Summer came back in full force this past week, despite Friday being the official first day of fall, so I’ll just milk these warm weather recipes a while longer… I posted on instagram about getting the new Halfbaked Harvest Cookbook — it’s no secret what a fan I am of her blog. Made the first recipe from it on Tuesday, and it did not disappoint! (See picture above) Here’s what else we ate…

MONDAY //

Twice Baked Chicken Fajita Sweet Potatoes
notes: Here’s the thing about these kinda of recipes… I knew my youngest kids wouldn’t like it; but I know their love for burritos. So I simply reserved some of the extra filling (there was plenty) and put it in tortillas with some sour cream, and they ate it up. I’m all for getting the kids to expand their palates and eat things they wouldn’t typically; but I also want to stay open to modifying and making meals appealing. Because in the end, the last thing I want to do is force feed them the food I’ve worked hard to make. Compromise. Made this recipe as is, minus the coriander/cilantro. It was yummy and satisfying and just something different from the typical taco night.

Salad w/ Best Balsamic Dressing
notes: found this dressing on instagram last summer and it’s been a favorite in the rotation. I like to keep a mason jar of it on hand, in the fridge.

Chips & Salsa

TUESDAY //

Moroccan Lemon Chicken Kebabs w/ Apricot Couscous Pilaf (from the Halfbaked Harvest Cookbook)
notes: so good guys. All the flavors! I used the honey roasted sliced almonds from TJ’s in the couscous and it was my favorite part.

Roasted Green Beans
notes: I think I make these every week now. Just can’t get enough.

WEDNESDAY //

Date Night | Kids had Spaghetti & Meatballs

THURSDAY //

Salmon Souvlaki Bowls
notes: just give me all the greek food. I like to use TJ’s israeli couscous for the base in this. And for the non-fish eaters in the family, I do the same seasoning but with chicken. It was too hot to grill, so I just baked the fish and the chicken in the oven at 375 for 15-20 minutes (chicken a bit longer than the fish).

FRIDAY //

Halfbaked Harvest Crockpot Beef Chili
notes: favorite chili recipe, hands-down. It’s not noted in the recipe, but I recommend draining the grease from the beef before you add the seasonings. Also, I like to just make this in my dutch oven and let it simmer on the stovetop for as long as I need, rather than making in the crockpot — I just find I have more time early afternoon to make dinner than in the mornings.

5 Ingredient Beer Bread
notes: best beer bread. easiest beer bread. I always find my dough to be a bit dryer than I think it should be, but it always ends up baking just fine.

SATURDAY //

Birthday Date w/ Sawyer | Kids had homemade Pizza

SUNDAY //

Sawyer Bday Lunch : Crescent Mummy Dogs
notes: found this recipe last October and the kids were excited to see it back in rotation. TJ’s crescent rolls do the job.

Macaroni & Cheese, Applesauce