In an effort to be a whole lot more organized this year, and because everyone is always posting what delicious food they make, here is what I have been serving my family for the past week. I also envision this being a detailed account of how I fail miserably at meal planning when life gets too busy. But hey, it’s real life.
- SATURDAY – Jim and I had plans to go out with some friends. Then, one of those friends got sick, so we had to cancel. Jim and I still went out as an impromptu date night. Nothing fancy – just a local barbecue place and a movie – but it was fun.
- SUNDAY – Because even the most organized of us can fail, I did not realize Jim was leaving for yet another business trip today. I had the Sunday family dinner all worked out and ready to go too. Normally, I would set aside my planned dinner for something less time-consuming and more kid-friendly. This time, I did not. (Look at me being all grown-up.) I had read an article that declared this recipe to be the best shrimp and grits this particular chef has ever tasted, so I wanted to put it to the test. I will admit that it is pretty damn good.
- MONDAY – I knew today was supposed to be the first day of subarctic temperatures, so I had already planned to use my slow cooker to make a hearty soup that will keep us all warm. Then, I got sick. Thankfully, I had prepped the entire meal, so all I had to do was pour in the liquid and turn on the slow cooker. By the time I woke up from an 8-hour nap and the kids got home, the chicken with wild rice soup was ready to go. Yay for foresight and slow cookers!
- TUESDAY – Tonight was supposed to be leftovers. I knew that the three of us would not eat an entire pot of soup in one night. It was going to still be cold. Holly had dance. It was to be the perfect blend of easy and delicious. Then, I woke up Tuesday morning feeling better only to discover that Connor had left the entire pot of soup sitting out on the counter. All. Night. Long. It was unplugged but most definitely not chilled. Because my years working with food scientists prevented me from serving the leftover soup to my children and I was not feeling well enough to improvise a new meal, it was a night where everyone was left to find something. So disappointing. It was good soup too.
- WEDNESDAY – I did cook tonight and made a tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. It came together quickly, and the kids loved it.
- THURSDAY – My habit of doubling recipes came in handy, as I had another dish of yesterday’s casserole ready for whenever the kids had time to eat. It’s a good thing too because this cold is kicking my ass and draining me of what little energy I had.
- FRIDAY – The kids were off of school today, so the plan was for them to prep another soup made in the slow cooker. That did not go off quite as well as I would have liked, so no soup. Since Connor made plans to spend the night with friends, Holly and I decided to hit Target and brought Culver’s home for dinner for the two of us. I think my soup would have been better, but I know what we are having tomorrow!
Three home-cooked meals from scratch on a week Jim is out of town? I think this is a new record for me. Now, I just need to figure out what I am going to do for next week’s meals.
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What’s for dinner at your house this week?
Three meals – awesome! You had me at ‘bacon ranch’. Checking that one out. I love my crock pot. I have been using it so much lately. I’ve tried a few new meals this weekend and they were really good. Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Stroganoff and a sausage gravy & biscuits casserole.
We are being plagued by sinus colds in our house. I feel for you – hopefully you’re feeling better!
Thanks, Brandie! I tend to use my crock pot on the weekends more than during the week just because of how long we are gone each day, but they are a wonderful way to cook a meal.
Well done! And the chicken bacon ranch casserole looks yummy — shredded cheese was on a big sale this weekend, so I got several of them, and now I am on the hunt for freezable cheese-heavy dishes.
I am planning to make spinachy mac and cheese this week, cause I have milk left over that I need to kill. Not sure about my meals apart from that! Am mainly fretting over whether I will be able to achieve a bechamel sauce!
Bechamel sauces are actually pretty easy. I say that even though my son pretty much ruined the first one he ever made, but that was just a few days ago. The trick is to making sure you have enough liquid to get it to the desired thickness. You can always add more to thin it out, but thickening it up after you’ve added the liquid becomes a bit tricky. Good luck!
That Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole sounds good and I clicked on the link where I saw how delicious it also looks. I am making this either tonight or tomorrow night.
It was an excellent dinner, and the kids loved it too so I consider that a win-win. I hope you enjoy it!
I haven’t clicked over yet but I am very excited to read the shrimp and grits recipe! I admit, it has been my go to order when we try a new restaurant here in the South. People laugh at me, but oh well. (and when I lived in New England, I always seemed to order Fish and Chips!)
Congrats on all that cooking and planning and execution. You rock!@
Thanks, Care! I hope you try that recipe. It was fairly easy but easily one of the best versions I have ever had – they tend to be my go-to meal when in Low Country too.
Crock pot chicken wild rice soup is my new favorite recipe. I use one from Iowa Girl Eats that is super easy. I’m trying to use my slow cooker more this year, and soup is one of my new default recipes.
I understand that. I made a different soup today using my slow cooker. It makes for a delicious meal that is easy and perfect for the winter.
That shrimp and grits recipe looks great. I had never thought to use Gruyère cheese.
I didn’t either until I saw this recipe. I wasn’t even certain how much I would like them without cheddar, but the combination of flavors is unbelievable. Truly outstanding.