There’s something about being pregnant that makes me not want to cook. G’s birthday party is this coming weekend and normally this would be an excuse for me to pull out all of the stops. At her first birthday party, I made all of the food, the cake, the frosting, and the ice cream, and honestly, did not think a twice about it. When I throw parties, I love planning the food and making all of the food.

I had grand plans for this party, (just check out my Pinterest board I created). Then I had a few sleepless nights thinking about timing and egg bakes and birthday cakes and frostings and how would I possibly get all of this done with a toddler in tow. I agonized over egg bakes, people. This is pathetic.

And so I simplified. This is not going to be a from scratch party by any stretch of the imagination (and there will not be an egg bake in sight). And this week the theme for all my meals is what I can make that it is relatively healthy, fast, and easy so I don’t resort to take out every single night to preserve sanity.

Here is what we got in our CSA this week:

Sorrel

Salad Mix

Spinach

Parsnips

Green Garlic

Spring Onions

Rhubarb

Herb Pack (seedlings for basil, thyme, oregano. sage, and parsley)

Report from last week: I did use some parsnips in some apple-parsnip muffins (recipe to come this week). I did not use the saute mix. I tried making a salad with craisins, walnuts, avocados, and honey mustard dressing. It was hard to eat, lots of stems. I guess I’ll try again this week? I am having hard time gathering the nerve (and energy) to saute it. It’s pretty silly, isn’t it?

Comments on this week: I was very disappointed that we didn’t get more asparagus. I swore I saw it listed on a FB posting of what we would be getting this week. I am so in love with asparagus, I was hoping to get more. We have a few spears left for a frittata this week, but that’s it. Feeling a little overwhelmed with sorrel. Will need to get it into more salads this week!

Meal Plan:

We recently painted a door in our kitchen with chalkboard paint. I was a little nervous to do it, but I am really happy with the results. G loves it too.

 
chalkboard door

Asparagus, Spring Onion, Garlic, and Mushroom Frittata with Hashbrowns: Thought this would be a light way to end a holiday weekend and start the week. We also may add some corn that we have leftover from Saturday night.

Mexican Chicken/Chicken and Sweet Potato Enchiladas: This is such an easy meal: just throw frozen chicken breasts in a crockpot with salsa and cook it all day. I use the chicken (with a baked sweet potato) to make an enchilada bake. Manatee will just eat the chicken on a salad. The sweet potato keeps the bake from getting too watery and helps it hold shape without having to add a lot of cheese.

Lunches: Tuna Salad and Macaroni Salad: I have had the weirdest craving for macaroni salad. You know the one, peas, cheese, mayo. Super healthy, right? Going to try to make it a little healthy with Greek Yogurt and Whole Wheat Noodles, maybe even some veggies.

Baking: Rhubarb Pie: Don’t be too impressed. I use pre-made crusts.

Leftovers

Quick Gnocci and Spinach Casserole: Pulling out oldie but goodie for a quick and light dinner for the end of the week.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza and Veggie Packed Pizza Rolls:
My daughter does not like pizza. This is probably not a bad thing. My parents will be here and we are going to introduce them to the wonders of Papa Murphy’s vegetarian delite pizza and make some veggie packed pizza rolls for G. If my mom doesn’t realize that they are filled with spinach and carrots, she’ll probably eat some too.

G’s Birthday Party Menu

Like I said, simple is the key to this party. Simple and as little work as possible. I was really obsessed with egg bakes, but here’s the thing: I HATE egg bakes. I think they are disgusting. Just like I think omelettes are disgusting. I would make a frittata but we will have about 25 people here. That’s not happening. So instead, I am making a huge vat of scrambled eggs. So here’s the menu:

Croissants

Scrambled Eggs

Hot Ham (made in the slow cooker)

Platter of condiments and cheeses for making your own egg and ham croissants

Sweet Potato and Regular Potato Tater Tots

Fresh Fruit Platter (thank you Target)

Almond Coffee Cake (from my cousin’s bakery)

Mini Gourmet Cupcakes and a Bigger Cupcake for G (thank you Hyvee)

Frozen Vanilla Yogurt (thank you Hagen Daaz)

Bloody Mary Bar, Fake Mimosas, and Coffee

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So that’s what we are cooking this week. What are some of your quick and easy weeknight meals? How do you handle throwing parties: from scratch? Store bought? I’d love to hear from you.


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