Here in Minneapolis it is theoretically getting warmer, although today I trudged my son out to the bus stop through snow flurries. Sigh. Excuse me if I’m just a tad down about that. But I do plan on spending the weekend at my cabin doing some recipe development for a new partnership we have entered. More on that soon, but that ensures this weekend will be sunshine-y, no matter what the weather! But first, let’s get started with this week’s edition of Good Food Reads. One little bit of housekeeping, I WILL post the links for the recipes corresponding to the photos above at the end of this post (I realize that there was some disappointment the last time when I didn’t do this and I am truly sorry. Truly.)
First up for this week is an internet sensation that will be the perfect cabin food this weekend as I am preparing some new recipes for our own blog. This Best Ever Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs by Joy in Every Season should fill both our tummies and our souls!
For a lighter snack, and something my whole family will love, I’m going to make this Simple Healthy Guacamole by Fed Up Foodie. Fresh ingredients, gorgeous colors and above all healthy! And if you don’t make it this weekend, it would be perfect for Cinco de Mayo (that’s May 5th for those of you who don’t speak Spanish…).
Looking for something else to serve for Cinco de Mayo? Check out this Quick and Easy Mexican Shrimp Skillet by Family Food on the Table. It not only looks tasty, but is also unbelievably beautiful. After all, we eat with our eyes first!
And since it is almost Cinco de Mayo, everyone needs queso. Queso for you, Queso for your family, Queso for your friends, Queso for everybody! Here are two queso recipes that will help you accomplish that goal. And best part? Neither involve any processed cheese food (we’re looking at you Velveeta)! Check out this Homemade Queso Dip by The Rising Spoon and this White Queso in the Slow Cooker by Rachel Cooks. Everyone’s queso dreams come true!
Since now we all need something sweet, I’m going to tell you about a blog I am currently stalking. The Butter Half is my latest obsession-amazing photography, great recipes and fabulous writing. And with a recipe like Vegan Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups, you too may want to run right over there and check it out. Go now. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.
In fact while I’m waiting, I am going to whip up one of these Summer Cleansing Drinks by Healing Tomato. We all need to be drinking more water (yep, I’m talking to myself here, a bona fide Diet Coke addict, I am) and these recipes will definitely make it easier.
Another thing that has clearly been on everyone’s minds lately is meal prepping and foods you can eat on those busy nights when the kids have activities (um, you know, every night!?!). Who Needs a Cape has given us a round up of summer freezer meals, 30 Summer Freezer Meals in 3 Hours, that will help you start solving this problem. The Pioneer Woman also has a post devoted to Freezer Meals which has some great tips and recipe links.
And finally, to wrap up Good Food Reads for this week, a cocktail. May I present to you this Frozen Peach and Cara Cara Orange Margarita by The Frugal Foodie Mama. Because soon it is going to be warm and we’re going to be hanging out on our patios. And we better be ready for sunshine and laughter!
As promised, With Two Spoons Recipe links from the photo above: (Clockwise from left): Buffalo Bacon Macaroni and Cheese, Mediterranean Salmon Farro Bowls, Instant Pot Korean Inspired Pulled Pork, and Instant Pot Chipotle Black Bean Soup. So grab a bowl and get cooking!
As always, have a great week and let us know what is going on in your kitchens!
Thanks for sharing my queso!
Absolutely! It’s gorgeous!
all great finds! I have been looking for more foodies to follow. thanks for sharing 🙂
We would be honored if you followed us! Check out our FB, insta, Pinterest and Twitter feeds as well!
There are so many great dishes to make and fix out there. Longs as they are made from scratch with organic ingredients I am good.
Yep! I use almost all organic foods and I try my hardest to do everything for scratch!
Now I’m hungry and not sure where to start on those. They all sound amazing!
Doesn’t matter where you start-just get started! XOXO
Wow, this is such a great recipe round up! I love the two queso recipes AND the buffalo mac and cheese. YUMMMMMM!!!!
Yep, everyone needs cheese 😉
Although I haven’t tried all of these foods, they sure do look tasty!
So much food goodness!
Lots of great options for a healthy lunch or dinner 🙂
Yes! So many great options!
Oh my gosh, I am right there with you in MInneapolis! That snow the other day had me shaking my head. Thankfully we got some glorious sunshine today-now if we just nudge the temp up to feel like spring! Those vegan dark chocolate almond butter cups sound incredible. Yum!
Yes! Are you in Minneapolis also? Thinking about starting a FB group for Twin Cities Food Bloggers.
Everything sounds so delicious! Such a great selection!
Thanks! Check out your shout out in last week’s edition!
Whoa – snow flurries at the end of April? I thought we had it bad with 147 days of rain (it finally was dry and sunny today!). Crazy weather this year all around eh? Thanks for this round up! I’m going to pretend it’s summer and make those yummy sounding margaritas 😉
Yep, weirdest weather ever! 60 degrees and sunny in February and 30 degrees and snowing at the end of April. Sigh.
Thank you for sharing that summer freezer meal link — I never really know how to do freezer meals for summer as I like using fresh produce in the summer.
I find that even if you do a “freezer” meal you can always add fresh produce, herbs, etc and it only makes it even better!