I picked up a copy of Cook’s Illustrated over the weekend, and we’re going to be trying a few recipes from it this week. I’ve been thinking about getting a subscription, but the amount of heavy cream they use is holding me back.

Monday: Swedish Meatballs.
You can thank Ikea for my love of Swedish meatballs. I’ve never tried to make them at home before, but the first thing I thought when I tried the cranberry sauce I made at Thanksgiving was, “Oh, this would be great on Swedish meatballs!” I had a big container of the cranberries in the freezer, so it felt like providence when the meatballs were in Cook’s Illustrated this month.

Tuesday: Butternut Squash Ravioli

Wednesday: Tandoori Chicken
The recipe is only available to Cook’s Illustrated subscribers, but they’re offering a free trial of their online subscription. If you sign up for it, you have access to all of their online content.

Thursday: BBQ chicken sandwiches
I’m hoping to turn Wednesday’s tandoori into Thursday’s BBQ. We’ll see how that works.

Friday: Pizza

Rockford has another short week at work (hooray!). That would normally mean that Wednesday, Thursday and Friday would feature new and daring recipes. But the holiday cooking has sort of worn me down this year, what with the French yule log and all. So we’re rounding out the year with some easy meals.

Happy New Year!

Monday: Grilled Bacon Cheeseburger Calzones.
Only ours won’t be grilled, because we don’t have a grill.

Tuesday: Crispy Garlic Chicken

Wednesday: Shredded beef tacos
I might make a salsa or something out of black-eyed peas, but they certainly won’t be taking center stage.

Thursday: Creamy potato soup
Here’s to a mild and delicious New Year.

Friday: At the in-laws’