Go time! School starts Tuesday and I feel like there’s still so much to do. Anyone with me? Mom of the year forgot to preorder our school books and supplies, so we still need to stock up Monday morning. I feel like a chicken with its head cut off, but at least I have a dinner plan!
MONDAY
It’s the night before the first day of school! Lasagna dinner with a big green salad on the side. I might throw this over the top with garlic bread and a berry crisp for dessert.
TUESDAY
I have crammed a lot on my calendar today: Kids back in school! I can conquer the world! If there’s any extra time, I’ll make a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Dorie Greenspan has excellent baking recipes, and she has a newer chocolate chip recipe that I haven’t tried yet. I’ll switch out the AP flour with Cup4Cup gluten free flour. For dinner we’re having slow cooker BBQ pork sandwiches and cole slaw. Pickles and roasted okra might make an appearance as well.
WEDNESDAY
Pan-fried wild cod with lemon and capers. I don’t sprinkle the fish with flour, just salt and pepper. And I don’t use a nonstick pan (ever). Get the oil in your skillet nice and hot, you’ll end up with a beautifully seared fish. Roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli on the side. Try the recipe I’ve linked for roasted potatoes — it’s a genius method that results in perfectly crisp potatoes!
THURSDAY
Instant Pot Chili. My youngest requested — not exactly the dinner I’d pick for hot and humid days, but it’s easy and fast. You can make it on your stovetop, in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Sneak in a finely chopped zucchini or squash if you want to increase the vegetable quotient. Break up the ground meat with a potato masher or pastry blender, it’s the best trick. Serve with all the chili toppings (cheese, green onions, sliced radish, sour cream).
FRIDAY
I anticipate an exhausted brood after our first week back to school. I’m banking on dinner out. If you’re eating in, try these smash burgers and my sriracha mayo.
Hi! Have you ever done the BBQ pork in an instant pot or in a dutch oven in the oven? My IP replaced my old slow cooker and I haven’t been happy with it as a slow cooker.
Yes! It will work either way. If you use your Instant Pot, use the meat/stew setting and manually release the pressure. I would use half as much liquid in the IP (1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar and 1/4 cup water). I also add 1/2 an onion sliced thin and add that to the meat when I shred it. Hope you like them!!