What’s for dinner this week? Try Cajun Honey Chicken, Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, Slow Cooker French Dips, and more simple, family-friendly ideas.
Hello, my friend! What have you been up to this week? Here’s what’s new with me and a handful of easy dinners you can make without a big shopping trip.
I got a haircut.
I had a major haircut and I’m transitioning back to my natural gray. After a year of coloring and a lot of damage, I decided to cut my losses and let the gray grow in. The cut is short now, and I’ll trim it again in a few weeks as more gray comes in to remove the colored hair. I’m oddly excited about the change—timed with the end of the boys’ school year so I can ease into it over the summer.
I spoke in public.
Public speaking is out of my comfort zone—I work at home for a reason—but I was invited to join a panel at a local SF event for brand reps and bloggers. I sat with another blogger and a moderator for about 45 minutes to answer questions. I was nervous, but it went well and it pushed me out of my usual routine.
I put cottage cheese in grits.
That might not be earth-shattering news, but it describes my week: cooking with what I had on hand. I didn’t make a big grocery run, so I improvised meals from pantry and fridge leftovers. Below are the recipes I relied on and a few quick-fix variations if you need dinner on the table fast.
- Cajun Honey Chicken Bowls
- Quick Fix: Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and cook in a hot iron skillet with a splash of olive oil. In the last few minutes, top each piece with pickled jalapeño slices and a slice of provolone or your preferred cheese. Cook until the cheese melts and serve with steam-in-bag green beans and sliced tomatoes for a fast, flavorful meal.
- Pizza Chicken over Quinoa
- Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Quick Fix: If you have salmon on hand, season fillets with soy sauce and lemon, then bake at 375°F or sear in a hot skillet. Serve with baked potatoes and a green vegetable for a simple, balanced plate.
- Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
- Warm Spinach Salad with Chicken and Lemon Dressing
These recipes and quick fixes are ideal when you want flavorful dinners without a lot of fuss or a long grocery list. Mix and match sides, use what’s in your fridge, and don’t be afraid to improvise—sometimes the best meals come from leftovers and a little creativity.