Today was a very full, practical day — appointments and getting ahead for tomorrow.
Morning (Breakfast + Out the Door)
We finished off the last of the cinnamon rolls and the remaining bacon.
The cinnamon rolls officially had their final moment
Midday (Orthodontist + Lunch)
I was out most of the morning taking my son to an orthodontic appointment.
I keep a running list of post-dental food ideas, which helped today.
We stocked up on the Orgain kids protein shakes — the only ones my kids consistently drink. I don’t typically buy a lot of protein drinks, but we tried ALL of them a month ago when my son had his first procedure and these are the ones he liked best:
He still wanted something savory…
and at this point, pickle juice is the winner, which I did not see coming. Unfortunately, all soups, creamy potatoes, and even soft noodles are just not his vibe.
When we got home, lunch was quick:
- Crispy chicken bites (Costco) baked in the oven
- Some kids had crispy chicken salads
- Others had plates with:
- chicken
- fruit
- veggies
- chips (we are fully back on chips after Lent)
I made myself a salad and used some of the leftover beef tenderloin on top.
Afternoon (Lessons + Prep)
The afternoon was full with piano and violin lessons, and kids in and out.
Snacks were simple — just grab-and-go pantry items. PLUS..some Oreo milkshakes since we have a kiddo recovering from some dental work!
I used this time to focus on prepping the meal I’m delivering tomorrow.
Meal Prep (For a Friend)
Today was packaging day.
I had already made the meatloaf yesterday, so today I focused on getting everything assembled and ready. We’ll be busy with schoolwork tomorrow morning, so I don’t want to feel like I have a lot to do before delivering the meal after lunch.
Rolls:
- Made sweet milk dinner rolls
- Baked, buttered, cooled
- Placed in a foil pan
- Covered with parchment paper and foil, labeled, and refrigerated
Meatloaf (assembled for reheating):
- Meatloaf was made yesterday
- Roasted tomatoes + onions today (layer on a sheet pan with olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder…roast at 325ºF for about an hour….amazing flavor and dresses up any meat!)
- Layered into a foil pan
- Added sliced meatloaf
- Topped with more tomatoes/onions
- Covered with parchment paper and foil, then refrigerated
Rice:
- Cooked fresh
- Placed in a foil pan
- Added butter + a little water
- Covered with parchment paper and foil, so it reheats well
Dessert: Oreo Fluff
- My kids LOVE this stuff
- 4oz. softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- splash of vanilla
- 8 chopped Oreos
- Whip the cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar till smooth, then add the heavy cream and whip till stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Oreos
- I placed this in a disposable plastic container so it’s easy to just leave it with my friend
Split into two containers:
- one for us
- one for the family
This will sit overnight and be ready tomorrow.
I always deliver meals cold with reheating instructions — it’s easier and more flexible for the family.
Dinner
Dinner was built around chicken thighs.
I split one Costco pack into two methods:
Grilled Chicken (for tonight):
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika
- Grilled and served
Loaf Pan Chicken (Taco Version — for later):
- McCormick taco seasoning packet – MANY people often ask me about seasoning packets…so I wanted to try this out!
- Baked at 425°F for ~40 minutes
The juices stayed thin, but the flavor was really good — very similar to the chicken they serve at Chipotle. I did think it needed a little salt, so I added that after slicing the meat and adding it back to the juices in the loaf pan
This batch is for:
→ lunch tomorrow
→ dinner on Thursday probably too
Sides:
- Rice
- Roasted broccoli + cauliflower
- Roasted tomatoes + onions
Finished with a light balsamic vinaigrette drizzle.
Kitchen Flow (How It’s All Working)
- Chicken → cooked once, will carry multiple meals
- Meal for a friend → fully prepped and ready…just need to slice up some fresh veggies and fruit tomorrow morning!
- Lunch → fast and built from staples
- Dinner → supported by earlier prep
What’s Next
Tomorrow:
- Deliver the meal (I like to type up a list of all the food I’m taking and give instructions for how to reheat/serve..I’ll share that tomorrow!)
- Use taco-style chicken for lunch
- I’m making a DELICIOUS brat dinner tomorrow night!
Everything is set up to make that really easy.