Back to school is just around the corner for us so I've planned this week's meals to help you make the most of your time. Whether you're back to school shopping or taxi-ing kids to early sports practices I've got you with these easy recipes!
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📅 Food Holidays
- July 23 National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
- July 24 National Tequila Day
- July 25 National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
- July 29 National Chicken Wing Day
🫑 What's in Season?
A better question might be, "what isn't in season"?
Locally grown apples and pears will be starting to hit the market in the areas where they grow.
Everything is ripening and coming into the Farmers' Markets now. It's fresh, in season, and at it's best. Make the most of these fresh flavors.
- Apples
- Apricots
- Beets
- Bell pepper
- Chiles
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Eggplant
- Figs
- Green beans & Wax beans
- Mangoes
- Melon
- Nectarines
- Okra
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapples
- Plums
- Radishes
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini and yellow squash
💭 Tips for success
- Make extra fried potatoes and treat the family to a hearty country breakfast with the leftovers.
- Leftover smothered chicken? Serve it over thick slices of Texas toast for a simple dinner.
- Prepare as much as possible on your day off. Chop all the onions for the week and put them in an airtight container. Cook up all the ground beef you'll need and separate it into the amount you need for each recipe.
🍹This week's cocktail
Irish Redhead
I think of this fun, fruity Jameson based drink around St Patrick's Day but it's truly delicious any time of the year!
July 23
Smothered Chicken
Tender chicken breast in a creamy gravy? Smothered chicken is a classic. Serve with some buttermilk biscuits to sop up that gravy.
Fried Potatoes
Crispy, tender... This fried potatoes recipe is my favorite! Whether you call the home fries of cottage fries, they are welcome at any meal.
Orange Cake
I love this vintage orange cake recipe. If you don't have time to make a layer cake half the recipe and bake it in a 13x9-inch baking pan.
July 24
Meatball Stroganoff
Quick, easy, and all done in one pan! This hearty meatball stroganoff is a recipe you'll make again and again! So good and it's perfect for back to school.
Southern Green Beans
Classic southern green beans simmer for hours but you can get that same great flavor in just a few minutes with my recipes!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Don't wait 'til the holidays to make these easy Peanut Butter Blossom cookies!
July 25
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
The crispy crumb coating makes this oven baked garlic Parmesan chicken extra yummy! Add a crispy salad for a delicious meal. Make extra chicken for the enchiladas later in the week.
Pasta con Broccoli
Pasta con broccoli has a rich pink sauce that covers the pasta and broccoli. If you've got leftover chicken slice it and add it to the leftover pasta for a delicious lunch.
Dutch Apple Pie
Dutch apple pie is an old fashioned favorite! Sometimes I like to make it with pears - try it sometime! It's delicious with a scoop of cinnamon gelato on the side.
July 26
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Philly cheesesteak pasta has all the flavors of the popular sandwich in an easy, one pot pasta meal! Cook extra ground beef for the stuffed peppers later in the week.
Italian Green Bean Salad
This marinated green bean salad is just bursting with fresh summer flavor!
Kahlua & Chocolate Krispies
Who doesn't love rice krispie treats? This grown up version is delicious but you can leave the Kahlua out and just add a tablespoon of strong coffee if you like.
July 27
Stuffed Peppers
Old fashioned stuffed peppers are one of my favorite meals. I grew up with this dish on the table often! You can get all the flavor and save time but just chopping the peppers up and making this as a casserole. Make extra rice for tomorrow.
Cucumber Salad
Creamy cucumber salad is best if it's made 24 hours ahead of time. I like to take the leftovers and cucumber sandwiches - YUM!
No Bake S'mores Pie
Your favorite campfire treat in a pie form! No bake s'mores pie has all the flavor! Use a crumb crust for a truly no-bake dessert - the top is torched.
July 28
Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy chicken enchiladas are better than your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant! Serve with rice and a salad.
Chile Lime Gelato
It sounds like an odd combination but I promise you this chile lime gelato is delicious!
Strawberry Watermelon Margarita
So refreshing ! This strawberry watermelon margarita recipe makes a pitcher full!
July 29
Texas 2 Step Chicken
Texas 2 Step Chicken is made with just four ingredients. It's kind of a mash up between salsa chicken and bbq chicken. Serve with mashed potatoes.
Smothered Cabbage
Southern fried cabbage is slowly simmers until it is tender and soaks up all the flavors from the bacon and onion.
Grilled Dessert Nachos
Quick and easy dessert! These chocolate and pecan nachos are made on the grill (or in your oven) for a gooey, sweet treat to end the meal.
📚 Related recipes
Who doesn't need more easy, weeknight dinner recipes? Check out these 30 family friendly, budget friendly family dinners that are freezable, make-ahead, and can be on the table in minutes.
Deborah
I make my cabbage with o ion and bacon in the microwave. It’s so awesome. My mother taught this way to me.