Thank goodness for food. To be honest, I’m not quite sure how to transition back into my normal blogging, but I’m ready to. It feels amazing to pour my heart out, but it also feels good to get back to my routine. This week has been all over the place with obvious lows and still some tears, but several highs too in the form of support and kindness, and also my mom coming to stay for a couple days. As a family we are picking up the pieces, holding onto the memories and moving forward. So I need to do the same here.
Thus, food. My love language.
I don’t take pictures of my food as often as I once did when I wrote in a more diary-esque style, but I do still snap pictures of dinners occasionally to share and look back on myself during meal planning ruts. I put them all in a photo folder labeled meals lately, and once it hits 6 or 7 pictures, I feel it’s a good time to toss them into a post!
I’m going to keep them all organized under the tab dinner ideas, because I’m creative in my titling like that.
So let’s get to the good stuff…
Simple Crockpot Pot Roast over Mashed Red Potatoes
I used stew meat instead of a chuck roast and it worked great. Switching the quartered potatoes in the meal for mashed red potatoes as a base was a good move, as I was able to soak up all the gravy so I didn’t waste a bite.
Golden Red Lentil Dal with Cilantro Speckled Basmati
I don’t often do vegetarian dinners because so many that I’ve tried leave me feeling unsatisfied, but this one was a hit! I loved the coconut curry flavor and the heartiness of the lentils. It definitely satiated my appetite and I will make it again, maybe with a 1/2 tsp of cayenne for a little kick (love my spice!) and sprinkle in a little more salt, as I’m always worried about over-salting on the first go ’round. I am excited to eat the leftovers again for lunch today and am grateful it made a large portion.
Chicken Nachos with Dippers
I really should dedicate an entire post to how I make nachos. It’s something I’ve perfected over the years and they’re always delicious because, well, you can’t really mess up nachos and you can use whatever toppings you desire. And yes, I do actually consider them a healthy dinner idea. When made at home I can control the toppings, amount of cheese, type of chips (or use roasted sweet potato rounds!) etc and I can pile on as many delicious veggies as I’d like.
Pulled Pork and Roasted Veggie Bowls with Kraut
I couldn’t remember if I had shared this one before, but it’s a really comforting bowl of deliciousness for colder months. There is no recipe, though I use this homemade BBQ sauce and this method of cooking the pork. Then I piled it on roasted potatoes, roasted Brussels, tomatoes and kraut.
I honestly don’t do a lot of stir fry meals, but I was drawn to this one because it was packed with so many fresh veggies. Though I think my cutting skills are sub-par since it took me about 30 minutes to prep rather than the 15 I anticipated, it did make for a healthy weeknight switch up.
Simple Salsa Chicken Wrap
I’m a toppings kind of girl for chili, sandwiches, wraps, pizza- anything really, so I hesitated to make these a last minute dinner with a fridge so empty from toppings, but I need to remind myself that crock pot salsa chicken can hold its own just fine. Just 3-4 chicken breasts and about 2 cups of salsa in the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours makes for an easy and satisfying wrap filler.
Have you eaten any share-worthy meal recently?
John J. says
Tasty comfort food and your Mom’s presence help set the re-set button. Hugs to all as you move forward.
Kate says
Healthy comfort food does make you feel good, or at least better!
That lentil dal looks delicious! I’m adding this to my meal plan for next week. I need to change things up a little. I’ve been loving Miso Ramen lately – you can’t beat a hearty soup with a little bit of spice during the winter months…
Melissa says
I am going to try this lentil dish next week. It sounds delicious!
I made a vegetable curry a few days ago using soaked and blended cashews as a cream base. It was very good. I had never done the cashew cream before. Last night we had a cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole that was a hit with the whole family. Talk about comfort food!
I am so sorry to hear about Koda. I know there’s no such thing as ‘just a dog’. They are family.
Brynn says
I’m currently obsessed with my crockpot. My favorite is chicken, beans, peppers, onions and your favorite salsa. Easy and super delicious! You can switch up the taste based on the type of beans and salsa. Pork with verde salsa is a favorite.
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
And now I want nachos at 8:30 in the morning! 😉
kelly says
Yes please to a nacho “recipe’!!!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
Brittany, this is kind of random, but I LOVE that you profess how often you eat meat. So often in the blog world, I feel alone in my affinity for dark meat! I have nothing against veganism or vegetarianism at all (in fact, I was one for two years and loved it), but ultimately it came down to some nutritional needs I was lacking and meat was the easiest way (for me) to fulfill them. And… i love a good gyro or hamburger.
I would love that post dedicated to your nachos! That picture was drool-worthy.
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
I find that collecting photos and then organizing a post around them works great for food too. If I’m trying to transition from a rough week back into regular life and blogging, it’s helpful. I hope having it to focus on makes this transition to the “new normal” as smooth as possible, though it isn’t easy.
Tracy says
My goodness some great simple dinner ideas here! I’m all over those lentils! I remember seeing them on OSG but never made the recipe. Must make ASAP!
When you say you used stew meat, do you mean the already cubed meat you buy at the meat counter?
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, already cubed! We took part in a cow share this year, so we had 2 pounds in the freezer. It worked out great. And yes, try the OSG recipe- yum!
Heather says
Yes please for a nacho post! We are big nacho fans, but try as I might, I can never get them quite perfect. I’d love new tips and ideas!
Stephanie says
I recently pinned the Oh She Glows red lentil dal. Glad to hear it’s good! I’ll have to make it soon!
Josephine sharpe says
Being pregnant at the moment I am craving spicy and you were my inspiration Brittany. I have been devouring for breakfast avocado toast with poached eggs and hot sauce. My husband thought I was mad, I told him it was your idea 😉 Fajitas have been featuring a lot too chicken versions and my favourite grilled steak, with grilled peppers, guacamole, corn, tomato and cheese. This weeks lunches were bbq pulled pork and carrot and cabbage coleslaw.
Brittany Dixon says
Tell your hubby to try it- avocado toast and eggs is amazinggggg 😉 And I craved spicy when pregnant too! Enjoy! 🙂
elizabeth says
Looks delicious! I would definitely try this.