Greek Salad Tray Bake
+ the details on our trip to Turks & Caicos
Whats a “tray bake” you might ask… It’s a lovely term that the Brits use for recipes that are baked all in one roasting pan. Kind of like here we’re obsessed with “sheet tray dinners” and such. I love this term and I’m going to start using it more. This “tray bake” has all the goodness about a classic Greek salad but it’s baked! and with chicken thighs! A total complete meal that’s stupid simple. You EVEN could ditch the big bowl and just mix it all together in the pan. Honestly, as I’m writing this, I wish I had made the instagram reel like that and written it into the recipe. Take this is a cue to just mix everything right in your roasting pan. The recipe is at the end of this newsletter and is visible to paid subscribers.
Turks & Caicos x The McCools
My hubby and I took a much needed SOLO (no kids!) vacation to Turks & Caicos last week. We did nothing but eat, nap, sun bathe, swim, rinse and repeat. It was absolutely glorious and the island is pristinely beautiful. The water in front of our hotel was some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Clear, pale aqua and calm. Heaven. I love to know from friends where they stayed, what they ate and any tips. Here you go:
Wymara: This is where we stayed. It’s luxurious but still beachy and relaxed. The service was extremely attentive but at the same time laid back and friendly. They thought of everything too. All around the resort there was stations with ice water to refill your own water bottle, 2 diff kinds of really nice sunscreen, aloe vera gel, and fresh towels. Breakfast was included and while it wasn’t the most amazing food I’ve ever had, it was solid and there was tons of variety to choose from. I made some really great oatmeal bowls with peanut butter, homemade jam, fruit and yogurt.
Scooter Bob’s: We rented a car and I would highly recommend it. The taxis on the island are VERY pricey. And I really like the freedom to just hop in the car and drive 6-8 minutes to lunch or to grab an acai bowl downtown. This rental place was awesome, the customer service was on point and they were so friendly. We rented a tiny little toyota for maybe $30 a day? It was nothing fancy but it got us around and it was absolutely perfect. I loved that this independent rental place didn’t make you jump through all the hoops of the bigger companies. They drive on the LEFT side of the road there and I found it a fun challenge, as I’ve never done it. It took a lot of concentration but now I can say I did it!
Cocovan: Gotta go eat here if you go. It’s a restaurant run out of an airstream and the food is FANTASTIC. You order then find a table under these gorgeous palm trees and they bring you your food. Our favorite was the tuna tartar on crispy rice and the spicy crispy steak tacos.
Da Conch Shack: I’m crazy for conch salad and we had lunch here twice. Some could say it’s a little touristy, but what isn’t on a Caribbean island? The setting is absolutely stunning. You’re sitting at brightly painted tables right on the sand looking out over the ocean. There’s a guy going out and diving for conch right there in front of you. I don’t know if he’s just there for show, but I didn’t care, I was totally into it if so. Things we loved: Conch salad, Cracked conch, Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork (this was so good), plantains and their surprisingly excellent iced coffee.
Caicos Cafe: Really solid Italian food on an island in Caribbean? Sounded weird to me, but this place is indeed very delicious. They have a lot of homemade pastas and seafood on the menu so I was very happy.
… and after eating my weight in conch & plaintains I wanted to come home and have something wildly different.
Greek Salad Chicken Tray Bake
serves 4