I know many of you are now making more food at home than ever before thanks to quarantine. If you’re like me, meal planning can be a real chore. To solve this problem, I am developing meal plans consisting of five dinners and one dessert so you can take meal planning off your to-do list.

Remember, if you sign up for my monthly newsletter directly below, you gain access to all my FREE grocery shopping lists for these weekly meal plans! All you have to do is go through your refrigerator and pantry to determine what you need to buy.

   

Monday – Meatless Monday

   

Coconut Shrimp, Cheesy Rice, and Peas

   

I absolutely love coconut shrimp. It combines my two favorite things – seafood and sweets! Luckily, everyone in the family loves coconut shrimp as much as I do. Plus, after Easter it is a great way to use up the coconut you probably have leftover.

Coconut Shrimp Directions:

1). Preheat the oven to 450

2.) Thaw 20 frozen raw shrimp under running cool water. Peel the shells off.

3.) On a small plate, dump 1/4 c flour. In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg. On a separate plate, mix together 1 c of shredded sweetened coconut, 1/3 c panko breadcrumbs, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

4.) Coat each shrimp in flour, then dunk in the bowl of egg, and lastly cover in the coconut/panko mixture. Place the coconut shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5.) Bake for approximately 10 minutes. The coconut should be slightly browned but not burnt!

   

Tuesday – Slow Cooker Recipe

   

Chicken Noodle Soup and French Bread

   

Nothing says comfort food like Chicken Noodle Soup and a slice of buttered French bread. I’m sure I am not the only one wanting comfort right now (stuck at home + cold temps = grumpy).

   

Wednesday – Breakfast for Dinner

   

Lemon Ricotta Crepes and Blueberries

   

I wrongly assumed the rest of my family would enjoy savory crepes (ham and swiss cheese) while I enjoyed sweet crepes filled with a delicious lemon ricotta mixture. Everyone LOVED the lemon ricotta filling. Next time, I am not making savory crepes at all. Use this super simple blender crepe recipe. It was my first time making crepes and they turned out perfect!

   

Thursday – Leftovers

   

Friday – Family Favorites

   

Pasta with Meatballs and Broccoli

   

I found this recipe for pasta with meatballs on Pinterest a long time ago and have been making it frequently ever since. I’m usually not a huge red sauce fan but the cream in this sauce makes this recipe a winner.

I always double the meatball recipe and freeze half. Meatballs freeze wonderfully! If you use the accompanying grocery list with this week’s meal plan I already doubled the meatball ingredients for you. Also, please note that I use dry minced onion and dried parsley (not fresh). If you prefer fresh please make those changes to your grocery list.

   

Saturday – Eat Out or Order In

   

Sunday – Multicultural Night

   

Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwich and Pomegranate Salad

   

I’ll have a “lox and a schmear” for any meal of the day including dinner! Just because I’m not Jewish doesn’t mean I can’t love this smoked salmon bagel sandwich.

You can customize the sandwich how you like, but I prefer an everything bagel with chive and onion cream cheese, smoked salmon, and thinly sliced cucumber. Many people add fresh dill, red onion, and capers. I did keep capers on the shopping list but if you want fresh dill, red onion, and/or tomatoes make sure you add it to the list.

A pomegranate salad makes this meal complete as pomegranates hold a lot of symbolism in the Jewish faith. I don’t make the vinaigrette because I always have tons of dressings at home but you certainly could add the ingredients to the list

   

Weekly Dessert

   

Carmelitas

   

Carmelitas are rich, gooey, and a small portion goes a long way. This dessert has an oat base and top while filled with caramel and chocolate. I don’t know anyone who would turn down one of these.

   

Are you in need of more dinner recipes? Check out my Weekly Meal Plan #6!