The first weekend of college football is always an exciting time in the Duffy home and not just for my Clemson loving husband. I too am a HUGE college football fan and throw my loyalties behind both Tiger teams – the purple & gold and the orange & white. But it’s also a time to celebrate and remember my father who we lost to suicide three years ago. My Dad played college ball at William & Mary under Lou Holtz and then went on to coach at a number of colleges – Ohio State, NC State, The Citadel and LSU to name a few. The August after my dad’s passing my husband and I decided to throw a party in his memory and the first Saturday of college football seemed like the perfect fit. We invite our closest friends and family and raise our glasses to toast Dad and the kick-off to the college football season – two of my very favorite things. This year we are having the party catered because between work and kids I am just flat out of time so BBQ from Swig & Swine is what’s for lunch. Luckily the party falls over Labor Day weekend so we get one extra day of rest after hosting! I have included some of my favorite side dishes for Monday instead of an actual meal – some healthier than others but calories go out the window over a holiday, right? I figured most of you will be grilling something delicious at home or visiting with friends and family so side dish options would be more beneficial than an actual dinner recipe!
I hope y’all have a fabulous long Labor Day weekend.
GO TIGERS!!!
XO ~ Kelly
Quick Update to Dinner with the Duffys – After multiple requests, I have decided to release my blog on Fridays so you have the entire weekend to plan for the upcoming week. My recipes still “start” on Sunday and go thru Friday!
Skinny Chicken Enchilada – Y’all, I love Mexican food, and these enchiladas are perfection. This is one of my favorites and not just because it’s low in fat. What makes these 194 calorie enchiladas so scrumptious you ask? The enchilada sauce is homemade! Don’t panic – it is so easy to make and does not require a lot of time – I promise. If you find yourself rolling your eyes at my last statement you can purchase store bought enchilada sauce – totally fine. Oh and you can opt for a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding the breasts. Just do yourself a favor and add this to your dinner rotation – you will thank me later.
Labor Day Side Dishes – Here are a few of my favorite, easy and yummy side recipes! Pesto Pasta Salad, Lemon Asparagus Couscous Salad, Israeli Couscous and Orzo Pasta Salad, the BEST Baked Potato Salad and finally a sinful Creamy Baked Corn!
Strawberry & Chicken Salad – I love to incorporate a simple, easy and light salad during the week – especially earlier in the week when I’m struggling to get back into my groove and after a long weekend of over-indulging. This is a great, hearty salad with tons of flavor. My youngest child will eat the chicken and strawberries and then I’ll add some veggies or cheese to her plate…my oldest will probably just eat the cheese!!!!
Soy Marinated Flank Steak with Sautéed Green Beans – Yes, I know, flank steak can be pricey. I purchase mine from Costco – they come in a three pack and are much easier on the wallet. I individually freeze the remaining two for later. If you need more than green beans and steak just roast some new potatoes! Remember – I purchase the large bag of frozen green beans from Costco, so I will just grab a handful, simmer them in a little chicken broth and season with s&p and a little garlic powder. You can marinate this steak the night before for more flavor and more time!
Balsamic Chicken, Asparagus and Mozzarella – Y’all know I have an obsession with balsamic – it’s so few in calories and packs a punch of flavor. This is another filling, low calorie option everyone will enjoy. And crazy easy to pull together!! Oh, did I mention it calls for fresh mozzarella – you could put balsamic and fresh moz on rubber and I’d eat it. Another Costco plug – I purchase all my organic chicken from Costco – pull out what you need for the week and freeze the rest. HUGE money and time saver.
Korean Beef Rice Bowls – No, my children will not eat this, but it’s Friday so I’m going to throw in a frozen pizza for them and call it a day. That way I don’t have to waste any of this deliciousness by putting it on my children’s plates just so they can stare at it. I don’t even want to share with my husband but I will. And it’s EASY – don’t let ethnic recipes scare you!! The only problem that may arise with this recipe is you might not be able to find one ingredient – gochujang. Harris Teeter has started carrying, but if you can’t find it in your local store you can sub with Thai chili paste.
There you have it – meals for the week of September 2nd! Please share comments, photos of your meals and follow us on Instagram ~ @dinnerwiththeduffys!!!!
haleyelizabethsc says
YOU ARE SLAYYYING this blog thing Kelly! Just wanted to say I’m thinking about you and your family and you’re in my prayers as you reminisce and miss your Dad. Much love sweet friend!
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Dining with the Duffys says
You are SO sweet! Thank you for the thoughts and prayers….and for following!!!!!
Cynthia Hubbard says
Kelly, Love your recipes!! My thoughts will be with you all this weekend as you celebrate your dad! He would continue to be so proud of you!! Look forward to seeing you next Friday! XO Cindi
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Dining with the Duffys says
Thank you so very much Cindi. You are so sweet. See you next Friday!!
Beverly Raschke says
Kelly,
I am enjoying your wonderful recipes and news from out here in the Pacific Northwest, Lakewood, WA. Will definitely try some of these . Greetings to your in-laws, Kathy and Michael , my very dear friends since BEHS days in the 60’s.
All the best. What a wonderful way to honor your Dad.
Beverly Jennings Raschke
BEHS Class of 1962