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.
__________
What’s for dinner at your house this week?
