What This Mama Made- A Week Of Good Cheap Eats (4)
You may have noticed it’s been a little while since my last menu plan post. Life’s been busy, and a little crazy. I’m human, and some weeks, it’s easier to serve peanut butter + jelly sandwiches a few nights a week. After all the craziness, I’m finally starting to get back in to planning ahead, and to tell you the truth- it feels good. As always, trying out a new cookbook is so (nerdily) fun for me, so keep reading for a look at our week of Good Cheap Eats.
OUR WEEK OF GOOD CHEAP EATS MEALS
First, Let’s Get This Out Of The Way
I want to make sure this is clear up front, guys. First, I’m not a dietitian, doctor, food photographer, baker, or chef. I’m a mom who really isn’t a great cook, trying her best to put some relatively tasty, not-too-unhealthy food in front of her picky kids each evening. You won’t find 100% organic, from scratch, or totally restrictive menu ideas here. I plan to share what we’re really eating- processed portions and all. Second, you’ll notice I only plan 5 meals each week. My parents inevitably invite us over one night, or we meet them out, or just eat leftovers one evening… Planning for 5 meals is more ‘do-able’ for us, and means we are less likely to waste food when plans change last minute.
Oh, scratch that! Between soccer games, family plans, and other craziness, menu planning got a little off track. So this time, I only planned for 4 meals, and filled up on leftovers the other night. Gotta be flexible, and do what works for your family, right?!
What Inspired Our Family Meals This Week?
I was wandering through the bookstore a few weeks ago, and came across a cart with clearance titles. Since I’m a total cookbook nerd, I was thrilled to find Good Cheap Eats for a super reasonable price! Jessica Fisher, who created both blogs Life As Mom and Good Cheap Eats. Let’s face it friends- I have 3 kids, the grocery bills aren’t gonna get smaller on their own! I was excited to see if GoodCheapEats could help.
The Family Meals + The Family’s Thoughts
Lemony Linguine With Broccoli And Mushrooms
Served with: fresh blueberries + salad; parmesan sprinkled on top.
#thebigone: ★★★★
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★
Would we make it again? We will! #thelittleone is pretty anti ANY sort of extras on pasta, so I wasn’t surprised he requested plain linguine. The rest of us liked it a lot, and it wasn’t hard to put together. Definitely a GoodCheapEats favorite for us!
Mac (And Ham) And Cheese Casserole
Served with: fresh watermelon + salad.
#thebigone: ★★★★★
#thelittleone: 0
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★
Would we make it again? It won’t be one of our most frequent meals, but I’ll definitely prepare it again- especially since #thebigone loved it SO much! #thelittleone usually loves mac and cheese, so I was surprised he wasn’t a fan, but maybe he’ll be more receptive next time I serve it.
Sloppy Fo’s
Served with: buns, salad, blackberries + strawberries.
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★★
Would we make it again? Absolutely! I couldn’t find the suggested focaccia while I was shopping, so we went with typical rolls instead. It was still delicious. #thebigone didn’t get a chance to try this dish, but I’m pretty sure he’s going to like it when I make it next time!
Cranberry-Pesto Pasta Salad
Served with: corn on the cob, fresh veggies with rosemary hummus, kiwi + plums.
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★★
Would we make it again? Yes, yes, yes- 100%. I honestly wasn’t sure what I would think about this salad, which is technically a side dish. But I prepared it to bring as part of a picnic meal, and I couldn’t love it more. It was great as leftovers the next day too.
Notes:
- Meals rated out of 5 stars.
- ‘N/A’ for #thebigone generally means he was with his dad and couldn’t try the meal.
- ‘N/A’ for #thelittleone generally means he ate his fruit and side dishes, but didn’t try the main course.
- We don’t force the kids to eat anything, but don’t cater to them either. I always serve fruit with dinner though, so even a picky kiddo will find one thing they’re happy to eat.
- Liking our dishes and trays? We mainly use the Pillowfort line from Target!
- Curious about other meal ideas from Jessica? Check out Not Your Mother’s Make-Ahead And Freeze Cookbook. (It’s definitely on my wish list now!)
