BKD Cookbook Club....One pan wonders

It's time again for  Jo Tracey's BKD (Brookford Kitchen Diaries) Cookbook Club. I've followed Jo for awhile and have read several of her books, including one of her most recent which features a group of ladies who have a cookbook club. If you haven't read any of Jo's books, you should.

This month is about reducing the number of dishes we have to do when we're done cooking. Okay, that's not really what Jo said, but we are going for cookbooks that have one pot wonders in them. In one pot, pan, or baking sheet. I don't have any specific cookbooks that have these in them, and I didn't really take time to check the library, so I went with one I already have. I'm not sure if I shared this one or not, but if I did, I'm sharing again because it is a good one and I've made several things out of it.

It's the "The Read Food Dietitians: The Read Food Table" book. Like I said, I've made several recipes from the book. 

I haven't made these, but they look soooo good!!! And I love chocolate and peanut butter. 

Have people in your life who can't do dairy? I've made this queso dip and it's so good. You don't even miss that it's not dairy.

This is a wonderful "bowl" that is light, refreshing, and whether you enjoy meat or not, it's a winner. Want something more hearty with it? Maybe cook up some chicken or steak to have and enjoy this as a side. I've made this several times. 

For this months pick, I chose to make these sheet pan fajitas. I love fajitas. This week I'm flying solo at home, and I figured this meal was one that I could tailor to just myself. 

I used what I had on hand for veggies. I wished I had a red and orange pepper to make it prettier, that's what I usually do when I make fajitas. I only had yellow and green, so that's what I used. 

The seasoning called for was good, but I think I needed to make more. I like my fajitas with a lot of flavor. Not spicy, but full flavored.

The recipe called for mixing the oil and seasonings together and drizzling over the meat and veggies on the pan and mixing with your hands. I opted to just do it all in a bowl and stir it...okay I guess that defeated the entire one pan thing. I didn't think about that. Ha!

Now, these were good, but I think I like them done in a pan better. I love when the edges of the veggies get a bit carmalized, I think this is what gives it some of it's flavor and these were just softened. This was nice because you tossed it and left it in the oven til done. On the stove, while still in one pan, you have to watch it and stir it from time to time. I still think I prefer that option and it really doesn't take that long. 

I suppose I could've upped the temperature on it or hit broil for a few minutes before taking it out. Still, they had good flavor. 

Here's what's coming up in the next few months! I need to start thinking now. 

June 17, 2026 – Back in March we focused on new cookbooks. This month, let’s go into our collection and find an oldie but a goodie. Maybe something you haven’t cooked from for ages, something you’ve forgotten was there.

July 16, 2026 – Go to your bookshelf, pick out the cookbook you most recently purchased (or borrowed), cook something from it and tell us about it. Too easy.

With Joy Unquenchable,

Kirstin