It felt so good to get back into regular routine this week. Like, so good. I’m just one of those peoples that loves a schedule and rhythm to life.

Here’s what we ate last week!

SUNDAY //

BBQ Chicken Tacos
notes: One of our all-time favs, and super easy to throw together after church. I like to go all out with the toppings and include hard-boiled eggs and bacon bits, in case anyone wants to do a bbq chicken salad instead.

On the Side : Chips + Salsa

MONDAY //

30 Minute Healthier Chicken Parmesan 
notes: HalfBaked Harvest cookbook came up big for me this week. This recipe was quick and easy to bring together. I loved briefly pan-frying the chicken and then baking to guarantee it was cooked through and golden. I used chicken tenders, because that’s what I happened to have on hand. Threw them on a cookie sheet and then topped with marinara and fresh mozzarella cheese slices at the end. I also used her trick of adding zoodles (which TJ’s has in the produce section) into the pasta at the end. Kids noticed, but didn’t mind, so we got some extra veggies in. Two thumbs up.

On the Side : Leftover Kale Salad, Toasted French Bread

TUESDAY //

Hula Pork Sliders
notes: I completely bungled this meal (lest you think everything I make always turns out!). I forgot to buy pineapple juice at the store, so had to run out mid-day. At that point, I SHOULD have followed her direction to cook it in the dutch oven at 325; but I had a busy afternoon and decided to throw it in the crockpot on high instead. Bad idea. The pork was tough, and wouldn’t shred. at all. So we ended up chopping it up small and sauteeing it with some of the liquid from the crockpot. All in all, the flavors were good, but I was majorly bummed about the pork. Will definitely try this again, following the instructions next time 😉

On the Side : TJ’s Broccoli Kale Slaw Salad kit, Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

WEDNESDAY //

Date Night | Julia made Pasta w/ Mini Meatballs in Tomato Cream Sauce
notes: bought bow tie pasta and the mini party meatballs from TJ’s frozen section. Kids gave this rave reviews, and it seemed pretty easy to make too.

THURSDAY //

Steak Shawarma Bowls
notes: nothing like fresh flavors in the dead of winter. Definitely go with all the recommended toppings on this. It’s a wonderful plate full of food for your belly. Yum.

FRIDAY //

Homemade Pizza

SATURDAY //

Creamed Spinach Baked Eggs
notes: this is another favorite. Minimal work and very tasty. Can serve with crusty sourdough bread for dipping in the spinach.

Strawberry Breakfast Cake (with Raspberries instead)
notes: I made this recipe last winter and forgot how much we enjoyed it. I like to half the maple syrup (1/2 c instead of 1 c) and don’t miss the sweetness. This is a delicious, hearty, coffee cake that you can make with whatever fruit you happen to have on hand. Delicious.

On the Side : Bacon