Baked Feta Pasta

Yield: 4 servings

2 pints cherry tomatoes

3-6 cloves garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

salt and pepper

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

8-ounce block feta cheese

8 ounces dried pasta of choice

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line an oven-safe baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Place cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves in baking dish. Pour the olive oil on top, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until well combined.

3. Place the feta block in the middle of the baking dish surrounded by the cherry tomatoes, and flip a couple times to coat it with the olive oil and seasoning.

4. Bake for 35 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta cheese melts.

5. While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2-cup of the cooking liquid.

6. Add cooked pasta and basil leaves to the tomatoes and feta, and toss everything to combine. Garnish with more fresh basil and serve warm.

https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/baked-feta-pasta/

Chicken Orzo Skillet

Yield: 4 servings

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken, cubed

salt and pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp salted butter

1 shallot, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1/2 cup orzo

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 cup spinach

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden, about 8 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. To the same skillet, add shallot and garlic. Cook over low heat until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.

3. Increase heat to medium, then add white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.

4. Add the chicken broth and orzo, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes or until the orzo is soft.

5. Stir in the parmesan cheese and spinach. Add more broth if needed. The orzo should be sticky and creamy, not dry.

6. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Serve.

https://thefeedfeed.com/anna_s_table/one-skillet-parmesan-chicken-and-orzo?goal=0_d2454299f8-f0a0787f5a-256639106&mc_cid=f0a0787f5a&mc_eid=536b3ca905

Tortellini Soup

Yield: 6 servings

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, small dice

2 celery stalks, small dice

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced

6 cups vegetable stock

1 can diced tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 can cannelloni beans, divided

1 package tortellini

seasonal greens, such as kale or spinach, roughly chopped

parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Saute until the onions are translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

2. Add broth, tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir together until everything is incorporated. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Place half the beans into a blender with 1/4 cup water. Blend until smooth. Add to soup.

4. Add remaining beans, tortellini, and greens. Simmer for 5 more minutes until greens have wilted and tortellini is cooked.

5. Serve immediately, topping with grated parmesan cheese.

https://plantyou.com/vegan-tortellini-soup/

Shortbread Cookies

Yield: 15 cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 tsp kosher salt

2/3 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

optional: sparkling, superfine, or granulated sugar, for sprinkling

1. Preheat the oven to 325F. Line an 8x8 square pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, stir butter until it is the texture of mayonnaise.

3. Add the salt, sugar, and vanilla and stir to combine.

4. Add the flour and stir just until the flour is absorbed. The dough will still be lumpy.

5. Press dough into prepared baking pan.

6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges begin to brown.

7. Cut into squares, bars, or wedges while still warm. Sprinkle with some sguar, if using.

https://alexandracooks.com/2021/12/18/simple-classic-shortbread-a-ted-lasso-biscuit-box-for-gifting/