A publisher from Plymouth, MA shared the fantastic idea of a meal plan each week. I'm excited to bring this to Macaroni KID Uniontown to help you manage your busy week. I know how hard it is to make a nutritious dinner when you're running around. Meal planning is also a great way to save money. My #1 tip is don't get hung up on being "fancy" but don't be afraid to try new things! Here's what's cooking in my house this week:
1. Spaghetti
Spaghetti is my cheap and easy go-to, I usually boil spaghetti, and add the sauce with your preferred ingredients. My favorites are diced tomato, garlic, basil, chicken, or hamburger.
You can check out a spaghetti recipe here.
2. Salmon with Roasted Veggies
One of my personal favorites, I love to cook salmon in my cast iron and season it with whatever I'm feeling that day. Salt and pepper, lemon pepper, and seasoned salt are all delicious on salmon. Then I slice vegetables (hint this is a great meal if you need to get rid of veggies) and drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I roast them in the oven but you could saute them as well. Some of my favorite veggies to roast are sweet potato, potato, zucchini, summer squash, onion, carrots, and asparagus.
3. Sushi Bowls
Sushi bowls are great for the day after salmon dinner because you can use the leftovers. I cook rice according to the package (I haven't mastered sushi rice yet but regular rice is still yummy!) and let it cool. Then the fun part is picking your toppings. I always add nori and then cucumber. Imitation crabmeat, smoked salmon, cooked salmon, and shrimp are all great choices. I love adding spicy mayo and black sesame seeds. If your kids are adventurous eaters this is a fun one to let them build their own!
4. Chicken Fajitas
I keep my fajitas really simple, I slice tenderloins into strips and cook according to a fajita seasoning packet with peppers and onions. Serve on a tortilla with cheese. My husband prefers to add ranch to his. I will also make pico de gallo to add to mine if I have the ingredients.
Two Macaroni KID publishers shared their recipes that you can see here and here.
\5. Grilled Pizza
Have the kiddos help with dinner by creating your own pizzas to grill or bake. I buy the pre-made pizza crusts and spoon on the sauce. Then we add cheese and toppings. Last time I made my version of a white pizza with a garlic butter sauce, mozzarella cheese, tomato, and basil. The possibilities are endless. Cook on the grill until the cheese is melted.
6. Loaded Potato Soup
I love to wing it when I cook so my dinners rarely taste the same each time I make them. Loaded potato is one of those that are always different but delicious. I boil potatoes until fork tender and drain. I then add chicken stock, heavy cream, fried bacon, chives, cheddar cheese, or whatever cheese I have on hand. Top with more cheese and chives. Can you ever have enough cheese?
If you like to follow recipes check this one out!
7. Baked Chimichangas
Macaroni KID Eats published this recipe that I've never used, I'm looking forward to trying it out and hope it inspires you to try something new too!