Day 1: Baked chicken, Fridge dump

Day 2: Goulash

Day 3: Broccoli and cheddar quiche, Fruit smoothie

Day 4: Homemade pizza, Tossed salad with carrots and olives

Day 5: Beef pot roast, Steamed asparagus, Fruit salad

Day 6: Soup from frozen supply, Banana bran muffins

Day 7: Tacos, Guacamole

Notes: Read the notes from a previous meal plan regarding the fridge dump. Also note that this week I am using the leftover lentil soup from a couple weeks ago that I froze. Feel free to look through the blog archives and recipes to find other soups that I’ve made in the past if you don’t have a frozen supply. If you are making from scratch, make sure to double the recipe and freeze half so that you are prepared for those busy weeknights!

I did not grow up near my grandparents. Every time we would make the long trip to visit my grandmother, she would have a pot of goulash waiting for us. You know how those memories can instantly connect you to a meal, making it taste extra special? I don’t have my grandmother’s exact recipe. I actually don’t think she even had a recipe. She would just throw a bunch of things in the pot. I’ve tried to replicate the recipe over the years, and the above is as close as I have been able to come. I hope my kids also have loving memories of this dish!

Green tip of the week: Don’t throw your batteries out! Place a cup or bag near the area where you keep your spare batteries and label for recycling. When you go to change batteries, place the old ones in the cup/bag. When it is full take them to recycle. There are many places that collect batteries. You can go to Batteries Plus Bulbs, some office supply and hardware stores will take them, even some grocery stores have a drop off. Ask around your local stores or go to www.call2recycle.org or Earth911.com to find a recycling location. Another option is to purchase a set of rechargeable batteries to use for items that you change frequently, such as remote controls. Often you can find discounted rechargeable batteries at Costco. Although they cost more than single use batteries, you don’t have to worry so much about them corroding and they can be used for years. When they wear out, you can recycle those too.