We’ve had a weekend of celebrations as Madelyn celebrated her birthday Saturday and mine is today. We have reservations at Le Diplomate tonight so Happy Birthday to Me. Here’s what we ate last week…

SUNDAY //

Crockpot Caramelized Pork Ramen Bowls
notes: omitted the chili paste, chinese 5 spice and mushrooms and made everything else as prescribed. This is a yummy bowl of goodness. Other than having to get up early to start the slow cooker before church, it was the perfect lunch to come home to.

On the Side : TJ’s frozen lemongrass egg rolls

MONDAY //

Cuban Chicken + Black Bean Quinoa Bowls
notes: this was one of the first Halfbaked Harvest recipes I ever tried, and I think it might be one of my favorites. The chicken marinade is excellent (I omit the red chile in marinade and mango). For the sake of ease, I like to use the frozen mango from Trader Joe’s — just set it out in a bowl to thaw while you’re prepping the rest of the meal. And definitely make the bananas. The flavor combination of everything together is SO perfect.

On the Side : TJ’s salad kit

TUESDAY //

 

TJ’s Peppercorn Pork Tenderloin (just pop it in the oven at 375 for 25-30 minutes)

On the Side : Crispy Salt+Vinegar Smashed Potatoes, Mary’s Best Salad
notes: I always forget how long these potatoes take to make — you pre-boil them, then bake, then smash, then bake some more. Usually the last 20 minutes ends up being more like 5-10 and honestly they have always turned out just fine. The vinegar splash is a nice zing and they have a great crisp on the outside, while tender inside.

Honestly, I planned this whole dinner around this salad and it did not disappoint. Such a flavorful combo and the dressing (aside from the shocking amount of sugar) is delicious. Two thumbs up.

WEDNESDAY //

Date Night | Julia made Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos, Cilantro Lime Rice
notes: this was pretty simple for Julia to pull together and received rave reviews from the kids. Leftovers were just as good yesterday for lunch.

THURSDAY //

 

Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaves w/ Leeks, Brussels, + Potato
notes: one pan dinners have got to be my favorite. This is a flavorful and good winter dish.

On the Side : Blueberry Muffins
notes: straight-forward blueberry muffin recipe. I used frozen berries and it worked fine.

FRIDAY //

Amish Chicken Broccoli Casserole
notes: My mom used to make this when we were growing up and I went randomly searching for it last week… Tasted just like I remembered. I omitted the mayo and lemon juice from the white sauce because that kinda grossed me out. I also skipped the butter/breadcrumbs. Something so comforting about a good casserole. Kids loved it too. So winner winner chicken dinner.

On the Side : Homemade Applesauce

SATURDAY //

Out