This week’s menu felt like the right way to welcome a fresh year. We wanted something simple, comforting, and easy to pull together after the fullness of the holidays, so we built the entire dinner in one pot: creamy lemon Parmesan couscous with shrimp. It is warm and satisfying without feeling heavy and it makes a gentle, delicious start to 2026.
To toast the new year, we paired it with a classic French 75, one of our favorite champagne cocktails for celebrating without much effort. It is fresh, bubbly, and brings just the right amount of sparkle to a quiet January dinner at home.
For Table Talk, we are beginning the year with a little dreaming. This week’s question invites you to think about the trips you would love to take or the experiences you want to plan in the months ahead. It is light, fun, and an easy way to spark connection while you eat.
And because these cold nights always call for good music, we turned on St. Germain. It is an album that feels perfectly suited for winter cooking and slow evenings.
We hope this first menu of 2026 feels easy, delicious, and like a gentle reset after the holidays. Here’s to a new year of Date Nites together.
Kevin & Kate
French 75
Lemon Parmesan Couscous with Shrimp
notes from the kitchen
Just a few kitchen tips to make the most of this week's ingredients and flavors.
Chicken instead of Shrimp
If you do not prefer shrimp or have a shellfish allergy, thinly sliced chicken cutlets work beautifully. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear in olive oil and butter for three to four minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan while you make the couscous, then slice and add it back in at the end. Chicken sausage also works well. Brown it first, then continue with the recipe as written.
A Simple Vegetarian Option
This dish becomes a wonderful vegetarian dinner with a few easy additions. Asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes are our favorite combination. Sauté the asparagus with the shallot so it develops a bit of color, then add the sun-dried tomatoes when you stir in the couscous. The flavors blend well and still create a satisfying, complete meal.
Dairy Free Is Completely Doable
The couscous becomes creamy on its own as the pearls release starch, so you can skip the heavy cream and Parmesan if needed. Add a splash of broth at the end to loosen it if it becomes too thick. The garlic, lemon, and shallot keep the dish bright and flavorful even without dairy.
Pearl Couscous Is Not Regular Couscous
Make sure to buy pearl couscous for this recipe. It is the larger, bead-shaped pasta that simmers slowly and becomes tender and glossy. Traditional couscous is much finer and steams almost instantly, which will not work here. Look for the larger pearls on the box so you end up with the creamy texture this dish is designed for.
One Pot Keeps This Dinner Simple
Everything cooks in the same skillet, including the shrimp and couscous. It keeps cleanup minimal and makes this a great choice for an easy Date Nite at the start of the year.
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we hope you enjoy this week. and as always,
Keep the Plates Full and the Spark Alive
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