Well, everyone, I’ve eaten a lot of cookies in the last few weeks, and I’ve had a good time doing it. But now I’m cruising into 2024 ready for food that’s lighter on the butter but still brimming with flavor.
Maybe you’re in the same boat? If so, this week’s recipes are for you: five fast and fresh ways to reboot your cooking for the new year, or at least through the end of resolution season. (Speaking of: If your resolutions include eating more vegetables, we’ve got a lot of dinner recipes for you and a whole newsletter dedicated to veggies.)
Reach out to me anytime with requests or suggestions. I’m dearemily@nytimes.com, and I love to hear from you. Happy new year!
1. Stir-Fried Shrimp With Snow Peas and Ginger
This is the simple, fresh stir-fry you need for the new year. It comes from the award-winning cookbook author Grace Young, an expert on wok cooking, so it feels a little heretical — though true — to say that if you don’t have a wok, you can make this recipe in a large skillet. (If you fall in love with it, get yourself a wok! It’s an excellent, truly versatile pan.)
2. Baked Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, healthy and crowd-pleasing — but there are also so many ways to cook them that turn out dry, tough and just straight-up bad. Here comes Lidey Heuck with this excellent method! The trick is letting the chicken quickly soak in salt water — a short brine — right before you cook it. Season it however you like, then bake it for 20 or so minutes.
3. Squash and Chickpea Stew With Lemongrass
This creamy weeknight stew from Kay Chun doesn’t actually have cream in it. A can of coconut milk makes it silky, and crushing half the squash and chickpeas thickens the final sauce. It’s immensely satisfying and vegan, too.
4. Sheet-Pan Salmon and Broccoli With Sesame and Ginger
This is one of those recipes where you feel like you’ve done something great for yourself by making it. It’s by Lidey Heuck, and it’s legitimately fast to prepare and very delicious. Make it part of your repertoire in 2024.
