Slow Cooker Chili and 145+ Days of Dinner

The last time I shared our family meals, we were just five weeks into quarantine and I was FEELING it. We are now going on pandemic month six and while we ventured out a few times this summer to socially distant staycations and a few outside get togethers with friends, we've largely continued staying home. And while we definitely bumped up ordering out this summer, I've also been largely cooking three meals a day at home. So I've got lots of dinners to share!  

With back to school in full swing this week, I've been on the hunt for new dinners that are delicious but not time consuming. And while the concept of chili is nothing new, this slow cooker version is super yummy and is the perfect addition to your fall dinner rotation. 

Slow Cooker Chili 

(slightly adapted from Gimme Some Oven)

Ingredients: 

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 1 lb ground beef + 1 lb Italian sausage (or 2 lbs ground beef)

- 1 medium red onion, peeled and diced

- 6 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, chopped

- 2 (15 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 

- 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes

- 1 (15 ounce) can light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 

- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles 

- 1 cup beer 

- 2 tbsps chili powder

- 1 tbsp ground cumin 

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tsp sugar 

- 1/2 tsp black pepper 

Directions: 

1. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion and garlic and cook for about 7-10 minutes or until the beef is completely browned, crumbling the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Drain and discard the excess grease. Transfer mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker. 

2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Taste and season with additional salt or pepper as you like. 

Top with all your faves! 

*          *          *

Day 1 (M) - Easy Grilled Chicken; grilled veggies skillet potatoes 

Day 2 (T) - Crispy Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Veggies; Salmon; sourdough skillet bread with herbs 

Day 3 (W) - grilled filet mignon; roasted cauliflower; leftover potatoes 

Day 4 (Th) - the Mr.'s burgers; salad; hash browns 

Day 5 (F) - dinner out -- Moreland's Tavern 

Day 6 (Sat) - grilled salmon; jasmine rice; roasted green beans 

Day 7 (Sun) - dinner out -- Mintwood Place 

Day 8 (M) - Grilled Flash-Marinated Hanger Steak; roasted sweet potatoes; salad 

Day 9 (T) - sourdough pizza; Broccoli Caesear Salad 

Day 10 (W) - Lamb Meatballs with Feta and Lemon; polenta; grilled veggies 

Day 11 (Th) - All American Chili

Day 12 (F) - charcuterie board 

Day 13 (Sat) - dinner out -- Muchas Gracias 

Day 14 (Sun) - burgers; Brioche Buns; salad; curly fries 

Day 15 (M) - One Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet

Day 16 (T) - Cam B-Day Dinner! Smoked Salmon Pizza; epic homemade Llamacorn Cake 

Day 17 (W) - Pork Chops and Couscous with Tomato-Caper Sauce 

Day 18 (Th) - Grilled Balsamic-and-Garlic Flank Steak; salad; potatoes

Day 19 (F) - Seared Salmon with Balsamic-Blistered Tomatoes; rice; green beans 

Day 20 (Sat) - dinner out -- Little Coco's (we order from here A LOT)

Day 21 (Sun) - California Chicken, Veggie, Avocado and Rice Bowls 

Day 22 (M) - grilled sausages; sweet potatoes; corn

Day 23 (T) - Foolproof Cacio e Pepe; Basil-Parmesean Focacia 

Day 24 (W) - Loaded Turkey Taco Bowls 

Day 25 (Th) - Grilled Flash-Marinated Hanger Steak; cauliflower gnocchi; salad 

Day 26 (F) - sourdough pizza 

Day 27 (Sat) - dinner out -- Kaz Sushi 

Day 28 (Sun) - dinner out 

Day 29 (M) - Sheet-Pan Chicken Meatballs and Charred Broccoli 

Day 30 (T) - Best Chicken Enchiladas; brown rice 

Day 31 (W) - grilled steaks; baked potatoes; brussels sprouts 

Day 32 (Th) - Lamb Meatballs with Feta and Lemon; brown rice; green beans 

Day 33 (F) - dinner out -- DCity Smokehouse 

Day 34 (Sat) - Quick Pork Ramen with Carrots, Zucchini, and Bok Choy 

Day 35 (Sun) - dinner out -- Perry's 

Day 36 (M) - Skillet Chicken Parmesean; mixed green salad; veggie spirals 

Day 37 (T) - grilled strip steak; roasted veggies

Day 38 (W) - Sushi Rice with Miso-Caramel Glazed Salmon

Day 39 (Th) - dinner out -- Lebanese Taverna 

Day 40 (F) - All American Chili

Day 41 (Sat) - dinner out 

Day 42 (Sun) - Healthy Beef and Broccoli 

Day 43 (M) - burgers; sweet potato fries; salad 

Day 44 (T) - Easy Pork Carnitas 

Day 45 (W) - Mustard Marinated Flank Steak 

Day 46 (Th) - Piri Piri Meatballs 

Day 47 (F) - dinner out -- Little Coco's

Day 48 (Sat) - dinner out -- Meiwah 

Day 49 (Sun) - Gochujang-Ranch Crispy Chicken Bowl 

Day 50 (M) - Harissa Lamb Pizza; Proscuitto Pizza 

Day 51 (T) - One Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet

Day 52 (W) - Easy Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks 

Day 53 (Th) - Cam's grad dinner! Skillet Chicken Parmesean; Classic Caesar Salad; Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake 

Day 54 (F) - Matzo Ball Soup; Honey Challah 

Day 55 (Sat) - dinner out -- Sababa 

Day 56 (Sun) - The Mr.'s burgers; Summer Veggie Pasta Salad (mash up of Easy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing)

Day 57 (M) - dinner out -- Moreland's Tavern

Day 58 (T) - Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin; sweet potato; green beans 

Day 59 (W) - Lemon Garlic Greek Chicken; cauliflower gnocchi; roasted squash 

Day 60 (Th) - Salmon with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce and Carrot Salad 

Day 61 (F) - sourdough pizza; salad 

Day 62 (Sat) - My B-Day! dinner out -- The Dabney 

Day 63 (Sun) - dinner out -- Little Coco's

Day 64 (M) - Sheet Pan Chicken Meatballs with Tomatoes and Chickpeas 

Day 65 (T) - Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Day 66 (W) - pan seared salmon; sushi rice; broccoli 

Day 67 (Th) - Grilled Flash-Marinated Hanger Steak; brown rice; green beans 

Day 68 (F) - dinner out     

Day 69 (Sat) - dinner out 

Day 70 (Sun) - dinner out -- DCity Smokehouse 

Day 71 (M) - pesto pasta; chicken sausage; salad 

Day 72 (T) - Lemon-Garlic Roasted Chicken; couscous; green beans 

Day 73 (W) - Quick Pork Ramen with Carrots, Zucchini, and Bok Choy 

Day 74 (Th) - Rosemary Dijon Turkey Kabobs; Farro Salad with Feta  

Day 75 (F) - sourdough pizza; salad 

Day 76 (Sat) - dinner out -- Q by Peter Chang 

Day 77 (Sun) - dinner out -- Five Guys 

Day 78 (M) - Chicken Teriyaki; sushi rice; steamed broccoli 

Day 79 (T) - Mojo Meatballs; grilled veggies; tostones 

Day 80 (W) - pan seared salmon; orzo with veggies and feta; green beans 

Day 81 (Th) - Lamb Bolognese; caesar salad 

Day 82 (F) - dinner out 

Day 83 (Sat) - grilled burgers 

Day 84 (Sun) - dinner out -- Lebanese Taverna 

Day 85 (M) - pesto pasta; grilled sausages; caesar salad 

Day 86 (T) - sourdough pizza; salad 

Day 87 (W) - Korean Beef Bowl 

Day 88 (Th) - dinner out -- Perry's 

Day 89 (F) - Grilled Balsamic Chicken; roasted broccoli; sweet potatoes with pesto 

Day 90 (Sat) - dinner out -- Zenebach 

Day 91 (Sun) - dinner out -- Joe's Stone Crab 

Day 92 (M) - pasta with leftover grilled chicken; grilled vegetables 

Day 93 (T) - burgers; salad; sweet potato fries 

Day 94 (W) - sourdough pizza; salad 

Day 95 (Th) - dinner out -- Nando's 

Day 96 (F) - dinner out 

(we went to my in laws in New Jersey for a few weeks, so there were a bunch of dinners there that I didn't cook) 

Day 97 (Sat) - shrimp scampi 

Day 98 (Sun) - Grilled Flash-Marinated Hanger Steak

Day 99 (M) - sourdough pizza 

Day 100 (T) - grilled burgers 

Day 101 (W) - grilled salmon and sushi rice 

Day 102 (Th) - blue crabs + oysters -- Barbera Seafood Market

Day 103 (F) - grilled chicken; caesar salad 

Day 104 (Sat) - Lamb Bolognese 

Day 105 (Sun) - grilled chicken; tuna; sushi rice

Day 106 (M) - Easy Pork Carnitas 

Day 107 (T) - grilled steak; twice baked potatoes 

Day 108 (W) - rotisserie chicken; couscous; salad  

Day 109 (Th) - burgers; fries; salad 

Day 110 (F) - dinner out 

Day 111 (Sat) - Pesto Meatballs 

Day 112 (Sun) - chicken soup and grilled cheese 

Day 113 (M) - One Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet

Day 114 (T) - dinner out -- Tony's Baltimore Grill 

(Back home!)

Day 115 (W) - pesto pasta; grilled Italian chicken; green beans

Day 116 (Th) - Grilled Halibut with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette; couscous; roasted broccoli and tomatoes 

Day 117 (F) - burgers; salad 

Day 118 (Sat) - dinner out -- Old Ebbitt Grill 

Day 119 (Sun) - dinner out -- Blackwall Hitch

Day 120 (M) - Grilled Flash-Marinated Hanger Steak

Day 121 (T) - Quick Pork Ramen with Carrots, Zucchini, and Bok Choy

Day 122 (W) - dinner out -- Little Coco's

Day 123 (Th) - grilled Italian chicken; salad 

Day 124 (F) - Weeknight Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken Meatballs 

Day 125 (Sat) - dinner out -- Duke's Counter 

Day 126 (Sun) - dinner out -- Moreland's Tavern 

Day 127 (M) - grilled filet mignon 

Day 128 (T) - Matzo Ball Soup

Day 129 (W) - dinner out - Pi Pizza 

Day 130 (Th) - Easy Peri Peri Chicken Breasts

Day 131 (F) - Vegetarian Lasagna Rolls with Pesto 

Day 132 (Sat) - dinner out -- Little Coco's

Day 133 (Sun) - dinner out -- Le Diplomate 

Day 134 (M) - Slow Cooker Chili 

Day 135 (T) - Grilled King Salmon with Meyer Lemon Relish; cauliflower gnocchi; green beans 

Day 136 (W) - Sunbasket Greek Meatballs with Tomato-Cucumber Salad 

Day 137 (Th) - Sunbasket Catalan Chicken with Green Romesco and Spanish Green Beans 

Day 138 (F) - Maryland crab dinner on the Eastern Shore 

Day 139 (Sat) - steak dinner on the Eastern Shore 

Day 140 (Sun) - Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas 

Day 141 (M) - dinner out -- Meiwah 

Day 142 (T) - Back Pocket Bolognese 

Day 143 (W) - grilled sausages; baked potato 

Day 144 (Th) - dinner out -- Little Coco's

Day 145 (F) - dinner out in NJ -- Angelo's 

Day 146 (Sat) - grilled BBQ chicken 

Day 147 (Sun) - the Mr.'s burgers 

Matzo Ball Soup and 80+ Days of Dinner

To say that a lot has changed since I posted last would be an understatement. We're going on our fifth week self-isolating at our house and I've been cooking like a maniac (both because everyone is now home for every meal and because it's a great outlet for me). And I've apparently taken up baking. It started out with Cam wanting to bake more cakes and then I hopped aboard the sourdough train when I was able to scoop some starter from Chef Johanna Hellrigl who has generously given out an insane amount of starter to folks quarantined in DC. I'm still working on making an actual loaf of sourdough bread, but I've been crushing the discard recipes!

Most of these Days of Dinner are from before we started staying home, but the last four weeks are Quarantine Meals! So the recipe I'm sharing this time is straight comfort food. It's a lot of directions, but honestly, not at all difficult. So don't get overwhelmed. I usually balk at any recipe that calls for a whole chicken, but there's really not a way to screw this one up. And it's so worth it.

I highly recommend splitting the work over two days. First make the chicken stock. Refrigerate it and then you can skim the schmaltz (chicken fat) the next day to use in making the matzo balls. If you have enough stock pots, make an extra batch of stock because it freezes well and you can save the schmaltz in the refrigerator for the matzo balls when you're ready.

Matzo Ball Soup 

(slightly adapted from Bon Appetit)

Ingredients
Chicken stock
- 1, 4-5 lb chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 1 lb chicken wings, necks, and/or backs
- 2 large yellow onions, unpeeled, quartered
- 6 celery stalks, cut into 1" pieces
- 4 large carrots, peeled, cut into 1" pieces
- 1 large parsnip, peeled, cut into 1" pieces
- 1 large shallot, quartered
- 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
- 6 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns

Matzo ball mixture
- 3 large eggs, beaten to blend
- 3/4 cup matzo meal
- 1/4 cup schmaltz (chicken fat), melted
- 3 tbsp club soda
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Assembly
- 2 small carrots, peeled, sliced 1/4" thick on a diagonal
- Kosher salt
- 2 tbsp coarsley chopped fresh dill
- coarsley ground fresh black pepper

Directions
Chicken Stock
1. Bring all ingredients and 12 cups cold water to a boil in a very large (at least 12-qt.) stockpot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until chicken breasts are cooked through, about 20 minutes.

2. Transfer breasts to a plate (remaining chicken parts are strictly for stock). Let breasts cool slightly, then remove meat and return bones to stock. Shred meat. Let cool, tightly wrap, and chill.

3. Continue to simmer stock until reduced by one-third, about 2 hours. Strain chicken stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large saucepan (or airtight container, if not using right away); discard solids. You should have about 8 cups.

You can refrigerate stock for up to two days. If you're keeping it for longer, freeze it, including the shredded chicken breast.

Matzo Balls
Mix eggs, matzo meal, schmaltz, club soda, ands alt in a medium bowl (mixture will resemble wet sand; it will firm up as it rests). Cover and chill at least 2 hours. You can refrigerate it for up to a day.

Assembly
1. Bring chicken stock to a boil in a large saucepan. Add carrots; season with salt. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, add reserved breast meat (if you didn't freeze stock and already add), and cover. Set soup aside.

2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Scoop out 2-tablespoonful portions matzo ball mixture and, using wet hands, gently roll into balls.

3. Add matzo balls to water and reduce heat so water is at a gentle simmer (too much bouncing around will break them up). Cover pot and cook matzo balls until cooked through and starting to sink, 20-25 minutes.

4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer matzo balls to bowls. Ladle soup over, top with dill, and season with pepper.

*          *          *

Day 1 (W) - brinner -- egg tacos + salad
Day 2 (Th) - Bruschetta Grilled Chicken; farro
Day 3 (F) - Backpocket Bolognese
Day 4 (Sat) - dinner out
Day 5 (Sun) - dinner out

Day 6 (M) - NY strip steak; green beans; salad
Day 7 (T) - Greek Lamb Burgers; cauliflower gnocchi
Day 8 (W) - leftovers
Day 9 (Th) - Matzo Ball Soup
Day 10 (F) - dinner out
Day 11 (Sat) - dinner out
Day 12 (Sun) - Superbowl! ordered in

Day 13 (M) - Garlic Lover's Crockpot Beef Stew
Day 14 (T) - Greek Chicken Kabobs; pesto cauliflower gnocchi; roasted broccoli
Day 15 (W) - Sushi Rice with Miso-Caramel Glazed Salmon (a new family fave)
Day 16 (Th) - leftovers
Day 17 (F) - dinner out
Day 18 (Sat) - dinner out
Day 19 (Sun) - Grilled Steak Tacos with Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

Day 20 (M) - Spaghetti and Drop Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Day 21 (T) - Cheesy Stuffed Peppers
Day 22 (W) - Halibut with Spicy Sausage, Tomatoes, and Rosemary
Day 23 (Th) - Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Day 24 (F) - grilled salmon; carrots; brown rice
Day 25 (Sat) - brinner -- eggs and TJ scallion cakes
Day 26 (Sun) - dinner out

Day 27 (M) - dinner out
Day 28 (T) - Backpocket Bolognese
Day 29 (W) - All American Chili
Day 30 (Th) - dinner out
Day 31 (F) - dinner out in Nebraska for my nephew's wedding
Day 32 (Sat) - dinner out in Nebraska for my nephew's wedding
Day 33 (Sun) - dinner out

Day 34 (M) - Easy Steak Fajitas; roasted cauliflower; brown rice
Day 35 (T) - Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Day 36 (W) - Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Day 37 (Th) - grilled Sabatino's sausages
Day 38 (F) - Gail Simmons' Greek Style Lamb Meatballs over Orzo from Bring it Home
Day 39 (Sat) - dinner out
Day 40 (Sun) - dinner out

Day 41 (M) - Matzo Ball Soup
Day 42 (T) - Weeknight 20 Minute Spicy Udon Noodles
Day 43 (W) - Sushi Rice with Miso-Caramel Glazed Salmon
Day 44 (Th) - Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce; cauliflower gnocchi
Day 45 (F) - Greek Marinated Flank Steak; sweet potato fries; salad
Day 46 (Sat) - DIY pizzas with store-bought dough
Day 47 (Sun) - California Chicken, Veggie, Avocado, and Brown Rice Bowls

Day 48 (M) - Gail Simmons' Greek Style Lamb Meatballs over Orzo from Bring it Home (I'd made a double batch and frozen one!)
Day 49 (T) - grilled Sabatino's sausages; Crispy Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Veggies
Day 50 (W) - Costco chicken skewers (these were not good); cauliflower gnocchi; salad
Day 51 (Th) - leftovers
Day 52 (F) - out
Day 53 (Sat)* - Flank Steak Tacos
Day 54 (Sun) - leftovers

Day 55 (M) - take out from our fave neighborhood spot Moreland's Tavern -- in addition to running a regular take out during quarantine, you can also pick up beer + cocktails and participate in their new general store boxes. We are trying to order at least once/week from local restaurants to help support them through this difficult time. And we routinely grab a growler or two from Moreland's even if we are ordering food from another spot.
Day 56 (T) - Chicken Pasta; salad
Day 57 (W) - Grilled Flash-Marinated Skirt Steak; grilled vegetables; orzo
Day 58 (Th) - Chipotle Pulled Pork Tacos; TJs Mexican corn; brown rice
Day 59 (F) - Matzo Ball Soup (I told you we've been eating it a lot!)
Day 60 (Sat) - take out from Tiger Fork, including cocktails!
Day 61 (Sun) - All American Chili

Day 62 (M) - take out from Little Coco's, who is also doing groceries and a special Sunday Supper during quarantine.
Day 63 (T) - Extra-Juicy Turkey Burgers (DELISH); roasted broccoli; leftover grains
Day 64 (W) - Spring Break Thanksgiving because why the hell not: I usually make just a turkey breast for Thanksgiving but used this as a low-stakes opportunity to do a full bird. I thought this Dry-Brined Roast Turkey was amazing and I still had one frozen container of Caramelized Onion and Bacon Gravy left from actual Thanksgiving to serve with it. I also made a yummy Easy Green Bean Casserole and Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes (I didn't make them ahead, but you could). And we served up boxed stuffing, canned cranberries, store-bought cornbread, and store-bought apple pie for dessert.
Day 65 (Th) - DIY pizzas with store-bought dough
Day 66 (F) - take out from Gravitas (amazing)
Day 67 (Sat) - Instant Ramen Fried Rice; 12-Minute Chicken and Broccoli
Day 68 (Sun) - Mr. Not-So-SAHM made his famous burgers and taught Kane how to make them too;  salad; tater tots

Day 70 (M) - Pasta with Sausage, Basil and Mustard; Shockingly Easy No-Knead Focaccia
Day 71 (T) - Easy Grilled Chicken; grilled zucchini and squash; brown rice
Day 72 (W) - Cold Roast Salmon with Lemony Yogurt Sauce; green beans; farro
Day 73 (Th) - grilled New York strip steak; roasted cauliflower
Day 74 (F) - grilled sausages; waffle fries; Sauteed Shredded Brussels Sprouts 
Day 75 (Sat) - take out from Blue Jacket, including cocktails. The Neighborhood Restaurant Group is also running a pantry and prepared meals delivery.
Day 76 (Sun) - Trader Joe's Pollo Asada; Mexican corn; rice

Day 77 (M) - Turkey Meatballs; cauliflower gnocchi; roasted vegetables
Day 78 (T) - DIY pizzas with store-bought dough; salad
Day 79 (W) - Passover (not kosher): Matzo Ball Soup; Tangy Braised Short Ribs; Apples with Honey and Crushed Walnuts; Garlicky, Buttered Carrots; store-bought Potatoes Gratin; ice cream sundaes.
Day 80 (Th) - Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce; couscous; leftover carrots
Day 81 (F) - All American Chili; Buttery Sourdough Sandwich Biscuits
Day 82 (Sat) - take out from Chiko (SO good)
Day 83 (Sun) - take out from All Purpose -- just needed a take out double-header this week!

*self-isolation begins!

Baked Salmon Cakes + 140 Days of Dinner

As is quite evident by the title of this post, it's been months and months since I posted a meal plan. Nevertheless, we've been cooking and eating our fair share! (Not like you were worried, I know). Since I last posted our meals, I've generally been following a plan of intermittent fasting and tracking macros. I've expanded my food options a bit, but still been keeping it healthy. I also kept trying a few different meal services, but was never completely happy with them. So, it's back to recipe surfing again for me.

Our family LOVES salmon, but I often find that different recipes come out tasting pretty much the same. Not this one though. It was delicious and full of all the savory goodness our kids love (Cami could eat jars upon jars of capers). The recipe had them as an appetizer, but I served them as the main protein and they were a good quick meal because of the size.

p.s. there is something slightly creepy to me about going back through this many months of what we ate, but also fun to think back through what we were up to! I left out a few vacations where I didn't do any cooking at all, but for the most part, this is what we've been eating since last March.

Baked Salmon Cakes

(slightly adapted from SkinnyTaste)

Ingredients 

- 1/2 lb wild salmon filet

- olive oil or cooking spray 

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 

- 3/4 cup small-cider red onion (1 small onion)

- 1 1/2 cups small-diced celery (about 4 stalks)

- 1/2 cup small-diced red bell pepper

- 1/2 cup small-diced yellow bell pepper

- 1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

- 1 tbsp capers, drained (plus more for serving if you're Cam!) 

- 1/4 tbsp hot sauce

- 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning 

- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 

- 3 tbsp light mayo 

- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, 0%

- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

- 1 large egg, lightly beaten

- 3 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Directions

1. Season salmon with salt. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat; when hot lightly spray with oil and add the salmon. Cook until browned on one side, about 4-5 minutes, then turn and cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until salmon flakes easily. Set salmon aside to cool.

2. Add the olive oil to the pan and then add the onion through Old Bay seasoning plus 1/2 tsp Kosher salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Cook over medium-low heat until the vegetables are soft -- approximately 18-20 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature. 

3. Flake the salmon into a large bowl. Add the bread crumbs, mayo, yogurt, mustard, and eggs. Add the cooled vegetable mixture and mix well. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 

4. Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray a non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray. Shape the batter into 15 (scant 1/4 cup each) cakes and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. 

*          *          *

Day 1 (M) -- Grilled Chicken with Pesto and Marinated Tomatoes; cauliflower gnocchi; green beans
Day 2 (T) -- Instant Pot Chili; salad
Day 3 (W) -- Instant Pot Pulled Pork (subbed honey for brown sugar); Lemony Avocado Slaw; oven-baked fries
Day 4 (Th) -- brinner - crab omelettes; old bay skillet fries; fruit
Day 5 (F) -- out
Day 6 (Sat) -- out
Day 7 (Sun) -- out

Day 8 (M) -- Easy Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce; greek salad
Day 9 (T) -- brinner
Day 10 (W) -- out
Day 11 (Th) -- grilled filet mignon; Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes; broccoli
Day 12 (F) -- out
Day 13 (Sat) -- out
Day 14 (Sun) -- slow cooked corned beef; cauliflower gnocchi; Sautéed Red Cabbage

Day 15 (M) -- Herb-Roasted Salmon; polenta; roasted cauliflower
Day 16 (T) -- Crispy Chicken Carnitas
Day 17 (W) -- out
Day 18 (Th) -- brinner
Day 19 (F) -- out
Day 20 (Sat) -- out
Day 21 (Sun) -- Skirt Steak with Chimichurri; roasted tomatoes; cauliflower gnocchi

Day 22 (M) -- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos; roasted broccoli
Day 23 (T) -- 30 Minute Creamy Lemon Caper Salmon Skillet; zoodles
Day 24 (W) -- leftovers
Day 25 (Th) -- seared scallops; roasted cauliflower + tomatoes; roasted sweet potatoes
Day 26 (F) -- Best Paleo Whole30 Marinaded Chicken; brown rice; salad
Day 27 (Sat) -- Instant Pot Taco Soup; salad
Day 28 (Sun) -- Wild Salmon with Horseradish-Mustard Sauce; rainbow carrots; cauliflower gnocchi

Day 29 (M) -- One Pan Shrimp Fajitas; cauliflower rice
Day 30 (T) -- Mojo Pork in baby lettuce cups; roasted broccoli
Day 31 (W) -- out
Day 32 (Th) -- Plated Steak Frites
Day 33 (F) -- Plated Lemon-Roasted Cod
Day 34 (Sat) -- out
Day 35 (Sun) -- Trade Joe's Bone-in Turkey Breast; cauliflower gnocchi; salad

Day 36 (M) -- Sunbasket Salmon Cakes with Tahini Goddess Dressing
Day 37 (T) -- out
Day 38 (W) -- out
Day 39 (Th) -- Sunbasket Yucatan Turkey Chili Verde
Day 40 (F) -- Sunbasket Seared Chicken Breasts with Zhug and Citrus-Watercress Salad
Day 41 (Sat) -- out
Day 42 (Sun) -- Moroccan Meatballs; brown rice; roasted broccoli

Day 43 (M) -- Shakshuka; cauliflower gnocchi
Day 44 (T) -- Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken; roasted cauliflower
Day 45 (W) -- out
Day 46 (Th) -- Greek Fish Tacos; sweet potato fries
Day 47 (F) -- One Skillet Pork Chops with Apples; cauliflower gnocchi; roasted vegetables
Day 48 (Sat) -- Skirt Steak with Chimichurri; twice-baked potatoes; steamed carrots
Day 49 (Sun) -- out

Day 50 (M) -- Sunbasket Za'atar Crusted Roasted Salmon with Fennel Artichoke Salad
Day 51 (T) -- Sunbasket French Quarter Steak with Green Beans and Olive Tapenade
Day 52 (W) -- out
Day 53 (Th) -- Sunbasket Smothered Pork Chops with Garlicky Collard Greens; cauliflower gnocchi
Day 54 (F) -- Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos; sweet potato fries; roasted cauliflower
Day 55 (Sat) -- out
Day 56 (Sun) -- Sunbasket Turkey and Vegetable Minestrone with White Beans and Brown Rice

Day 57 (M) -- Sunbasket Steaks with Arugula Salsa Verde and Green Bean-Feta Salad
Day 58 (T) -- Sunbasket Chicken Paillard with Spiced Summer Squash and Tomato Salad
Day 59 (W) -- out
Day 60 (Th) -- Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon; cauliflower gnocchi; roasted salmon
Day 61 (F) -- out
Day 62 (Sat) -- out
Day 63 (Sun) -- out

Day 64 (M) -- Sunbasket Steaks with Chermoula, Roasted Vegetables, and Pesto
Day 65 (T) -- Sunbasket Mediterranean Turkey Kebabs with Carrot and Squash Ribbons
Day 66 (W) -- out
Day 67 (Th) -- Blue Apron Seared Steaks & Hoison Pan Sauce with Jasmine Rice and Broccoli
Day 68 (F) -- Blue Apron Za'atar-Spiced Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki & Pickled Peppers
Day 69 (Sat) -- out
Day 70 (Sun) -- out

Day 1 (M) -- Sunbasket Seared Tuna with Citrus-Quinoa Salad and Mustard Vinaigrette
Day 2 (T) -- out
Day 3 (W) -- Sunbasket Vietnamese Shrimp Salad
Day 4 (Th) -- Sunbasket Lettuce-Wrapped Turkey Burgers with Tarragon Mayo
Day 5 (F) -- Easy Foil Baked Pesto Salmon; cauliflower gnocchi; salad
Day 6 (Sat) -- out
Day 7 (Sun) -- out

Day 71 (M) -- grilled filet mignon; twice-baked potatoes; roasted broccoli
Day 72 (T) -- Sunbasket Lamb Kofte with Tomato Relish and Tzatziki
Day 73 (W) -- out
Day 74 (Th) -- Sunbasket Shrimp Tacos Diablo with Cabbage Slaw and Queso Fresco
Day 75 (F) -- out
Day 76 (Sat) -- out
Day 77 (Sun) -- out

Day 78 (M) -- out
Day 79 (T) -- brinner -- scrambled eggs; smoked salmon; salad
Day 80 (W) -- out
Day 81 (Th) -- Instant Pot Moroccan Meatballs
Day 82 (F) -- Easy Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
Day 83 (Sat) -- steamed crab dinner
Day 84 (Sun) -- out

Day 85 (M) -- grilled burgers; salad
Day 86 (T) -- out
Day 87 (W) -- Sunbasket Cantina-Style Chicken Tacos with Roasted Red Peppers
Day 88 (Th) -- BBQ grilled chicken; quinoa; salad
Day 89 (F) -- out
Day 90 (Sat) -- out
Day 91 (Sun) -- Panko Chicken Parmesan 

Day 92 (M) -- leftovers
Day 93 (T) -- Sunbasket Shichimi-Spiced Salmon with Blistered Tomato and Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Day 94 (W) -- Trader Joe's bolognese; cauliflower gnocchi; salad
Day 95 (Th) -- out
Day 96 (F) -- Sunbasket Pork Fried Rice with Carrots and Peas
Day 97 (Sat) -- out
Day 98 (Sun) -- out

Day 99 (M) -- Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas
Day 100 (T) -- Sunbasket Summer Steak Salad with Strawberries and Spiced Chickpeas
Day 101 (W) -- out
Day 102 (Th) -- Sunbasket Chicken Breast with Charred Romaine and Stone Fruit-Almond Salsa
Day 103 (F) -- out
Day 104 (Sat) -- out
Day 105 (Sun) -- out

Day 106 (M) -- filet mignon; salad; cauliflower gnocchi
Day 107 (T) -- Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas; salad
Day 108 (W) -- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken; Lemony Avocado Slaw
Day 109 (Th) -- grilled chicken; brown rice; snap peas
Day 110 (F) -- out
Day 111 (Sat) -- out
Day 112 (Sun) -- out

Day 113 (M) -- filet mignon; cauliflower gnocchi; green beans
Day 114 (T) -- Lettuce-Wrapped Turkey Burgers with Tarragon Mayo
Day 115 (W) -- leftovers
Day 116 (Th) -- out
Day 117 (F) -- out
Day 118 (Sat) -- grilled steak, pasta salad, corn
Day 119 (Sun) -- out

Day 120 (M) -- BBQ grilled chicken; roasted tomato and broccoli; cauliflower gnocchi
Day 121 (T) -- Sunbasket Bell Peppers with Turkey and Black Beans
Day 122 (W) -- Sunbasket Chipotle Chilaquiles with Black Beans
Day 123(Th) -- Chicken Street Tacos
Day 124 (F) -- out
Day 125 (Sat) -- out
Day 126 (Sun) --  Skirt Steak with Chimichurri; asparagus; cauliflower gnocchi

Day 127 (M) -- brinner - scrambled eggs; smoked salmon; salad
Day 128 (T) -- filet mignon; cauliflower gnocchi; green beans
Day 129 (W) -- Instant Pot Spicy Pineapple Chicken Tacos; salad
Day 130 (Th) -- Black Pepper Chicken Sausages; chick pea pasta
Day 131 (F) -- Baked Salmon Cakes; salad
Day 132 (Sat) -- out
Day 133 (Sun) -- out

Day 134 (M) -- out
Day 135 (T) -- Za'atar Pork Chops
Day 136 (W) -- brinner
Day 137 (Th) -- Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Day 138 (F) -- Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw 
Day 139 (Sat) -- Back-Pocket Bolognese; polenta
Day 140 (Sun) -- out

One-Skillet Pork Chops with Apples + 60 Days of Dinner!

It seems the only thing I can get together to post on the blog these days are recipes, but that's just where we are right now. The kids are busy with school and all manner of extracurricular activities. I am busy schlepping them to all of that and a have fair amount of freelance work myself too. But everyone needs to eat, so recipes to share I have. Everyone in our house loves pork chops and this is such a fast but super flavorful meal for weeknights. I often toss some potatoes in a hot oven to roast while I make a salad or veg to have with these chops. Easy peasy.

The first 30 days is Whole30 compliant (we did it!) and the second 30 days are not Whole30, but still super clean. Also, I just got an Instant Pot. I really resisted it given that I already have a slow cooker and am trying to Marie Kondo our house. But, so far, pretty happy with it!

One-Skillet Pork Chops with Apples 

(slightly adapted from Paleo Running Momma)

Ingredients:
- 4-5 bone-in pork chops
- sea salt and black pepper to sprinkle on chops
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp ghee divided in half
- 1 large crisp-sweet apple, cored and sliced to 1/4" thickness
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 cup chicken bone broth
- 2 tsp spicy brown mustard
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, minced

Directions:
1. Season pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper, onion powder, and cinnamon, rubbing spices in to coat.

2. Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium high heat and add 1 1/2 tbsp ghee.

3. Add pork chops to hot skillet and brown on each side 3 minutes (they won't be fully cooked yet). Then remove to a plate and set aside.

4. Lower heat to medium and add remaning ghee to melt. Add apples and onions to skillet and cook, stir occasionally, about 2 minutes, until beginning to soften.

5. Sprinkle apples lightly with sea salt and pepper, then add broth and mustard, plus fresh herbs, stir to combine, scraping up any bits that stuck to your skillet.

6. Return pork chops to skillet, making room for them by pushing apples and onions aside/around them. Continue to simmer over medium heat until pork chops are cooked through -- about 2 minutes or so, depending on how thick they were to start. Serve chops topped with sauce and apples + onions.

*          *          *

Day 1 (T) -- Chicken Pesto Stuffed Sweet Potatoes; green beans
Day 2 (W) -- Beef Ragu (skip the gnocchi for Whole30); Whole30 Mashed Potatoes; salad
Day 3 (Th) -- Easy Apple Cider Pork Chops; roasted cauliflower; roasted sweet potatoes
Day 4 (F) -- Stifatho (skip cheese); cauliflower rice; salad
Day 5 (Sat) -- Crockpot Italian Pork Roast; Whole30 Mashed Potatoes; salad
Day 6 (Sun) -- Loaded Sweet Potato Fries; Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken; roasted cauliflower

Day 7 (M) -- Whole30 Chili (I used ground beef and pork sausage); salad
Day 8 (T) -- Tender Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots
Day 9 (W) -- Brinner: pesto egg scramble; sausage; fries; roasted tomatoes
Day 10 (Th) -- grilled filet mignon; baked potato; roasted broccoli
Day 11 (F) -- Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Barbacoa
Day 12 (Sat) -- leftovers
Day 13 (Sun) -- leftovers

Day 14 (M) -- Beef Enchilada Bake with Cilantro Avocado Cream Sauce
Day 15 (T) -- Chicken Tinga Tacos on salad
Day 16 (W) -- All American Chili (no beans, used extra ground beef); brussels sprouts
Day 17 (Th) -- Grilled Balsamic Marinated Chicken; sweet potato fries; green beans
Day 18 (F) -- leftovers
Day 19 (Sat) -- had "taco bar" for dinner party -- Carne Asada; Chicken Tinga; a platter of Whole30-compliant salad fixings
Day 20 (Sun) -- Spicy Beef and Lamb Kofta; zucchini noodles

Day 21 (M) -- dinner out
Day 22 (T) -- leftovers
Day 23 (W) -- dinner out
Day 24 (Th) -- Slow Cooker Greek Beef Stew with Gremolata
Day 25 (F) -- Balsamic Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Apples 
Day 26 (Sat) -- grilled filet mignon; roasted potatoes; salad
Day 27 (Sun) -- dinner out

Day 28 (M) -- leftovers
Day 29 (T) -- Slow Cooker Piri-Piri Chicken; roasted green beans
Day 30 (W) -- Crock Pot Turkey Bolognese over Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi
Day 31 (Th) -- Nurturing Paleo Chicken Soup
Day 32 (F) -- Carne Asada; roasted broccoli; sweet potato fries
Day 33 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 34 (Sun) -- SUPERBOWL! Paleo Bacon Garlic Avocado Burger; baked french fries

Day 35 (M) -- Nurturing Paleo Chicken Soup
Day 36 (T) -- leftover Bolognese with cauliflower gnocchi; salad
Day 37 (W) -- Instant Pot Italian Beef; cauliflower rice; roasted broccoli
Day 38 (Th) -- Chicken Pesto Stuffed Sweet Potatoes; roasted cauliflower
Day 39 (F) -- grilled Filet Mignon; baked potatoes; sautéed green beans
Day 40 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 41 (Sun) -- leftovers

Day 42 (M) -- Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket; baked potatoes; sautéed green beans
Day 43 (T) -- Sheet Pan Orange Glazed Salmon and Broccolini 
Day 44 (W) -- One-Skillet Pork Chops with Apples; roasted sweet potatoes; salad
Day 45 (Th) -- leftover brisket; salad
Day 46 (F) -- Beef Tacos; rice; roasted carrots
Day 47 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 48 (Sun) -- Grilled Balsamic Marinated Chicken; roasted sweet potatoes; roasted broccoli

Day 49 (M) -- Taco Dinner with Friends! Slow Cooker Carnitas; Flank Steak Tacos; Mexican Crema; rice; Fruit Plate with Chili Lime Salt; Skinny Margaritas
Day 50 (T) -- leftovers
Day 51 (W) -- grilled Filet Mignon; roasted potatoes; salad
Day 52 (Th) -- All American Chili
Day 53 (F) -- Chicken Shawarma Naan Salad with Sweet Potato Fries 
Day 54 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 55 (Sun) -- dinner out

Day 56 (M) -- Slow Cooker Brisket and Onions (although I prefer to follow the oven cooking directions); gnocchi; green beans
Day 57 (T) -- One Pan Garlic Lovers' Shrimp and Veggies; rice 
Day 58 (W) -- Instant Pot Salmon with Garlic Potatoes and Greens 
Day 59 (Th) -- One-Skillet Pork Chops with Apples; roasted carrots; polenta
Day 60 (F) -- grilled Filet Mignon; Instant Pot Baked Potatoes; salad

Paleo BBQ Chicken Casserole + 45 Days of Dinner!!

DC has been a hot mess of a pressure cooker over the last several months. In addition to the general grumpiness of summer ending, it rained for what felt like eternity, and the simmering rage of most women surrounding the Supreme Court nomination insanity came to a full boil. I have been relentlessly pissed off and sad.

All of that is a lead in to a recipe post to say that our eating has been all over the place. I know that eating super clean, getting 8 hours of sleep a night, and sticking to a strict work out schedule would make me so much more capable to cope with the pile of s*it raining down right now. Instead I've been snacking on sourdough bread, drinking lots of wine, topping it off with a sweet treat, and then repeatedly cursing myself for it all as I exercise the following day (at least I've been consistently exercising -- I need to channel that rage somewhere!).

In an effort to try and make at least dinner easier, I've been making more casseroles and one-pan meals than usual -- not always Paleo, but still healthy. Most of our evenings have been jam-packed with homework and extracurricular activities, so dinners like this BBQ Chicken Casserole have been my go-to to keep everyone fed and happy. It's sort of like a BBQ chicken pizza in a dish and it is super kid-friendly while also still healthy.

I'm hoping to do a Whole30'ish stint between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Until then, I'm just trying to keep it together, people.

Paleo BBQ Chicken Casserole 

(slightly adapted from Jay's Baking Me Crazy) 

Ingredients:
- 1 large spaghetti squash, cooked + shredded
- 1 lb bacon, divided (sugar free)
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups Paleo BBQ sauce
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 large eggs
- cilantro and avocado for garnish

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400° and spray a 13 X 9 baking dish with olive oil.
2. Placed cooked spaghetti squash in a large bowl and pat dry with paper towel.
3. Cut bacon into thin strips and place in a large skillet.
4. Cook on medium/high until crispy. Remove half of bacon onto a plate and add onion and chicken to remaining bacon. Cook until onion is tender and chicken is cooked through.
5. Add chicken mixture to the spaghetti squash and then add the barbecue sauce -- start with 1 1/2 cups and add more if needed. Add the pepper, salt to taste, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is mixed well.
6. Add the eggs and stir completely.
7. Place mixture into prepared pan, top with remaining bacon and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, garnish with cilantro and avocado.

*          *          *

Day 1 (Sun) -- Beef Enchilada Bake with Cilantro Avocado Cream Sauce

Day 2 (M) -- brinner 

Day 3 (T) -- Greek Lamb Kabobs; green beans

Day 4 (W) -- Greek Lemon Chicken Kebabs; salad; sweet potato fries 

Day 5 (Th) -- grilled salmon packets with fresh dill; oven potatoes; carrot + zucchini "noodles"

Day 6 (F) -- Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef; cauliflower rice; salad 

Day 7 (Sat) -- grilled strip steak; oven baked fries; sautéed green beans 

Day 8 (Sun) -- dinner out 

Day 9 (M) -- Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema
Day 10 (T) -- brinner
Day 11 (W) -- Moroccan Meatballs; cauliflower gnocchi; roasted broccoli
Day 12 (Th) -- Healing Paleo Chicken Soup
Day 13 (F) -- Braised Pork Chops over Cauliflower Cream; sautéed grean beans + tomatoes
Day 14 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 15 (Sun) -- Paleo Taco Skillet (I used ground turkey breast)

Day 16 (M) -- All American Chili; salad
Day 17 (T) -- leftovers
Day 18 (W) -- brinner
Day 19 (Th) -- Chicken Tinga Tacos; green beans
Day 20 (F) -- Grilled Flank Steak with Rosemary; salad; sweet potato fries
Day 21 (Sat) -- brinner: Skillet Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon + Honey Balsamic Glaze; egg and smoked salmon scramble; fruit salad; breakfast potatoes
Day 22 (Sun) -- dinner out

Day 23 (M) -- BTS meal: Filet Mignon Oscar Style; old bay french fries; asparagus
Day 24 (T) -- leftovers
Day 25 (W) -- leftovers
Day 26 (Th) -- Grilled Chicken with Spice Rub; sweet potato fries; broccoli
Day 27 (F) -- Trader Joe's Carnitas; carrot + zucchini "noodles"
Day 28 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 29 (Sun) -- Spicy Honey Salmon in Foil; sweet potato fries; sautéed kale

Day 30 (M) -- Beef + Broccoli Stir Fry; cauliflower rice
Day 31 (T) -- brinner
Day 32 (W) -- Simple Cod Piccata; baked potato; roasted carrots
Day 33 (Th) -- dinner out
Day 34 (F) -- Paleo Taco Skillet; sweet potato fries
Day 35 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 36 (Sun) -- dinner out

Day 37 (M) -- Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef; sweet potato fries; green beans
Day 38 (T) -- brinner
Day 39 (W) -- leftovers
Day 40 (Th) -- Healthy Baked Pesto Rigatoni; kale caesar salad
Day 41 (F) -- dinner out
Day 42 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 43 (Sun) -- Healing Paleo Chicken Soup; salad

Day 44 (M) -- honey dijon grilled salmon, mashed potatoes; roasted green beans
Day 45 (T) -- Joel's requested birthday dinner: Oven Baked Chicken Parm; cauliflower gnocchi; salad; FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER CUP PIE (GAAAAHHH, so good).

25 Bento Box Lunches for Kids!!

I truly don't know how other parents pack lunches for their kids all school-year long. Our kids get lunch at school and I feel like I get totally stumped at the start of every summer—it's like I have no idea what to feed them for a mid-day meal! But this summer I decided to try a bento box approach and I LOVED it! The kids did too. I thought it was super easy to come up with colorful, varied, mostly healthy lunches. With school starting in just a few weeks (and having already started in some places!), I thought it would be fun to share the 25 bento boxes I packed for them.

I got lots of Instagram questions about the various tools and goodies I used so I'll link to items throughout. To start, I used the Brigenius bento boxes for our lunches. I wanted a bento box that was big enough to hold enough food for my kids but because I was using them just for the summer, I didn't want to shell out a ton of cash for the stainless steel bentos I originally wanted.
I was pretty happy with the Brigenius for the price, but there was some leaking between compartments (none outside the box though). So if I was going to purchase new ones, I'd go for the YUMbox, which I hear is actually really leakproof.

I also bought a pack of travel salad dressing containers to use and I liked them, but they didn't fit very easily into the bento box. And I used silicone muffin cups to hold items that might leak and simply wrapped a piece of plastic wrap over the top.

All right ... on to the lunches! The kids seemed to like themed lunches and would ask for Mediterranean one day, charcuterie another, and brunch once a week. It was a little hokey, but also easy to pack like this, so I went with it. I used plenty of prepared foods from Trader Joe's (TJ's) and Whole Foods, but added in fresh as well. In addition to what you see inside each bento box, I included a frozen organic yogurt squeeze stick in the kids' lunch boxes along with an ice pack. I knew they'd always eat it and it helped keep everything cold. And even though I wouldn't normally let them have dessert every day, I included a small sweet in each lunch to encourage them to eat everything else.

TJ's brown rice sushi / TJ's pork buns / edamame / watermelon / TJ's chocolate-covered sunflower seeds (naturally colored!)

prosciutto, fresh basil, and mini mozzarella balls / crackers / pineapple / caesar salad / dark cacao coconut cookies

TJ's orzo salad with spinach, red peppers, and olives / sliced chicken sausage / pita and hummus / carrots / raspberry shortbread cookie

whole wheat pancakes / maple chicken sausage / hardboiled eggs / frozen blueberries and strawberries / TJ's chocolate covered candies (naturally colored!)

salami and cheddar / crackers / strawberries / caesar salad / TJ's chocolate covered dried fruits (naturally colored!) 

gnocchi with tomato and mozzarella sauce / turkey meatballs / homemade garlic bread / celery / watermelon / organic gummy bears

chicken quesadillas with a to-go guac packet / cuban black beans / pineapple / tortilla chips / TJ's chocolate-covered sunflower seeds (naturally colored!)

pepperoni pan pizza / caesar salad / carrots / strawberries / dark cacao coconut cookies

quiche lorraine / chicken sausage / sugar snap peas / strawberries / yogurt / TJ's chocolate covered candies (naturally colored!)

spaghetti with arrabbiata sauce / turkey meatballs / yellow peppers / snap peas / watermelon / organic gummy bears

taco-stuffed baked potato / corn and black bean salad / pineapple / carrots / figgy pops choco crunch super snacks

deconstructed chef salad / strawberries / pretzels and pimento cheese dip / organic chocolate covered coconut bar

chicken and waffles / strawberries / hardboiled eggs / carrots / celery with cream cheese / fig cookies

turkey sandwiches on a stick / pretzels and pimento cheese dip / grapes / carrots / organic chocolate covered coconut bar

everything bagel with goat cheese cream cheese / ham / hardboiled eggs / pineapple and pomegranate arils / chocolate bunny crackers

ramen with grilled chicken / rice cracker mix / watermelon / edamame / dark cacao coconut cookies

deconstructed mini meatball subs with roll on the side / caesar salad / red peppers and mini mozzarella pearls / organic gummy bears

couscous with feta / chicken spinach sausage / carrots / lemon hummus / pita / watermelon / dark cacao coconut cookies

california rolls / edamame / cantaloupe / rice cracker mix / 2-bite brownie

roast beef sandwich with cheddar and avocado on sourdough / tortilla chips and black bean dip / carrots / watermelon / saltwater taffy

linguine with pesto and tomatoes / turkey meatballs / sliced cucumber / strawberries / sourdough cheese twists / organic dark chocolate coconut pieces

banana bread muffins with cream cheese / ham / strawberries / hardboiled eggs / salad / mini chocolate chip cookie creme sandwich

barbacoa quesadillas / rice and black beans / shredded carrots and red pepper / chips and salsa / TJ's chocolate covered candies (naturally colored!)

turkey cobb salad wraps / cucumbers and yellow peppers / pita chips and hummus / strawberries / figgy pops choco crunch super snacks

veggie spring rolls with sunflower butter dipping sauce / chicken / watermelon / rice cracker mix / 2-bite brownie 

Hope that helps spur some new ideas ... HAPPY BENTO BOX MAKING!! 

Slow Cooker Barbacoa + 30 Days of Dinner!!

I've made a lot of different versions of slow cooker taco proteins, but lately I've been making this Barbacoa almost once a week. It's SO flavorful and the entire family loves it. And you can make it far ahead of time in an old school crock pot and it comes out delicious. It's perfect for anyone doing a Whole30 and we're smack in the middle of another round, so ....

Slow Cooker Barbacoa 

(slightly adapted from Gimme Some Oven's Instant Pot recipe)

Ingredients
- 2/3 cup beer, water, or beef broth (for Whole30, make sure you're using water or compliant broth)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2-4 chipotles in adobo sauce (depending on level of spice desired)
- 1 small white onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1, 4-ounce can chopped green chiles
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 lb beef chuck roast, fat trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 3 bay leaves

Directions 
1. Combine ingredients from broth through cloves into a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth.

2. Heat oil in a cast iron pan and sear pieces of chuck roast in batches, until beef is seared on all sides.

3. Add beef, pureed sauce, and bay leaves to slow cooker. Cook on slow for 8 hours. You can make this work on high for 4-6 hours, but it won't be as tender. When finished cooking, shred with two forks.

I like to serve this over cauliflower rice or Siete grain-free tortillas and with Whole30-compliant toppings. My kiddos like them in flour tortillas.

*               *               *

Day 1 (W) -- Spicy Honey Salmon in Foil, oven-baked french fries, salad
Day 2 (Th) -- Burgers, green beans, sweet potato fries
Day 3 (F) -- dinner out
Day 4 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 5 (Sun) -- dinner out

Day 6 (M) -- Seared Scallops with Caper Salsa Verde, salad
Day 7 (T) -- Grilled Chicken Tacos, sweet potato fries
Day 8 (W) -- Whole30 Grilled Lamb Loin Chops + Fingerling Potatoes with Arugula Pesto, sautéed greens beans and tomatoes
Day 9 (Th) -- Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa, cauliflower rice
Day 10 (F) --  Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri, fries, salad
Day 1 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 11 (Sun) -- dinner out

Day 12 (M) -- Moroccan Meatballs, green beans
Day 13 (T) -- Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken, salad, smashed garlic and herb potatoes
Day 14 (W) -- Sheet Pan Sausage with Veggies
Day 15 (Th) -- Honey Dijon Grilled Salmon, sweet potatoes fries, roasted cauliflower + broccoli
Day 16 (F) -- dinner out
Day 17 (Sat) -- dinner out
Day 18 (Sun) -- Grilled Tuscan Chicken, sautéed green beans, TJ's cauliflower gnocchi

Day 19 (M) -- Brinner: crab + egg scrambles, sausage, oven fries, salad
Day 20 (T) -- dinner out
Day 21 (W) -- Chicken Pesto Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, green beans
Day 22 (Th) -- leftovers
Day 23 (F) -- Slow Cooker Barbacoa, cauliflower rice
Day 24 (Sat) -- Balsamic-Marinated Grilled Chicken (basically followed this but left strawberries out), salad
Day 25 (Sun) -- Seared scallops, roasted cauliflower + broccoli

Day 26 (M) -- Cilantro Lime Flank Steak, green beans with red onions and golden beets
Day 27 (T) -- Slow Cooker Barbacoa, cauliflower rice, salad
Day 28 (W) -- Grilled Salmon with Chimichurri Sauce, roasted vegetables
Day 29 (Th) -- Brinner: sweet potato fries, poached eggs, sausage, salad
Day 30 (F) -- One-Skillet Porch Chops with Apples, baked potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts

Moroccan Meatballs + 30 Days of Dinner!!

Honestly, I miss the summers before the kids were entrenched in all day camps. I know I dreamed of those longingly when they toddled about the house as I came up with all manner of field trips and art projects. But now I hardly get to see them! We fit things in where we can, but all I've got to really share this month is more of what we've been eating. Because they are definitely EATING. 

We all love these meatballs and I always double the recipe when I make them. In case you've missed my Instagram posts of our new bento boxes (which have garnered more comments than any other posts so I'm seriously considering starting a packed bento box business), I'm making lunches this summer and the ol' turkey sandwich every day trick doesn't work now that they are older. So I make sure to use leftovers when I can. These take a bit of time to mix up, but then basically cook themselves while you can do other things. Try them! 

Moroccan Meatballs

(slightly adapted from Skinnytaste)

Ingredients
Sauce 
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 (14-ounce) cans no salt added diced tomatoes 
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin 
- 1 tsp kosher salt 
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 
- 1/2 cup green olives, chopped 

Meatballs 
- 1 lb lean ground beef 
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion 
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
- 1 tsp kosher salt 
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided 
- feta cheese (optional)

Directions
1. In a large dutch onion, sauté chopped onions for sauce with a little olive oil until just starting to brown. 
2. Add remaining sauce ingredients and stir to combine. 
3. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients—leaving 2 tbsp of cilantro for garnish.
4. Gently form mixture into 20 meatballs (don't overhandle them or they'll be tough!).
5. Place the meatballs on top of the sauce. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 35-40 minutes. 
6. Top with feta cheese and reserved cilantro to serve. 

*          *          *

Day 1 (M) - Grilled Chicken (Whole30 BBQ sauce); sweet potato fries; green beans 
Day 2 (T) - Scallops seared in ghee + olive oil with a spicy mayo sauce (Whole30 compliant hot sauce, paleo mayo, little water); cauliflower rice 
Day 3 - (W) - Paleo Jalapeño Popper Chicken Chili 
Day 4 (Th) - dinner out 
Day 5 (F) - grilled burgers and salad in NJ
Day 6 (Sat) - grilled steak and salad in NJ 
Day 7 (Sun) - Juicy Balsamic Grilled Chicken and salad in NJ 

Day 8 (M) - brinner (eggs, potatoes, salad)
Day 9 (T) - Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken over cauliflower rice 
Day 10 (W) - dinner out 
Day 11 (Th) - Paleo Cauliflower Rice Bowls with Shrimp 
Day 12 (F) - Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce; Loaded Potato Skins with Bacon; green beans
Day 13 (Sat) - leftovers 
Day 14 (Sun) - dinner out 

Day 15 (M) - Grilled Salmon Kebabs (but left filet whole and skin on); leftover potatoes; salad
Day 16 (T) - Whole30 Easy Steak Fajitas 
Day 17 (W) - dinner out 
Day 18 (Th) - Moroccan Meatballs over cauliflower rice 
Day 19 (F) - brinner 
Day 20 (Sat) - dinner out 
Day 21 (Sun) - chicken fajitas (made up as I made them)
 
Day 22 (M) - brinner 
Day 23 (T) -  dinner out 
Day 24 (W) - dinner out 
Day 25 (Th) - my birthday dinner! Delmonico steaks with chimchurri; baked potatoes; watermelon, mint + feta salad.
Day 26 (F) - Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas (sans peach salsa); cauliflower rice; salad 
Day 27 (Sat) - dinner out 
Day 28 (Sun) - brinner 

Day 29 (M) - leftovers 
Day 30 (T) - Greek Marinated Flank Steak + Hummus Plate