Easter weekend is always hectic over here, but I must confess that I love the chaos. Family time is so precious to me, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. With that in mind, I’ve created this menu to honor the family recipes that have stayed close to my heart over the years. Each of these meals is tested and approved by the people I love, so now I’m passing them on to you!
Pita Monday: Greek Pita Pockets
Who doesn’t need a Mediterranean-inspired meal once in a while? These pita pockets are stuffed with sautéed beef and veggies, fresh tomato and cucumber, and feta cheese.
Hot tips
- Use thinly sliced boneless top sirloin or ribeye for the best results.
- I get my whole wheat pitas from Trader Joe’s, but you should be able to find them at most grocery stores.
- Add tzatziki sauce for a creamy, herby pop. Or, whip up avocado hummus and spread it on the pita.
Grain Tuesday: Buckwheat with Mushrooms
Most people who grew up in the Slavic culture have eaten their fair share of buckwheat. I’m obsessed with this hearty, nutty grain, and the addition of sautéed mushrooms makes it even better!
Hot tips
- I buy this buckwheat from Amazon or a local Eastern European grocery store to ensure quality.
- Omit the mushrooms if you don’t like them. For more veggies, add sauteéd or roasted butternut squash, bell peppers, asparagus, green peas, or carrots.
- If you have any leftover beef from yesterday, it’ll taste amazing with this dish!
Kid-Friendly Wednesday: Chicken Loaf
I know, it’s a strange name, but this version of meatloaf is such a hit in our family. It’s lighter than the traditional meatloaf made with ground beef, and I love how easy it is to mix-and-bake.
Hot tips
- This is the perfect opportunity to use up any stale bread laying around! Use a food processor to grind it into breadcrumbs.
- Switch up the ketchup with BBQ sauce or another of your favorite condiments.
- Serve the chicken loaf with any leftover sides from Monday or Tuesday.
Steamy Thursday: Sorrel Soup
Many people are familiar with borscht, but sorrel soup is a less known treasure of Slavic cuisine. It’s known as “green borscht” because of the sorrel leaves. My boys ask me to make this soup on a regular basis because it’s simply that delicious.
Hot tips
- I always grow sorrel in my garden, but you can usually find it at Whole Foods in a pinch.
- Complete the experience with a hefty dollop of sour cream and a pinch of fresh dill.
- This soup tastes even better over time, so enjoy it for lunch in the days to come.
Pasta Friday: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
What can be better than a steaming plate of juicy shrimp and creamy pasta? I always feel like I’m at a fancy restaurant when I eat this dish, but it only takes 30 minutes to make in the comfort of my own home!
Hot tips
- Look for large, raw shrimp with the tail-on for the tastiest, juiciest experience!
- Buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself… trust me. It melts so much smoother and tastes better than pre-grated Parm.
Breakfast of the Week: Banana Pancakes
Are you looking for a way to use up ripe bananas? These sweet, fluffy pancakes are the perfect solution, and they’re ready in 15 minutes. I love the punch of banana flavor!
Dessert of the Week: Cherry Vareniki
Our family is obsessed with vareniki in general, but these ones are truly on another level. They’re bursting with fresh cherries, so easy to make, and a satisfying sweet treat year-round!
Click Here to Download the Menu and Shopping List!
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