Recipes for the week
New recipes and reader faves 🌞
Happy Sunday. Today, I have new recipes and reader faves to share with you.
Weekend Update
This weekend was another relatively low-key affair. I’ve been trying to go out to eat more often for cooking inspiration, so I returned to the French restaurant I visited a few weeks ago on Friday.
For those who don’t know, I started a weight loss program with a coach last year, and it was such a transformative experience! While my weight has been the more obvious change, I’ve also noticed my taste buds have completely transformed! A big aspect of the program was reducing my reliance on sugar, and I feel like that has played a big role in the evolution of my tastes.
While I never considered myself much of a picky eater, I did have some foods that elicited a strong negative reaction from me. Embarrassingly, I didn’t enjoy many fresh fruits unless they were macerated or served in a dessert. The past twelve months have been such a joy to discover all sorts of new fruits that I would never have eaten before.
This change translates to savory foods as well. I used to dislike (read: HATE) blue cheese strongly. On Friday, the restaurant had an endive salad with blue cheese. My gut told me not to bother ordering it, but I thought I would challenge myself to give it a shot. I was so pleasantly surprised and happy that I ordered it! The salad ended up being my favorite part of the meal. While I wouldn’t say blue cheese is my favorite, I can still enjoy it, and I’m excited to use it more at home. I think this change in taste buds will open up so many more opportunities for experimentation in my own kitchen.
Speaking of trying new things…over the next few weeks, I have a few restaurants lined up to visit. I can’t wait to share what I’ll be eating. Here’s the lineup:
Gute Leute: This is an omakase coffee experience in Arlington, VA. The chain originated in South Korea, but this is their only US-based location. I am VERY excited to try the chestnut coffee for autumn.
Kappo: I can’t wait to try this multi-course dinner centered around Wagyu beef. It’s been on my list forever, so I’m excited that I finally made reservations.
Rania: This restaurant was awarded a Michelin star for its inventive menu, and I can’t wait to try it! My friend recommended it to me, and the food sounds absolutely incredible.
Okay, enough yapping. I’m sure you’re ready for recipes to inspire your own menu next week. Let’s dig in.
New Recipes
Gochujang Butternut Squash Purée
This lovely autumn side dish would pair well with your favorite meat or plant-based protein. Recipe testers loved it, calling it a sweet, spicy, fun fall dish! Yum!
Sweet and Spicy Creamed Corn
Corn season may be coming to a close, so you’ll want to whip up a batch of this sweet and spicy creamed corn. It would go so well with BBQ chicken or ribs. Delish!
Become a Recipe Tester
I have so many new and updated recipes in the pipeline right now! Sweet and spicy red lentils, a trout amandine recipe, and a gorgeous butternut squash rice pilaf are in the works. To become a recipe tester, sign up below to join the Tasters program.
Reader Faves
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
Thank you, Katie! I’m thrilled you loved this chicken soup as much as I did!
Mushroom Ragu with Ricotta Polenta
Thank you, Sherry! So happy you enjoyed it!
Cheesy Pork Cutlets
Thank you, JYoung! The fresh mozzarella sounds perfect for these cheesy pork cutlets. Delish!
Easy Pumpkin and Black Bean Chili
Thank you, Linnda. I love it when a recipe receives an encore, and I'm so happy you enjoyed this one.
I think that’s about it for today. If you make one of my recipes, please drop me a comment to let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear from you. Byeeeeeeeee! 💖💖
-kylie
And if none of these recipes caught your eye, you can click the button below to view my full archives.