MAKE FAMILY DINNERS FUN W/THEMED NIGHTS
When Kaela and Kendall were little, we created a weeknight tradition that has now become a core element of the SUNDAY | MONDAY meal plan strategy. My girls have loved this ritual all these years, though it’s evolved over time. Drawing inspo from the Taco Tuesday concept, we designated themes to each night for our everyday dinners at home. In creating this framework, it’s gotten my girls more involved and has invited me to play more creatively in the kitchen. It’s honestly been one of my favorite ways to connect with them and get us all more engaged with dinnertime as a family.
MEDITERRANEAN MONDAY
Often, we will have something like lentil penne with roasted vegetables and tuna. I’ll toss everything with vegan pesto and top with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil. Sometimes we have grilled or baked fish with herbs & lemon. I'll pair it with whole grain couscous or roasted potatoes and a big Mediterranean salad. We're obsessed with the Primal Kitchen Greek Dressing. In the June Meal Plan, you’ll find dishes like my Caprese Chicken Wrap and No Mess Sausage and Pepper Bake.
TACO TUESDAY
You will certainly see a lot of tacos at our house on Tuesdays, but we also mix it up. I love making a serve-yourself fajita bowl bar using quinoa or brown rice for the base. I cook up chicken, beef or taco-seasoned black beans. I often throw together shrimp quesadillas on almond flour tortillas or make a big pan of nachos with cassava tortilla chips and cashew queso.
WHATEVER WEDNESDAY
This is our day of the week to literally prepare whatever. On Wednesdays we make breakfast for dinner (my girls’ most requested meal) or chicken burgers. Sometimes we make deconstructed burger bowls, using roasted sweet potato as the base and serve with lots of toppings. Primal Kitchen makes the best, clean condiments. I love my bowl with romaine, organic dill pickles, ketchup and avocado mayo. I created a hamburger helper recipe for the June menu that is so nostalgic and delicious, you would not believe it’s healthy.
THAI THURSDAY
This is our Asian-inspired night. We love making veggie spring rolls with mango, avo and an almond butter sauce for dipping. A staple for us is also a big pot of red curry over cauliflower rice. Sometimes I stir fry whatever vegetables I have on hand...or if I’m not in the mood to cook (yes this happens), I make lazy poke bowls using canned salmon or tuna.
FRIDAY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
While the delivery order changes from time to time, this is almost always our pizza night. Sometimes it’s a family affair and sometimes Joey and I hire a sitter, order pizzas for the kids and head out to dinner just the two of us. To stay inspired and excited to cook, I really believe in taking nights off.
CITY SATURDAY
This is our day to explore new places or revisit our Chicago favs. Every time we check a new place off of our list, I think we add 3 new ones. One of the very best things about Chicago is the foodie culture, and as a family, we connect by letting food lead the way.
SUNDAY FUNDAY
I’m pretty devoted to my routine and self-care on Sunday mornings because more often than not we have visitors in the evening. Growing up in a big family, this is all I know. Sundays are for worship, rest, planning for the week ahead and hang time with family. For this reason, I usually spend some time in the kitchen in the afternoon so that people can serve themselves once they arrive. This allows me to be present and engaged with guests. Most often, I put together a charcuterie board (one of my favorite creative activities), a big pot of sauce or soup and a green salad with whatever farmers market finds I came home with.