Recipe Roundup + Menu Plan for Two

I'm overdue for this recipe roundup, which covers new recipes I tried over the last few months (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

• Crispy Tofu Tacos (NYT) - This was unusual but also easy and very much something I will make again. The recipe says it makes 8-10 tacos, which is accurate - what it doesn't say is that 2 tacos makes a nice serving, so the recipes serves 4-5. Next time I will go with street taco tortillas and double them, or use flour tortillas (regular taco-sized corn tortillas just fell apart).
• Epic Chunky Beef and Mushroom Pie (RTE) - I would make this again, although I thought it needed more salt than the recipe called for (or maybe I didn't season the beef enough before I browned it). As the recipe suggested in an aside, I made the stew the night before, and I think the wait time deepened the flavor considerably. 
• Copycat Raising Canes (TikTok) - I made this with my son and it was fantastic, although we ended up with at least twice as much sauce as we needed. 
• Gochujang Potato Stew (NYT) - I would totally make this again, and highly recommend doubling the amount of beans for extra protein and body.
• Chicken Mushroom Pie with Duchess Potatoes (RTE) - This was a time-consuming, high-effort recipe, and I didn't even bother piping the potatoes! It was delicious, but I don't think it's worth the effort to make again.
• Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Chickpeas (Smitten Kitchen) - This was kind of the opposite of the chicken pie, i.e., easy and low-effort. And my kids liked it so I'm definitely making it again.
• Quick Asian Caramelised Beef Noodles (RTE) - I like how easy this dish is, although it takes longer for me than the recipe says (maybe because I use these delicious ramen noodles*).

If you don't have a New York Times subscription to access their recipes, you might be able to get one through your local library - Angelenos can go here.

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Sept. 22 - 28, 2025

I'm making the adjustment to cooking for two, and while I miss my boys, I have to admit dinner time is easier now. 😝 I might decide to take off a night or two, but having a plan makes it less likely that I will.

Monday 9/22 -  Baked French Toast (we have a loaf of challah that needs to be used up), bacon, eggs, fruit

Tuesday 9/23 - Sticky Miso Salmon Bowl

Wednesday 9/24 - Baked Polenta with Mushrooms

Thursday 9/25 - Garlic Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Friday 9/26 - Gochujang Potato Stew

Saturday 9/27 - Curry Rice (didn't get to this last week)

Sunday 9/28 - Penne with Brussels Sprouts, Chile and Pancetta

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!