Thicc Kitchen’s Weekly Meal Plan
By: Tori McGeehon
November 19th – 23rd 2018
Figuring out what to make for dinner every night just got easier! I know everyone dreads the question, “What do you want to eat?” and a reply of the classic “I don’t care, what ever you want…” and the back and forth bickering until eventually one person gets what they want and the other is left to mosey on with the choices the other made.
Let’s skip that tiring argument and take a look at all the craving-satisfying meals I have planned out for you this week…
You’re welcome.
If you would like to learn a little bit more about what Tori does and who she is,
check out this page we put together for her!
Meet Tori McGeehon!
Monday
CAPRESE CHICKEN & GARLIC PASTA
Did the weekend go by just WAY to fast?? Ya mine too, still trying to figure that one out… but Monday doesn’t have to be that bad when you have this mouth watering dinner to look forward to! This pasta is so EASY to make and I mean are you actually looking at it? It’s beautiful, fresh, fun, and did I say EASY???
Tuesday
SIMPLE & HEARTY BAKED TILAPIA W/ WILD RICE & HONEY ROSEMARY GLAZED CARROTS
DO NOT be alarmed at the title of this recipe! This meal will only take you 20 minutes tops to prepare but don’t tell the family that, it’ll look and taste like you have been slaving away all day in the kitchen. Not a fan of fish? Don’t worry, you can swap it out with chicken, just prepare it the same way, and you will still have a perfect, hearty flavor pairing!
Wednesday
CRANBERRY APPLE PECAN CHICKEN WRAP
Let’s take advantage of the fall fruits and flavors before winter really hits us! Wednesdays are hard, thinking about how close we are to the weekend but just not quit there yet… it’s depressing I know. So, I am being nice and keeping today easy for ya!
Thursday
!!THANKSGIVING !!
So obviously today is the day we all get together and stuff our faces with endless supplies of food. Instead of choosing a meal for today, (that you aren’t going to eat because remember… endless supply of food day) I have chosen to give you some of my favorite Turkey Day tips, tricks, and suggestions:
- This is the most important step right here, so LISTEN UP! I want you to buy a big bottle wine or EXTRA large pack of beer, not into that? Well, then take 3 shots (I’m your alcohol doctor for this day) of your favorite juice of the devil and RELAX. Everything happens for a reason and if you mess up… OH WELL! Look at it as next years story you can all laugh at.
- I would suggest not going balls to the wall with your thanksgiving prep and WRITE IT DOWN. I always like to make time lines and a list of all the stuff I am making so I can always check myself from time to time .
- DO NOT over do it okay, don’t burden yourself with trying to make every classic Thanksgiving dish. That’s what friends and family are for. If you’re hosting this year’s Thanksgiving, I’m 98% sure they would love to help out and bring a dish or two.
- I feel like everyone should know this but hey, who am I to judge… THAW YOUR TURKEY ASAP. Let’s say you by a 15lb turkey (average size) YOU BETTER thaw that bird AT LEAST 3 days in advance in the refrigerator, if you’re nervous, take another day.
- Did I mention alcohol?
- Don’t be afraid to make things a day ahead of time. You don’t necessarily have to cook everything that you make if you get what I’m throwing down. Let’s say you need to make green bean casserole and corn casserole … just mix the dishes the day before, but don’t cook them off until Thanksgiving day! And desserts, FORGET ABOUT IT! Do not feel bad about making pies, cookies, or cakes the day before just store them in air tight containers in the refrigerator!
- Don’t worry about doubling a batch if you feel like it isn’t going to be enough to feed all your guests, JUST DO IT! Why not be safe AND have yummy left overs?
- Following up with that last tip, don’t be stingy with the products you choose to store left overs in or send home with people. Having the proper food storage containers and baggies always helps with food safety, sanitation, and of course keeping your food fresh longer!
- With all the food you will be buying and storing, (I do this around every holiday season) just make it easier on yourself and CLEAN OUT YOUR FRIDGE, you will thank me later (and yourself if you take this advice)!
- The last thing I’ll leave you with is this: everyone is bound to spill something. It’s always nice to have a stain remover handy , your guest will surely appreciate it !
Friday
CREAMY MUSHROOM SOUP
I’m sure by now we are all well aware that it gets darker earlier, it’s colder, much colder. But basically, it’s the perfect recipe for a nap (or a good night sleep) so lets set into hibernation a little faster with this warm, creamy, full-of-flavor soup!
Alternative Friday
It’s the day after a major holiday where we stuff our faces and STILL get sent home with food! I get it if making dinner is the last thing you want to do, so here are some tips for reheating that thanksgiving dinner:
Always utilize the gravy, it helps with restoring moisture. Or, if you want to go all out, save some turkey or chicken broth and use that when reheating your leftovers. Another helpful tip, skip the microwave and use the oven for reheating. It wont leave you with a rubbery texture. Lastly, my favorite thing to do… Lather some left over rolls in mayo and a little minced garlic, then layer stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce and bake at 350*F until the cranberry sauce starts to get all oozey (DROOLING)
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
If you’re like us, some nights there is just too much going on to find time to cook! On those nights, convenience takes precedence. That doesn’t have to mean you are giving up quality, though! We asked Tori for her expert advice on those days that we’re just too tired or busy to prepare a meal.
This week, she recommends supporting THESE local establishments:
“Life is rough. I get that you won’t always have time, motivation, or brain power to keep running to the store, making dinner, or even thinking about a meal plan… thankfully, we have A TON of great places that do all that for you in the QC.”
Greatest Grains
I think it would be amazing if while preparing your grocery list for the big day, (Thanksgiving) you could try to utilize all the fresh, local ingredients and supplies that Greatest Grains has to offer! Not only are you giving back to your community but you are getting high quality, health conscious, local products. Also, in general, this place is so cool just to check out. They have such a huge variety of things you can’t find at any chain store!
Website: http://greatestgrains.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatestGrains/
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Eastern Iowa Baking Company
Are you in charge of bringing a dessert? Hate baking? Love supporting your community? Then I suggest you check out Eastern Iowa Baking Co. They have so many cakes, cookies, and pies to look at and of course BUY !
Website: https://www.easterniabaking.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Eastern-Iowa-Baking-Co-210992242296918/
Meatheads Meat Market
Need some meat for the big day? … That’s basically all I have to say because what are you waiting for? The quality of meat at this place is INSANE. Please don’t think they only have meat, either. They have so many seasonings, candies, spices, bake-ware, cook-ware, & SO MUCH MORE. Please just check it out in general because you are missing out!
Website: http://www.meatheadsmeatmarket.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadsMeatMarket/
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As always, if you have any questions about my recipes or suggestions please reach out! Also, of course, let me know some of your favorite QC food related establishments or anything you would like me to check out!!
. . .
Thanks, as always,
Tori McGeehon
If you would like to download our FREE printable for this weeks Menu Plan…Simply login to view the download link below. If you don’t have a local account…you can sign up now for free here.
(A new updated download will be available every week so you can create your very own ThiccKitchen Cook Book/Meal Planner for FREE!)
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