Spicy Chicken and Orange-Ginger Stir-Fry

Okay, I admit it: I purchased a pre-made bottle of sauce rather han making my own. It was probably more expensive and less healthy. But it enticed me! It wasn't my fault!! I had a coupon!!! [insert more excuses here]!!!! I also had a recipe that called for it in a conveniently commercial calendar full of recipes calling for specific products. And, might I add, full of handy cupons for things I would normally be too cheap to buy. As it turned out, the meal was tasty and easy. Sometimes, it's okay to let the cupons win out. This makes 2 modest servings.

Spice-Rubbed Turkey Breast with Brown-Butter and Rosemary Carrots

This turkey was brilliantly colored and mildly flavored, and the carrots were simple but delicious. The turkey recipe makes four servings, and the carrots serve two. Leftovers ahoy!

Spice-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

For those of you who've never eaten a parsnip, they kind of look like weird albino carrots or something. Maybe carrots that have live too long underground after a nuclear disaster. Anyway, these carrots and parsnips were delicious! If you can ever find bizarre-colored carrots -- like purple or something -- you should make this with them: it will look really pretty and taste nice while still being simple.

Rosemary Lemon Cornish Hen With Root Vegetables

This was my first time cooking a bird in its entirety, and it wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be! Maybe that's because I started with something small instead of something like a turkey. Anyway, my Cornish hen turned out really well: it was moist and delicious and simple. Best yet, it didn't take forever to cook it. I'm definitely going to do this again! This recipe makes one meal with vegetables and a bunch of hen leftovers.

Gingery Carrot and Celery Soup

This soup is hearty without being too much, if that makes any sense. The ginger is definitely evident on the tongue, especially after you've eaten the soup, but still subtle. The flavor is mild yet still carroty without being overwhelming. It's satisfying but not heavy. All in all, a simple soup lacking in complexity, which I think is a good thing. This recipe makes 2 servings, so be prepared for leftovers if you're making it for yourself. You'll feel wholesome while eating it.