Life is always busy for our family, but the month of April feels especially rushed. From Tim’s birthday celebrations to the boys’ school events to Easter preparations, I barely have a moment to breathe. That’s why we’re slowing things down this week with home-cooked meals that feel like a hug for your soul. I love each and every one of these dishes, and your family will too!
High-Protein Monday: Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Before you scoff at the thought of cottage cheese in pasta Alfredo, let me put an image in your mind. Silky smooth sauce… melty cheese… thick noodles. I love how much protein this recipe has, and it only takes 15 minutes start to finish!
Hot tips
- Add even more protein with cooked chicken, bacon, or shrimp. Or, add in your favorite cooked veggies!
Crispy Tuesday: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs have been a lifesaver for me on so many busy weeknights. I literally just toss the thighs with garlic parsley salt and paprika, pop them in the air fryer for 25 minutes, and dinner is served!
Hot tips
- If you don’t have an air fryer yet, this one is my favorite.
- Serve the thighs with leftover pasta from yesterday, or make a batch of cilantro lime rice. If you’re craving fresh veggies, enjoy a side garden salad.
Warm Wednesday: Italian Sausage Kale Soup
When I think of this sausage and kale soup, the words “light,” “filling,” and “easy” float across my mind. I can eat several bowls without feeling heavy, and it truly is so simple to throw together when you’re hangry (speaking from experience).
Hot tips
- If you’re not a fan of beans, skip them and double up on the sausage. For more heartiness, add chopped potatoes to the broth and simmer them for 20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.
- I love how well this soup reheats! I highly suggest making a double batch for lunches.
Slavic Thursday: Halushki (Ukrainian Dumplings)
You guys, these dumplings are so nostalgic for me. My grandma would always make them with crispy bacon, mushrooms, and onions — they’re seriously so good!!
Hot tips
- I love pairing the dumplings with marinated tomatoes, olivier potato salad, or pickled cucumbers to cut through the richness.
Meaty Friday: Pan-Seared Lamb Chops
What better way is there to end the week than with a “boujee” meal (as my boys call it)? As impressive as these lamb chops look, they’re actually crazy easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for them to marinate!
Hot tips
- Look for the thickest lamb chop rack at the store or market — get the most bang for your buck.
- Check out my Youtube tutorial for a visual step-by-step!
- My go-to sides for lamb chops are roasted potatoes, roasted cauliflower steaks, chimichurri, and tzatziki sauce. Yummm.
Snack of the Week: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Sometimes I get irresistible cravings for heat — and that’s when I look to these poppers as a solution. They’re spicy, cheesy, and guaranteed to be devoured as an appetizer or snack at your next party.
Dessert of the Week: Brioche Donuts
If you think donuts are hard to make, this recipe is for you. I’ve included a ton of tips to guarantee fluffy, sweet, and perfectly risen donuts every time. My mouth is watering just thinking about them!
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