This week’s easy dinner recipes include Dirty Rice, Ham and Cheese Sandwich Casserole, Cheeseburger Macaroni, and lots more!
This week I had my oldest home, which was nice for spending time with him but not great for having time to work. We stayed pretty busy and one day went shopping at an outlet mall. I thought it would be fun for both of us since he likes shopping, but most of the stores were just full of boring (for him) adult clothes. The good news is I found a bunch of good deals on clothes for me, which I really needed!
Probably my favorite store was the Lucky Jeans outlet. I like that brand but am normally too cheap to buy anything at the regular store. I asked the cute, young store clerk if they had any high waisted jeans. I’ve had two kids and am a food blogger, so my abdomen is in no condition for low rise jeans if you know what I mean. She lifted her shirt to reveal her tiny waist and said in a bubbly voice, “This is our mid rise. Is that high enough?” I was like, “Uh, no. I mean not three inches below my navel.” (This reminds me of this hilarious bit by Jim Gaffigan about fatting out of his pants. Love that guy!)
Anyway, she said she had some high-waisted skinny jeans in the back I could try. I don’t know why they were hoarded in the back and not out for normal people to see. She asked my size, and I told her. She went on to say, “I’m going to bring you a size up because I am normally a size zero, but I wear a four in these so I can actually eat.” When I just told her my double-digit size, I didn’t really need to hear about her size zero pants. Is that even a size? Later in the trip, she was like, “It’s good to get a variety of sizes. I have everything from a double zero to a four!” Yes, she said double zero, you know, for when zero is too big. I paid her for my relatively enormous clothes and got the heck out of there feeling slightly old and fat, but at least I got some bargains.
What are you doing this July 4th weekend? Whether or not it’s shopping, you’ll need some dinner recipes. I have seven of them right here for you!
1. Not Your Mama’s Dirty Rice – This all-in-one dinner is quick and easy to make. PLUS, read about how it will be mentioned on the Ovation Channel next week!
2. Pretty Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken – If you’re BBQing this weekend, be sure to include this pasta salad!
3. Skillet Cheeseburger Macaroni – Forget the boxed mix when you can make this simple recipe from scratch in under 30 minutes!
4. Chicken Salad with Gouda and Grapes – Just right for warm weather!
5. Chicken Parmesan Casserole – This is a fun and easier twist on a classic dish.
6. Thai Red Curry with Shrimp and Asparagus – If you love Thai food, it’s really easy to make curry at home! You could make it green or yellow curry if you prefer just by changing the curry paste.
7. Ham and Cheese Sandwich Casserole – Do you like ham and bread and cheese sauce? Then this is right up your alley! Serve it up with a green salad or steamed green beans on the side for a fun dinner.
Enjoy the holiday, and I’ll talk to you on Monday with a new easy recipe!
Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) says
This menu is full of good stuff! Love your shopping story! Yeah “00” has never been in my range either!
Andi Gleeson says
Thanks, Jaren! :)
Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says
OMG I’m dying!! You are cracking me up with the Lucky outlet story! I’m glad you were able to find some good deals at the mall, even if you had to deal with an air-headed, double-zero sized store clerk, lol! This menu looks so yummy. I want that Chicken Parmesan Casserole!!!
Andi Gleeson says
Thank you, Jen! I’m enjoying my Lucky outlet clothes right this very minute and don’t even care what size they are :)
amanda @ fake ginger says
Girl, I feel your pain. I went to the mall looking for high waisted shorts last week and could only find some that barely covered my bum. I feel like such an old lady.
I need that cheeseburger mac!
Andi Gleeson says
I don’t even consider wearing shorts. If it’s hot, I wear skirts. These legs don’t need to see the light of day ;) Thanks, Amanda!
Susan says
Thanks! With all the great Zaycon chicken breast deals lately, I’m always on the lookout for good chicken recipes.
Andi Gleeson says
I think I’m the last one to try Zaycon chicken. I keep hearing about it and need to find out how to get some! Thank you, Susan :)
Susan says
https://www.zayconfresh.com/ – They have a locator. They just opened the fall order and it’s $1.89/lb. in 40 lb. packages. My friend and I can half and freeze half and buy a couple times a year. It’s boneless, skinless, and almost fatless. I’m notorious for burning things in the oven, but I’ve never dried out this chicken! It’s tasty and healthy and wonderful. You won’t regret buying it, if it is delivered to a parking lot near you. Price varies but the last 3 times we’ve bought it have been under $2/lb. Last time was $1.69, and we were so happy!
Andi Gleeson says
Wow! Thanks for all this info. I’ll definitely have to look into it!
Sara @ Bitz & Giggles says
You cracked me up about your shopping story. I want to try that Skillet Cheeseburger Macaroni! I’m a comfort food nut so of course it’s right up my alley! Hope you have a wonderful 4th with your family and friends!
Andi Gleeson says
I’m a comfort food nut too, thus the big pants ;) Thank you, Sara!
Katerina @ Diethood says
Oh man, all this delicious beauty around here!
So, what time is dinner?! ;-)
And your address, please.
Andi Gleeson says
Would love to have you over for dinner!! xo