For me, 2021 may be all about being deliberate, but it has been such a struggle for me to get menu plans written and posted. The actually plan writing has improved somewhat since last fall, but those plans have felt repetitive and uninspired. It’s also been a struggle to motivate myself to sit down and write at the end of the day. But here I am, deliberately choosing to write a menu plan post instead of scroll Instagram.
In terms of trying to make my menu plans work for me, I am embracing a certain amount of predictability. I’ve returned to my slow cooker Monday/Brian makes tacos Thursday/pizza Friday structure which removes just enough decisions to make my planning feel both easier and leave room for creativity. A couple weeks ago, I decided this will be the year I figure out my favorite pizza crust recipe and try some new topping ideas. You can follow along each Friday evening on my Instagram stories. Please send along any suggestions you may have!
The Pick Ups

The Plan
leek and potato soup
lasagna with spinach salad (frozen pepper strips for the 4-year-old)
leftover lasagna
roast butternut squash, lentils and goat cheese over pasta
Brian makes tacos
pizza
sausage and spinach quiche with sweet potato fries
Basque Rice and Kale Chowder (Cooking Light)
Slow Cooker Beef Stew (Cooking Classy)
sesame noodles with carrots and cabbage
Lemon Chicken (Southern Living) with rice and spinach salad
Brian makes tacos
pizza
Chickpea cakes from The Meat Lover’s Meatless Cookbook, with sides TBD