I only became a real adult a few years ago, realizing that life was easier if we bought groceries on a weekly basis (with small trips through the week to fish mongers or a farmers market to round out meals). Since then, I’ve come to know the agony of Meal Planning.
I have no idea why it’s so bothersome. I love to eat. I love to cook. You’d think meal planning would be a chance to come up with a week full of culinary treats and indulgences. And yet, no. Usually, I’m texting Dave to give me some input on the drive to the supermarket. I’ve even started grilling the toddler. And then we get into food ruts and we’re both too tired to look up new recipes.
So, I’ve started cribbing recipes from the New York Times’ Cooking App. Just down the page is the link to “What to Cook this Week.” Hallelujah. Someone much more culinary minded than I am has created a weekly list of seasonal recipes, with sides and desserts too. And it all comes packaged in an easy-to-flip-through slide photo feature. This has become my new go-to for meal planning.
Last week, with corn and tomatoes at their peak, I made Indian-Spiced Corn Soup with a side of crusty Romesco sauce bruschetta. It was so easy and slightly more interesting than what I’d usually make. This week, there’s green beans with almonds. (If we were a dairy-eating family, I’d be ALL OVER the salad with burrata, snap peas, and shiitakes. Oh my, that sounds delicious.)
You can access the page through the New York Times Cooking website, but you can also download the app on iTunes.
Jennifer Butrynski
Oh, how I loathe meal planning. I often wonder how I’m going to suffer through it for another 50-odd years. Thank you for this!
8/25/2015 at 4:09 pm
Maria
You’re welcome!
8/25/2015 at 5:14 pm
Tk
Same here. Downloading this app now!
8/27/2015 at 5:51 am