We’re a young family, with a three-year-old and a baby still under a year old. I don’t really love the term “in the trenches.” I see the way grandmothers smile at me at the library, and I know I’ll miss these days. One day, when I’m old and gray, and I see a young mom with little ones in tow, I’ll smile at her, remembering fondly the days when I had my own little ones.
Taking time to meal prep for the weekend allows me to slow down, and enjoy these cold winter days together as a family.
Friday Night Takeout
On Friday night I rotate between takeout type foods that I can make from home. I do our grocery shopping on Friday, so I can pick up what I need that day. A few of our favorites are;
- Pizza
- Shake n Bake chicken KFC style with mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, and biscuits.
- Chicken fingers, garlic bread, coleslaw, and fries.
- Burgers and fries. Add a milkshake for fun!
- Chicken sandwiches and waffles fries.
Because we do have littles (did I mention we have littles?) it is more relaxing eating at home than trying to take them to a restaurant and I feel a little better knowing that I made it.
Saturday Morning Pancakes (or waffles)
On Saturday morning we have a pancakes and waffles. It feels like a special, Saturday morning thing to do. If you’re out of eggs, pancakes and bananas will do. If you’re having a birthday, add bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and orange juice.
Saturday Night Pasta Night
On Saturday night we have pasta. This is easy to meal prep on Friday, and have it waiting in the fridge. But even if I don’t, I can throw together a pasta in the time it takes to boil water and cook noodles. A few of our favorites are;
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Lasagna
- Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Cheesy chicken, bacon, ranch pasta
- Alfredo with bacon and chicken
- Carbonara, my husband’s favorite
- Mac and cheese
Pasta is also really hosting friendly. If you have last minute guests, it can be stretched by adding a big salad, and a bowl of garlic bread. It’s loved by children and adults alike. It’s also a low stress, comforting meal to feed guests. It can be made in advance, so you’re not rushing around executing the bake time of different components of the meal (Thanksgiving I’m looking at you).
Sunday Day of Rest
I have made a whole post about what we eat on Sunday, to create a day of rest.
Even if I don’t get around to any meal prep for the weekend, just knowing what’s on the menu for the weekend makes all the difference. I don’t have to think what’s for dinner tonight. I know we’re having “takeout’s” and waffles and pasta. This menu is also very husband friendly. Some husbands are excellent cooks, some wives take on the role of cooking, but I do believe most husbands can make pancakes and pasta and burgers too.
