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December has two speeds: festive and tired. When I’m both, I lean on cozy, clean dinners and tiny wins that make January feel less… January.
1. 7 Tiny Wins (pick two this week)
A) Stock once, cook twice: double your protein and plan two meals (soup + skillet).
B) Veg bowl starter: roast a huge tray of mixed veg on Sunday; reheat all week.
C) 2-ingredient shortcuts: salsa + shredded chicken = taco bowls; pesto + beans = quick pasta.
D) Sauce-jar rescue: stir clean marinara into your silken-tofu cream for instant comfort.
E) Freezer audit: use what you have—rice, broth, frozen veg → 15-minute soup.
F) One-pan rule: if a recipe needs three pans, not this week.
G) Set the table: five minutes of plates/napkins makes dinner feel “done.”
2. The Cozy + Clean Dinner Formula
Protein + veg + creamy/bright element. Examples:
- Chicken + mushrooms + herb-garlic cream (dairy-free)
- Beans + greens + lemon-tahini
- Turkey + cauliflower rice + salsa-avocado drizzle
Recipes to try:
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken & Veggie Skillet
Quick, satisfying, and secretly high in protein thanks to the silky smooth sauce made with silken tofu.
This one-pan taco skillet is loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich black beans, and cauliflower rice for a veggie-packed twist on taco night.
10-Minute Tahini Dipping Sauce
Perfect as a salad dressing, sauce, or drizzled over baked chicken. Versatile and delicious—endless possibilities
3. Freezer Week (use it, don’t fear it)
Pick one freezer item to build around: frozen broccoli, shrimp, or cooked rice. Add garlic, olive oil, lemon, and you’re eating in 12 minutes.
4. Try This Today (quick win)
Set a 5-minute timer and do one thing: chop one veg, cook a simple protein, or blend a sauce. Your future self at 6pm will hug you.
Shelley’s Daily Tool (Amazon pick of the month)
Here’s a kitchen tool that’s been used daily lately—and I’m Loving it: Glass storage containers.
Why I reach for them:
- Keep prepped veg fresh and visible
- Freezer- and oven-safe (double duty)
- Stack neatly (hello, calm fridge)
Shop it on Amazon → https://amzn.to/3VEu9XM
Tools I Actually Use (and why)
Caraway Dutch oven:
winter soups and braises, easy cleanup
gentle on cookware, perfect for thick soups
speeds up prep time
Save Your Seat: Kitchen Culture
We’re keeping it fun during the holidays with some holiday treats on Tue, Dec 9.
Thanks for being here in my kitchen. Let’s finish the year calm, cozy, and well-fed—one tiny win at a time.
P.S.
Have you subscribed to my YouTube channel yet? It’s FULL of recipes that your whole family will love. Click subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@shelleycanhelp
