Meal Plan Monday: 7/6/20

You guys – I’m almost embarrassed to admit it’s almost been a YEAR since I posted a Meal Plan Monday! Say what?!! I can’t even blame Corona for this one. I’m shaking my head. I’ll do better!

Even though I haven’t been posting, I’ve been keeping up with my meal planning in my personal life.Meal planning keeps me sane and saves me money at the grocery store. (It’s also SUPER helpful if you’re using online ordering right now!)

Are you ready for some meal ideas? Here we go!

Monday:Creamy Chicken Lasagna w/ Basil Parmesan Challah and Salad

Okay, so the entree is a delicious spin on lasagna – but the beauty of the plate is this gorgeous challah bread. I mean – c’mon.

If you can get your hands on yeast and flour right now (I FINALLY got the yeast I like to use on my last trip to the grocery store!), give this challah a try.

The Creamy Chicken Lasagna is from my hands-down favorite cookbook. You know how so many cookbooks end up having only a handful of recipes you actually like/would make in real life? With this cookbook, I’ve literally made almost EVERY.SINGLE.THING. and loved all of them. Seriously – if you’re a cookbook junkie like me, buy this one.

Tuesday: BBQ Chicken, Disneyland’s Blue Bayou Potatoes, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

I just did a simple baked chicken topped with Sweet Baby Ray’s bbq sauce. The best part of the meal was definitely the sides.

We’ve been having fun making lots of Disney copycats during Covid – and I was really excited to try this one. I have to say that eating at the Blue Bayou (the restaurant INSIDE the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland) is on my life bucket list.

I used a recipe for the potatoes featured on The Bewitchin Kitchen. I made it exactly as written, minus the onions. (My husband hates them.) They were DELICIOUS. That pop of jalapeno in the scalloped potatoes is everything.

I got an Air Fryer for my birthday, and I’m still figuring it all out – but you can’t go wrong with crispy Brussels sprouts.

Wednesday: Meatloaf Melts w/ chips and Blueberry Yogurt Cheesecake Salad

I feel like we’re having a major sharing session today because not only did I tell you my favorite cookbook – but I’m going to tell you one of my very favorite food blogs – The Country Cook. This lady makes GOOD food.

I had never heard of a meatloaf melt – and was honestly sort of skeptical to try it – but it was SO good, and took so much less time than making a regular meatloaf. Here is her recipe for Meatloaf Melts.

Blueberry Yogurt Cheesecake Salad is one of our favorite side dishes. I mix it up all the time with the type of pudding and fruit I add.

Thursday: Homemade Pizza

We make homemade pizza ALL the time. All the time. I love it because it’s usually the only way I get the toppings I like – as I’m the odd one out in my family who doesn’t like pepperoni.

Friday: Homemade Taco Bell Crunch Wraps

I will create a recipe for this the next time we make them. This is a family favorite and a fun twist on traditional taco night.

Saturday: Homemade Chicken Nuggets, Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli

I make these nuggets all the time. They’re a bit of a pain – but so worth it. I am the last person on earth to judge you for buying something processed or pre-made, BUT these are SO much better than anything you’ll find in your grocery store freezer.

Also – my IP Mac is amazing and I need to create a recipe for that one too! I have been neglecting my food posting. I will be better. 😉

Sunday: Breakfast for Dinner

We’re a pastor’s family and Sundays are always a little crazy. I tend to make super simple meals on Sunday nights. Everyone here loves breakfast for dinner. I tend to do a carb (waffles/pancakes/biscuits), an egg dish, and a breakfast meat of some type.

Weekly Treat: Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream

It’s summer. We’re stuck at home. Bring on the ice cream. And this one is SO good. This is my go-to vanilla base and I love the addition of lots of cookie dough chunks. Perfection.