Start this week's meal planning here, but be sure to get all of our weekly meal plans in the archive. And don’t forget that you can sign up for our weekly meal plan emails. Then you get everything you need, without fail, to your inbox every week.
It’s time to start thinking about your meal plan for next week. From a family table conversation starter to a simple bowl of comfort, we’ve got five weeknight meals that will get you through the week ahead. So grab a pen, make your shopping list, and stock up before the weekend’s over. And if it’s easier for you to do that from your inbox, be sure to sign up for our weekly meal plan emails. Top: Chicken Shwarma | Maureen Abood at Rose Water and Orange BlossomsRelated: 7 family-friendly dinners under 500 calories each, so you can have more dessert
I don't know about you, but I'm craving major comfort these days, and that usually means pasta. Not fancy pasta or even -- forgive me -- veggie packed pasta. Both (and every pasta in between) have their place, but I'm talking super simple pleasures like this Pasta con Ceci at Dinner A Love Story. This recipe couldn't be more simple or, if you ask me, more delicious, and it's perfect for #MeatlessMonday. By the way, while at Dinner A Love Story, you might want to check out Jenny's post We Interrupt This Program. It's a wonderful reminder that the family dinner table is at the heart of our homes and the perfect place to talk honestly with our kids. Okay, who's ready to put a twist on Taco Tuesday with me? Instead of folding our tortillas, this week I'm crisping them up to make these Mexican-Style Tostadas at Simply Recipes instead. This recipe is dead simple -- especially if you go with an all-natural can of refried beans (I think that Amy's are good) -- and an easy way to fit in another vegetarian meal without anyone noticing. Because, hello beans, cheese, and salsa. I'm a huge fan of Middle-Eastern cooking and lucky enough to live in New York City, where there is an abundance of regional Middle-Eastern restaurants, from Syrian to Lebanese. In other words, I have plenty of excuses not to cook this food at home. With all that's going on in the world, though, I'm finding -- as I always do -- that the dinner table is the best place to talk to my kids about everything from what's happening with their friends to world events. So with that, this week, and perhaps in many coming weeks, I plan on cooking some Middle Eastern food at home. I have much to learn about the online world of Middle-Eastern cooking, so I'm starting with a blog I know and trust. Maureen Abood is the food writer behind Rose Water and Orange Blossoms and a fabulous cookbook by the same name. Though you have to marinate the meat for her Chicken Shwarma for at least one hour (or up to overnight), the recipe is as easy as can be, and very kid-friendly too. It's a perfect way to introduce your family to the delights of Middle-Eastern cooking -- and maybe some important conversation too.Related: Make-ahead stir-fry freezer packs: 3 easy steps to always have a dinner ready and waiting.
I'm a huge fan of super quick recipes using frozen shrimp and here's yet another reason why: Sweet Chili Shrimp at Appetite For China, one of our favorite Chinese food blogs. Put on some rice while you cook the shrimp and steam broccoli, and before you know it, dinner is done. Plus, it's still Chinese New Year, so you can turn this easy meal into a celebration too!Chicken and Basil Stir Fry | Martha Stewart
Whoa, you guys: These make-ahead stir-fry freezer packs are totally genius. I can't believe I hadn't thought of them before! I'm definitely putting some together this weekend, and also putting the Chicken and Basil Stir Fry at Martha Stewart on the meal plan. Jane mentioned that it's a favorite in her house, which reminded me that it used to be one in my house too. I even blogged about it at One Hungry Mama in 2013! So good.
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