This past Tuesday, Regan turned 12 and we spent the better part of the week celebrating her. We kicked off the festivities at Coastal Crust on James Island with our immediate family. Locals, if you haven’t made it to Coastal Crust yet you really need to head over ASAP. This neighborhood restaurant makes it so you don’t have to sacrifice your inner foodie for family friendly.
Coastal Crust boasts an incredible menu full of the best wood fired pizzas, pastas and some really fabulous salad combinations. On top of the menu, they offer an outside space that is both kid and adult friendly. Adirondack chairs, a small turf soccer field, picnic tables, fire pit, live music – this space was created with the family in mind.
For the first time since March, our large crew was able to come together and break bread because Coastal Crust offered us a safe space to celebrate. I know it sounds silly but y’all it was magical. Under the twinkly lights with the people we love most, eating delicious food, kids running free, a customized bar trailer within arms reach, Coastal Crust delivered a whimsical escape from the monotony of 2020.
Locals, you absolutely need to head on over to either of their locations – James Island & Mt. Pleasant – and check out this gem! But before you go, make sure to follow me on Instagram @dinnerwiththeduffys this week – I’ll be giving away a $50 gift card so you can treat your family to a well deserved outing to use at either of the two Coastal Crust locations!
Weekly Meal Plan
Sunday, November 1st | Chicken Bacon Pasta Pumpkin Bake | All the flavors of fall plus cheese, pasta and bacon. I wait all season to whip out my cans of pumpkin for dishes like this one. Your kids won’t even know there is pumpkin in this dish – they will be too distracted by the bacon and cheese! (Is pumpkin a vegetable? I’m going with yes!) Meal Prep // Cook extra bacon and use on salads and for kids sandwiches!
Monday, November 2nd | Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon | An easy way to cap off a long Monday, this one pan wonder comes together in no time. KID TIP // If your kids refuse to eat salmon, just cook some chicken tenders or fish sticks on a separate baking sheet at the same time you are cooking the salmon. Serve with the green beans and carrots! (Don’t decide to not make a recipe you want to eat because of the kids – there is always a way to make it work for everyone!) KETO TIP // Make your own keto friendly teriyaki sauce.
Tuesday, November 3rd | Skillet Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Sauce | Chicken thighs are my choice of white meat because they have so much flavor and cook really quickly but feel free to sub breast here – just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles. KID TIP // If your kids won’t eat this dish because of the spinach just leave it out and serve theirs minus the greens. You can always toss the spinach in after you make your kids plates – spinach wilts in no time!
Wednesday, November 4th | The Best Salmon Cakes | I’m a little bias because this is my recipe but these salmon cakes are insanely delicious and super easy to make. Such a great way to introduce the salmon flavor to your kids! Serve with a simple arugula and parmesan salad with my favorite lemony vinaigrette!
Thursday, November 5th | Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup | One of the advantages of colder weather settling in is being able to incorporate easy soups during the week. Once you dump in all of the ingredients you can let this soup simmer for however long you need. Use a rotisserie chicken and this will come together in minutes! MEAL PREP // Pick your rotisserie chicken as soon as you bring it home – much easier to pick while warm. Store picked chicken in the fridge until you are ready to use!
Friday, November 6th | Chicken Parm Burgers | A friend of mine reminded me of this recipe last week and mentioned her family eats these burgers almost every week. KID TIP // If your kids won’t eat red sauce, just cook their “hamburger” separately and top with their favorite burger toppings. KETO TIP // Sub almond flour for breadcrumbs.
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