Hey you guys! Happy Sunday! Birds are chirping, the sun is out, it is warm, it’s beautiful. I’m thankful for that. We just got back from a nice long walk, saw some social distancing going on in some driveways which is a GREAT thing, and thank you to anyone practicing it. Little things that we can do will go a long way!
Let’s talk meal planning. Typically on a Sunday, I look in the refrigerator, pantry, and freezer and think of what needs to be used up. What makes the most sense to make for each day. For example, if I know I will have a longer day at work, I might go with something that takes under 30 minutes to make, or chose a freezer meal from our favorite spot, Trader Joe’s. I seriously LOVE that place! I’ll whip up an easy side to go with it. If I know that I will be home early, or Jake will be home early, I might go with something that takes a bit more time and effort. In general, I see what we have in stock so that we are not buying something we already have. Or, in some cases, what we need to put ON our grocery list. The items that we use SO often- such as garlic, onions, shredded cheese and so on. Those are just a few examples. I look for inspiration, and what sounds good!
This Sunday as we all know, is a little different. In times like these though, I do believe that we should keep to our normal routines even though not much is normal anymore. It helps us keep going, and keep our minds healthy. Go on as if it were just a typical week ahead- even though we know it’s not. There’s some articles, and also some talk about trying to limit your trips to the grocery store to once a week or less, if possible. I admit, we’ve not been able to keep up with that BUT we are making it a goal. So, with that being said, I raided our kitchen and here is our meal plan that will be from tomorrow until Thursday. Friday and Saturday, we’ll get creative or support a local restaurant! – Carry out, of course.
Monday- Grilled shrimp + garlic sauteed spinach + roasted carrots. ( Garlic spinach is my newest side dish obsession. It’s delicious and so easy) Mondays we have always kept it light, healthy, and simple. Keeping with the norm!
Tuesday- Pulled pork quesadillas. Today we are smoking the meat, so we will have plenty of leftovers. Why not just throw it between two tortillas?! You could easily put any kind of ground or shredded meat and mix it with some cheese. You could also just saute some peppers and onions (or any combination of veggies) and call it a day. Turn it into a taco if you’re low on tortillas or for the simple fact, that tacos are awesome. It will be y-u-m-m-y! AND, super easy and fast!
Wednesday- Veggie stir fry FROZEN meal from, you guessed it, Trader Joe’s. It’s on the healthier side of frozen food, and it is very tasty. We had it a few weeks ago and it’s become one of our favorite go to meals. If you don’t have this already, and don’t feel the need to venture out (or, you’ve already done your venturing out for the week) – you could stir fry almost any vegetable, any kind of protein, add some soy sauce, some garlic, ginger if you have it (ground or fresh) and easily, make it your own. I’m adding it with some brown rice, and to that adding frozen peas. Sprinkling it at the end with green onions.
Thursday- Grilled chicken + baby spinach salad. You can use any type of dressing – olive oil and vinegar, peppercorn ranch, thousand island, Green Goddess, or simple red wine vinegar. My salad toppings usually just consist of shredded or grated cheese, red onions, chopped carrots, sunflower seeds (if I have them), and tomatoes.
If I would have thought of this months ago, I could have given you much more creative recipes, and given you directions- however, most of this is all self explanatory. IF you do have any questions, comment! I’ll answer. If you make any of these things, comment with a picture! Times WILL be changing, and we’ll get more adventurous and fun!
Until then, HAPPY COOKING! Have a wonderful rest of the day, an uplifting week, and STAY HEALTHY, SAFE, AND HOME!
With love,
Abby
Me, Myself, and You 