Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Team Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the vibrant pair behind the well-known culinary site, A Couple Cooks. As the creators of two highly regarded cookbooks, this real-life couple has been sharing their enthusiasm for cooking and straightforward, seasonal recipes since 2010. Their culinary adventure started with a mission to make cooking enjoyable and achievable for everyone, no matter their cooking skills.

Alex and Sonja embrace a cooking style grounded in simplicity and seasonality. They believe that the finest meals come from fresh, seasonal ingredients that are readily available and easy to prepare. This philosophy is evident in the thousands of unique recipes they have developed and shared throughout the years. Each recipe is carefully designed, tested with their family, and paired with breathtaking photography that embodies the spirit of their culinary innovations.

In addition to their recipes, Alex and Sonja provide a wealth of cooking advice and meal planning suggestions aimed at making kitchen life simpler and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a busy parent seeking quick weeknight meals or a beginner eager to grasp the essentials, A Couple Cooks caters to all. Their website is a treasure chest of ideas, featuring everything from hearty breakfasts and colorful salads to soothing soups and indulgent sweets.

Beyond their digital platform, Alex and Sonja have made a notable impact through their cookbooks. Each volume reflects their culinary journey, packed with personal stories, practical tips, and, undeniably, mouthwatering recipes. Their work has earned praise for its approachability, inventiveness, and the genuine happiness it brings to cooking.

As busy parents, Alex and Sonja recognize the difficulties of juggling family life with a passion for cooking. They frequently share insights into how they successfully cook together as a couple while involving their children in the experience. This personal touch creates a relatable and heartwarming aspect to their work, encouraging others to discover joy in family cooking.

In the fast-changing world of food blogging, Alex and Sonja Overhiser distinguish themselves with their dedication to quality, authenticity, and the pleasure of cooking. Their website, A Couple Cooks, remains a cherished resource for home cooks globally, presenting a delightful blend of recipes, tips, and inspiration that honor the art of cooking together.

**Homemade Green Curry Tofu: An Excellent Substitute for Takeout**

Green curry is a cherished classic in Thai cooking, recognized for its lively hue, fragrant spices, and rich texture. Although takeout options for green curry tofu can be easy, preparing it at home delivers a superior culinary experience that is both gratifying and adaptable. Here’s why homemade green curry tofu can outshine takeout in taste, nutrition, and personal fulfillment.

**1. Fresh Ingredients and Taste Control**

When you prepare green curry tofu at home, you benefit from choosing the freshest components. Fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and lemongrass, in addition to top-quality coconut milk, can greatly elevate the flavor profile of your curry. You also have the power to adjust the spice level by varying the amount of green curry paste, enabling you to personalize the dish to your liking.

**2. Adaptable to Dietary Preferences**

Homemade green curry tofu is easily modified to accommodate different dietary requirements. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply aiming to decrease sodium intake, you can alter the ingredients as needed. Choose low-sodium soy sauce, or opt for tamari for a gluten-free alternative. You can also incorporate various vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant, to boost the nutritional content and match your palate.

**3. Enhanced Tofu Texture**

In takeout options, tofu may occasionally be mushy or overcooked. At home, you can achieve the ideal tofu texture by pressing it to eliminate excess moisture and then pan-frying or baking it until golden and crisp. This method ensures that the tofu maintains its shape and provides a pleasing contrast to the creamy curry sauce.

**4. Cost-Efficient and Eco-Friendly**

Making green curry tofu at home is frequently more budget-friendly than ordering takeout. By buying ingredients in bulk or during sales, you can lower the overall cost per serving. Furthermore, cooking at home diminishes packaging waste linked to takeout, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

**5. A Fulfilling Cooking Journey**

Creating green curry tofu from scratch can be a gratifying experience that boosts your culinary skills. Playing with various ingredients and methods allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of Thai cuisine. The act of crafting a dish from beginning to end can also be a soothing and satisfying endeavor, offering a sense of achievement.

**Conclusion**

While takeout green curry tofu provides convenience, the homemade variant offers a superior experience with respect to flavor, customization, and satisfaction. By utilizing fresh ingredients, adjusting the spice level, and perfecting the tofu texture, you can whip up a dish that not only fulfills your dietary preferences but also pleases your palate. Seize the chance to delve into the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine in your own kitchen, and discover why homemade green curry tofu is a superior choice to takeout.

**Discovering Vodka Choices and Elevating Your Cocktail Experience**

In the realm of mixology, the selection of vodka can greatly influence the flavor and overall satisfaction of the beverage. Here, we delve into some premier vodka choices and how they can enhance your cocktail enjoyment.

**Vodka Choices:**
A high-quality vodka acts as the cornerstone for a harmonious cocktail. Some well-liked selections include Tito’s, Absolut, and Grey Goose. Each of these brands presents a unique taste and smoothness that pairs well with various mixers. For those seeking a citrusy note, citron vodka is an outstanding option, offering an added layer of lemon flavor without overwhelming the palate.

**Orange Liqueur:**
Orange liqueur plays a crucial role in numerous cocktails, contributing depth and richness. Cointreau is commonly preferred for its sophisticated flavor, but triple sec or Grand Marnier can serve as alternatives, each bringing their distinctive qualities to the combination.

**Modifying Sweetness:**
The sweetness level of a cocktail can be adjusted to match personal preferences. Those who lean towards a more tart drink can diminish the simple syrup to ⅓ ounce for the desired effect. On the other hand, amplifying the syrup to ¾ ounce will cater to those with a sweet tooth. It’s always wise to sample and modify as needed.

**Preparing for a Group:**
When mixing cocktails for a gathering, preparing in batches can save time and maintain uniformity. Simply scale up the amounts of vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup based on the number of servings required. Keep the mixture in a pitcher and stir with ice prior to serving to ensure it’s chilled and refreshing.

**Creating a Yellow Hue:**
To achieve an eye-catching yellow color, consider using maple syrup as the sweetening agent or choosing citron vodka. While using simple syrup and regular vodka yields a clear drink, these alternatives can introduce a hint of color and enhance the visual presentation.

By thoughtfully choosing your vodka and fine-tuning other components, you can craft a cocktail that is not only tasty but also customized to your flavor preferences. Whether you’re relishing a serene night at home or hosting a vibrant gathering, these guidelines will assist you in preparing the perfect drink each time.

### Simple Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Bowls with Fluffy Lemon Rice

#### Introduction
Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma bowls offer a delightful and hassle-free meal solution, ideal for hectic weeknights. This dish features fluffy lemon rice, crunchy cabbage, and a creamy feta sauce, creating a tasty and fulfilling meal that is both quick and mouthwatering.

#### Why I Adore This Recipe
Inspired by the popular Naf Naf Grill, this homemade take on a chicken shawarma bowl uses Trader Joe’s pre-marinated chicken shawarma, making it an effortless dinner choice. The bowl is a powerhouse, highlighted by:

– **Lemon Rice**: Lightly fragrant, fluffy, and bright.
– **Crispy Chicken Shawarma**: Golden and savory.
– **Cabbage Slaw**: Almost pickled, offering a tangy crunch.
– **Feta Cucumber Sauce**: Creamy and invigorating.

This recipe is ideal for those who value convenience in the kitchen without compromising taste. It can be ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

#### Ingredients
– **For the Chicken Shawarma**: Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma (or homemade if you prefer).
– **For the Lemon Rice**:
– Rice
– Onion powder
– Garlic powder
– Salt
– Bouillon
– Water
– Lemon zest
– **For the Cabbage Salad**:
– Cabbage
– White vinegar
– Water
– Olive oil
– Salt
– Sugar
– **For the Feta Cucumber Sauce**:
– Grated cucumber
– Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
– Feta cheese
– Garlic
– Dill

#### Instructions
1. **Prepare Lemon Rice**: Sauté rice with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Incorporate bouillon and water, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 18 minutes. Fluff with lemon zest.
2. **Mix Cabbage Salad**: Blend cabbage, white vinegar, water, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Adjust to personal preference and let it rest.
3. **Create Feta Cucumber Sauce**: Combine grated cucumber, Greek yogurt or mayo, feta, garlic, and dill. Modify seasoning to taste.
4. **Air Fry Chicken Shawarma**: Cook chicken at 390°F for 9-10 minutes until golden and properly cooked. Chop into smaller pieces.
5. **Serve**: Plate the lemon rice, top with chicken shawarma, add a portion of cabbage salad, and finish with a dollop of feta cucumber sauce.

#### Frequently Asked Questions
– **What if I don’t have access to Trader Joe’s?**: You can make a homemade marinade similar to that in the chicken pitas recipe.
– **Can I use store-bought tzatziki?**: Yes, store-bought tzatziki is a great option and is available at Trader Joe’s.
– **Can I make this vegan?**: Substitute chicken with falafel, marinated chickpeas, air fryer tofu, or roasted vegetables. Trader Joe’s also has a vegan tzatziki available.
– **How long do leftovers last?**: Leftovers can be kept for 3-4 days. Keep ingredients separate for optimal results.

#### Conclusion
Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma bowls with lemon rice are an excellent choice for a quick and enjoyable meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is bound to become a favorite for busy evenings. Relish the vibrant flavors and the simplicity of preparation, making it a perfect addition to your dinner lineup!

# Marry Me Chicken Orzo: A Cozy, Creamy One-Pan Meal

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a scrumptious dish that blends creamy elements with delicious Mediterranean tastes, making it an ideal option for a cozy dinner. This one-pan recipe showcases tender orzo pasta cooked in a luscious cream sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Each mouthful is full of flavor, justifying its title for the classic “Marry Me” taste that is bound to impress.

## Flavor Profile

The dish boasts a rich and creamy consistency, enhanced by the savory hints from sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of Parmesan cheese. This mix of ingredients results in a satisfying and delicious comforting meal.

## Time-Saving Tips

To simplify this recipe even further, consider utilizing pre-cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken. This enables a swift preparation, as the orzo cooks in the same pot without needing to drain it.

## Serving Suggestions

For a refined dining experience, present the creamy chicken orzo with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper. When serving a larger group, complement it with homemade garlic bread and a Caesar salad to extend the meal.

## Meal Prep

Leftovers can be divided into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Adding fresh baby spinach on top of each serving will cause it to wilt while reheating, boosting the dish’s flavor and nutrients.

## Creamy Skillet Ingredients

1. **Sun-Dried Tomatoes**: Choose jarred tomatoes preserved in olive oil for optimal flavor and texture. The oil can also be utilized for sautéing in other recipes.
2. **Orzo**: This petite pasta cooks quickly and can be prepared right in the sauce, avoiding the need for a separate pot.
3. **Heavy Whipping Cream**: For a decadent sauce, opt for heavy cream. For a lighter alternative, half and half works too, though it may need a longer simmer to thicken.
4. **Cooked Chopped Chicken**: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or cooked diced chicken breasts for convenience.
5. **Grated Parmesan Cheese**: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and enriches the sauce’s flavor. Provide extra at the table for garnishing.

## Favorite Variations and Swaps

– Swap out the cooked chicken for leftover turkey, Italian sausage, or chicken thighs.
– Exchange spinach for chopped kale or thawed frozen spinach. Fresh basil can also be added for extra flavor.
– For a touch of sweetness, think about mixing in chopped roasted red peppers or frozen petite peas.
– Modulate the heat by excluding red pepper flakes or allowing guests to add their own.
– Boost Mediterranean flavors with a dash of Italian seasoning or oregano.

## How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo

1. Warm 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Incorporate garlic and basil, sautéing until fragrant.
2. Add chicken broth, orzo, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
3. Lower heat to a low boil, cooking uncovered for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens. Add more broth if needed.
4. Mix in chicken, spinach, and Parmesan. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
5. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Allow resting for 2 minutes before serving. Serve with additional Parmesan if desired.

## Storage and Leftovers

Let leftover Marry Me Chicken Orzo cool before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently simmer on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream, stirring frequently. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with added liquid.

## Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting creation that suits any occasion. With its rich flavors and straightforward preparation, it’s a meal that will undoubtedly win hearts at the dinner table. Enjoy this delightful recipe and share it with loved ones!