Hello my lovelies.
I suspect you’re here for the Week In Review today or maybe just to see my smiling face and hear my melodic voice. I understand, although I am going to mix things up just a bit. You see sometimes I switch things up, break my own rules and throw caution to the wind; it’s good for the soul. I hear chicken soup works well too.
Sigh…Back in the blonde days.
The Hubby going back to school has changed things in my little world.
In case you missed it, he’s a full-time student again in a different state. He comes home only on weekends, and when he is here, he spends most of his time with his nose in a book, writing out index cards or prattling off unpronounceable names of pharmaceutical drugs. So, I get him on weekends, and the great state of Pennsylvania entertains him during the week. Lucky ducks (sorry too much Duck Dynasty; so much so, I broke the DVR. Oops).
Even though Pennsylvania is responsible for entertaining my man; I’m still in charge of feeding him for a variety of reasons: 1) he likes my cooking, 2) he’s too busy studying to spend hours in the kitchen and 3) we’re down to one income so spending excess cash going out to eat isn’t really an option. Plus, if I found out he was soliciting some fast food dive, there’d be hell to pay. I can tolerate a lot of things, McDonald’s isn’t one of them.
So on weekends, the Hubby comes home for a little hanky panky and to restock his various Tupperwares with food. My role is to send him back to school smiling and with an abundance of eats. The smiling part is easy; some may say it even comes naturally. Wink, wink.
The food though….well, I’ve learned putting together an entire five days worth of meals every weekend is really quite challenging, so much so I’d call it an art form. Obviously because I’m doing it, it should be an art form. I’d tell you to try it sometime, but since there’s no real reason for you to actually do so, you’ll have to take my word for it. Honestly, you should probably just take my word on a multitude of things; it’s easy for all involved.
“What the hell does any of this have to do with the Week In Review,” you ask?
To which I respond, “Very good question, although you really should stop cursing. It’s not at all lady like.”
I’ve decided instead of recapping all my wonderful goings on this past week, and they were wonderful (hello Duck Dynasty), I’m going to review what went down in the kitchen instead. For clarity purposes, all of the about to be mentioned meal creations took place on Saturday or Sunday and before you say it, yes I did get carried away. In my defense (of course I have one!), the Hubby lost three pounds last week so a little craziness was in order; there is poundage to be made up. That’s sounds dirty, and I wasn’t even going for dirty. I guess I’m a natural.
Let’s get listing:
- I made a batch of Banana Peach Muffins on Saturday morning. They didn’t make it to see Saturday night. They were good, but I think they need some nuts. Heck, we could all use some nuts.
- I blanched and froze seven cups of green beans.
- I bagged, tagged, and made ready for the freezer last weekend’s pesto and creamy cilantro spread.
- I made Garlic, Rosemary and Sage Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. ♫ One little, two little, three little fingerlings. Four little, five little, six little fingerlings. ♫ I did mention some melodic musings today.
- I paired those same potatoes with fried eggs and two types of toast: Mediterranean Herb and Granola Bread. The Hubby went back to school with half a loaf of each. He left the potatoes for me because he knows my love for the spuds is strong. Smart man.
- I shredded my phallic veggies and made a batch of Zucchini Squash Fritters. Half stayed with me and the larger half went with the Hubby.
- I made a Thai Inspired Veggie Soup and split the winnings with the Hubby. Below are the fixings because I haven’t gotten around to photographing the final product yet. Clockwise from top left, we have carrot sticks (yes I cut them like that), green beans, yellow beans, purple bell pepper, red Carmen pepper, celery, and red onion. Also into the soup went half a cabbage, and I do mean the cabbage I got in my CSA back in July. I’m amazed the thing is still good. Then again, I haven’t eaten the soup yet. Hmmm….I’m sure it will be fine.
- Since I was in the throes of chopping veggies for my soup, I figured “ef it; let’s just keep on chopping.” I’m sure there was some type of pump up song playing on my iPhone at the time because I spent all day, and I do mean all day, in the kitchen, busting out a shitton of food. There was plotting involved and a quick look at recipes before serving bowls were grabbed. Then I just started throwing chopped onions, peppers, and garlic into their new respective vehicles.
In my mind, they all made sense, and I had a plan for each of them.
- I put the Veggie Pizza right to work on Saturday night. It was a blend of sautéed carrots, yellow beans, and banana peppers, coated in pesto, and then topped with mozzarella and Asiago cheese.
- I also whipped up and froze a batch of Peas and Crayon’s Sweet Potato and Chickpea Burgers. Yes, this is my bazillionth time making these, and yes, they’re that good. Obviously. The Hubby took half of these across state lines, along with some Creamy Pesto Dip which makes the perfect topping to these lovely patties.
- While it was very kind of me to make him some veggie burgers, I went all Martha Stewart on his ass and made some meatballs to go along with my tomato sauce, which simmered on the stove all day Saturday. I will say it takes a special kind of vegetarian to do this; one that’s not scared of holding meaty balls in her hand. I, my friends, am that type of vegetarian. I also make a mean meatball; at least from what I can remember.
- Last but most certainly not least, I whipped up another Strawberry Peach Cobbler because I had peaches and more importantly a sweet tooth. I blame those salty spuds, whom I love almost as much as the Hubby. Almost.
Whoever said cooking isn’t a labor of love is wrong; just wrong. Alright, I’m not sure anybody really ever said that; I just didn’t know how to wrap up this post. Consider me guilty as charged.
Any ideas on meals I can make for the Hubby? Or kitchen shortcuts? I’ll take any help I can get.
—————————————————————————————–
I’m pretty sure I’ve rambled on long enough. Now it’s your turn.
Interested in participating in the Week In Review…good, you should be.
- Your post should be about all the things you accomplished in the last seven days or so.
- Your post can be about food, social outings, workouts, home improvement projects, fun excursions, none of the above, or all of the above. The idea is to recognize all the things you accomplished in the past seven days. It’s an ode to yourself, a celebration of sorts, and a virtual pat on the back. Plus you get to write in list form, which rocks my socks. Although if you want to stick to prose go ahead; it’s your world.
- Add the Week in Review button to your post, link back to Clean Eats, Fast Feets and get your list on.
- Or you can be like me and make up own your rules. If you can justify it, I’ll accept it. How’s that for lenient?
Giiiiirl did you get your braces off? Your smile is look great :)! Your hubby is one lucky guy- look at all these eats!! Although I gotta say- a man that leaves you potatoes is clearly worth holding on to…and cooking for!
Man I wish! That picture is from last summer before I had the braces put on. The Hubby’s a lucky man, probably because he’s smart enough to leave the leftover potatoes.
Ok, I definitely like food a little TOO much, because this has basically been my favorite WIR so far haha. I could literally talk about food non-stop all day. Oh, and I LEGITIMATELY laughed out loud at ” the Hubby comes home for a little hanky panky and to restock his various Tupperwares with food”. Seriously woman, you make me spit out my coffee more than I care to admit 😉
Your favorite WIR yet. Very nice; I’m glad you approve, and I’m glad I make you spit out your coffee on the regular. It makes me happy.
that must be hard having him gone all week. Hopefully it’s not a 4 year degree he’s after!!!
It’s a three year program for pharmacy school. It’s definitely weird having him gone all week; the house is much more quiet, except the bumps in the night…those are ridiculously loud.
Holy crap, you cooked a lot! I would like to place my order for those potatoes, the chickpea burgers and a loaf of the grainy bread, please and thank you so much.
I did cook a lot. I think I even exhausted myself and as soon as I recover, I’ll make you a batch of potatoes and chickpea burgers…both vegan I might add. Then again, that’s probably why you requested them. For the bread, I’ll direct you to The Breadsmith. It’s a locally owned bakery (although they are a chain) so you might be able to find one in your area. Their bread is out of this world.
Sooo…instead of making this #diningsolo thing happen, can I just come over and eat with you?? These meals look freaking epic!! THOSE MUFFINS! and those BURGER! AND THAT PIZZA..shiiiitttt..so yum. You are a saint to your husband haha.
We could do #diningsolo together. I think you’d really like the burgers; they’re vegan and delicious. Oh and I’ll be sure to tell the Hubby you think I’m saint.
I want that pizza ASAP! 😉
It was delicious.
I’m in the same boat as Jessie with the laughing… probably shouldn’t be reading blogs in class but it was all I could do not to laugh out loud (there may have been a small snort).
It looks like a delicious weekend of eats and as everyone has already said the Hubby is a lucky man (and a smart one for leaving you those potatoes). I love the organization in your veggie prep (and would expect nothing less from your OCD self).
So sorry to hear about the DVR, maybe a book is a good next step? 😉
I’m thrilled to hear I made you laugh out loud…in class no less. No go focus on your studies. 😉
I hadn’t attributed the veggie prep organization to the OCD, but come to think of it….I think you’re onto some there.
The DVR has been fixed so I no longer need to read a book; silly girl. Truth: I love books and having been tearing through the latest and last Maeve Binchy.
Meghan,
Excellent photos, I’m especially enamored of the stone-on-stone action. I’m glad to know the jars of Thai stuff are getting a work out and not languishing . . . so, how’s the sourdough starter?
My Map My Walk stats are all buggered up because of the unexpected addition of two elderly wiener dogs my spouse adopted, even though he’s still deployed and I’m the one feeding, cleaning up after, and walking said elderly wiener dogs:
WORKOUT SUMMARY for 09/09/2013 – 09/15/2013
13 workouts
8 routes
28.4 total dist. (miles)
8.3 hours (because wiener dogs have tiny legs)
2,582 kcal burned
Some very wise soul suggested I place my dishes on stone. Very wise indeed. 🙂 It only took me a couple weeks to clean it enough where I felt comfortable putting food on it. Plus, I had to get a different floor mat for the back door. Still totally worth it.
I still can’t believe you adopted two weiner dogs in addition to Simon, the kids, the garden and one (I wish it was two) composting pigs. This had to be during one of the spouses buying phases, yes? The Hubby might be lucky, but you are a saint.
I had all of these nice, appropriate things to say about your meal prep…. but real it can all be summed up with a question.
Will you come down to ATL and go Martha Stewart on my ass too?
Nice and appropriate things….now that wouldn’t be at all fun. 😉
I’d happily go Martha Stewart on your ass (now that’s awkward) although I suspect you could teach me a thing or two about meal prep….like how to shave a couple of hours off my time please.
You did ALL of that on Saturday and Sunday? Yowza… stop making me look bad! I barely prep enough for the day… never mind for the whole week ahead. As for meals that you can make your man, how about a big pot of chili? It’s getting around that time of the year again, and chili is easy to whip up in mass quantities.
And you’re right… I really do need to stop cursing so much…
This was the largest amount of food prep I’ve ever done in a single weekend. It was sheer madness, and I loved the first eight hours of it. Not gonna lie; the back half was a little tiring though.
Chili is a great idea. I actually made a huge Crockpot full a few weeks back and then I froze it all because it was 85 degrees out. I should do another batch soon and throw in some ground beef for the Hubby.
Wow, this is like meal prep times 10! I’m impressed!
I’ve actually had an easy dinner every night this week because of it. I had no idea I could accomplish so many kitchen marvels in only a handful of days. It was a ton of work though.
Thanks for stopping by.
Is the Hubby staying in an apartment or a dorm? I’m assuming an apartment but I just figured I’d ask (hopefully I didn’t miss an explanation on that because I already feel stupid for bringing it up. haha.).
Meal prep queen over here! Okay, not really, but I do make up multiple chickens/beefs every week in the crock pot to take to school so I do have some skill. Lol. As does my lovely mother who helps me 🙂
I think you are doing great with all of the meals! I will be sure to keep an eye out for any delicious recipe inspiration that I come across. But if you haven’t already, The Lean Green Bean always has great food prep days on her blog.
He’s actually staying in a house. We have friends in Erie so he’s staying with them, and I don’t think I ever shared that so you missed nothing.
I know with school and your dietary restrictions, you must have to do a ton of food prepping too, and I’m so glad your mother helps out.
I need to check out The Lean Green Bean. Thanks for sharing.
Omg, I LOVE this! Especially the pic of the pre-chopped veggies followed by your “plan” for them! Chopping frenzy…it happens to the best of us…and I DO mean the BEST of us! 😉 I’m gonna HAVE to get in on some of this granola bread I’m always hearing you talk about when I come visit…and might I make a special request to have it in the form of your foodpornirific blueberry grilled cheese?
I’m SO proud of you! Not only because we are kitchen b!tchin’ twins, but because you do it with the right amount of flare…and the perfect amount of sexual innuendos! Ha, I said “do it”!
Why thank you, my dear. That picture took some work too. I could not get good lightning for anything, and everytime I got it all set up, the sun would move.
I would be happy to make you a blueberry grilled cheese on the famous Granola Bread, although I have been dabbling in the peach grilled cheese as of late. Either way though, grilled cheese will be on the menu.
You said “Do it.” Hee, hee, hee, hee. We may end up being like Beavis and Butthead when we’re actually together. “Do it.” Ha, ha.
Hahaha! One of the MANY reasons why I love you! Mmmm, peeeeeeeaches! I have two in the fridge right now that I’m kinda maybe sorta hoarding at the moment! 😉
Hang tight. Recipe is coming to Laura’s Strange But Good on Friday. If you don’t think they’ll last that long, let me know and I’ll shoot you an email with the recipe.
Well aren’t YOU just the sweetest! I’m just now seeing this and getting all warm and fuzzy inside with the thought of getting special treatment! 😉
Your meal planning is seriously impressive…my mom is a big fan of the make-ahead lasagna as well (veggie or meat). She buys those disposable foil pans and freezes either half, or the whole thing…she used to send them back to college with my brother, and I know he and his roommates approved!
Keep up the stellar kitchen work 🙂