What's For Dinner: Gem Salad, Monkfish And Grapefruit Pie

Bread crumbs do triple duty in this crunchy menu

Not feeling inspired by your usual dishes? Here's what's for dinner.

Few things are superior to the aroma of toasted bread. Though popping a slice into the toaster yields one piece of toast, a handful of bread crumbs gives you endless crunchy bites and caramelized flavor to a variety of dishes. Since they can be made ahead of time, you might as well stock up, but start with this dinner menu for a night of toasty goodness.

Appetizer: Gem Lettuce with Crème Fraîche, Breakfast Radishes and Toasted Breadcrumbs

Gem lettuce and sliced radishes are fine on their own, but a Meyer lemon zest-and-bread crumb topping makes them downright addictive. Fresh herbs speckle the creamy dressing, which comes together easily after a whir in the blender.

② Main Course: Monkfish Schnitzel with Celery Root-Kohlrabi Slaw

A sprinkle of panko gives these pan-fried monkfish fillets a light, crisp coating. Paired with a refreshing kohlrabi-and-celery root slaw (which uses up any extra crème fraîche from the aforementioned salad dressing), this might become your favorite lobster roll alternative.

③ Dessert: Grapefruit Custard Pie with a Saltine Pie Crust

You already know about graham cracker crusts, but now saltines are stealing the spotlight. The citrusy custard for this pie couldn't be simpler: Just whisk everything together then pour the mixture into the prebaked crushed-cracker crust.