Meal Plan & What I Wore 2.9.25

The Valentines-ish edition

Everlane sweater, old men’s zara sandals, old COS trousers,

Happy Super Bowl Sunday to all who celebrate! It’s no surprise that I’m a bit bitter to be seeing the Chiefs again because the whole Chiefs gang is not my cup of tea. I am, though, in a household full of Chiefs fans and Swifties so I stand alone here. Go Eagles.

This week was was unique because I ended up being at a hotel for most of Thursday, came home at noon on Friday and we went out for a date for the rest of the evening. Yesterday was a survival meal because we’re hosting our family for the Super Bowl and after purchasing those groceries, I did that thing where I said, “you know what? I’m just using the food we already have this week.” So I decided that this week, I’d make a simple Meal Plan that is incredibly budget friendly along with sharing some Valentines Day favorites in our house.

The Meal Plan:

Healthier One Pot Hamburger Helper. This is one you’ve seen from me so many times, but when I think of inexpensive, quick and delicious meals, this one tops the list for sure. The shredded zucchini in this recipe makes for a more complex version and though I’ve never had actual Hamburger Helper in my life, I’m sure this one is better.

Vegan Pot Pie or Chicken Pot Pie. We had a couple 80 degree days last week, but much like the rest of the country (brace yourselves, East Coast,) our winter temperatures will return. There are few things that hit the spot more on a chilly day than a steamy pot pie. I’ve shared in the past that my tip for making this even easier is to completely make the filling ahead of time when the kitchen is already dirty for a meal prep moment. When the time comes to cook and serve this, all you’ll need to do is dump this into a crust. This will be even less expensive if you make this will be even more inexpensive if you make your own crust, but quicker to grab a store bought crust. Pick your poison. (I make the vegan pot pie version without the corn, double the recipe and make one for O and the other for the kids)

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. You can make this as simple or extravagant as you want, the world is your oyster here. Get the soup from the grocery store or make this delicious version from scratch. The benefit of store-bought here is that it’s likely made with peak-season tomatoes vs. whatever watery tomato imposter you’ll get at the store right now, but that’s just a note. Add bacon to your sandwiches, maybe try a pear and gruyere mix—you can use my favorite homemade sourdough sandwich bread or your favorite grocery store loaf. You can’t go wrong here.

Baked Ziti (or “Pasta Bake”). This is a staple in our house. I’ve shared it before, but I don’t ever use a recipe and just completely cook the pasta, make a great sauce, add a ton of cheese and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. It couldn’t get simpler. I’ve linked a spectacular Baked Ziti but what I mean by that is actually the description I just typed up.

Valentines Day Favorites.

I like to make a “fancy meal” for the kids and in our house, that’s going to be Pan Seared Steak, Paleo Twice Baked Potatoes and this Strawberry Salad. I’ll make Paleo Red Velvet Cake for dessert (with natural dye) and bought lots of YumEarth Valentines Day candy in advance for the kids’ baskets. I’m also making a favorite Pop Tart from Danielle Walker’s Cookbook, but this is another favorite recipe. Berries and Homemade Dairy-Free Whipped Cream make for a great snack on Valentines Day and these Healthy Beet & Berry Smoothies have been a favorite in our house for a decade.

This trio in my water every morning has been my routine for a year now and I swear by it. The minerals are for energy and essential vitamins and minerals, the magnesium is for all the things and the electrolytes are crucial.

I made O this vegan chili since I only made chili for us last week. I use vegan chorizo for his chili most of the time, but every now and then I like to use this recipe which has a tofu base.

The Chicken and Rice soup from last week’s meal plan was equal parts a beauty queen and delicious.=—

This photo is all you need to know about my meals and outfits this week—my true love in the form of a Sweetgreen salad and my sweatsuit. All was well in the world.

I’ll see you Friday, Valentines Day, for a Q&A Podcast with O. Have a beautiful Superbowl Sunday, friends.