Chili Lime Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

One of my favorite things to do is to walk through the farmer’s market with no purpose other than looking for the best, most beautiful product. This last week, that is not how my farmer’s market visit went down. Instead, the boys and I all but ran through in the hopes of beating a storm that was quickly rolling in. Dark clouds above us, strong wind gusts blowing in our faces, and a 4 year old who was so scared he needed me to carry him, meant a less than relaxing experience. Still, I managed to snag some beautiful raspberries that were perfect in a fool I made for my sweet sister’s birthday. And then there were these beautiful fingerling potatoes that were begging to be seasoned, roasted, and topped with queso fresco and cilantro.

Turns out, a stormy start to what I was hoping would be a casual, sunny visit to the market made me grab a couple things I wouldn’t normally buy. And if that means recipes that are this delicious, I’ll take it!

Chili Lime Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Serves 4 as a side

• 1 lb fingerling potatoes, washed and cut in half lengthwise

• 2 teaspoons Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning (or a combination of chili powder, salt, and lime zest)

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil

• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco

• lots of fresh cilantro

• 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

• fresh lime juice and lime wedges for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment.

2. Toss potatoes with avocado oil and chili lime seasoning. Spread in a single layer, cut side down, on prepared baking sheet. Roast 25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

3. Pile potatoes into a large serving bowl and season with additional chili lime seasoning if needed. Top with queso fresco, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve additional lime wedges on the side.

Date Night Gnocchi with Red Pepper & Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

I’ve been married to Brad for nearly 12 years. We fell hard and fast for one another during my senior year of college and somehow I never worried whether or not we would make it. Still, after all this time, I don’t doubt that I get to spend my life with him. He makes me laugh, holds me when I need to cry, and makes me feel like the best thing since sliced bread. It is not lost on me that marriage takes work. Every day we have to put effort into our relationship in small and big ways, but that feeling that the love you feel is 100% reciprocated is amazing. 

I’ve gotten into the habit of finding meals that feel fancy but use ingredients I can keep around for impromptu evenings when we have the time and energy to stay up after the kids go to bed for a little romantic dinner and an episode (or 2) of Game of Thrones. Yep, we are super exciting. We may not always have the room in our budget or our schedule to go out for a nice meal, but honestly, I love making delicious food at home just as much as going to a restaurant. Plus, if we stay in, we can afford a nice bottle of wine to go along with our meal, which makes date night feel extra special.  

This gnocchi with red pepper and sun dried tomato pesto is my new favorite for date night in. It is full of flavor, made with quality Italian ingredients that are easy to keep on hand in the pantry, and helloooooo is it pretty or what? I love to order the ingredients for this dish online and can typically snag enough to keep on hand for 3 date nights totaling just under $50. That’s about $16/date night! Plus, orders over $20 ship free so now you have no excuses. Not into ordering? Alessi products are found at most grocery stores. Cheers to that! 

Date Night Gnocchi with Red Pepper & Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Makes 2 Servings

• 1 package Alessi Foods gnocchi

• 1 large Alessi Foods roasted red pepper 

• 1/4 cup Alessi Foods Sun Dried Tomatoes (packed in oil)

• 2 tablespoons Alessi Foods pine nuts (lightly toasted) 

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground Alessi Foods mixed peppercorns

• Salt to taste

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Alessi Foods Balsamic Reduction (for finishing)

• 3 tablespoons Alessi Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 2 large eggs

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface. Drain well and set aside. 

2. In a food processor or blender, combine the red pepper, sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts, salt and pepper, and honey. Pulse until roughly blended, not completely smooth. The slight crunch from the pine nuts is essential! Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 

3. In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry until the edges of the egg are crispy and the whites are cooked through. Set aside. 

4. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan, and sauté until golden brown on both sides. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and divide between two bowls. Top with a generous spoonful of the pesto, followed by the fried egg, a couple grinds of pepper and a drizzle of the balsamic reduction. Enjoy!