Is it weird that I really enjoy sitting down on a Saturday morning with my breakfast, tea, and a notepad to meal plan? There’s something relaxing about the ritual and the 5% part of me that is OCD likes the planning and organization so I know what to expect throughout the week. I’ll have crazy days, good days, and unexpected bumps, but I sure know what I’ll be having for dinner every night which is somehow comforting. It’s also nice to know I only have to go to the grocery once a week, I can’t stand having to go every day. I think the teacher part of me craves the planning because it’s part of my job and it’s become a part of me to have a schedule and have everything prepared.

I already know this week is going to be full of craziness because school is starting! Yes, it’s July. Yes, it’s too early. But when I have a week off in September I’ll be thankful. I’ve already been back for a week for preplanning, but the kids come back on Wednesday and I’m starting off with the most students I’ve ever had. I’m going to meet all 25 students and their families on Monday, and then I’ll start the process of getting to know each one of them, teaching tons of procedures, and setting the atmosphere for how the whole year will run. This means I want to be extra prepared so that when I come home from work there is no question about what I’ll be making.

Eggplant and Quinoa Bake- I thought this up laying in bed this morning thinking I actually miss all of the eggplant and zucchini I ate daily in Italy, but not quite ready for pasta yet. I thought I could crate a layered, almost lasagna-like, veggie and quinoa bake with a tomato sauce and tofu ricotta.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Tzaztiki– I’m going to make a salad using the same kind of ingredients I would use in a falafel wrap with a base of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and crunchy roasted and spiced chickpeas with a light tzaztiki dressing.

Summer Veggie and White Bean Soup- I know it’s 95 degrees, but for some reason I’m craving a light veggie soup. I’ll just lower the A/C! I’m going to make a potato, white bean, and mixed veggie soup in a light broth and side of pita.

Dr. Praeger’s Burgers– I bought a pack of these lower fat veggie burgers from Whole Foods a while ago and still haven’t used them. I’m going to grill them up and serve on a ciabatta roll with lettuce and tomato, with some kind of veggie side.

Asian Noodle Bowl- Broccoli, mushrooms, and brown rice spaghetti with a simple asian style sauce will make a simple and flavorful meal.

Sounds like a pretty good week of eats, right? I’ll let you know how they turn out and I hope this gives you some good ideas. Have a wonderful week!