Deep Dive
Why did Emily Weinstein start the Five Weeknight Dishes newsletter?
She recognized the need for simple, fast recipes for busy people who still wanted good food, especially after returning from maternity leave and experiencing the time constraints of working parenthood.
What are some common concerns readers have about weeknight cooking?
Readers often struggle with finding dishes that satisfy everyone at the table, especially picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. They also seek help with meal planning and managing busy schedules.
What is Emily Weinstein's advice for getting out of a cooking rut?
She suggests taking a break from cooking, exploring the grocery store for inspiration, and trying new recipes to reignite excitement in the kitchen.
What is Emily Weinstein's go-to meal when she's uninspired?
She often starts with carbs like rice, noodles, or toast, layering on simple ingredients like eggs, chili crisp, or hot sauce to create a satisfying meal.
What is Emily Weinstein's favorite piece of kitchen equipment?
She highly recommends Nordicware sheet pans for their durability and even cooking, which are essential for her sheet pan recipes.
What is Emily Weinstein's advice for cooking for one?
She advises getting comfortable with freezing ingredients and leftovers, labeling them, and using the freezer as a strategy to manage meals for one.
What is Emily Weinstein's desert island meal?
Her ideal meal would be a toasted bagel with cream cheese, lox, scrambled eggs, and a side salad, as it combines comforting flavors and is relatively easy to prepare.
Why does New York Times Cooking favor chicken thighs over chicken breast?
Chicken thighs are more flavorful due to their higher fat content, more forgiving to cook, and less likely to dry out compared to chicken breast.
How does Emily Weinstein curate recipes for her newsletter?
She looks for a mix of flavors, ensures there are vegetarian options, and prioritizes recipes that are simple, fast, and require minimal cleanup.
What is Emily Weinstein's relationship with the comment section on New York Times Cooking?
She loves the comment section for its community insights and often reads comments before trying a new recipe, especially for tips on how to modify or enhance the dish.
- Hosts share their dislike for the monotony of weeknight cooking.
- Limited time and lack of motivation are cited as major obstacles.
Shownotes Transcript