Meal Planning: Change Up a Favorite Dish

I fully understand the ability to get hooked on a dish and eat it in more or less the exact same way, for days* on end. But sometimes, you just want to mix it up a bit. Or, even if you don’t, your loved ones might begin to welcome a change** in the meal-planning process.
*Of course by “days” I really mean weeks, or maybe months. What? You know I’m not the only one.
**And by “welcome a change,” of course I mean “stage a mutiny.” It happens.
That doesn’t mean you need to start from scratch. No way! I mean, we’re all about trying to keep things easy and interesting. No need to reinvent the wheel (unless it’s made of brie, because you know we’re just gonna chow down on that).
So, this week’s challenge? It’s all about making what you love … with a twist.

Try an Unexpected Pairing

You don’t need to add in a single new recipe this week if you don’t want to, but your meals are still going to be new and exciting (woot!). All it takes is a wee bit of planning and prep.
Figure out a few favorite foods or meals you’d like to have this week, and then look at ways to change the flavor up a bit. For example, do you love watermelon? I do, and I’ve taken to pairing it with basil — fresh for a salad, and I’ve been using this Instantly Fresh Herbs basil (it’s freeze-dried!) to make watermelon basil ice pops. The extra flavor just takes the watermelon deliciousness to a whole new level.
So, outside of popsicles, what else can you mix up? If you love making your own pizza, try adding some grilled chicken or arugula (or try grilling the pizza itself!). Totally into a shrimp pasta dish? Add in a little nut butter and red pepper flakes to give it a Thai flare.
Consider the basic flavor of the dish you have in mind — sweet, spicy, savory, etc. — and then think about ingredients that would add a different edge to each bite. And share your creations (using #fitbottomedeats, of course) — we can’t wait to see what you come up with!
What are your favorite unexpected pairings? —Kristen