Let Monday Menu do your meal planning this week. I’ve got recipes your family with love, like Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders and Mexican restaurant style chile verde! I’ve got things for you too- REAL TALK in sections like “Secret to Success,” “In the Know,” and “Ways to Get MORE…” It’s all about getting real food on the table in a way that works!
This Week’s Secret To Success
- This week’s meal planning ideas relies on shared ingredients, some fun lunch ideas (see Ways to Get MORE… below) and side dishes you don’t have to make if time gets tight!
- Limes show up quite up a bit in this week’s recipes. Buy a bag of limes to say money and make grocery shopping easier. Have leftover limes? Use them to flavor your iced tea!
In The Know
Sometimes when meal planning, I plan the “ideal,” but when reality hits, i.e. time gets tight or maybe energy levels are running low, what’s on the table might look different than the plan. THAT’S NOT A FAIL.
It’s actually win. It means we’re flexible, adaptable and we don’t let the little things knock us out of the game.
Here are some easy ways to adapt any menu:
- Look for sides you can skip. Are there side dishes that would be nice to make, but aren’t necessary for the meal to be complete? Make it easy on yourself and skip those! (This week, you could skip the tortillas. Use corn chips instead. Then skip either the green bean casserole or coleslaw…)
- Look for side dishes that could go with both meals. Don’t make all new side dishes every night if leftovers from the night before would fill the spot just as well. (If you skipped the green bean casserole, fill in with the pasta salad.)
Ways to Get MORE From this Menu:
Make a few extra chicken tenders and…
- Make wraps with leftover tortillas, chicken tenders and coleslaw for a killer lunch.
- Or chop up the chicken tenders and serve them over the pasta salad!
- Use the Cucumber Tzatziki Dip to dunk those chicken tenders in!
How I’m Setting My Table
Tasty & convenient recipes are only half of any dinner equation! So, don’t forget to make a plan for your family table with your meal plan!
Having a few things at the ready you really love is THE KEY to making every meal time enjoyable and inviting others over stress free. Here are my suggestions with links you can shop!
- 10 oz “vintage look” green glassware (I’ve used these glasses before here!)
- tall wooden salt & pepper mills
- garden gate yellow table runner by Hen House
- my go-to gold flatware
- Hester & Cook Lemon Wreath Placemat (pad of 12)
- 4 mini boxwood topiaries
- yellow ruffle dinner napkins by Hen House
- Williams Sonoma limone appetizer plates
- gold rimmed scalloped dinner plates
Menu 1- Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
Crispy, melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk breading, tender well-seasoned steak… It’s real deal, down home comfort food. Serve it with an old-school 7 layer Pea Salad and Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges for a one-of-a-kind twist on a steak and fries meal!
The recipe for the dipping sauce is linked in the sweet potato post!
Menu 2- Easy Blonde Gumbo
You’re going to love my family’s authentic Louisiana gumbo recipe with a simple, nutty blonde roux, shrimp, sausage, okra and yes, even a few Creole tomatoes. Loaded with layers of deep flavor and served over a spoon or two of extra tasty green chile rice, this is one pot comfort food is the perfect partner for crispy Southern Hushpuppies! Pour up a little Strawberry Iced Tea for something extra special.
Dessert This Week
Creamy Toasted Coconut Lime Bars are like little key lime pies as a fun dessert bar! Tart and tangy lime, sweet shredded coconut and a buttery shortbread crust with macadamia nuts and lime zest make this tropical delight the perfect treat and more than ideal for bridal and baby showers.
Breakfast Made Easy
Light, fluffy and slightly sweet, these Glazed Orange Buttermilk Biscuits are bursting with bright, citrusy flavor from sugared orange zest and a tart orange glaze. As good as any scone, these “sunshine biscuits” are perfect for brunches, afternoon coffee and weekend breakfasts. Plus, I’m sharing all my secrets and tips for fool-proof biscuits in this very easy-to-follow homemade biscuit recipe!
Snack of the Week
Cool, classic Tzatziki meets the salty, garlicky goodness of whipped feta dip in this spectacularly quick & easy Whipped Feta Tzatziki Dip! Creamy, light and full of happy cucumber crunch, this party dip will be your new, favorite appetizer, a go-to for charcuterie boards and that something special at showers.
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