At the risk of getting a little bit too geeky, I recently found myself sucked into an online vortex – a debate about which Jedi was truly returning in “Return of the Jedi.” Growing up, like most kids glued to our screens, we all assumed it was about Luke Skywalker finally stepping into his Jedi Master shoes. But then, the prequels happened (was “prequels” even a word before “The Phantom Menace”? Discuss amongst yourselves!), and a wild new theory emerged: Maybe the Jedi being returned was none other than Luke’s complicated, sand-hating father, Anakin Skywalker (spoilers, but come on, it’s been decades!).
Seriously, this kind of deep-dive nerdery made my brain feel like it was doing the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs – a little overwhelming, to say the least. So, to regain my sanity, I did what any responsible parent would do: I plopped down on the couch with my son and re-watched the prequels. (Yes, even “Attack of the Clones.” Someone has to suffer for their art.)
But all this Jedi philosophizing got me thinking about other things that deserve a “return.” Namely, sharing my weekly meal plans! Yes, the menus haven’t vanished. We still meal plan with the fervor of a lightsaber duel. It’s the only way I can wrangle a family of six into eating something resembling a balanced meal without losing my mind.
And unlike George Lucas with his “special editions,” I won’t make you wait years for more content! (No offense, George, we still love you… mostly.) So, without further ado, the triumphant return of the meal plan!
Sunday: Pizza Night
Details: A classic for a reason! We usually do a homemade dough as I’ve taught 3 of the kids how to throw ingredients into the bread machine. Toppings are a free-for-all: fake chicken, veggie overload, and maybe even a pineapple abomination for the brave (or foolish).
Pro-Tip: Make extra dough and freeze it for a super-quick mid-week pizza fix.
Monday: Pan Fried Noodles & Scallion Pancakes
Details: A bit of Asian-inspired comfort food. The noodles are a great way to use up leftover veggies, and the scallion pancakes are surprisingly easy and always a hit.
Personal Touch: I like to add a drizzle of chili oil for a little kick.
Kid-Friendly Modification: Serve plain noodles for picky eaters, and let them dip their pancakes in soy sauce.
Tuesday: Jambalaya
Details: This one-pot wonder is perfect for a busy weeknight. I throw in veggie sausage and a ton of veggies (basically look for any veggie you can cook in your fridge and throw it in). It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes great leftovers.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice to your family’s preference! I usually go mild for the kids and add a dash of hot sauce to my own plate.
Wednesday: Enchiladas and Tilapia
Details: A double-header! I make vegetarian enchiladas for the majority, and air-fried tilapia with a squeeze of lime for those who prefer fish.
Time Saver: Turn your enchiladas into a casserole ahead of time to make Wednesday night a breeze. I keep at least one of these in the freezer at all times.
Thursday: One Pan Salmon, Gnocchi, and Veggies
Details: This is my go-to “I don’t want to do dishes” meal. Everything cooks on one sheet pan, and it’s surprisingly delicious and healthy. Veggie Variation: Use whatever veggies you have on hand – broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, etc.
Gnocchi Tip: Use pre-made gnocchi for a faster clean up.
Friday: Shabbat Shalom & Turkey Gyros (with a Dairy-Free Twist!)
Details: Friday night is a special one for our family – Shabbat dinner! It’s a time for us to gather, reflect, and enjoy a delicious meal together. This week, we’re combining our traditional Shabbat elements with a fun, interactive gyro bar. We’ll start with the blessings over candles, wine (or grape juice!), and challah, setting a peaceful and celebratory tone.
Turkey Gyros: We’ll set up a gyro bar with warm pita bread, seasoned ground turkey, and all the fixings (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers).
Dairy-Free Tzatziki: Knowing that keeping a Kosher kitchen means separating dairy and meat, our tzatziki will be a delicious non-dairy version. We will use a base of non-dairy sour cream, blended with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
Family Activity: Let everyone assemble their own gyros. The interactive nature of this meal makes it perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable Shabbat dinner.
Shabbat Enhancement: We will include a nice salad, and some roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Saturday: Shabbat Lunch – Quiche & Stuffed Shells (Hot Plate Friendly!)
Details: Saturday is Shabbat lunch, a time for continued rest and community. We want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to reheat on a hot plate, maintaining the spirit of Shabbat.
Quiche Extravaganza!: We’ll prepare our quiches – a classic spinach quiche and a pizza quiche – with reheating in mind. Quiches are excellent for this purpose, as they hold their shape and flavor when warmed slowly.
Stuffed Shells: These Italian comfort food classics are also perfect for a Shabbat lunch.
- Reheating Tip: Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in a shallow, oven-safe dish. Add a little extra sauce to prevent them from drying out during reheating..
Sides: We’ll supplement the main dishes with a pre-made cold salad and some fruit, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm dishes.
