Hello, friends and fellow home cooks!
This is my Saturday newsletter that includes 7 weeknight meals + 3 healthy salads (for the week of August 18-24, 2024) + life update at the bottom (hiking in Colorado).
7 weeknight meals + 3 healthy salads
DAY 1: Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables and Feta Cheese (30-Minutes, One-Pan)
DAY 2: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta in a Garlic and Basil Sauce (MEATLESS)
DAY 3: Pesto Salmon Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, and Pine Nuts
DAY 4: Chicken with Apples and Maple-Lime Sauce (30 Minutes, One-Pan)
DAY 5: Asian-Style Ground Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms (30 Minutes, One-Pan)
DAY 6: Smoked Paprika Chicken with Creamed Spinach
DAY 7: Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp (30 Minutes, One-Pan)
SALAD 1: Plum Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese, Pecans, and Honey-Lemon Dressing
SALAD 2: Summer Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese and Basil Pesto (you can use fresh Mozzarella instead of burrata cheese)
SALAD 3: Summer Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Raspberries, Mandarins, and Balsamic Dressing
Life Update
It's been two weeks since we returned from our sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands, and while it was an amazing adventure, I'm so glad to be back home in Colorado! Sailing was incredible, and I would definitely do it again, but my heart truly belongs in the mountains—especially during the summer. My favorite seasons here in Colorado are late spring, summer, and early fall. This past week, I've been thrilled to get back on my favorite hiking trails. There's nothing like the fresh air, breathtaking views, and the pure exhilaration of a brisk hike! We've had a lot of rain over the past two weeks, leading to multiple mudslides and flooding in town. Several roads and passes have been closed as a result.
Not much to share this week—I’ve been busy catching up on life. I'm glad I found time to get outside and hike regularly, though. There's always so much to do, isn't there? Here are some photos from my hikes—they were definitely the highlights of my week! Only onward and upward from here! August is flying by at the speed of light! I hope you've been soaking up the warm summer weather, finding time to relax and enjoy quiet time and nature. And, of course, I hope you've been able to cook some simple, homemade meals and enjoy them in the company of good friends. It's such a great way to connect and share many laughs!
I love the diversity of recipes in this newsletter! Every one of your recipes that I’ve made has been great, and many are part of my monthly recipe rotation now. Thanks for all you do - keep them coming!
Thank you, Kelly. I am so happy you enjoyed my newsletters! 🙂
Gorgeous background in your pictures! I look forward to getting your weekly meal plans in my e-mail each week.
It's so beautiful here this time of year, Ann. I am enjoying every minute of it!
You're in my backyard, Julia! Your recipes are so visually appealing. I have made and enjoyed some of them and will continue to follow you.
I am so happy to hear that from a fellow Coloradan! 🙂