Casual Nights In

Kelly Dreher

Down-to-earth Diva of all things

of the dinner and drinks variety.

Oh, potato salad. The old picnic standby slathered in mayonnaise. I hate mayonnaise. And I hate potato salad. But not THIS one! Wine, Dijon mustard, bacon and fresh herbs make this mayo-free potato salad tangier, lighter and healthier than the original.

But let's be real, those Germans need to quit calling things that contain no lettuce "salads."

Poutine

Disclaimer: This isn't diet food.

Advice: You shouldn't care.

When you want to be a bad, bad girl, poutine is there for you. Fresh cut french fries, salt, cheddar cheese curds, gravy. That's all it takes to achieve this level of happiness. Plus it's cultural! Can you name one other Canadian food? Didn't think so. And don't even say that dang "bacon!"

When you promised you'd make him dinner, but you'd rather just peel off your Spanx and disappear into your Chardonnay and Instagram feed before falling face-down into your bed, this is the meal for you. Fifteen minutes? You can't get a pizza delivered in that amount of time!

Deep Dish Pizza

If the same old pizza delivery is starting to get boring, switch it up by making this deep dish instead. Buttery crust, tangy sauce and extra melty, stretchy cheese makes this pie way more exciting than the average week night pizza.

Stromboli

Stromboli is one of those things you might never think to make at home, but it's actually really simple. Since you can fill it with anything you want, it's great to take to parties and is a perfect crowd pleaser. Plus there's zero clean-up, which leaves time for more important things... like wine...

Philly Baked Potato Boats

Cacio e Pepe

This classic, age-old Roman pasta staple is what "fettucini Alfredo" should be. But let's be real- cacio e pepe doesn't even let fettucini Alfredo even sit with it at lunch. To clarify, cacio means "cheese" and pepe means "pepper." Butter, parmesan, pepper, salt and a little pasta water. You don't even need garlic! Did I just say that?! You make this, I'm going to check my temperature...

Shrimp and Rice Fajita Bowl

Deli Baked Potato Boats

These are great for those nights when you don't feel like going to the grocery store. Do you have a couple potatoes? Cheese? Deli meat? Spices? Then you have a fun and super easy dinner that basically makes itself.

I was tempted to call this baby a "salad"- hey, there are a few leaves of lettuce in it!- but I worried that that moniker might not do justice to the "yum" factor of this dish. In under 15 minutes you can be enjoying grilled shrimp, tangy lime juice, spicy seasoning, and the crunch of fresh vegetables over warm Mexican rice all nestled in an edible bowl. Edible. Bowl. Don't do your dishes; just eat them, that's what I say.

Get comfy with these CASUAL DINNERS

COMING SOON!

Greek Chicken Pitas with Greek Salad

Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders with Parmesan Garlic Fries

Iceberg Wedge Salads with Bacon

Roasted Chicken Wings

Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Sausage Sandwiches with Homemade Pretzel Buns

Herb and Mushroom Orecchiette

Italian Pasta Salad

Pork Skewers with Mediterranean Couscous

Extra Crispy Oven Baked Chicken

Shrimp Po'boys

Black and Bleu Steak Salad

Artisan Grilled Ham and Asiago Sandwiches with Granny Smith Apple

Tangy lime chimichurri sauce brightens up this thick grilled London Broil with a fresh and zesty twist. Add a beautiful, light side like this fiesta corn salsa for a healthy and flavorful accompaniment that is sure to impress. Bonus! This dinner is just as fast as it is fancy!

Grilled Steak

with Chimichurri Sauce

and Fiesta Corn Salsa