Weekly Meal Plan // Week of August 13

I’m making this a quick one. Even though school doesn’t officially start for one more week, it feels like game on around here. Pre-season field hockey practices, pre-season middle school football, book pick up, locker decorating, haircuts and new shoes. You get the drill. Having a dinner plan will help me get through the week with one less thing to worry about each day, and shopping tomorrow means I’m set and ready to tackle all the “mom stuff.” If you’re in Houston, please tune into HoustonLife tomorrow! I’ll be talking about some of my favorite foods to keep stocked in the freezer, and I’ll demo a couple easy recipes using frozen ingredients. These are back up dinners that can save you in a pinch! I’ll also post the recipe for my back-to-school smoothie after tomorrow’s episode.

MONDAY

We have a glut of basil growing in our garden and I’m making a triple batch of pesto and freezing half. Since I want to use up as much basil as possible, I’m not using arugula or kale in the version I’m making tomorrow. I am adding the avocado for a nice creamy consistency and a dose of super healthy fat. I’ll serve the pesto with gluten-free fusilli from Trader Joe’s and a big salad. I already have a mason jar full of super simple salad dressing in the fridge, so I’m ready to roll.

TUESDAY

My youngest requested French dip “sandos” with melted provolone and au jus, so we’re firing up the slow cooker. I don’t want a hoagie roll, so I’ll have mine with a big helping of sheetpan roasted vegetables. My kids will love the butternut squash and baby potatoes in the veggies, but if you’re pressed for time just cut some raw carrots and celery to serve on the side.

WEDNESDAY

Lettuce cups with ground chicken, ginger, tamari and hoisin. So flavorful and a total crowd pleaser around here (you may be tired of seeing it in my meal plan!). I’ll cut some yellow and red pepper slices that kids can nosh on while I cook, or warm up a big bowl of organic edamame.

THURSDAY

Let’s go Post Oak Little League!! We are rooting for friends playing in the Little League World Series. Tune into ESPN and let’s go POLL! You could make my favorite turkey burgers or a batch of tamari-honey chicken drumsticks and park it in front of ESPN.

FRIDAY

My girls want to see Mamma Mia (one has already seen it, and wants to go again). If we make it a movie night, there’s a good chance we’ll have popcorn for dinner. If we’re home, my youngest requested sloppy joe’s and salad with ranch dressing. It’s the meal she requests every time I ask for ideas. I make a SkinnyTaste version, but without the mushrooms (my kids sniff them out every time I try to sneak them in, and I don’t have the energy for complaints at this point of summer!).