À La Carte: Easing back into regular life after vacation

Chocolate PB chia pudding, "poke" bowls, a meal prep sauce + more

Hi friends!

As of yesterday, I’m back in Brooklyn after our annual camping hiatus on Cape Cod. That’s two whole weeks of sleeping in the woods, lounging on the beach, countless yummy treats (like ice cream, seafood, and breakfast pastries, which I rarely indulge in at home), and desperately trying to keep our stuff dry during rain storms. (I’ll write more about the trip and share some photos in the next Baguette Gazette.)

Needless to say, it’s a bit of a journey transitioning back to everyday life. My brain and body feel like mush, and it’s even a challenge to type these very words. Guess the relaxation worked!

I am looking forward to returning to my regular eating patterns, though. Below are a handful of low-effort things I’ll be making this week…

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

The easiest no-cook, meal prep-able breakfast I know of. With cocoa powder, peanut butter, and vanilla, it tastes like dessert, but is totally acceptable to have first thing in the morning.

2. Basic Air Fryer Tofu

These crispy, savory cubes are a breeze to make. A satisfying way to add protein and heft to salads, bowls, wraps, etc.

3. Veggie “Poke” Bowls

One of my favorite ways to eat a bunch of fresh vegetables in one sitting. A great “template” to use up whatever veg you have in the fridge.

4. Homemade Stir-Fry Sauce

This savory, garlicky sauce takes just minutes to mix up. Store it in the fridge and use on stir-fried vegetables and tofu throughout the week. One of my favorite shortcuts for weeknight cooking!

5. Purple Cabbage Slaw

I’m not a huge fan of lettuce-based salads as a side dish, but swap the wispy greens for shredded cabbage and I’m game. Pro tip: use your food processor fitted with the shredding attachment for near-instant chopping.