Today Show Recipes: Easy Meals to Make Tonight

Looking to whip up a quick and delicious meal tonight? You're in luck because today's recipes from the popular cooking shows have got you covered. These TV chef-inspired dishes are not only easy to make but are also perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impromptu gathering. From savory soups to delightful desserts, let's dive into the world of flavors that are both easy and exquisite.

Appetizers

Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado

Start your evening with a refreshing twist on the classic shrimp cocktail. Here’s how:

• Ingredients: Large shrimp, avocado, lemon, cocktail sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Preparation:
  1. Boil the shrimp until they turn pink, then chill them.
  2. Slice the avocado, drizzle with lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Arrange on a plate with cocktail sauce for dipping.

🍤 Note: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the avocado's flavor significantly.

Caprese Salad Skewers

Simple yet elegant, these skewers are a perfect appetizer:

• Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, balsamic glaze, salt, and olive oil.
• Preparation:
  1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season with salt.

Main Courses

One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

This dish combines the bold flavors of fajitas with the comfort of pasta:

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, bell peppers, onions, garlic, fajita seasoning, pasta, chicken broth, cream, cheese, cilantro.
• Preparation:
  1. Cook chicken, bell peppers, and onions until chicken is browned.
  2. Add garlic and fajita seasoning, stir.
  3. Add pasta and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in cream, reduce heat, and cook until pasta is done.
  5. Top with cheese and cilantro before serving.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Crust

Elevate your salmon with this simple, herbaceous crust:

• Ingredients: Salmon fillets, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, thyme, dill, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Preparation:
  1. Mix breadcrumbs, herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil.
  2. Coat the salmon fillets with the mixture and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Side Dishes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A side that complements almost any main dish:

• Ingredients: Potatoes, garlic, butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
• Preparation:
  1. Boil peeled potatoes until tender, mash with roasted garlic.
  2. Stir in butter and milk until creamy, season to taste.

Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Butter

Simple, yet flavorful:

• Ingredients: Asparagus, lemon, butter, salt, and pepper.
• Preparation:
  1. Steam asparagus until just tender.
  2. Melt butter with lemon juice, pour over asparagus, and season.

Desserts

Mug Brownie

End your meal with this speedy dessert:

• Ingredients: Flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, water, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips.
• Preparation:
  1. Mix all ingredients in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking often.
  3. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

🍫 Note: Be cautious not to overcook as it can dry out quickly.

Lemon Bars

A zesty and sweet finish to your dinner:

• Ingredients: Butter, flour, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and zest, powdered sugar.
• Preparation:
  1. Make a shortbread base with butter and flour, bake until golden.
  2. Mix eggs, sugar, and lemon juice for the filling, pour over the base.
  3. Bake until set, then dust with powdered sugar once cool.

The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity and the burst of flavor they bring to your table. Each dish is designed to be approachable, ensuring that even those with minimal cooking experience can create something delicious. Tonight, embrace the joy of cooking with ease, and savor the moments around the table with these TV chef-inspired meals.

Can I prepare these recipes in advance?

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Yes, many of these dishes like the Shrimp Cocktail, Caprese Skewers, and Lemon Bars can be prepped ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

What can I substitute for shrimp in the Shrimp Cocktail?

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You can replace shrimp with crab meat, poached lobster, or even avocado and cucumber slices for a vegetarian option.

Are these recipes suitable for beginners?

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Absolutely! These recipes are crafted to be easy and straightforward, making them perfect for those new to cooking or looking for simple meals.

How can I make these recipes gluten-free?

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Use gluten-free pasta for the Chicken Fajita Pasta, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs in the Salmon recipe, and substitute flour in the Mug Brownie with almond or coconut flour.