It’s so easy to get in a rut and make the same meals over and over, can’t wait to try all the Playbook recipes!
Reading the Playbook now! Can’t wait to incorporate all your ideas–but yes, I just need to set a start date! I need to include my three girls in the dinner process and your book has great ideas on how to accomplish that. Would absolutely cherish a Le Creuset Dutch Oven!!
Currently finishing up the Playbook now! Can’t wait to incorporate all your ideas–but yes, I just need to set a start date! I need to include my three girls in the dinner process and your book has great ideas on how to accomplish that. Would absolutely cherish a Le Creuset Dutch Oven!!
#DinnerPlaybookLC
Love love love the chicken parm meatballs!!
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I need to stpe up my meal planning, but I like the idea of having all the ingredients and pots ready to go.
That can really cut down on getting everything cooking. I have always wanted a dutch oven–thanks for the chance to win one:)
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It’s a toss up between the Korean Short Ribs and the Chicken Parm Meatballs!!
Both have been huge hits at our dinner table, and both have managed to magically pull me out of even the dreariest dinner ruts!
Being a [pretty obsessive] planner, I love how you go through practical tips for meal planning, shopping, and even quick meals. Definitely the number one “cook book” to have on hand (in quotes because it’s really SOOOOO much more!) #DinnerPlaybookLC
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Best tip is planning ahead of time. I’m really enjoying your NYTimes series too!
#dinnerplaybookLC
Best tip is planning ahead of time. I’m really enjoying your NYTimes series too!!
My favorite thing in the book is the weekly meal plans. I am already a monthly meal planner but this will save me from rotating the same tired, in a rut meals that I always plan. My favorite recipe? Chicken chili. Life changing! #DinnerPlaybookLC
Best tip has been to prep little things on the weekends. I was very proud of my chopped onions and homemade dressing!
I LOVE the planning and prep tips! This has saved me from the dreaded, “What do you want for dinner?” – “I don’t know, what do you want?” conversation, which so often ends in take-out. I also absolutely adore the Chicken Parm Meatballs recipe! #DinnerPlaybookLC
my favorite recipe is the braised short ribs! but I’m also looking forward to using the weekly meal plans – modified in scale because it is just DH and I to cook for and we like leftovers. #dinnerplaybookLC
so many great dinner suggestions and recipes! love your suggestion to make a bottle of vinaigrette and to pre-cook grains and steamed veggies to leave in the fridge. long live the family dinner! #DinnerPlaybookLC
I like the Report Card. I am so disorganized with my recipes that I often make something we like then forget about it soon after. I will add were I keep the recipe (print, blog, etc). Thanks for give away. #dinnerplaybookLC
Braised short ribs! #DinnerPlaybookLC
Too many favorites, but the chicken and artichokes! #dinnerplaybooklc
i’m still waiting for the UPS man to deliver my copy of the Playbook but let me say i finally made the pizza salad from DALS. why did i not get to this sooner?!?!?! sure the spine is falling apart on the pulled pork ragu and turkey chili pages, but how is it i never got to the pizza salad until now. i’m looking forward breaking in the Playbook spine, planning out my weeknight family meals and some delicious new menu ideas. #DinnerPlaybookLC
Right now we are loving sausage, kale and baked beans as a Sunday staple. #DinnerPlaybookLC
I went right out and bought ground chicken for those chicken parm meatballs and now we’re addicted! Thanks so much Jenny! #DinnerPlaybookLC
Week 1: S – chicken chili M – candied pork chops (just ate them. Yum!). T – black bean quesadilla W – asparagus and goat cheese tart (already in the freezer) Th- BBQ chicken F – dinner out. My favorite part of the book so far, besides the pork chops, are the shopping and prepping tips. They have me all set up for the week.#DinnerPlaybookLC
The Spaghetti, Shallots & Brussels sprouts were at total hit – I’ve never done Brussels sprouts this way!
Point & Cook was super helpful for getting my husband re-involved with meal planning. And thinking of things as Money in the Bank is the mental trickery I needed to get myself psyched to do some meal prep, which I normally resist. #DinnerPlaybookLC
i love the tips on planning ahead for the week: shopping, prepping, pre-cooking. it really helps the hectic times here. #dinnerPlaybookLC
Short ribs get me every time! #DinnerPlaybookLC
The shrimp rolls on p. 75!! #DinnerPlaybookLC
the pork ragu! my husband and i make it often for cozy winter nights along with a nice bottle of red wine 🙂 #DinnerPlaybookLC
the tips for things to do in the morning – i can see how that would already make you feel like things were on their way to being completed once you walk in the door after work!
I tried and loved two of the dishes: goat cheese quesadillas and zucchini fritters. The next one will be mac and cheese.
#dinnerplaybooklc My favorite recipe so far is the MEATBALLS, soooo good!
Morning prep. How true it is that the psychological burden is so much smaller in the morning than when just home from work! #dinnerplaybookLC
npack and Prep for the week (pg 41). YES! YES! Because if I can’t find time on Sunday afternoon it’s highly unlikely I’m magically going to find time any day after that in the week. (also, very close runner up.. Morning Prep. same. if I can ‘get r done’ and not have to think about it again? Excellent! Because the witching hour isn’t the time for thinking.) #DinnerPlaybookLC U
Love, love, love the Braised Adobo Pork! #DinnerPlaybookLC
Summer stew! Summer stew. Pretty sure it’s one of my husband’s top 5 favorite recipes. #DinnerPlaybookLC
#DinnerPlaybookLC Zucchini Fritters for sure!
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I was so excited to receive my copy of the book last week. Jenny, you give me the courage to serve meals that I’d like to eat, to my four kids. We’re getting there!! Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be good!
Braised short ribs all the way. #DinnerPlaybookLC
The Quick Sides section. After putting all my effort into finding a main dish the family will like, figuring out a healthy side to go with it can be exhausting. This section is a lifesaver! Actually, a veggie-saver! #DinnerPlaybook LC
I love the pan-fried pizza dough tip;especially running two pans at once to save time! Brilliant! #DinnerPlaybookLC
Being your own sous chef! Preparing a few steps of a recipe the night or morning before is fantastic advice. Even the pot of water waiting on the stove!
It’s so hard to pick a favorite! But so far, it would have to be the taco pizza. Tacos are a staple in our house and while they’re good because they’re tasty and include most food groups, it was getting old to eat them at least once a week. Taco pizza was just enough familiar that the kids were excited and just enough different for the grown ups. And where has queso fresca been my whole life?!?
Your suggestion of not telling the kids what’s for dinner (even if you know) is genius!
I love the advice on prepping the morning before. I have always laid out pantry ingredients, but never thought about how I could also prep some of the fresh ingredients and fill a pot with water and put it on the stove. Thanks!#DinnerPlaybookLC
I love this book! My favorite recipe, so far, is the Korean Short Ribs! A big hit with my whole family(not an easy accomplishment). Thank you!!
So far, the Korean Short Ribs and Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are the winners at our house! Your prepping hints are spot on and The Art of the Kitchen Dump is lifechanging!#DinnerPlaybookLC
Loved all the ideas for ways to use up leftover odds and ends. #DinnerPlaybookLC
loved the suggestion that I chop an onion or do other easy prep in the morning before heading out the door — totally streamlines the end of the day mania. #DinnerPlaybookLC
Taco Pizza! Never have my kids been so happy about dinner and it took me back to my 80’s childhood 🙂 #DinnerPlaybookLC
Love this book! Favorite tip is to clean the fridge out BEFORE shopping. Duh! I always wait until I’m home with all the new groceries. Love the goat cheese and asparagus tart recipe!
Braised Korean short ribs… YUMMM! I loved your original book and can’t wait to explore this one more! #DinnerPlaybook
I love quick sides. On a busy day, my fallback position is baked potato and salad. Its nice to have quick options.
Page 98 – Sloppy Joes! So good and easy to sneak in some healthy stuff 😉
#DinnerPlaybookLC
Have I purchased the book? No.
Am I posting for the giveaway? No.
Am I just slightly obsessed with LC cookware? Yes (black onyx is my color for 83% of my pieces) .
Pieces owned? 9 – enameled cast-iron, 2 – enameled stainless steel, 1 – stoneware.
Why am I even posting a comment? So here’s the thing, I want every cook to have one. Every good home cook deserves one. You make it happen nightly. For those learning to cook, it’s better to learn with the best. So I just want either group, and everyone in-between, to post to have a chance at a great pot.
#DinnerPlaybookLC
Most useful tip : Sunday grocery store date night! Plan out the full week’s menu and get ingredients for all. It’s a lot easier to cook that night if you actually still have energy by the time you’re home and know you can get it done before 10pm that night. #DinnerPlaybookLC
So far I have been using the zucchini fritters – page 130 like CRAZY
I have started a LONG list of all things I want to try #DinnerPlaybookLC
I loved the zucchini fritters, short ribs and chicken/dried cherries/blue cheese salad! #DinnerPlaybookLC
without a doubt the Pulled BBQ Chicken – always in my freezer at home and the shore!! #DinnerPlaybookLC
Not sure if I loved or hated the tip to go through the fridge before shopping — I found some scary stuff in the way way back of those shelves, yikes!
The chicken parm meatballs are yummy (my 1-year-old gobbles them up) and it looks like I’ll have to try those short ribs that all the commenters are raving about!
the kitchen dump — i hated throwing food away and am much better now at reducing waste.
thank you! #dinnerplaybooklc
Those amazing goat cheese quesadillas! #DinnerPlaybookLC
the chicken parmesan meatballs! My salvation one night when I had no inspiration, and now a family favorite. #DinnerPlaybookLC
The sticky chicken (malaprop”stinky chicken” by my 6 year old) was a winner with all three kids and hubby…very happy when I find that kind of recipe!! #DinnerPlaybookLC
I love the ideas about what to do with the leftover fruits/veg in the refrigerator. Also the tip about making barley and salad dressing on the weekend is something I never thought to do. I’ve been putting salad dressing on everything. My kids love the pan fried fish, so I’ve become a friendly customer of my local fishmonger. I appreciate the weekly meal plans you put in there too. I’ve been using those as road maps for my week. Good job! #DinnerPlaybookLC
I just bought the book, and my 10-year-old son has already flipped through it and requested cilantro-lime rice to go with taco night, taken note of some different toppings for the baked potato bar, and requested the chorizo slaw tacos. #DinnerPlaybookLC.
Oh let’s see…menu planning, early day prep, deconstructed meals still count! I could go on and on! #dinnerplaybookLC
so far, chicken parm meatballs have been a big hit! Love how quickly the cook, and the tomato sauce in the oil. Perfect! #dinnerplaybookLC
all the great suggestions on ways to plan and prep AHEAD of the late afternoon dinner panic! #dinnerplaybookLC
korean short ribs!!! #DinnerPlaybookLC
Those chicken parm meatballs were a huge hit!!! #DinnerPlaybookLC
overall meal planning for the big picture and the fish tacos 🙂 #DinnerPlaybookLC
My favorite tip is the one about doing something, anything, in the morning to prep for dinner: washing or chopping veggies, even filling the pasta pot with water and putting it on the stove. Also, we love Phoebe’s spice mix on shrimp!
My favorite bit of advice is planinng out your week of meals on the weekend and doing one big shop on Sunday. It is so nice not to have to stop for any missing ingredients throughout the week because you already have them all. Also its so nice not to panic when I get home because I already know what I am making!#DinnerPlaybookLC
Last night there was a pot of butternut squash soup already made and warm on the stove top. My 8 year old said “What’s for dinner?” My reply? “I don’t know yet.” 🙂
Korean braised short ribs! #DinnerPlaybookLC
I love the idea that you can’t wait for the perfect, non-busy month to start planning and cooking…it’ll never happen.
The Crispy Rice Omelet is genius!
– the entire pep talk in the introduction. Just what I need to get motivated!
The Sunday plan – especially using up the odds and ends and getting a jump on the week ahead – is genius. Slight, but fabulous improvements to what I had done for years!
my favorite bit of wisdom has to be twofold: I love the tip on doing a little bit early on on the day to prep for dinner (I’ve tried it, and mentally, for me, it really helps!) and then the Kitchen Dump section, as a reminder not to throw out perfectly good food just because it may look a little disgruntled (I have problems with older, half-eaten avocados but am trying to just throw them into the blender as part of a smoothie). Thanks for all your great ideas!#DinnerPlaybookL –
“Kids will eat anything if it’s a pancake”, specifically zucchini fritters.
So excited to start cooking with this plan!
Make your wilted vegetables into vegetable broth.
Miso glazed salmon is our new favorite! Glad miso wont be going bad in the fridge anymore.
I’m not a parent, but I love everything about this book. My husband and I had gotten very firmly into the pattern of Rotisserie chicken, Burgers, Takeout. Burgers, Burgers, Rotisserie chicken. Takeout, Rotisserie chicken, Burgers. I have known *intellectually* how important menu planning is but your book is what made me actually DO it — vs. just continuing to collect recipes in that Someday file.
Favorite tip — night before and morning prep! It is literally life-changing in that I no longer walk in the door from work and think, “Oh, I’m too tired to deal with this — I’ll just call for delivery.” Now I go straight to the stove and turn on the flame under that pot of water that’s already there. It’s so motivating to see the ingredients already lined up on the counter — and to have chopped twice as many onions needed the night before, so that I don’t have to chop any tonight. Most looking forward to try the Korean short ribs and Coq au Vin!
I love the meal planning categories. So many of the recipes are perfect for getting good food on the table fast. Love the quesadillas; not only are they delicious, but customizable! I love goat cheese, my daughter? Not so much. Thanks for another awesome book!
I love it all , for me the organization tips especially. But new meals at our table have been dubbed “research and development” by my skeptical child (and husband.) There is nothing better than fixing something they cast a wary eye on — like Korean short ribs, the pork ragu, quesadillas — and then getting “Wow. This was great – when are you making it again??” Thank you, Jenny!
The pork ragu recipe has ALREADY saved my life and I brazenly used if before braising season! #playbookLC
The Corn Stew! Was the first recipe to try. Perfect timing at the end of summer
my favorite bit of wisdom has to be twofold: I love the tip on doing a little bit early on on the day to prep for dinner (I’ve tried it, and mentally, for me, it really helps!) and then the Kitchen Dump section, as a reminder not to throw out perfectly good food just because it may look a little disgruntled (I have problems with older, half-eaten avocados but am trying to just throw them into the blender as part of a smoothie). Thanks for all your great ideas!
Vegetable Fried Rice -so much better than takeout!
The thing that resonates with me: combining the easy weeknight staples with the “Keep the Spark Alive” masterpieces. That’s what cooking is all about!
The Prep For The Week section has been so helpful for me. It is amazing how much time it saves me when I get home late during the week to have certain things already prepared. Thank you!
love the validation that dinner doesn’ t have to be complicated, it just has to be on the dinner (and home made)
love the validation that dinner doesn’ t have to be complicated, it just has to be on the table(and home made)
I cannot WAIT to try the buttermilk chicken fingers! An excellent elevation from an already excellent meal!
I can’t wait to make the Korean Short Ribs and Maple Candy Pork Chops, but the thing I love most is the section on sides. I can get the main dish together, but the sides are always a last- minute afterthought. Hoping to try some easy sides like curried carrots and tomato-avocado salad this week.
HANDS DOWN, my favorite part: “Before school drop-off, you’ll say, just as they’re about to shut the car door, ‘Your dad and I have some exciting news for you when you get home.'” Love it, love it! Omg, could you imagine the look on their faces!!
btw Jenny: I just bought both of your books at the same time and read them back-to-back. Your description of two under two was spot on! Hilarious! And so true. (We don’t get tired, we are tired.) I read it twice, savored the validation of my own harrowing experience and then passed it to my husband to read. No baby book I’ve read lays it out like that –
I’ve had a chance to make a few of the dishes so far. The black bean and goat cheese quesadillas I made this weekend were devoured by everyone and the roasted cauliflower pasta turned out good. Thanks for creating easy yet inspiring meals!
I love love love the Korean short ribs! 🙂
I love everything I have made from this cookbook (and I’ve made a lot of them!). My current favorite is the Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. It is simple and delicious, and everyone in the family, including my picky children, devour it.