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  • August 1, 2020

    What to Cook: Meal Plan #1

    Meal Planning, What to Cook

    I admit I got this idea from The New York Times What to Cook This Week series. I’m kind of obsessed with it. It’s an easy run-down of different recipes you can cook throughout the week (and weekend), making it easier for people to plan out what they should make. And because I’m all about meal planning and prepping, I figured I could start a little series of my own. To help myself plan, of course. But also to resurrect some of the delicious recipes on this blog that kind of get neglected after I publish them.

    So here’s what we’re making.

    This week, we’re avoiding our ovens.


    When I turn the oven on in our apartment with this crazy heat, it’s actually a nightmare. So I chose recipes that require some simple stovetop cooking, or no cooking at all. Sounds pretty good to someone who’s all about being super lazy this season.

    How does this meal plan work?

    Because this is the first of its kind, let me break it down how each week will look.

    I’ll provide you with six recipes to make for the week. This will include…

    1. One breakfast (for Monday to Friday)
    2. One lunch (for the week)
    3. Two dinners (then enjoy leftovers!)
    4. One brunch (for your weekend)
    5. One dessert (yep, we’re going there)

    Cook dinner twice, then enjoy leftovers. If you’re cooking for two people or just for yourself, there’s no reason to cook every night. So I’ll provide you with a two recipes to enjoy for at least four or five nights of the week, then enjoy some takeout for dinner on the weekend to support your favorite local restaurants!


    Your grocery list is at the bottom! This includes a pantry checklist, so you can make sure you have everything you need to cook. Because we all know how annoying it is to buy something you already have in your cabinet! Click here to jump to the list.

    We good? Alright, let’s get to it.

    scooping out spoonful of chia seed pudding

    Breakfast: Chia Seed Pudding Cups

    These are an easy no-cook recipe to prep for breakfast this week, and they are pretty versatile. Plus, they are refreshing and cold, which is the kind of energy I want for my breakfasts in this crazy summer heat.

    What you’ll need: Chia seeds, unsweetened almond milk, maple syrup, berries (of your choice)

    GET THE RECIPE

    bowls of greek pasta salad

    Lunch: Greek Pasta Salad

    A cold refreshing pasta salad has basically been my summer vibe, and this Greek pasta salad has made a frequent appearance. It’s also vegetarian!

    What you’ll need: Short pasta (like bowties), English cucumber, red onion, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, pitted kalamata olives, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic salt

    GET THE RECIPE

    skillet of lemon garlic shrimp

    Dinner #1: Lemon Garlic Shrimp in White Wine Sauce

    Your stove will only be on for like, seven minutes, to make this one. It’s really flavorful and the perfect light dinner after a hot summer day. This week, we’re dipping bread in our sauce. So you’re going to treat yourself to an artisan loaf of some sort. Don’t worry, we’ll use it all week long. Enjoy a leafy green salad on the side with a simple dressing of your choice.

    What you’ll need: Large raw shrimp (shells on), garlic cloves, butter, white wine, lemon, parsley, artisan loaf of bread, leafy greens, dressing

    GET THE RECIPE

    creamy tuscan chicken thighs in a pan

    Dinner #2: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

    Another easy stovetop meal that requires bread dipping! The stove will be on for a bit longer to make this one but don’t worry, it’s still less than 30 minutes of cooking. This is another saucy recipe perfect for dipping that fresh, crusty bread! Enjoy a leafy green salad again on the side.

    What you’ll need: Boneless/skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic clove, white wine, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, shaved parmesan, spinach, grape tomatoes, salt & pepper, artisan loaf, leafy greens, dressing

    GET THE RECIPE

    eggs on toast with sprouts and chive cream cheese

    Brunch: Jammy Eggs on Toast with Scallion Cream Cheese

    With this recipe we’ll be using up the leftover slices of artisan bread you purchased, toasting those up and spreading some homemade scallion cream cheese on then. Topped with some microgreens and a soft-boiled egg.

    What you’ll need: Artisan loaf, whipped cream cheese, garlic powder, scallions, pea shoots, eggs, salt & pepper

    GET THE RECIPE

    rice krispies treats stacked together with sprinkles

    Dessert: Rice Krispies Treats

    How can you say no to a tray of these? Rice Krispies treats only require three ingredients and a few minutes of stovetop cooking. Make it four ingredients if you want some kind of festive topping, like sprinkles or M&Ms.

    What you’ll need: Rice Krispies, marshmallows, butter, toppings (optional)

    GET THE RECIPE

    Your Grocery List

    Before shopping, always make sure to check if you have any of these ingredients already. No need to buy the same thing twice!

    Produce

    • 1 package of berries (you pick the kind)
    • 1 red onion
    • 1 English cucumber
    • 2 pints grape tomatoes
    • 1 head of garlic (you need at least 6 cloves)
    • Parsley (optional)
    • 1 bag of spinach
    • 1 container of pea shoots (or microgreens)
    • 1 bundle of scallions
    • 1 container of leafy greens (50/50 mix, or any other type you like)

    Bakery

    • 1 loaf of artisan bread (Italian loaf, sourdough, or any other you like)

    Dairy

    • Unsweetened original almond beverage
    • 1 container of feta cheese
    • 1 pack of salted butter (4 sticks)
    • 1 pint of heavy cream
    • 1 container of shaved parmesan
    • 1 container of whipped cream cheese

    Protein

    • 1/2 dozen large eggs
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

    Frozen

    • 1 1/2 lb. (or 24 oz.) large raw shrimp, shells on

    Pantry goods

    Check to make sure you don’t already have these!

    • Chia seeds
    • Pure maple syrup
    • Pitted kalamata olives
    • Olive oil
    • Red wine vinegar
    • Dried oregano
    • Garlic salt
    • Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil or dried in a container/bag)
    • 1 bottle of salad dressing (your choice)
    • Garlic powder
    • Rice Krispies (1 box)
    • Marshmallows (regular or mini, 1 16oz. bag)
    • Salt & Pepper

    Alcohol

    • 1 bottle of white wine (for two recipes…and maybe a glass to drink!)

    Enjoy! If you like this meal plan, sign up for my newsletter. I’ll be sending them out every Saturday.

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    You might also like

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    meal plan, Meal planning, meal planning for the week, what to cook, what to cook meal plan

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    Hi, I’m Kiersten!

    I’m a food writer & photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. This blog is a place where I share a bit of my life behind the scenes. And all the things I love to cook. More on me >>

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