Tag: recipes

Uncategorized

A Message To My Friends

JoLeave a comment

Hi friends! If your reading this, you are a friend. As all of you know, I do have a chronic illness, in fact a number of them lol, but you all know this season zaps even the best of us. As I have detailed here, December tends to hit my body and brain like they’re part of an obstacle course on a game show I never signed up for. And when you’re running full throttle and still falling short, something’s gotta give.

I don’t want to fall short here, especially because none of you are demanding anything from me. I can practically hear you saying, “We know all this,” with a dramatic eye roll (mostly my teen doing the heavy eye-rolling, let’s be honest — the rest of you are far too polite)

So here’s the deal: while I’ll absolutely keep sharing my random stories, chaotic life lessons, and general nonsense you didn’t ask for but still graciously read, I’m hitting pause on the menu/recipe posts until the week after Christmas. The holidays take a lot out of me, and if I don’t give myself extra gentleness, I end up wobbling like a Jenga tower in a windstorm.

That said, don’t be shocked if a cookie recipe sneaks its way in — December is long, and sometimes sugar is a coping mechanism. And for those of you navigating estrangement or heavy emotions this time of year, you get it. This season gets to the best of us… and I am very much not the best of us, so it does a number on me.

Thanks for sticking around, for reading, for being here. I appreciate you more than you know.
There will be a George update soon as there is a family of them outside my window. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, for real be extra kind to yourselves, and each other!

Uncategorized

Survival and Sanity Wk 29-30

JoLeave a comment

You ever have one of those weeks where time evaporates, laundry multiplies on its own, and your partner disappears for seven days like they’re on a side quest you definitely didn’t authorize? Yeah. That was my week. Which means today’s meal plan is brought to you by: Survival Mode But Make It Edible™.

This is a reserve-based, spoon-friendly, chronic-illness-approved, “I have three brain cells and two are fighting” kind of schedule. Six meals involve actual cooking (mostly crockpot because we respect our energy). The other nights? Reserves. Frozen. Pantry. Leftovers. Whatever doesn’t require you to stand upright for more than four minutes.

If that’s your vibe too, welcome home.

THIS WEEK’S MENU

Cooked Meals:

  1. Tuesday Crockpot Salsa Chicken Bowls
  2. Thursday Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Pork Roast + Potatoes
  3. Sunday Crockpot Honey Teriyaki Chicken (No weird sauces, promise)
  4. Tuesday Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice (No Creamy Stuff!)
  5. Thursday Crockpot Tuscan Chicken & Potatoes (Light, Brothy Version) (Not creamy — just herbs, garlic, broth, and sunshine.)
  6. Sunday Sheet Pan Italian Chicken & Veggies

Reserve Nights (1–2):

  • Frozen pizza, frozen enchiladas, freezer soup, freezer breakfast burritos, rotisserie chicken + bag salad… whatever you have in the stash.

And boom — another week fed, fueled, and officially handled, even if we handled it while lying horizontally with one sock on and exactly zero energy left. Reserve-based meal planning is basically the cheat code for spoonie life: cook when you can, stash when you can’t, survive the rest of the time on whatever doesn’t require opening the oven.

If you make any of these recipes, tell me which one your family inhaled first. Mine always pick the salsa chicken because apparently we’re a Taco Tuesday household… regardless of the actual day. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other!

Recipes 29&30
Shopping list Wk 29&30

Uncategorized

🍁 Two-Week Fall Comfort Menu + Reserve Snapshot Wk 27 & 28

JoLeave a comment

Fall is for fuzzy socks, warm dinners, and absolutely not overcomplicating your grocery list. This round of my two-week reserve-based meal plan is all about cozy, comforting food that doesn’t require you to play kitchen martyr. We’re talking about meals that fill the house with that “mmm, someone’s cooking something amazing” smell — without requiring you to stand too long or juggle twelve pans.

Like always, the plan mixes a few cooked meals with reserve-based options — things you can pull together fast from your pantry or freezer when energy or spoons are running low. The goal: flexibility without frustration. You deserve to eat well, even on the days that don’t go as planned.

So grab your list, sip your coffee, and let’s make sure the next two weeks taste like comfort and sanity.

🥘 Cook Meals

  1. Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie — Creamy, cozy, and low-effort. Add frozen veggies, shredded chicken, broth, and biscuit topping.
  2. Sheet Pan Sausage & Potatoes — Chop, toss, roast. One pan, minimal cleanup, maximum yum.
  3. Beef Tips with Gravy + Mashed Potatoes — Comfort classic. Slow simmer or use the crockpot if you want to make it even easier.
  4. Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Garlic Butter Rice — Quick skillet dinner that feels fancy without being fussy.
  5. Loaded Baked Potato Night — Bake or microwave potatoes, then set out toppings like cheese, butter, and green onions for a build-your-own vibe.
  6. Simple Spaghetti or Noodle Bowl Night — Customize with what you have on hand — sauce, veggies, or even leftover meat.

🥫 Reserve Meals

  1. Breakfast for Dinner — Eggs, toast, or breakfast sandwiches. Always hits the spot.
  2. Soup Starter Night — Toss frozen veggies, broth, and leftover meat or rice in a pot and call it done.
  3. Wraps or Sandwich Night — Turkey, ham, or whatever deli meat is handy.
  4. Ramen Remix — Doctor up instant ramen with egg, spinach, or leftover veggies.
  5. Snack Board Dinner — Cheese, crackers, fruit, pickles, whatever looks good on a plate.
  6. Emergency Frozen Meal — Whether it’s pizza, burritos, or something store-bought — no guilt, no dishes.

Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Recipes
Shopping List
Uncategorized

🍗 Two-Week Reserve-Based Crockpot Menu: Chicken, Sausage & Beef Edition (Wk 27&28)

JoLeave a comment

Because ovens are rude and we deserve ease.

Let’s be real — chronic illness, neurodivergence, parenting, and general life chaos don’t care that dinner still has to happen.
So here’s a two-week, reserve-based crockpot plan that keeps you fed without a meltdown.

You’ll cook just three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday) and still have enough food for reworks, leftovers, and “oops, I forgot to defrost something” days.

🐔 TUESDAY: Chicken Day

🥣 Salsa Crockpot Chicken

The OG lazy girl dinner. Don’t mess with perfection.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen corn or a can of diced tomatoes (drained)

Instructions

  1. Dump it all in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4.
  3. Shred it up and mix before serving.

Serve With: Rice, tortillas, or potatoes.
Reserves: Use leftovers in quesadillas, nachos, rice bowls, or over pasta.

🍽️ Chicken & Veggie Bowls

Healthy-ish. Easy. Zero oven time. We love that for us.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs chicken (breasts or thighs), chunked
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • ½ onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Toss it all in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low 5–6 hours or high 3–4.
  3. Stir before serving to coat everything evenly.

Serve With: Rice, quinoa, or in wraps.
Reserves: Toss leftovers into scrambled eggs or pasta for a second meal.

🌭 THURSDAY: Sausage Day

🍝 Sausage & Peppers Pasta

A classic one-pot wonder — but make it a slow cooker.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups broth
  • 8 oz pasta (add later!)
  • Italian herbs, salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Add everything except the pasta.
  2. Cook on low 5–6 hours or high 3–4.
  3. Stir in uncooked pasta 30–40 minutes before serving (add a splash of broth if needed).

Reserves: Bake leftovers with cheese or thin it out for soup.

🥔 Sausage, Potato & Pepper Hash

Like a diner breakfast but without having to move.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 ½ lbs potatoes, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. Grease crockpot lightly with oil or spray.
  2. Toss everything in and mix well.
  3. Cook on high 3–4 hours or low 6–7, stirring halfway through.

Serve With: Fried egg on top or a warm roll.
Reserves: Wrap leftovers in tortillas for breakfast burritos.

🥩 SUNDAY: Ground Beef Day

🌶️ Lazy Chili Mac (No Beans)

It’s comfort food that won’t fight your stomach.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cooked ground beef
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups elbow noodles
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Add everything except noodles to the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low 4–5 hours.
  3. Stir in noodles 30 minutes before serving.

Reserves: Serve leftovers over baked potatoes or tortilla chips.

🍚 Beef & Rice Bowls

Your freezer meal hero.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cooked ground beef
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked rice
  • 3 cups broth
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, pepper, paprika

Instructions

  1. Combine everything in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3.
  3. Fluff before serving.

Reserves: Wrap in lettuce or tortillas, or top with fried eggs.

That should last us into November, wow it flies by, til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

recipes
Uncategorized

Two-Week Spoonie Menu: The “We Survived the Plague” Edition Week 25 & 26

JoLeave a comment

We got hit hard this round — hubby brought home some sort of mutant cold that ran through the house like a toddler through a toy aisle. Everyone took turns coughing, whining, and refusing soup (because of course). The good news: we’re on the mend, and I’m finally feeling ready to cook again… in moderation.

So, this week’s menu leans heavy on reserves, comfort, and low-effort dinners that still taste like you tried. Three cook days (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday) with flexible leftovers and built-in sanity savers. Nothing fancy, just survival-mode delicious.

Week 25

Sunday – Crockpot Salsa Chicken

  • Cooking Method: Crockpot
  • Ingredients:
    • 2 lbs chicken breasts
    • 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Directions:
    1. Place chicken in crockpot, pour salsa over it, sprinkle with spices.
    2. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
    3. Shred chicken and serve over rice, in tortillas, or with a salad.

Monday – Reserve Meal

  • Leftover salsa chicken over rice or salad.

Tuesday – Crockpot Italian Chicken & Veggies

  • Cooking Method: Crockpot
  • Ingredients:
    • 2 lbs chicken thighs
    • 1 cup baby carrots
    • 1 cup potatoes, diced
    • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Directions:
    1. Place chicken and veggies in crockpot.
    2. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a little salt & pepper.
    3. Cook LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.

Wednesday – Reserve Meal

  • Leftovers from Tuesday; can toss with pasta or eat as-is.

Thursday – Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies (not crockpot)

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb sausage (turkey or chicken)
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 zucchini, sliced
    • 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
    • Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder
  • Directions:
    1. Toss all ingredients with olive oil and seasonings.
    2. Roast at 400°F (205°C) for 25–30 minutes, turning once.

Friday – Reserve Meal

  • Leftovers from Thursday.

Saturday – Reserve Meal

  • Quick scramble, salad, or grain + protein from reserves.

Week 26

Sunday – Salsa Chicken (repeat, make extra for Monday)

Monday – Reserve Meal

  • Leftover salsa chicken.

Tuesday – Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken & Rice

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 lbs chicken thighs
    • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
    • 1 cup broccoli florets
    • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • Directions:
    1. Place chicken in crockpot, pour sauce over.
    2. Cook LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
    3. Add veggies in last 30 minutes of cooking.
    4. Serve with rice.

Wednesday – Reserve Meal

  • Leftovers from Tuesday.

Thursday – Crockpot Creamy (Light) Chicken & Mushrooms (dairy-light)

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 lbs chicken breasts
    • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • Salt & pepper
  • Directions:
    1. Place chicken and mushrooms in crockpot, pour broth over.
    2. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper.
    3. Cook LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.

Friday – Reserve Meal

  • Leftovers from Thursday.

Saturday – Reserve Meal

  • Quick grain + protein + veggie, or scrambled eggs + toast + veggies.

Reserves / Backup Meals Ideas

These are quick, simple, and interchangeable for non-cooking days:

  • Rotisserie chicken + microwavable veggies
  • Pre-cooked frozen grains (rice, quinoa) + frozen veggies + protein
  • Eggs scrambled or hard-boiled + toast + fruit
  • Canned tuna or chicken salad (without mayo)
  • Salad kits with added beans, eggs, or cooked meat

recipes
Groceries
Uncategorized

Survival & Sanity Week 25 & 26

JoLeave a comment

Listen, meal planning is basically the Olympics of adulting. And if you’re running low on spoons, have kids who think chicken nuggets are a food group, or just don’t want to set your house on fire trying to “whip something up” after 5 p.m., you need a plan that’s simple, flexible, and doesn’t judge you for eating tacos three times a week if you want to.

So here it is: two weeks of real-life dinners that use reserves, leftovers, and a little bit of bacon for moral support. You don’t need to spend an hour chopping. You don’t need five obscure spices you’ll never use again. You just need this list and a fridge that sort of cooperates.

Week One

Monday – Crockpot Tacos
Let the crockpot do the heavy lifting. Dump in meat, seasoning, maybe some tomatoes, and boom—taco night without the skillet babysitting.

Tuesday – Leftovers or Reserves
Translation: fridge roulette or that frozen pizza you “forgot” about.

Wednesday – Leftovers or Reserves
Yes, again. You deserve it.

Thursday – Leftovers or Reserves
See above.

Friday – Salsa Chicken
Chicken, salsa, crockpot. It shreds itself. If only the laundry did.

Saturday – Leftovers or Reserves
The theme is intentional.

Sunday – One-Pan Chicken Fajita Bake
Chop, toss, bake. Minimal effort, maximum flavor. No stovetop juggling act.

Week Two

Monday – Sheet Pan Sausage, Potatoes & Veggies
Cut, toss, roast. Bonus: your house smells amazing, like you’ve been cooking for hours instead of 20 minutes.

Tuesday – Leftovers or Reserves
Champion-level laziness, rebranded as efficiency.

Wednesday – Bacon & Veggie Fried Rice
Bacon makes everything better. Toss it with rice and veggies, and suddenly leftovers feel fancy.

Thursday – Leftovers or Reserves
Nothing like a break day to make Friday’s meal feel even easier.

Friday – Crockpot Creamy Ranch Chicken
Chicken, ranch packet, cream cheese, done. If your crockpot had a fan club, this would be the poster child.

Saturday – Leftovers or Reserves
Consider it a chef’s night off.

Sunday – (Optional Swap Night)
Tired of chicken? Grab something from reserves or takeout without the guilt. The system’s built to bend.

Why This Works

  • Built-in leftovers mean you don’t waste food or energy.
  • Reserve-friendly lets you swap in pantry/freezer staples on the hard days.
  • Minimal chopping, maximum flavor because you’ve got better things to do than wrestle with 15 ingredients.

This isn’t about perfect dinners. It’s about feeding yourself and your people without burning all your spoons in the process. And honestly? That’s more impressive than any five-course meal.

👉 Want the full recipes and grocery list? Scroll down . Dinner crisis = solved. Take care of yourselves, and each other!

recipes
Groceries
Uncategorized

Survival & Sanity Weeks 23 & 24

JoLeave a comment

Cooking every day in the summer heat? Hard pass. This two-week menu is built around my reserve system: you cook three times a week, then remix the leftovers into totally new meals so nobody gets bored (or starves when you’re out of spoons). Think tacos that turn into nachos, sausage that morphs into pasta or sandwiches, and crockpot chicken that somehow ends up on nachos, wraps, and even pizza.

Because honestly—our lives are chaotic enough. Dinner should not be.

Sunday (Cook): Crockpot Tacos (big batch ground beef or turkey)

  • Serve: traditional tacos
  • Reserve ideas: taco rice bowls, taco pasta, nachos, quesadillas, taco salad.

Monday (Reserve): Taco Rice or Taco Pasta (stretch w/ noodles or rice)

Tuesday (Cook): Sausage–Potato–Pearl Onion Skillet

  • Serve: as hearty skillet dinner.
  • Reserve ideas: leftover skillet → breakfast hash (with eggs), or quick reheat over toast.

Wednesday (Reserve): Sausage & Peppers (use extra sausage cooked Tuesday, stretch w/ tomatoes + peppers)

  • Serve: on bread (subs/hoagies) or tossed into pasta.

Thursday (Cook): BBQ Meatballs (crockpot w/ grape jelly + BBQ sauce)

  • Serve: over egg noodles.
  • Reserve ideas: meatball subs, meatball quesadillas, meatball + rice bowls.

Friday (Reserve): Leftovers (meatballs or tacos—dealer’s choice).

Saturday (Reserve): Light day: eggs, sandwiches, snack board, or finish stragglers from the week.

Sunday (Cook): Crockpot Sloppy Joes:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (or half beef, half ground sausage if you like it richer)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (or 1–2 pearl onions, minced, if you want to use your fresh ones)
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional but good for bulk & flavor)
  • 2 cans sloppy joe sauce, or you can make your own if you are feeling ambitious

🌞

Monday (Reserve): sloppy joe left overs, or tangy over buttered noodles so yum!

Tuesday (Cook): Crockpot Salsa Chicken (shred a big batch)

  • Serve: w/ pasta side.
  • Reserve ideas: chicken wraps, chicken rice bowls, chicken nachos, salsa pizza (premade crust).

Wednesday (Reserve): Leftovers or “pantry day” → sausages, eggs, or odds & ends.

Thursday (Cook): Ground Beef Dinner (easy mid-week)

  • Option A: Homemade Hamburger Helper (one pot)
  • Option B: Beef + Rice skillet (seasoned like dirty rice or taco-style).
  • Reserves: beef wraps, stuffed peppers, or mixed into scrambled eggs.

Friday (Reserve): Leftovers (ground beef meal or BBQ chicken).

✅ All cook days = make enough to stretch at least 1–2 more meals.
✅ Fresh tomatoes & pearl onions featured in Week 1 Tuesday + Wednesday.
✅ BBQ + crockpot dishes carry flavor without oven time.
✅ Balanced “heavy / lighter” flow so you don’t feel bogged down.
This is everything you need for 1 meal every day which is about all I manage. If you manage more, try some fresh fruit and cereal. If you manage THAT then clearly you don’t need me I should be learning from you LOL. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Wk 23& 24 Groceries
Wk 23 & 24 recipes
Uncategorized

Survival and Sanity Week 21 & 22

JoLeave a comment

Two Weeks of Sanity-Saving Dinners: The Reserve-Based Meal Plan That Keeps Me Sane (and Fed)”

If you’ve ever stared into your fridge at 6:47 p.m., wondering if coffee counts as dinner… hi, hello, welcome. Pull up a chair.

I’ve been there. Actually, I live there — in that fun little corner of “I want to eat real food, but executive dysfunction, fatigue, and a body that hates me say otherwise.” That’s why I started reserve-based meal planning. It’s not fancy. It’s not Instagram-perfect. But you know what? It works.

Here’s the deal: I only cook three times a week — Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday — and I build in enough “reserve meals” to handle the days in between without me having to think, chop, or remember what day it is.

This new 2-week plan is heavy on chicken and kielbasa, with some ground beef tossed in because my teen would eat ramen for every meal (and often does) if I let her. Everything is simple, budget-friendly, and spoonie-approved.

How It Works

  • Cook Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday. Big batches, double recipes, whatever it takes.
  • Reserve Days: Meals that are already made or almost zero-effort to throw together.
  • Zero-Guilt Days: When you order pizza instead. It happens. Own it.

This Week’s Plan

  • Week 1 Cook Days:
    • Garlic Butter Kielbasa & Veggie Skewers (no pineapple, because no thank you but by all means, its an optional add on)
    • Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake (lighter sauce, extra cheesy flavor)
    • Taco Night (make extra meat for another meal)
  • Week 2 Cook Days:
    • One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies
    • Kielbasa & Potato Skillet
    • Ground Beef Chili Mac (leftovers = instant win)
    • Simple Reserve Options (Single-Dish / Minimal Prep)
    • Chicken strips / nuggets (frozen) – microwave or oven
    • Grilled or pre-cooked sausages / kielbasa slices – heat in skillet or microwave
    • Mac & cheese – boxed or microwaveable
    • Quesadillas – just tortillas + shredded cheese, optional leftover meat
    • Pasta with jarred sauce – just boil noodles and pour sauce
    • Frozen veggies – steamable in bag
    • Instant rice / microwaveable rice packets – pair with protein
    • Frozen pizzas or flatbreads – heat & eat
    • Eggs – fried, scrambled, or boiled for super-quick meals
    • Snack plates – cheese, crackers, fruit, raw veggies

Everything — recipes, grocery list, and instructions — is laid out below so you can print, save, or just pull it up on your phone while you stand in the middle of the grocery aisle wondering if you already have paprika at home. (You don’t. Buy more.) Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other!

Recipes
Groceries
Uncategorized

Hot Weather, No Problem: 2 Weeks of Summer Dinners That Won’t Heat Up Your House

JoLeave a comment

Your August-friendly, spoonie-tested meal plan with recipes, reserves, and a grocery list that won’t make you sweat (literally or figuratively).

Because it’s August. The sun is trying to kill us. I don’t know about you all, but I’m over this heat! Bring me sweater weather! And the idea of turning on the oven is borderline offensive while mother nature is giving us this 100+ degree nonsense.. But we still need to eat, right? So here’s a two-week dinner plan designed to save your spoons, your sanity, and your electric bill. I went a whole summer once with only using the crockpot. Lots of research went into it but it did help not having to run the oven, and limited running of the stove top. You’ll see strategic “reserve” nights for leftovers or backup meals, plus flexible recipes using what you’ve already got.

🍽️ Week 17 and 18 Menu (Crisis-Friendly and Summer-Approved)

Sunday:
🎉 Out to Eat – It’s My Daughter’s Birthday!
(If you’re not celebrating someone’s life, I still give you full permission to skip cooking.)

Monday (Reserve Night):
Snack plate, leftovers, or a no-cook rescue meal

Tuesday:
🌭 Sausage, Peppers & Potatoes Skillet
→ Just toss sausage slices, bell peppers, and diced potatoes into a skillet. Season with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and tender.

Wednesday (Reserve Night):
Use what’s left or pretend cheese and crackers is a full meal. (It is, hence lunchables exist.)

Thursday:
🍝 Pasta with Meat Sauce
→ Brown ground beef or sausage, stir in tomato sauce, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning. Serve over cooked pasta. Easy, satisfying, barely a sweat.

Friday (Reserve Night):
Whatever’s easiest. Pizza, wrap, cereal… judgment-free zone.

Saturday:
🧄 Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rice + Green Beans
→ Chicken breast cut into chunks, seared in garlic butter with herbs. Serve with rice (instant is fine!) and green beans, frozen or fresh.

🍽️ Week 18 Menu (Low Heat, High Reward)

Sunday:
🥘 Crockpot Chicken & Peppers over Rice
→ Chicken thighs or breasts + sliced peppers + garlic + a little broth and salsa in the crockpot for 4–6 hrs. Serve over rice.

Monday (Reserve Night):
Dinner roulette: whatever shows up when you open the fridge.

Tuesday:
🥔 Loaded Potato Bowls (Dairy-Free)
→ Roast or skillet-fry diced potatoes. Top with leftover chicken or sausage, green beans, onions, drizzle of olive oil + garlic salt.

Wednesday (Reserve Night):
No stress. Pull out leftovers or do DIY sandwich night.

Thursday:
🍅 One-Pot Garlic Herb Pasta
→ Pasta, diced tomato, garlic, and herbs cooked in one pot with water or broth until creamy and tender. Olive oil instead of butter or cream. Done.

Friday (Reserve Night):
No cooking. Everyone fends for themselves. That’s self-care.

Saturday:
🍲 Stovetop Chicken & Rice with Garlic Broth
→ Chicken sautéed with garlic and onion, simmered in broth with rice until fluffy and flavorful. Comfort food without the oven.

🧠 Spoonie Tips for Sanity:

Reserves = You win at meal planning even when you don’t cook.

Cook extra rice or pasta and use it again later.

Crockpot liners are your BFF.

Thats all I’ve got for you today folks, just over here trying not to melt lol. Til next time, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Wk17
Uncategorized

Survival and Sanity Reserve-Based Meal Plan: Weeks [Insert Numbers Because I Lost Track LOL]

JoLeave a comment

(its 15&16 I did go back and look)]

Chronic Illness Friendly • ADHD Approved • Neurospicy Tested

Welcome back to another two weeks of me pretending I’ve got it together. I do not in fact, have ANYTHING together and this week has taxed my brain so much I am ready to not have to make the dinner decisions for a few more weeks. Does this work for you guys? I have found I am spending less on groceries. (Thanks for the tips about my low spoon days btw!) This is how I keep myself from crying into a crumpled DoorDash receipt: six planned dinners that don’t require Michelin star skills, plus reserve meals to fill in the gaps when I’m too tired, too sore, or too done with everyone’s nonsense to cook.

Here’s what I’ve got for you:
A 2-week plan.
Six home-cooked meals.
Eight “reserve” meals pulled from pantry, freezer, or leftovers.
A printable grocery list.
Recipes that don’t require you to pretend you’re a Food Network star.

Because some days you’re Julia Child. Some days you’re just a tired gremlin trying to survive until bedtime.

The Lineup: What We’re Cooking

Cook Days (3-4x per week)

These are meals you’ll actually make with fresh-ish ingredients and some degree of effort.

1️⃣ Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Juicy chuck roast, spicy giardiniera, hoagie rolls. Perfect for people who forgot to plan dinner but did remember how to dump things into a crockpot.

2️⃣ Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Stovetop)

Savory-sweet chicken served with rice and frozen stir-fry veggies. Quick. Easy. Tastes like you tried.

3️⃣ Garlic Butter Chicken Bites (Skillet)

Pan-fried happiness in butter and garlic, paired with green beans and potatoes (microwave or skillet — you do you).

4️⃣ Smothered Chicken & Rice Bake

One pan. Chicken thighs. Rice. Cream-of-something soup. Zero regrets.

5️⃣ Kielbasa & Potato Skillet

Hearty, fast, requires almost no brain cells. Bonus points if you add onions.

6️⃣ Baked Pasta

Cheesy, saucy, optionally beefy. Feeds a crowd or just you for three days.

Reserve Days (4-5x per week)

These are your “I cannot even” days. Pantry, freezer, leftovers, and minimal thought required.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (reserve buns, chips, pickles)

Chicken Fried Rice (leftover rice, frozen veggies, quick stir-fry)

Leftovers (Italian Beef, Kielbasa, Pasta)

Frozen pizza

Pantry pasta + jar sauce

Breakfast-for-dinner (pancakes, eggs, cereal, who’s judging?)kles)

Chicken Fried Rice (leftover rice, frozen veggies, quick stir-fry)

Leftovers (Italian Beef, Kielbasa, Pasta)

Frozen pizza

Pantry pasta + jar sauce

  • BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (reserve buns, pulled chicken)
  • Chicken Fried Rice (rice + strips + frozen veg)
  • Leftover Italian Beef
  • Kielbasa & Potatoes leftovers
  • Frozen pizza
  • Pantry pasta + jar sauce
  • Freezer sandwiches
  • Breakfast for dinner (eggs, toast, sausage)

🎯 Why This Works (For Me, Maybe You Too)

You’re not overspending on groceries you’re too tired to cook.

You’re only cooking 3-4x a week.

You’ve got backup meals in reserve.

You’re not reinventing the wheel every night.

You get to stop asking, “What’s for dinner?”
Thats all I got today guys, til next time, take care of yourselves, and each other!

Recipes
shopping list