Appsolutely delicious

Check it out! You don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars to impress the neighborhood for Fall. Here are my tips:

1. Make a scarecrow out of your husband’s old high school clothes. Grandma keeps nagging us to go through her basement and get rid of things...there are so many crappy flannels and jeans, I could make scarecrows for everyone in Wisconsin.

2. Make ghosts...styrofoam balls and thin white sheets can be spooky as hell.

3. Webs with scary spiders go a long way and they're terrifying.

4. Corn stalks and hay barrels are super inexpensive if you purchase from a farm. We bought 2 hay barrels and 4 corn stalks for $24.

5. Scary lit-up “eyes” in the windows make your house look like a monster. AHHHHH!!!

**We always paint pumpkins first instead of carving them right away. That way they last longer and you can turn one pumpkin into 2 fun activities. 

Goat Cheese Crostini

Such a wonderful way to use up ingredients and be creative! I could come up with 25 ways if I had enough thyme (time). I always try to include something sweet/crunchy/savory and then garnish with a fresh bright herb. Endless possibilities, but just don’t forget the cheese!

Brie and Prosciutto Crostini

Butternut Squash Turnovers

Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

This recipe is perfect but feel free to switch out ingredients if you don’t have exactly what’s listed. It would be super yum with sun-dried tomatoes and roasted chicken.

Next week, casseroles! (lasagna, tex-mex, french toast & loaded baked potato). They freeze well and make a perfect gift for busy families. I will show you how to make them 2 ways -vegetarian/meat.

Oh. My. Gourd.

I’ve had such a week! Like most of you out there, every minute of every day this week I had something to cook, plan, clean, pickup, email, kiss, hug and feed. But luckily I count on my friends to keep me sane and I kicked it with my gurrrrl Kelly who made me laugh and forget my stresses. Today, I get to hang out in my pajamas for a few hours, drink coffee, eat cookies and decorate my home for the fall season.

Fall is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons but it feels like vegetables are the main focus and you know I’m always trying to get people to eat their veggies. All of a sudden, it’s squash central and apple overload. It’s also the best because so many of the meals we have this time of year just make us feel warm and cozy. Warm soups, hearty casseroles and just food that brings up good, happy memories from our past.

I have 3 go-to recipes this week that I will make a lot over the next couple of months. For casseroles and soups, I always double batch and freeze half for a later day when I’m so over cooking I want to jump off a cliff. and yes that happens! (like this week)

Chris says to drink a nice Malbec while preparing fall feasts. Pairs nicely with all the fall flavors and spices. Don’t mind if I do.

Where did the squash go to have a few drinks?

The Salad Bar.

Chicken Casserole

Pork Loin with Apples

Tip: Take your pork roast out of the fridge & let it sit at room temp for 30 min to an hour. If it has a thick layer of fat on the outside, cut about half of it away to make a thinner layer.

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash is hard to cut. Using frozen squash works perfectly. You can even substitute with sweet potato too if you can’t find squash.

Next week, fall appetizers!

This little chef went to the market

The Stone Bank Farm Market in Oconomowoc is an absolute dreamboat. I try to go there weekly just to fill my visual quota of cuteness. The market provides organic, locally grown produce, dairy products, poultry, pork, and grass-fed beef, as well as artisanal foods, flowers and chocolates. In addition to grocery items, they offer yoga in the barn, cooking classes, pizza night, and children's activities. I hope to teach a class there next month with some Fall favorites and wine pairings. I will let you know dates and menu as soon as the planning is finalized. This weekend the market will be hosting "the homegrown market" with food, live music, and shopping from local vendors. I am making an Autumn vegetable chili and a BLT breakfast salad with ingredients purchased from the farm. I’m sharing the recipes with you because I'm a super nice human. If you’re from my neck of the woods, stop by and fill up your belly. Check out their site below:

http://stonebankmarket.com/

what is the cutest season?

awwwtumn!

BLT Breakfast salad

Autumn Chili

Hope to see you in Oconomowoc!

Fall into vegetables

This is always a bittersweet time of year...fall is my absolute favorite, but saying goodbye to those long summer days and my sunshine glow is never easy. I go to the farmers market every weekend and these recipes were inspired by what you will find right now. Zucchini, sweet corn, & tomatoes seem to be coming at me in bulk from clients that have so many they don’t know what to do with them.

I always prep my zucchini by shredding it, putting 2 cup portions into Ziploc bags and tossing them into the freezer for making bread or fritters all winter long.

Tomatoes are great boiled down and puréed for pasta sauce or salsa. I put them in mason jars and freeze until I’m ready to make a lazy Sunday lasagna.

Sweet corn broiled or grilled and then trimmed from the cob freezes perfectly to use for southwest nachos or a chicken chili.

Endless possibilities....the recipes that follow are easy, beautiful, and healthy too. Enjoy!

These recipes will leaf you smiling…

cilantro ginger Bulgar with grilled chicken + green beans

blackened cod with peach+tomato salad

mango crab cakes

hoisin-glazed chicken burgers with kale slaw

apricot pork tenderloin + Peppers

The next 3 weeks will be Fall favorites because I just can’t get enough ;)

This is just the Vegan-ing

Why try going Vegan? In my opinion, food heals, vegetables are life and they are yummy. For example, I have 2 clients that are breast cancer survivors. Their doctors suggested they try and move toward a plant-based lifestyle. They did. And not only are they feeling great and taking less meds, they're thinner than ever, glowing, and dancing more, too (VERY important). They were scared of switching at first and so were their husbands. But a plant-based lifestyle includes amazing flavors, tons of variety, and baller desserts and I've turned them all into believers. 

Now I'm not a vegan or even a vegetarian but I do believe that balance is key and I try to eat in moderation. My motto is "meat on the side" meaning I always fill up with vegetables first. If I have bacon and eggs for breakfast, then I have a vegetarian lunch and dinner. I will continue to include vegan/vegetarian recipes every week because I think we should all try and have a "meatless" meal on the daily. I am including recipes this week for some of my favorite go-to's. I've included cheese in a couple of the recipes because it's Wisconsin - duh. But this is something you can just skip or replace with vegan substitutes. 

I won't be posting next week because I will be eating, dancing, and celebrating. My bean (refried bestie) is getting married in NYC and I couldn't be happier for her. She found a guy who loves her more than anything and thinks she's as great as I do (which is like beyond infinity great). So I will see you in a couple weeks for some fabulous end of Summer recipes and decorating tips.

Why did the tofu cross the road?

To prove he wasn't chicken

SPRING APPLE SALAD

Mushroom and Spinach Casserole

Chopped Kale and Cauliflower Salad

Maple Tahini Dressing

Vegetable Enchiladas

See you on September 14th!

You must be yoking

My Ruby starts at a new big girl school next week....still preschool but 3 days a week!! She is sooo excited to paint, dance, and make new friends. They say time flies - well they (whoever they are) aren't kidding! Ruby calls me and her little brother Rex her "sweeties" and pretends to be our mom. She says she's going to be a big momma when she grows up and promises to live with me forever. My kids basically eat snacks all day, some healthy, some not so much. The one meal I can always get them to eat is breakfast. They love anything in muffin form and they really have a party if the muffins are mini. Here are some fun muffin recipes and a yummy weekend adult breakfast too. I am sooo looking forward to FALL and earlier bedtimes.

She's growing up too fast!

What's a dog's favorite breakfast?

Pooched eggs....hahaha!

egg muffins-

different ingredients/same instructions

bacon+cheddar egg muffins

garlic,mushroom+pepper egg muffins

tomato,spinach+mozzarella egg muffins

You can bake these all in one batch, let them cool, and then wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 mos. Or keep them in the fridge for about a week. 

breakfast skillet

healthy berry breakfast muffins

Next week...we go vegan

Taco 'bout a bridal shower

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of throwing a bridal shower / sleepover party for a special friend that I like a lot, Christina. She has thrown countless baby, bridal, & bachelorette parties for her friends and it was finally her time to shine. We all wanted it to be the best weekend ever for her so we joined forces to come up with a super fun plan. I know she had a fabulous time and felt a ton of love so I would say the weekend was a success.

Here are my top 10 ways to create the Bridal Shower weekend of your best friend's dreams.

1. Don't do it alone. Work as a team with other friends that care a lot and divide and conquer. I took charge of the shower food and sleepover stuff. Then my ride or die party planner Ronda handled all things bachelorette party. All the wonderful invitees pitched in by bringing something to share or helping split the finances. Working together makes life better.

2. Use your resources....in order to make things affordable. We opted for a slumber party (at my house instead of a hotel) and a boat day (at Ronda's in-laws on Silver Lake). It was a whole weekend of festivities for a fraction of the price. Kind of like a staycation :)

3. Shop for decor in your own house first. I am a saver...I have a ton of vases, candles, pretty paper, already used gift wrap, & mason jars...I am sure many of you have a plethora of items like these too. If you don't, someone you know does...ask them for a favor. I filled my vases with wild flowers from a nearby park, mason jars held the candles, pretty paper was used to make garland with pictures of the bride and groom, & used gift wrap became puffy sparkle balls hanging from the ceiling.

My vases, wildflowers from outside and hearts and stars from my daughter's room

I used cute "love" napkins in the garland and pics I printed out from the couples' website. 

4. Don't try and do everything in one day. I set aside evenings the week before the shower to do little crafts, cleaning projects, and start planning my meal. If you spend an hour or two a night, it isn't as overwhelming. I always do the MUST items first, so that if I lose steam, at least the important things are done. 

5. Pick party favors that go with the theme of the event. We planned a boat party/sleepover so for the guests I provided a little mini treat yo self bath kit. It included a bubble bath ball, loofah, face mask, razor, chapstick, nail polish, and glittery nail file. Everyone could get cleaned up after the lake and feel pretty before the shower. 

Goody bags for the girls

6. Plan a food menu that is easy to prep ahead and just reheat the day of the party. This is KEY. You don't want to be running around like a headless chicken making a big ol' mess the morning before the event. You want to be chillin' with a glass of sangria putting some casserole dishes in the oven. For my special lady, we went with a Fiesta theme because tacos mean the world to her and she's hungry (Hungarian) & Mexican (refried bean). Chicken tacos, Nacho bar, sweet corn & roasted tomato quiche, fruit, a big green salad, taco dip, and a coconut tres leches with blueberry glaze bundt cake. YUM!

7. Make clean-up a breeze by having the bride-to-be's friend do all the dishes (crying laughing)....literally, she did all of them the whole weekend. I probably owe her a manicure. Hold me to it Marta :)  

8. For drinks, I always think something big-batched is best. Easy, affordable and less mess. We did a citrus sangria and a champagne toast. Spiked lemonade and rosé works too! You should always have a non-alcoholic option as well (mine was water, hahaha). 

9. Keep your cool and be flexible. It's all about the bride, not anyone else. So just try and be like a cucumber, play-doh type for the day...if you can swing it.

cool as a cucumber

10. Take pictures so you always remember how special the day was and all the hard work that everyone put in to make it that way. Take a group photo of all the lovey ladies you had the joy of spending the day with. Above all else, make sure that the Bride has the best time and feels all the feels. The goal is to make her heart burst, her eyes swell with happy tears, and her cheeks sore from smiling.  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

photos courtesy of Chelsea Brian Photography: https://chelseabrianphotography.pixieset.com/

Next week will be breakfast items!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

This week has been a complete blur...sometimes I felt like I wanted to quit life, run down the street screaming and hide in a park with a bottle of rosé. Luckily, I haven't actually done that yet. I have a wonderful group of people that keep me going every week. Special shout out to my Simple Eats crew, love you gals! My favorite gal pal, Christina, I am so grateful for your friendship, laughter, and organizing skills. But mostly, I have to give props to my husband, Chris, who deals with a frustrated-workaholic -perfectionist -social butterfly type of wife on the daily (I mean can you imagine? :) We met 12 years ago at a restaurant in Milwaukee. He was a quiet, hot bartender and I was a chatty, cute manager. I think it was love at first sight but we were complete opposites and both in other relationships. Jump to 7 years later....still at same restaurant (lifers) but now both single. We got pretty drunk and made out on the side of the building. He says I don't want to watch you date anymore losers, date me instead. I say okay....and the rest is history. We have different jobs now (finally), 2 kiddos, and a house in the burbs....it's dreamy. We make a great team. I talk, he listens....he talks, I think about other stuff...(I kid). I basically wouldn't survive without him...he helps with laundry, manages the kids, runs errands, helps clean up after dinner, and tag teams bedtime with me. Also, he's easy on the eyes and likes to build things (sexy). 

Our wedding day

Okay enough about that nonsense....

What do you call a chicken in a shell suit???

An EGG!! 

Most of the families I cook for have one thing in common. Their kids eat chicken. Well actually, chicken, ground beef and hot dogs. What a palate! For this week’s recipes, I decided to focus on family friendly chicken meals. You can buy a whole cooked chicken or use chicken breast and these meals are perfect because most families eat chicken. 

But they can work as vegetarian meals too....just swap out the chicken for white beans, chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh....YUM! You can also swap out the dairy for coconut milk to make dairy free, any kind of nut milk will work. And you can always use any vegetables you have on hand, you don't have to use the ones that I list. I just want you to eat more veggies!

And let's talk about recipes. I want to teach people how to not be scared of making substitutions and adding their own twist. Any chicken recipe can be made vegetarian by simple swaps. That goes for making a recipe dairy free or egg free too. Just because you have a gluten free cookbook doesn't mean you can't adjust the recipe and still have it turn out. I always try to teach people you can use what you have on hand and you don't have to run to the grocery store to buy a ton of ingredients. If you don't have milk but you might have almond milk, swap it. If you ran out of eggs, it's so easy to swap with chia seeds. Take 1 T of chia to 2T of water, let it sit for one minute and then it’ll coagulate and be an “egg” you can use in any kind of baking recipe. Don't spend money on ingredients when you have half the stuff at your house. Use the recipe as a starting point and add your own flair. 

Chicken Curry

This recipe is the sh*t, it's so good.

Cajun chicken pasta

I'm getting hungry!

Cajun chicken is an example of a recipe that is super good with coconut milk. It's so easy to make it lighter and dairy free - it doesn’t have to be made with heavy cream and it ends up tasting spicy and sweet. 

Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

This is so good because of the fresh herbs

You can use store bought crust if you're not in the mood to make the biscuits

Next week - Breakfast!

 

murder mystery tour is waiting to take you away

10 tips for throwing a budget savvy dinner party for 20 people

Last weekend, I had a blast planning a Murder Mystery Dinner Tour in East Troy for a fantastic group of people. Here's what I did to make things easier: 

1. Use flatware and plates you have on-hand. Not everything has to match perfectly, in fact it's sometimes better if it doesn't. We mismatched clear and white plates for service and used 3 different flatware sets...gold, silver, and more silver -different shape. Nobody cared and everyone thought that table setting was lovely.

2. Use nature. We pulled leaves, branches, and flowers from the park. A weeping willow tree is the perfect companion for bright, happy yellow flowers. 

3. Have lots of bread and easy dips/tapenades on the table to start. Store-bought is fine as long as you garnish and make beautiful. This helps fill people up and gets them drinking and laughing together.

4. Always plate the food if you are trying to control portions. I plated the salad, dinner, and dessert so I knew that everyone was receiving the same amount and no one got seconds....still hungry?? Eat more bread :)

5. Potatoes should be the starch of choice for any dinner party. They are affordable, delicious and go a long way. 

6. Slow cook meats. They stay moist, are always perfectly cooked and falling apart with flavor and yumminess. For chicken and salmon, cook to temperature and add a pan sauce to help add flavor and keep moist during serving. 

7. Say vegetable medley on the menu. You can buy vegetables that look the best the day of the party. Don't limit yourself to anything concrete. 

8. Make a menu that is easily Gluten & Dairy-free. That way, you don't have anyone chiming in last minute with special requests that you can't accommodate. So many things are naturally dairy and gluten-free. I always use vegan butter and olive oil when cooking vegetables and searing meat and I use almond milk in place of cow milk. Feel free to do the same. I promise nobody notices.

9. When it comes to dessert, don't give a choice. Plate a small scoop of whatever you have to offer. Only crazy people will turn down dessert. Don't give them that option. Dessert is the highlight of life. EAT IT!

10. Make sure to have fun and enjoy yourself when entertaining. If you have found that you are someone that can't relax while putting on a show, then hire someone else (me) to do it for you. 

lemon pepper salmon

pan seared chicken cutlets

braised beef tenderloin

roasted vegetables

vegan truffle mashed potatoes

key lime pie

mixed berry cobbler

chocolate pecan pie

vanilla bean whip

 

Healthy Lunch Box

Check out this awesome video from my friends at WeAreTeachers.com. Drizzling never looked so good. (Maybe I should be a hand model?)

The challenge was to spend $25 on groceries and create 5 unique, easy-to-make lunches that anyone could take to work. It's like taking a trip around the world without leaving your kitchen. Asia, Greece, Italy - all from one rotisserie chicken. Stop spending all that money running out to get Panera or fast food and bring a lunch made with love instead. Oh and it's not just for teachers but for construction workers, lawyers and professional clowns too!

BBQ Chicken Pita

Chicken Caprese Salad

Chicken Salad

Greek Pita

Sesame Stir Fry

Next week...dinner party on a budget.

Super Soups

When you think of soup, you probably think of cozy sweaters, fireplaces and winter. But soup can be a light and easy meal for summertime too, and I don't just mean gazpacho. For all of these soups, you can easily make them vegetarian by omitting the meat and switching the broth to vegetable stock or water. My favorite vegetarian stock is this brand: Imagine. Soup is so satisfying and good for you and it's a great way to use up all the fresh herbs you have in your garden. You can choose any kind as a garnish for these soups. The idea is to pack as much nutrients and flavor into one little bowl of happiness. 

How do you know you're eating rabbit soup?

When there's a hare in it.

My advice would be to take a rainy day this summer and make a bunch of soups. Most of the ingredients above can be used for multiple soups and they last 6 months in the freezer. Allow the soup to cool until room temp and store in a mason jar or other air tight container. When you're ready to eat, just thaw and heat and voila, soup's on!

Split Pea with Ham Soup

Creamy Tomato Soup

Minestrone Soup

Lentil Stew 

Perfect for summer. The flavors are amazing and the stew is the color of sunshine.

Vibrant Immune Boosting Soup

This soup makes a ton but I love to freeze half the batch and have it on hand for when I'm feeling frumpy and want to glow from the inside out! I will do another round of soup recipes closer to fall.....creamy vegetable soups that warm the soul. 

Next week, Poultry Party!

You gotta be kiddin' me

This week we are going to share some tricks to amp up the healthy in family friendly meals. I like to play hide and seek with vegetables. I put them in everything but I don’t make it super obvious. I get my kiddos to eat kale, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, even onions. These recipes are versatile and you can easily switch up the ingredients to use what you have on hand.

Family Friendly Grocery list 

“Where do hamburger patties like to dance? at a meatBALL.”

Spaghetti and Bolognese (Sauce or Meatballs)...whatever form your kiddos prefer

spicy glazed Turkey Meatloaf 

Protein Pancakes

Oatmeal Power Bowls/Muffins

Next week....SUPER summer soups! 

Kale yeah!

Fresh, healthy, beautiful salads. Summertime makes me crave foods on the grill but it also makes me want to eat light. Salads don't have to be boring! My formula is simple - add veggies, greens, something crunchy and something sweet to make the perfect party in your mouth.

What did the salad say to the peach?

Lettuce be friends.

(I can't help myself)

Grill Week Grocery list

Peach salad

grilled Tuna steaks with salad nicoise

everything salad

“This is my favorite salad/grain bowl recipe. The point to an everything salad is that there are NO RULES. You basically just throw any extra vegetables you have in your fridge together in a bowl with some greens, something crunchy, and something sweet. I always like to add a boiled egg, some legumes, quinoa, or grilled chicken. I make my salad extra big so I can keep it in my fridge and hope I reach for that over American cheese slices and potato chips.”

I don't have a clue what next week's recipes will be, so hit me up, I'm taking requests!

All Up In My Grill

I cannot believe June has already come and gone! We have a couple fun things planned for this upcoming week starting with surprising Ruby with a trip to the Dells. Her best friend is in town from California and she has no idea that we are going to a waterpark sleepover together. She literally talks about her BFF every single day. I can't wait to see the smile on her face and hear her say...."Oh My Gosh!!!"

We are opting out of the long parade and late night fireworks this year to go to our first Brewers game of the season. We are taking the kiddos for the first time and we can't wait to see what they think. I'm sure we will throw in a few firework sightings out on the lake and eat some BBQ because...duh.

Did i invite you to my barbeque?

Then why are you all up in my grill???

Grill Week Grocery list

Chimichurri steak

Grilled Vegetables

Spanish pork skewers (kabobs)

Grilled Caesar Salad and Egg Free / Dairy Free Dressing

Next week will be salads, salads, salads - See you then!

Spice Up Your Summer!

I'm writing this on the first day of Summer, my favorite time of year! This past week, we've settled into our new home, adjusted to our new commutes and are just focusing on getting to know our new neighborhood. I'm so pumped to try out the Farmer's Market that's only a mile from our house. I plan on throwing the kids in a wagon and walking there on the trail behind our house. (http://www.brookfieldfarmersmarket.com/)

I set up my happy place. Isn't it beautiful??? It all starts in the kitchen and I needed to have everything in its place to feel at home. 

This week's recipes all have a little kick to them. Black bean burgers, Sweet and Spicy cauliflower, Chipotle Salmon Cakes and Stuffed Peppers. We really try to eat vegetarian as much as possible because I want my kids to love and crave veggies so we figure just give them no option!

In the theme of spicing things up, the kid's rooms are starting to come to life, beginning with the closets. Decorating a new house is a little like seasoning a meal, since it's all about accents. As we get more settled, we'll show more of the house. 

Spicy Week Grocery list

Black Bean Burgers

DON'T YOU JUST WANNA TAKE A BITE???

The black bean burgers are super versatile and they freeze well. I always double the recipe when I make them and freeze half. I like to crumble them into tacos, make lettuce wraps when I'm feeling like I need to lighten my load, or have them with sriracha on a salty pretzel bun when I need a reward.  

BLACK BEAN BURGER 

SWEET AND SPICY CAULIFLOWER

STUFFED PEPPERS

The stuffed peppers are a client favorite. Even people that think they don't like stuffed peppers like these and they ask for them on repeat. Pete and repeat were on a boat and Pete jumped off. Who was left? Repeat. Pete and repeat were on a boat and Pete jumped off. Who was left? Repeat.Pete and repeat were on a boat and Pete jumped off. Who was left? Repeat.

what do you call a fish with a tie? sofishticated.

CHIPOTLE Salmon cakes

Next week will be the weekend before the 4th of July, so we'll have a special grilling focused menu. See you then!

Moving into Asian Week

Move into summer with these Asian Inspired recipes: Spring Rolls, Asian Slaw & Ginger Soy Stir Fry. 

Signing the papers to our Home Sweet Home! ps. that's a huge bottle of celebratory Tito's in that bag. 

Last week was nuts with the move into our new dream home. But after a few days of nonstop unpacking, hanging, drilling and rearranging, we’re basically settled. I don’t know about you, but I can’t live out of boxes so I took the kids to grandma’s house and just focused on unpacking and decorating. The last time I moved was six years ago pre-kids so this time was a lot more stressful. But here’s what I learned:

The top 4 things I learned moving my family across town:

Number 1. Hire movers. Do it. Whatever it costs. It took professionals 12 hours to take our 3 bedroom home and bring it to the new place. I can’t imagine what it would have taken if it was us and some reluctant friends. 

Number 2. Get rid of the kids for a couple of days. We took them to my parents house and I focused on making their new home comfortable for them. I worked on their rooms first and made sure everything looked as it had before. I was worried that it would be stressful or confusing for them, but of course they already forgot about the old house and love the new house and especially their rooms. 

People were surprised that I already had decorations up on the wall but what’s the sense in procrastinating?? Decide where you want the stuff to go and drill a hole. I delegated. Chris drilled. Plus we worked on getting the place ready ALL DAY. For several days. 

Number 3. DO NOT wait until the night before to start packing. I know this seems obvious but we didn't want to disrupt our lives and didn't start until the night before and well, let's just say the movers were not happy with us the next day when they saw things thrown into garbage bags. The move took so much longer and we ended up having to tip them extra and threw in a bunch of beer and booze because we felt so bad.  

Number 4. Plan a housewarming party. There’s nothing that gets you to finish unpacking and decorating a new home like an impending, grand unveiling in front of all your friends and family. 

and now onto the recipes...

ASIAN SLAW SALAD

ASIAN SLAW SALAD - before

I use a handheld mandolin to thinly slice vegetables because I am no professional chef (self taught) and I don’t want to waste my time doing something a kitchen tool does better. Plus they look so pretty when they’re the same size. 

ASIAN SLAW SALAD - after

Spring rolls

These fresh Spring Rolls are even better than you'd find at a restaurant, and they're incredibly easy and healthy! Served with a delicious homemade peanut sauce, these rolls are perfect for a fresh, light lunch, dinner or appetizer. And the rice paper wraps are really easy to find at any grocery store. They sell them at our Pick n' Save and Sendik's.

Ginger Soy Stir Fry

Ginger soy stir fry….perfect for the end of the week when you are trying to control food waste. You can literally use any vegetables or protein you have on hand. This recipe is all about the sauce. I serve over brown rice but you could use rice noodles, whole wheat spaghetti, white rice, quinoa, riced cauliflower, sunshine rice…(I don’t think that’s a thing but if it was, you could use it).

I'm telling you, this stir fry is always a hit. Sometimes when I don't know what to make, I just throw in any vegetables in the fridge and add this sauce. It's the sauce that makes it so, so good.

Next week, I'm going to spice up your week with Cajun Salmon Cakes, Black Bean Burgers, Stuffed Peppers and Sweet and Spicy Roasted Cauliflower. See you next Friday!

It's Greek Week!

Welcome to Simple Eats Meal Prep 101. Meal prep is easy. It's about taking the time once a week to prepare all your meals so you aren't bothered after a long day and you have the time to watch The Bachelorette, guilt-free.

I love Mediterranean food because it's fresh, simple AND healthy. If you follow my grocery list, you'll be able to make all these recipes using up all of your ingredients. No more throwing out vegetables because you'll be throwing them into the Mediterranean Bake! You'll have dinner for a few nights and time leftover to be able to sit with your family over an easy, delicious home-cooked meal. 

You don't need to stick with the vegetables on my list either, you can add what you have in your fridge into the mix. 

So take this grocery list with you to the supermarket, grab the items, allow a couple of hours to prepare these tasty meals and then you're all set! Go watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding if you need to get into the Greek Week spirit.

Click on the list for a printable pdf or save to your Pinterest page!

CUCUMBER BASIL GAZPACHO

If you've ever waited tables like me, you probably heard "This soup is cold." So this soup is the perfect solution to avoid that because it's served cold. 

I don't have a picture of the chicken but you know what chicken looks like ;)

GREEK CHOPPED SALAD

Turkey meatballs. What can you serve but never eat?

A volleyball. Get it???

Step 1: Mix everything in a bowl

Step 2: Roll into balls

Step 3: Bake and enjoy!

One of my favorite families that I meal prep for has a vegan daughter, so that’s how I landed on the Mediterranean vegetable bake. I needed a tasty alternative and this is so easy to make, too. 

I love this sauce drizzled on everything from vegetable skewers to chicken breast and even to dip fresh pita bread in. Side note - just click on the recipes above to get a printable pdf. 

Let me know what you think and stay tuned for next week's grocery list and menus, posted every Friday! 

Meet Krysta

You guys, I’m starting a blog! My goal is to have every family in the Midwest eating real meals together again. And since I can’t make food for everyone that wants our service, I can at least teach them how to meal prep for themselves. I’m going to be posting weekly grocery lists with easy recipes so you can make them with your families and not go bonkers during the week. The lists will help ensure that all of the food you purchase is being eaten. Food waste drives me bananas!! We spend so much money on food....grocery stores, Costco, dining out and take out because we don’t feel like cooking the food we purchased or we don’t have the time. We end up tossing half the food we bought because it goes bad or nobody wants to eat leftovers. It’s a vicious cycle that is easy to break with planning. I want to post live videos of meal prep sessions and cleaning out your fridge to make sure there’s less food waste. It will save families time and money. 

"Food waste drives me bananas!!"

We meal prep every Sunday at my house and we make it a family event. My husband makes pancakes and marinades for the meats while I prep all the the vegetables and starches. The meals come together fairly quickly and the kids love to help. It’s one less thing to worry about during the week when our schedules are crazy.

This week's recipe is for Protein Balls. They're the most requested recipe and they're a healthy, raw, sugar-free cookie ball that fills you up and tastes great. My kids love them! Plus they're simple to make. 

Stay tuned for next week's first grocery list and recipes: 

Greek Meatballs made with Ground Turkey, Cucumber Basil Gazpacho, and Mediterranean Vegetable Bake with Grilled Chicken.

Have a great weekend!