design finch

I’ve had a lot on my plate lately and this week was particularly hectic. Between full-time and freelance work, multiple project deadlines, volunteer commitments and meetings, I haven’t had much down time. After a long day it’s so easy to neglect the home front, especially cooking nutritious meals for the two of us. The most difficult part of getting dinner on the table is deciding what to make, and the easiest way I’ve found to answer the dreaded “what’s for dinner” question is to map out a menu for the entire week in advance. Without a plan, I’m more tempted to make poor choices, which usually results in a trip through the Taco Bueno drive thru. (Muchaco, anyone?!)

On Sundays, while cleaning out the fridge, I’ll take stock of items that need to be used and try to come up with meals for the week incorporating those ingredients. In addition to planning around what’s already on hand, I also make sure there is some nutritional variety mixed in, otherwise we’d happily eat pasta for every meal! My favorite resource for finding consistently yummy and healthy ideas is myrecipes, which archives recipes from magazines such as Cooking Light, Southern Living, Real Simple and Health. Once the menu for the week is determined, I post it on the fridge along with the recipes. Since there is no guesswork involved, hubby often has dinner started before I even get home. He is an amazing cook and I’m very thankful for all his help.

Download my Menu of the Week

Sunday: Sweet Potato Enchiladas with Red Rice and Black Beans
Monday: Sausage, Eggplant and Feta Penne Pasta with Salad
Tuesday: Lemon Chicken with Green Beans and New Potatoes
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Burritos with Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Thursday: Pork Chops with Cinnamon Apples, Poppyseed Noodles and Peas
Friday: Date Night!
Saturday: Broiled Sea Bass with Pineapple Chili Basil Glaze over Brown Rice with Sesame Asparagus

(We usually eat the leftovers for lunch the following day.)

My pre-planned menu was really a lifesaver this week. What are some of your go to recipes for pulling dinner together quickly on a crazy weeknight?