It is the most common question we ask ourselves…what are we going to do for dinner? Should we eat out, take-out, or cook? Bored by her usual delivery options, our resident MKIA, Lauren, decided to throw an impromptu dinner party inspired by her new favorite cooking website, NoTakeOut.com. When she suggested we feature the site on MKIA, I too decided to try out some recipes and this post was born.

Before we tell you what we made, here is a quick background on NoTakeOut.com: It was created by three sets of parents living in New York and Paris to provide simple dinner plans for busy people. Their mantra “Cook. Eat. Laugh. Great meals made easy.” explains why their recipes work so well. Before you begin cooking they provide a list of what you will need by category: “Shopping List, Pantry Items, and Tools”. Then each recipe is presented as a “Game Plan” and broken down into 3 steps: “1. When you walk in the door”, “2. Prep”, and “3. Start Cooking”, making it simple even for the most culinary challenged novice. For the most part the recipes originate from the three creators (occasionally they borrow from a master like Mario Batali), are healthy and wholesome and can be made in less than one hour.

Lauren’s first recipe of choice was the Pasta di Stromboli (also known as the Pasta of the Sun). Here she tells us how it went:  It was quick, easy and light (i.e. perfect for my hassle-free summer night). The dish boasted an olive oil, basil and garlic sauce with a plethora of tart cherry tomatoes. I made a few adjustments to it, such as replacing the spaghetti with healthier whole-wheat angel hair pasta, and substituting regular cherry tomatoes with local organic ones that vary in color. I also quadrupled the amount of garlic the recipe called for (as an Armenian this is standard practice when cooking). So as to allow my guests some portion control, I served the ricotta cheese in a side bowl so that everyone could “plop” their desired amount. I paired the pasta with a chilled bottle of Rose, and side dishes of prosciutto and melon and whole steamed artichokes. The meal was a success (if I do say so myself) and was molto delizioso!

I’ve eaten Lauren’s cooking before and can tell you she is no slouch in the kitchen, having been raised by a great cook – her mom and my Aunt Andy. For my first recipe I made Crisp Parmigiano Fish with Spinach and Onions. This was a knockout! Full of flavor from the Parmigiano coating on the fish and the hefty topping of sautéed onions that at first worried me would overwhelm the dish but instead pulled all the ingredients together for an outstanding first bite. At my husband’s request, I’ve made this dish twice now and used Tilapia the first time and a gorgeous red snapper the next. Both types of fish work well with the dish, but as long as you use a very light white fish cut into small filets you will be fine. I also doubled the amount of spinach the dish called for because once sautéed it reduces down to almost nothing. If this is the only green you are serving, I recommend doing the same.

I did not stop with the fish. I, like Lauren, love, love, love pasta. So when No Take Out posted a recipe for Greek Style Penne, I knew I had to try it. I am not only a fan of Greek cuisine, I am half Greek on my Father’s side and have traveled to the Greek Islands twice now with my husband. The first trip was our honeymoon and while staying on the gorgeous island of Crete, we had the most delicious pasta dish that I’ve never, until now, been able to recreate. The No Take Out version is simple yet flavorful with just the right amount of sautéed peppers, tomatoes, oregano, parsley, and garlic to create a beautiful base sauce for the mounds of feta cheese and pasta. I also used a whole-wheat penne and increased the amount of garlic called for. But in general this dish was very tasty and light – the perfect twist on a traditional Italian pasta salad and could be used as a side dish for a larger gathering or BBQ. I paired the pasta with a crisp white wine and a salad of fresh Romaine with shallot vinaigrette.

Lauren and I love how these recipes make the cook feel as though they should be enjoying themselves. Each one includes playful instructions like “Open the wine, pour yourself a glass and have some fun with this!” and “Get someone to set the table – you’re the cook and you’ll be busy!” With daily new recipes that are emailed to you once you subscribe, you will never be left wondering what to make for dinner tonight.

xoxo Melina & Lauren