A Week's Worth of Restaurant-Caliber Meals for the Home Cook

NoTakeout Secrets

If you have the taste for fancy restaurants, a recessionary budget and don't exactly possess celebrity chef credentials, fear not. NoTakeout is the your solution for doable meals that will satisfy your palate, impress your friends ... or just save you a few dollars on your food bill.

NoTakeOut provides the recipes, the step-by-step instructions (like, how do you make it so that every dish is ready to serve at the same time?) and an ingredient list that's organized the same way your grocery store is, so you don't have to waste time muttering to yourself in the meat aisle. Subscribe, and you get a daily email with everything, from the grocery list to the garnish.

Or, get a flavor for them with the following recipes -- all seasonal, all restaurant quality and all easy enough for a competent novice to make at home. Enjoy!

Take a look at the grocery list for these 5 recipes to get your shopping out of the way for the week.

Grocery List:

Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs:

5 medium yellow onions

One 3-inch piece fresh ginger

2 small green cabbage

3 lemon, preferably organic

1 bunch scallions (you need 6)

2 medium sweet potatoes

2-inch piece fresh ginger

2 bunches basil

1 box cherry tomatoes

2 bags arugula (or 8 cups)

3 large, ripe tomatoes

3 medium zucchini

1 large onion

3 shallot

1 head crisp lettuce (iceberg is great for this)

Meat, Poultry and Seafood:

4 chicken legs and thighs

1-1/2 lbs. halibut (preferably from the Pacific)

Four thick slices (about 1/4-inch) Prosciutto

1 lb. sliced bacon, preferably nitrite free

Dairy:

7 oz. plain yogurt (we like Greek)

8 oz. Feta cheese

2 oz. Parmigiano Reggiano (about ½ cup grated)

Bread and Grains:

Your favorite sandwich bread

Fresh, crusty bread

4 cups basmati rice

1 lb. tagliatelle, preferably unenriched

Other:

1 small bag raisins

1/3 cup roasted cashew pieces

8 oz. black olives in brine

1 small bag walnuts

2 lbs. fennel bulbs

2 cans cannellini beans

Also, make sure you have these basics on hand in your pantry:

Black pepper

Canola oil

Garlic

Hot paprika

Sea salt

Cinnamon stick

Peanut oil

Soy sauce

Whole cloves

Extra-virgin olive oil

Unsalted butter

1 quart chicken stock

Mayonnaise

Basil BLT and Zucchini Soup

You won't find this BLT at the neighborhood greasy spoon, but if you've got a few choice leftovers from the summer harvest, this one's perfect. Complete with basil, garlic and a gourmet zucchini soup, this is a delicious but simple late summer twist on the classic soup and sandwich combo.

BLT Sandwich with Zucchini Soup Recipe

From NoTakeOut.com

Cannellini Beans with Prosciutto

This high-protein dinner will keep you tummy warm and content while the weather gets chillier. The Cannellini bean and prosciutto dish is served with fennel and pramigiano gratin making a wonderfully quick, tasty and filling meal for the entire family.

Cannellini Beans with Prosciutto Recipe

from NoTakeOut.com

Halibut with Sweet Potato Stir Fry

Halibut isn't half bad on its own, but NoTakeOut gives it extra flair by pairing it with a sweet potato stir-fry and spiced rice.

Halibut Stir-Fry Recipe

from NoTakeOut.com

Ginger Chicken with Crispy Onions

Chicken, again? Well yes, but not any old chicken dish. This ginger chicken with crispy onions has enough kick to make you think you've just been seated at a new restaurant.

Ginger Chicken with Crispy Onions Recipe

from NoTakeOut.com

Pasta with Walnuts, Black Olives and Basil

Pasta doesn't have to put your guests to sleep. This dish is complemented by olives, walnuts and basil, for a light touch.

Pasta with Walnuts, Black Olives and Basil Recipe

from NoTakeOut.com