Following a weekly meal plan is the best way to cook healthier for your family, save time and money! Each week I share six simple, healthy and family friendly recipes to help you simplify feeding your family!
It’s official – my summer is over. This coming Monday I go back to work full-time. From June to early August I work a shortened schedule so about half of a normal work week. It’s such a perk and I truly live for these glorious weeks. The truth is the days don’t feel that different but I know my overall stress levels drop to an all time low during this time. But here I am, staring down 31 weeks of 8 hour plus days and I’m not all that thrilled about it. I’m not ready for long work days, long school days, homework, extracurriculars, being a chauffeur, my nightly ritual of yelling for everyone to get in bed and the exhaustion that comes with all of it. Y’all know how I feel as you live it everyday too. Normally by this time I’m ready for the “going back to school” routine but I’m just not there yet. Are y’all feeling this way too or is it just me? Let me know how you are dealing with the sweet summertime coming to a close. Are you looking forward to it or just a wee bit down in the dumps?
Quick note – my total cost per recipe is based on needing every single ingredient in each recipe. I also price each ingredient as if you were purchasing it, in full, from the store! Do y’all like knowing the cost per recipe? Please share your thoughts.
Meal Plan 8/8 – 8/13
Sunday, August 8th | Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta | Total Time: 20 minutes | Total Cost: $23 | I asked Regan for a Sunday supper suggestion and she said “anything with bacon.” Quick note – this recipe is for two people so double it for your family. The purchasing of ingredients won’t change but you will use an entire box of pasta, package of bacon and three chicken breasts.
Monday, August 9th | Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken with Citrus Avocado Salsa | Total Time: 55 minutes | Total Cost: $31 | I know myself well enough to know I’m going to need a quick and easy recipe after my first full day back to work but will also want something delicious. Kid Tip: don’t assume your kids won’t eat this. Broken down it can be chicken and potatoes with a hint or orange and lime. Give them a dippy sauce and they won’t know it’s Cuban.
Tuesday, August 10th | Chorizo Stuffed Bell Peppers | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Total Cost: $18.15 | My girlfriend was talking about how much she loves chorizo at dinner the other night and I’ve been stuck on the flavor ever since. Just a jazzed up version of stuffed peppers! Kid Tip: Take the stuffing mix out of the pepper and serve to your kids that way – more palatable.
Wednesday, August 11th | French Onion Chicken Bake | Total Time: 1 hour | Total Cost: $29 | Family friendly and really easy. Serve with crusty bread and a side salad.
Thursday, August 12th | Salmon Cakes | Total Time: |Total Cost: $28.84 | Ava’s request for the week – she absolutely loves my salmon cakes. I dig them too especially served over arugula for a complete meal!
Friday, August 13th | Chicken Tikka Masala | Total Time: 30 minutes | Total Cost: $16.03 | There are so many amazing tikka masala recipes out there but mine calls for using the jarred stuff and it tastes amazing. Little effort with big results is kind of my jam.
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