A number of my dedicated blog readers have been requesting meal planning ideas. Since meal planning is actually one of my own dreaded weekly chores, I completely understand the demand for family meal plans. I hope to add at least one week of planned out dinners (and a dessert!) each month. Also, a free printable grocery shopping list is available to my e-mail subscribers (see below!).

   

I hope this week’s family meal plan makes your life a little easier. I’ve selected meals that are fast and enjoyable by all ages. Time constraints are real! In the past, I used to make more complicated meals and certainly more from scratch. Now, with kids, I try to be more realistic. Please reorder the meals to your liking and add what you need for breakfast, snacks, and lunches to the shopping list.

Enjoy!

   

Monday – Meatless Monday

   

Salmon, Broccoli, and Bread

   

I love how fast I can bake salmon in the oven. I try to stay away from pan frying because my kids are always around when I’m cooking. You’ll also notice that this recipe does not use honey. Our youngest is under one and honey is a big no-no for babies. The recipe for Sweet Chili Garlic Glazed Salmon is great for the marmalade/glaze except I throw the fish into the oven to bake. Typically the salmon we get is baked at 450 degrees in the oven for approximately 15 – 20 minutes.

   

Tuesday – Slow Cooker Recipe

   

French Dip Sandwiches, Sweet Potato Fries, and Green Beans

   

Totally honesty – I made these sandwiches with pork. Pork is just so much cheaper and the sandwiches still taste great. All I did was place the pork in a slow cooker. Then I dumped a bunch (super technical term) of Dr. Pepper all over the pork and cooked it on high for four hours. Lastly, I shredded the pork and put it back in the slow cooker (with the Dr. Pepper) until dinner was ready to be served. I used a packet of Au Jus for dipping.

   

Wednesday – Breakfast for Dinner

   

Pumpkin Pancakes and Strawberries

   

We always have at least one breakfast for dinner on the night we have the most going on that week. I love these pumpkin pancakes just as much as my daughters. Pumpkin anything, I’m all for. We have these all year round. This recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes makes plenty to have leftovers for breakfast. Just pop them in the toaster!

Sidenote – I never have buttermilk in the house. Instead, I substitute one cup of milk plus one tablespoon of vinegar for each cup of buttermilk a recipe calls for.

   

Thursday – Leftovers

   

Friday – Friday Favorites

   

Shrimp & Sausage Kabobs on a bed of Wild Rice

   

So yummy, why don’t we make kabobs more often? After assembling the skewers, I slather the food with whatever sauce concoction I come up with using ingredients found in my kitchen. This time I think I used a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire, melted butter, and random spices.

   

Saturday – Eat Out or Order In

   

Sunday – Multicultural Night

   

Turkey Tacos, Spanish Rice, plus Guacamole & Chips

   

You are going to see a lot of guacamole in these weekly meal plans. I always used to make guacamole from scratch but now (sadly) naps times just aren’t long enough for my daily to-do list. The amount of rice my girls consume during this meal is astounding.

   

Weekly Dessert

   

Mini Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookie Cups

   

One of my favorite recipe inventions thus far. I love the flavor of oatmeal and these Mini Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookie Cups couldn’t be easier to make. Give it a try and let me know what you think!