One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. And breathe. Valentine’s Day was a bit of a whirlwind here, what with a sick child at home and swimming lessons right in the middle of it. Here we are on the other... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. I head out this week to Nashville. I’d like to say this meant I’ve been planning ahead and making sure the family will be fed, but I really just started thinking... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. We dressed in our finest and headed out into the night: a pirate, a cat, a Clone Trooper and a dragon. Within 45 minutes, we were spent and hungry. (Well, the pirate stayed... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. I have to tell you that I’m not feeling much like menu planning. We had a mock Thanksgiving dinner over the weekend, and after a marathon day of cooking and testing... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. The sun is setting on summer, and my kids are headed off to school tomorrow. Still, my garden is flourishing, and there are plenty of tomatoes and squash blossoms to go around.... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. This week’s menu is dedicated to gardens everywhere overflowing with zucchini. It is also dedicated to my love and my kids’ love for broccoli, but dressing it... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. It’s still very much spring here in Minnesota. The skies are gray, the rain is wet, and the air is cold. I’m looking forward to the summer warmth whenever it... more