Easy Weekly Dinner Menu #116: Unwelcome Surprises

6 Comments
3 minutes
March 10, 2023
Andi Gleeson

This easy weekly dinner menu features BBQ chicken burgers, chicken fried rice, slow cooker red beans and rice, and lots more!

This easy weekly dinner menu features BBQ chicken burgers, chicken fried rice, slow cooker red beans and rice, and lots more!

click here to go to menu

Thursday I went to pick up my little one from preschool, only to be told that there would be no school on Friday for teacher development. (I’m not sure why this development couldn’t have happened last week during spring break…) This is not great timing (like it’s ever convenient to get the no-school surprise) because I was supposed to go somewhere Friday morning: a Pilates class. Yes, me, the person who usually considers a couple hours of shopping at Target a good workout. I even invited a friend to go with me, which is good for moral support but also meant I couldn’t flake. If it weren’t for her, this school closure would have been the perfect excuse not to go!

Lucky for me, my friend had to cancel, so I got to flake after all! Since exercising was off, my son and I met a friend and her two little girls at a pond to feed ducks. (The pond happens to be in front of a cemetery, which has nothing to do with this story but is weird and funny, so I had to share that bit of info.) When were almost ready to leave, my child FELL IN THE POND. I was having a perfectly nice conversation with my friend, and then my kid was suddenly armpit-deep in filthy duck water calling for me to save him.

Save him I did, and then we had to figure out what to do (as soon as we could stop laughing). Fortunately, we weren’t far from a store, so I took his wet clothes off, buckled him into the car seat naked, and my friend followed me to Kohl’s. She sat in the parking lot with all three kids while I went in to find him new clothes and shoes. (This is extremely reminiscent of the strawberry picking incident.) After dressing him, of course we had to treat ourselves to lunch.

Doesn’t it always come back to the food? That is my very favorite thing, even more than exercising. While I was eating lunch, I was thinking about what we’d have for dinner because that’s how I operate. If you’re thinking about what to make for dinner too, check out these seven easy recipes for the coming week!

  1. NEW! Chicken Fried Rice – This tasty rice dish is loaded with protein and low in fat. You can enjoy your Chinese takeout favorite without the guilt!This chicken fried rice made with egg whites and brown rice is a delicious, easy dinner that's good for you too! (Sponsored by All Whites)
  2. Loaded Mexican Pizza – You need to try this.Loaded Mexican Pizza
  3. Kale and Quinoa Salad with Salmon or Chicken – You can’t beat citrus and salmon for a fresh-tasting meal! Substitute chicken if you aren’t a seafood fan.Kale and Quinoa Salad with Salmon (or chicken!)
  4. NEW! Baked Fish Foil Packets – Speaking of healthy dinners, you’ll love these easy fish packets.These healthy and easy fish packets are easy to make ahead and bake when you're ready for dinner!
  5. NEW! BBQ Chicken Burgers – If you love the flavor of BBQ sauce, you won’t want to miss this recipe.You'll love these BBQ Chicken Burgers with sauce and cheese cooked right in!
  6. Lemon Chicken Pasta – This is one of the first recipes I shared here and still a favorite!Lemon Chicken Pasta - A quick and easy dinner idea that will make your family happy! - wearychef.com
  7. Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice – You don’t even have to soak the beans in this easy, authentic-tasting meal!Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice #slowcooker #crockpot #cajun
Andi Gleeson, food blogger

Andi Gleeson

Andi Gleeson is a passionate blogger and mom based in San Francisco who focuses on easy and delicious dinner recipes.

6 comments

Kelly
10 years ago

Aaw, oh no, your poor son :( That definitely sounds like that would be something my little man did as well :) So glad you were able to get some clothes for him. Love this weeks dinner menu, Andi! The lemon pasta, kale and quinoa salad and baked fish foil packets sound fantastic!

Andi
9 years ago

He is having such a time lately. Last week he fell in the duck pond, and this weekend he’s sick with a stomach bug! Hopefully he has a better week next week. Thank you so much for all your sweet comments, Kelly. It’s great to hear from you!

Sarah Kasch
10 years ago

Andi,I really enjoyed this post. Loved the duck story.
Keep up the awesome posts. I usually don’t message but I DO read them when they come. Have a wonderful week. Sarah

Andi
9 years ago

Thank you so much, Sarah! I’m glad my kids’ hijinks can amuse you ;) I hope you are having a good week!

Liz
10 years ago

Thank you Andi and have another great weekend!

Andi
10 years ago

Thank you, Liz! I’ll try ;) Enjoy your weekend!

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