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Past Whole Foods Mega Meal Plans

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

September 13th – 19th

Plan by Lynsie Steele

lynsie@getvie.com

 

MAINS

MAIN 1 Southern Tomato Pie

This is very Southern indeed and perfect for this time of year when the tomatoes are finishing up their season!  I first had a tomato pie while on vacation in Chincoteague, VA made by a local woman who is famous for them.  It’s comforting, the flavors are simple yet well-melded and fantastic and in typical Vie-style, it’s easy to make and throw together in no time.  If you’re practicing a plant-based diet, find a crust that is vegan and omit the cheese and mayo (it will still be delicious).

MAIN 2 Kefta Kebabs over Parsley Rice

I’ve always loved Kefta (or Kofta/Kibbeh) because the meat really soaks up the flavors of the ingredients that it is mixed with!  This dinner can be made well in advance as the longer the meat mixture sits the better its flavor gets.  Make sure you have kebab sticks or invest in some reusable metal sticks, found in most BBQ sections of hardware stores.

MAIN 3 Smoky Pork Tenderloin & Succotash

Pork tenderloin is such a great buy because it’s inexpensive when on sale, flavorful and cooks quickly!  The succotash is very straightforward and delicious plus makes a great soup when you add stock to leftovers.  Enjoy sliced pork tenderloin throughout the week on top of salads or in sandwiches.  Substitute a meatless protein in place of the tenderloin if desired!

SIDES

SIDE 1 Curried Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash, Raisins and Toasted Almonds

I made this (and the rest of the sides featured this week) as part of the Grand Opening celebration for Formula Complete Fitness.  This salad was the fan favorite and is so flavorful and packed with sweet, tangy and complex flavors.  Omit the yogurt if you want a vegan version.

BONUS SIDE 2 Fall-Inspired Wild Rice Salad with Greens, Apples, Dried Cranberries and Pepitas

This happens to be my personal favorite salad to make in the fall.  I love the crunch from the apple and pepitas that are balanced so nicely with the softness of the wild rice and wilted greens.  You’ll make this once and want to make it again and again!

Soup: Turkey Corn & Green Chili

We are soon unveiling a Paleo meal plan that will work with folks who need to follow strict dietary restrictions due to autoimmune issues or allergies.  While this soup does include meat (usually our Vie soups do not), as well as corn and beans (not Paleo), it can be made with really any ingredients you like as long as you keep that salsa verde in there!  Stay tuned for our Paleo plan!

Breakfast

Chobani Greek yogurt S

California Moon Drop grapes S (gorgeous!)

California organic blackberries S

Amazing Grass superfood protein powder S

Lunch

From Our Prepared Foods in-house roast beef S

Cypress Grove lamb chopper cheese S

Bell & Evans, USA air-chilled bone-in chicken breast S

Snacks

Saffron Road chickpea snacks S

Pennsylvania gala apples S

Izze sparkling juices S

California organic red, green & black seedless grapes S

½ pint cherry tomatoes (leftover from MAIN 2)

STOCK UP

Muir Glen organic canned tomatoes and sauces S*

*there’s a huge sale (5 for $5) going on this week and we use this brand frequently, especially the fire-roasted variety so STOCK UP because even though we won’t need much of them this week, we most certainly will soon!

Lucini Italia premium select extra virgin olive oil S

______________________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Mayo

Salt

Pepper

Olive Oil

Vegetable Oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

BBQ Sauce

Eggs

Sumac (spice found in Persian cuisine, red granules)

Bamboo or Metal Kebab Sticks

Smoked Paprika

Smoked Sea Salt

Panko Breadcrumbs

Curry Powder

Poppy Seeds

Soy Sauce

Honey

Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

  • 1 lb butter, unsalted

Shopping List by Department

Produce

4 large tomatoes

1 large pkg fresh basil

1 pkg fresh oregano

1 bag yellow onions

1 bag peeled garlic

1 red bell pepper

1 bunch parsley

1 bunch cilantro

2 shallots

2 lemons

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 butternut squash

1 pkg baby greens (arugula, spinach or kale) –can be a mixture

3 Granny Smith apples

2 zucchini

Meat/Protein

1 lb USA/Australia 85% lean grass-fed ground beef S

1 pkg (2 small loins together or 1 large) USA/UK pork tenderloin S

1 pkg ground turkey

Dairy/Eggs

1 pkg mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 pkg parmesan cheese, shredded

1 pkg whole milk yogurt

1 cup orange juice

1 small pkg sour cream

  • 1 dozen eggs

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 Immaculate Baking Co. pie crust (or make your own, ingredients needed for this are bulleted)

1 pkg rice (Jasmine or Basmati)

2 small pkg quick-cooking farro (or 1 large pkg)

1 pkg raisins

2 cups almonds

1 pkg wild rice

1 cup dried cranberries

2 cups pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1 pkg tortilla chips

  • 1 bag unbleached, all-purpose flour

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes S

2 cans beans (your choice, for chili: black, kidney or white are good here)

1 can whole fire-roasted green chiles

1 jar salsa verde (not spicy)

1 quart vegetable stock (or use water)

Frozen Items

2 bags frozen corn

1 bag frozen lima beans

______________________________________________________________________

MAINS

MAIN 1 Southern Tomato Pie

1 pie crust (Immaculate Baking Co. is a great brand or MYO-recipe below)

If making your own crust, you’ll need the bulleted ingredients:

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold
  • 2 ½ cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¼-½ cup ice water
  • 1 egg

4 large tomatoes, sliced and drained slightly *note to follow in recipe

1 pkg mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 pkg parmesan cheese, shredded

½ cup mayo

1 cup basil, cut into chiffonade (ribbons)

2 Tbsp fresh oregano, leaves removed and chopped

½ tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

½ yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Process:

  • Thaw pie crust and preheat oven to 375 F.  *If making your own pie crust, follow these steps (should take you 10 minutes or less and is worth it!): Cut butter while very cold into small cubes (¼” in size) and place in the fridge until ready to use.  In a medium bowl (or use a food processor), combine flour, salt and sugar and mix to combine with fingers.  Add butter and crumble with fingertips until the butter pieces are incorporated into the dough and the size of soybeans.  Don’t obliterate them!  Next, add the egg and ¼ cup ice water (I like to fill a Pyrex measure with ice, then water, and hold back the ice with my fingers while I pour).  Mix until dough comes together and begin kneading in the bowl, adding extra water as needed.  If your dough is too crumbly=more water.  If your dough gets too wet=add a pinch of flour.  Roll dough into a ball, cut in half, flatten each half into discs and cover tightly with plastic wrap.  Refrigerate or freeze for at least 20 minutes.
  • Slice tomatoes and add to a bowl, squeezing gently to release any extra juices that can make your pie crust soggy.
  • Roll out dough and place in a buttered pie dish.  Add half the tomatoes and top evenly with basil, oregano, salt, pepper, onion and garlic.  Place the second half on top.
  • Mix together ½ pkg of each type of cheese with mayo and spread on top of pie.
  • Bake until crust is golden and filling is bubbling with a good cheese crust on top, about 30 minutes.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature if possible, then serve.

MAIN 2 Beef Kefta Kebabs over Parsley Rice

1 lb USA/Australia 85% lean grass-fed ground beef S

1 bunch parsley, rinsed and chopped finely, divided

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped finely

1 shallot, minced

1 Tbsp sumac *An important spice to have in your cabinet and essential to the good flavor of this dish

1 lemon, zested and juiced, divided

1 tsp salt, divided

1 tsp black pepper

1 pkg bamboo kebab sticks or use metal if you have them

1 tsp olive oil

2 cups Jasmine/Basmati rice, cooked

2 tsp olive oil

½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Process:

  • In a large bowl, combine beef with half the parsley, cilantro, shallot, sumac, half the zest and juice of the lemon, half the salt, and all the pepper.  Mix together well and form beef around sticks, leaving a small section of kebab stick at the bottom that is clean (for holding).  Drizzle each kebab with olive oil and refrigerate while you make rice.
  • Make rice according to package instructions (2 cups rice=4 cups water) and add the other half of the salt to the rice before cooking.
  • Once rice is cooked, remove and fluff right away to allow steam to escape and to prevent gummy rice.
  • Toss with olive oil, the other half of the parsley, lemon zest and juice.
  • Cook kebabs in the oven or on the grill until done (should only take a few minutes on each side) and serve on sticks, over rice with halved cherry tomatoes on top.

MAIN 3 Smoky Pork Tenderloin & Succotash

1 pkg (2 small loins or 1 large) USA/UK pork tenderloin S

1 Tbsp smoked paprika

2 tsp smoked sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 tsp olive oil

½ yellow onion, chopped

1 bag frozen corn

1 bag frozen lima beans

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

Plus more salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Coat the pork loin in paprika, salt and black pepper.  In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat and brown the tenderloin on all sides until a crust has formed.
  • Place in a baking dish in the oven and continue cooking until internal temperature registers 145 F, or for about 20-30 more minutes.
  • In the same pan you used to sauté the tenderloin, add more olive oil if needed and the yellow onion.  Cook for 5 minutes, then add the corn, lima beans and tomatoes.
  • Cook for 10 minutes and taste.  Add salt and pepper if needed.  Remove from heat and cover.
  • Once tenderloin is finished cooking, remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes (this will seal in the juices).
  • Slice the tenderloin thinly and serve over succotash.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Curried Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash, Raisins and Toasted Almonds

2 cups farro, cooked

1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into a small dice

1 tsp each salt and pepper, divided

¼ cup olive oil

2 Tbsp curry powder

1 cup yogurt (or more Tofutti sour cream if vegan)

1 tsp lemon juice

1 cup raisins

1 shallot, minced

2 cups almonds, toasted

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped finely

Process:

  • Cook farro in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to package instructions.
  • While farro is cooking, preheat oven to 375 F and toss butternut squash directly on a baking sheet with half the salt and pepper and all of the olive oil.
  • Roast for 20 minutes while the farro is cooking.  Also at this time you can toast the almonds: scatter raw almonds on a baking sheet and place in oven.  Set a timer for 7 minutes and check after it goes off to make sure they are toasted enough.  You are looking for the skins to begin splitting, a slight browning and a toasty aroma.  You don’t want to burn them, however if you try a toasted almond when hot it will not seem toasted because the oils in the almond will cause it to have a chewy texture.  Instead, go by the look of the skins and the smell, remove almonds when done and cool, then taste and see if they are toasted to your liking.  With all of that long-windedness, the truth is that after about 7 minutes they should be done depending on the strength of your oven!
  • Once farro is done, transfer to a serving bowl and immediately toss with raisins to help plump them up.
  • Make curry sauce: combine the rest of the salt, pepper, curry powder and yogurt (or “sour cream” plus the shallot and lemon juice.  Add to the farro-raisin mixture and stir gently to combine.
  • Add the butternut squash once roasted (no need to pour in the residual olive oil unless you want to) and top with toasted (chopped if desired) almonds and cilantro to serve.
  • This dish can be served hot, room temperature or cold.

BONUS SIDE 2 Fall-Inspired Wild Rice Salad with Greens, Apples, Dried Cranberries and Pepitas

2 cups wild rice, cooked

4 cups baby greens, your choice (arugula, spinach, kale–or a mix of any)

3 Granny Smith apples (or any of your choice), cubed (seeds and stems removed)

1 cup dried cranberries

1-2 cups pepitas, toasted and unsalted

1 cup orange juice

2 cloves garlic

1 Tbsp poppy seeds *optional

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1-2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp honey

Process:

  • Cook rice according to package instructions, making sure to fluff with a fork directly after cooking to prevent gumminess.
  • While rice is cooking, make dressing: combine orange juice, garlic, cider vinegar, soy sauce and honey in a blender and blend until smooth.  Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.  Add poppy seeds and mix to combine.  Pour into a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • In a large bowl, toss still-warm rice with greens and dressing and mix until cooled slightly.
  • Add apples and cranberries and mix.
  • Sprinkle pepitas on top and serve immediately.  *Make sure to only add enough pepitas so that you’ll eat them all.  Leftover seeds in the salad will get soggy.

Soup: Turkey Corn & Green Chili

1 pkg ground turkey

2 tsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 bag frozen corn (use half to start)

2 zucchini, diced and divided

1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed and chopped

4 cloves garlic, sliced

1 can roasted whole green chiles, chopped

1 jar salsa verde (not spicy)

1 quart vegetable stock or water

2 cans beans (your choice, but black, kidney or white are good here)

1 bag tortilla chips

1 pkg sour cream or Tofutti “sour cream” *optional

Process:

  • Add turkey, olive oil, yellow onion, corn, half the zucchini, red bell pepper and garlic to a large soup pot and sauté for 10 minutes or until browned slightly.
  • Add green chiles and salsa verde + vegetable stock/water.  Mix together to deglaze the bottom of the pot.  Add beans, bring soup to a boil, reduce to a simmer and taste.  Add salt as necessary (keeping in mind that the salsa is salted).
  • Serve after 20 minutes with tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

MAIN 1 Southern Tomato Pie

This is very Southern indeed and perfect for this time of year when the tomatoes are finishing up their season!  I first had a tomato pie while on vacation in Chincoteague, VA made by a local woman who is famous for them.  It’s comforting, the flavors are simple yet well-melded and fantastic and in typical Vie-style, it’s easy to make and throw together in no time.  If you’re practicing a plant-based diet, find a crust that is vegan and omit the cheese and mayo (it will still be delicious).

MAIN 2 BBQ Shrimp over Crispy Fried Rice Patty

At my first visit to Crozet’s newest restaurant, Smoked, I enjoyed this as an appetizer.  I love the idea of serving the BBQ’d shrimp on a bed of rice cakes.  This dish is healthy and filling and is really quick to make.  Ask for peeled shrimp if you don’t want to spend a few minutes peeling them.  Use leftover rice cakes for another meal or a light lunch!

MAIN 3 Kefta Kebabs over Parsley Rice

I’ve always loved Kefta (or Kofta/Kibbeh) because the meat really soaks up the flavors of the ingredients that it is mixed with!  This dinner can be made well in advance as the longer the meat mixture sits the better its flavor gets.  Make sure you have kebab sticks or invest in some reusable metal sticks, found in most BBQ sections of hardware stores.

MAIN 4 Smoky Pork Tenderloin & Succotash

Pork tenderloin is such a great buy because it’s inexpensive when on sale, flavorful and cooks quickly!  The succotash is very straightforward and delicious plus makes a great soup when you add stock to leftovers.  Enjoy sliced pork tenderloin throughout the week on top of salads or in sandwiches.

MAIN 5 Creamed White Beans & Corn with Tempeh “Nuggets”

An awesome vegan dish that is easy to make and deceptively creamy.  Make a double batch of nuggets if you want and add them to your kids’ lunches!

SIDES

SIDE 1 Curried Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash, Raisins and Toasted Almonds

I made this (and the rest of the sides featured this week) as part of the Grand Opening celebration for Formula Complete Fitness.  This salad was the fan favorite and is so flavorful and packed with sweet, tangy and complex flavors.  Omit the yogurt if you want a vegan version.

SIDE 2 Fall-Inspired Wild Rice Salad with Greens, Apples, Dried Cranberries and Pepitas

This happens to be my personal favorite salad to make in the fall.  I love the crunch from the apple and pepitas that are balanced so nicely with the softness of the wild rice and wilted greens.  You’ll make this once and want to make it again and again!

SIDE 3 Roasted Corn, Pepper & Black Bean Salad

This recipe works as a light side, a salsa or taco topping and also loves to be mixed with fresh greens.  Don’t be intimidated by thought of roasting so much.  Roasting is so easy and needs very little hands-on time, which makes it a perfect Vie meal.

Soup: Turkey Corn & Green Chili

We are soon unveiling a Paleo meal plan that will work with folks who need to follow strict dietary restrictions due to autoimmune issues or allergies.  While this soup does include meat (usually our Vie soups do not), as well as corn and beans (not Paleo), it can be made with really any ingredients you like as long as you keep that salsa verde in there!  Stay tuned for our Paleo plan!

Breakfast

Chobani Greek yogurt S

California Moon Drop grapes S (gorgeous!)

California organic blackberries S

Amazing Grass superfood protein powder S

Lunch

From Our Prepared Foods in-house roast beef S

Cypress Grove lamb chopper cheese S

Bell & Evans, USA air-chilled bone-in chicken breast S

Snacks

Saffron Road chickpea snacks S

Pennsylvania gala apples S

Izze sparkling juices S

California organic red, green & black seedless grapes S

½ pint cherry tomatoes (leftover from MAIN 3)

STOCK UP

Muir Glen organic canned tomatoes and sauces S*

*there’s a huge sale (5 for $5) going on this week and we use this brand frequently, especially the fire-roasted variety so STOCK UP because even though we won’t need much of them this week, we most certainly will soon!

Lucini Italia premium select extra virgin olive oil S

______________________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Mayo

Salt

Pepper

Olive Oil

Vegetable Oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

BBQ Sauce

Eggs

Sumac (spice found in Persian cuisine, red granules)

Bamboo or Metal Kebab Sticks

Smoked Paprika

Smoked Sea Salt

Panko Breadcrumbs

Curry Powder

Poppy Seeds

Soy Sauce

Honey

Chili Powder

Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

  • 1 lb butter, unsalted

Shopping List by Department

Produce

4 large tomatoes

1 large pkg fresh basil

1 pkg fresh oregano

1 bag yellow onions

1 bag peeled garlic

2 red bell peppers

1 pkg chives

1 bunch parsley

3 bunches cilantro

2 shallots

2 lemons

4 limes

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 butternut squash

1 pkg baby greens (arugula, spinach or kale) –can be a mixture

3 Granny Smith apples

2 zucchini

Meat/Protein

1-2 lbs Wild Caught, USA large shell-on shrimp S

1 lb USA/Australia 85% lean grass-fed ground beef S

1 pkg (2 small loins together or 1 large) USA/UK pork tenderloin S

1-2 pkg tempeh, plain

1 pkg ground turkey

Dairy/Eggs

1 pkg mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 pkg parmesan cheese, shredded

1 pkg Tofutti “sour cream”

1 pkg whole milk yogurt

1 cup orange juice

1 small pkg sour cream (or use Tofutti “sour cream” above)

  • 1 dozen eggs

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 Immaculate Baking Co. pie crust (or make your own, ingredients needed for this are bulleted)

1 pkg rice (Jasmine or Basmati)

2 small pkg quick-cooking farro (or 1 large pkg)

1 pkg raisins

2 cups almonds

1 pkg wild rice

1 cup dried cranberries

2 cups pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1 pkg tortilla chips

  • 1 bag unbleached, all-purpose flour

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes S

2 cans cannellini beans

2 cans black beans

2 cans beans (your choice, for chili: black, kidney or white are good here)

1 can creamed corn (dairy free)

2 cans whole fire-roasted green chiles

1 jar roasted red bell peppers

1 jar salsa verde (not spicy)

1 quart vegetable stock (or use water)

Frozen Items

4 bags frozen corn

1 bag frozen lima beans

______________________________________________________________________

MAINS

MAIN 1 Southern Tomato Pie

1 pie crust (Immaculate Baking Co. is a great brand or MYO-recipe below)

If making your own crust, you’ll need the bulleted ingredients:

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold
  • 2 ½ cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¼-½ cup ice water
  • 1 egg

4 large tomatoes, sliced and drained slightly *note to follow in recipe

1 pkg mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 pkg parmesan cheese, shredded

½ cup mayo

1 cup basil, cut into chiffonade (ribbons)

2 Tbsp fresh oregano, leaves removed and chopped

½ tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

½ yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Process:

  • Thaw pie crust and preheat oven to 375 F.  *If making your own pie crust, follow these steps (should take you 10 minutes or less and is worth it!): Cut butter while very cold into small cubes (¼” in size) and place in the fridge until ready to use.  In a medium bowl (or use a food processor), combine flour, salt and sugar and mix to combine with fingers.  Add butter and crumble with fingertips until the butter pieces are incorporated into the dough and the size of soybeans.  Don’t obliterate them!  Next, add the egg and ¼ cup ice water (I like to fill a Pyrex measure with ice, then water, and hold back the ice with my fingers while I pour).  Mix until dough comes together and begin kneading in the bowl, adding extra water as needed.  If your dough is too crumbly=more water.  If your dough gets too wet=add a pinch of flour.  Roll dough into a ball, cut in half, flatten each half into discs and cover tightly with plastic wrap.  Refrigerate or freeze for at least 20 minutes.
  • Slice tomatoes and add to a bowl, squeezing gently to release any extra juices that can make your pie crust soggy.
  • Roll out dough and place in a buttered pie dish.  Add half the tomatoes and top evenly with basil, oregano, salt, pepper, onion and garlic.  Place the second half on top.
  • Mix together ½ pkg of each type of cheese with mayo and spread on top of pie.
  • Bake until crust is golden and filling is bubbling with a good cheese crust on top, about 30 minutes.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature if possible, then serve.

MAIN 2 BBQ Shrimp over Crispy Fried Rice Patty

1-2 lbs Wild Caught, USA large shell-on shrimp S

½ tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

2 tsp olive oil or vegetable oil, divided

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 cup BBQ sauce

1 pkg chives, divided and sliced

1 cup rice, cooked

2 eggs

½ red bell pepper, diced

Process:

  • Cook rice according to package instructions.  You can use any leftover grain you have: you’ll need about 2 cups of cooked grains.
  • Combine cooked rice (or grains) with eggs, chives and red bell pepper, form cakes and cook over medium heat in half the oil until browned on each side.  Flatten with a spatula while cooking to create nice thin beds for the shrimp to lie on when served.  Once patties are cooked (you’ll need about two per person) set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and make shrimp:
  • Add the rest of the oil to the pan, peel shrimp and season with salt and pepper.  Sauté until opaque and browned slightly.  Add vinegar to deglaze pan.  Add shrimp to rice patties to serve and top with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and the rest of the chives.

MAIN 3 Beef Kefta Kebabs over Parsley Rice

1 lb USA/Australia 85% lean grass-fed ground beef S

1 bunch parsley, rinsed and chopped finely, divided

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped finely

1 shallot, minced

1 Tbsp sumac *An important spice to have in your cabinet and essential to the good flavor of this dish

1 lemon, zested and juiced, divided

1 tsp salt, divided

1 tsp black pepper

1 pkg bamboo kebab sticks or use metal if you have them

1 tsp olive oil

2 cups Jasmine/Basmati rice, cooked

2 tsp olive oil

½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Process:

  • In a large bowl, combine beef with half the parsley, cilantro, shallot, sumac, half the zest and juice of the lemon, half the salt, and all the pepper.  Mix together well and form beef around sticks, leaving a small section of kebab stick at the bottom that is clean (for holding).  Drizzle each kebab with olive oil and refrigerate while you make rice.
  • Make rice according to package instructions (2 cups rice=4 cups water) and add the other half of the salt to the rice before cooking.
  • Once rice is cooked, remove and fluff right away to allow steam to escape and to prevent gummy rice.
  • Toss with olive oil, the other half of the parsley, lemon zest and juice.
  • Cook kebabs in the oven or on the grill until done (should only take a few minutes on each side) and serve on sticks, over rice with halved cherry tomatoes on top.

MAIN 4 Smoky Pork Tenderloin & Succotash

1 pkg (2 small loins or 1 large) USA/UK pork tenderloin S

1 Tbsp smoked paprika

2 tsp smoked sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 tsp olive oil

½ yellow onion, chopped

1 bag frozen corn

1 bag frozen lima beans

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

Plus more salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Coat the pork loin in paprika, salt and black pepper.  In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat and brown the tenderloin on all sides until a crust has formed.
  • Place in a baking dish in the oven and continue cooking until internal temperature registers 145 F, or for about 20-30 more minutes.
  • In the same pan you used to sauté the tenderloin, add more olive oil if needed and the yellow onion.  Cook for 5 minutes, then add the corn, lima beans and tomatoes.
  • Cook for 10 minutes and taste.  Add salt and pepper if needed.  Remove from heat and cover.
  • Once tenderloin is finished cooking, remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes (this will seal in the juices).
  • Slice the tenderloin thinly and serve over succotash.

MAIN 5 Creamed White Beans & Corn with Tempeh “Nuggets”

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

1 tsp olive oil

2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 can creamed corn

1 cup vegetable stock or water, as needed

1 pkg tempeh, sliced into square-shaped “nuggets”

1 small pkg Tofutti sour cream

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp salt and pepper, divided

Process:

  • Sauté garlic in olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat for 5 minutes.  Add beans and corn and reduce heat.  Stir often and cook slowly, breaking up some of the beans as you go for a creamed effect.  Add half the salt and pepper and stir to combine.
  • While beans are cooking, preheat oven to a low broil and make nuggets:
  • Combine breadcrumbs with the other half of the salt and pepper and set aside on a plate.
  • Coat tempeh nuggets in a small amount of Tofutti sour cream, then toss them in the breadcrumb mixture gently to coat on all sides.
  • Place on a foil-lined (and oiled) baking sheet and bake on the lowest rack in the oven under the broiler, setting a timer for every 2 minutes to monitor them.
  • Flip them until browned on all sides and serve with the creamed beans and corn.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Curried Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash, Raisins and Toasted Almonds

2 cups farro, cooked

1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into a small dice

1 tsp each salt and pepper, divided

¼ cup olive oil

2 Tbsp curry powder

1 cup yogurt (or more Tofutti sour cream if vegan)

1 tsp lemon juice

1 cup raisins

1 shallot, minced

2 cups almonds, toasted

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped finely

Process:

  • Cook farro in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to package instructions.
  • While farro is cooking, preheat oven to 375 F and toss butternut squash directly on a baking sheet with half the salt and pepper and all of the olive oil.
  • Roast for 20 minutes while the farro is cooking.  Also at this time you can toast the almonds: scatter raw almonds on a baking sheet and place in oven.  Set a timer for 7 minutes and check after it goes off to make sure they are toasted enough.  You are looking for the skins to begin splitting, a slight browning and a toasty aroma.  You don’t want to burn them, however if you try a toasted almond when hot it will not seem toasted because the oils in the almond will cause it to have a chewy texture.  Instead, go by the look of the skins and the smell, remove almonds when done and cool, then taste and see if they are toasted to your liking.  With all of that long-windedness, the truth is that after about 7 minutes they should be done depending on the strength of your oven!
  • Once farro is done, transfer to a serving bowl and immediately toss with raisins to help plump them up.
  • Make curry sauce: combine the rest of the salt, pepper, curry powder and yogurt (or “sour cream” plus the shallot and lemon juice.  Add to the farro-raisin mixture and stir gently to combine.
  • Add the butternut squash once roasted (no need to pour in the residual olive oil unless you want to) and top with toasted (chopped if desired) almonds and cilantro to serve.
  • This dish can be served hot, room temperature or cold.

SIDE 2 Fall-Inspired Wild Rice Salad with Greens, Apples, Dried Cranberries and Pepitas

2 cups wild rice, cooked

4 cups baby greens, your choice (arugula, spinach, kale–or a mix of any)

3 Granny Smith apples (or any of your choice), cubed (seeds and stems removed)

1 cup dried cranberries

1-2 cups pepitas, toasted and unsalted

1 cup orange juice

2 cloves garlic

1 Tbsp poppy seeds *optional

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1-2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp honey

Process:

  • Cook rice according to package instructions, making sure to fluff with a fork directly after cooking to prevent gumminess.
  • While rice is cooking, make dressing: combine orange juice, garlic, cider vinegar, soy sauce and honey in a blender and blend until smooth.  Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.  Add poppy seeds and mix to combine.  Pour into a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • In a large bowl, toss still-warm rice with greens and dressing and mix until cooled slightly.
  • Add apples and cranberries and mix.
  • Sprinkle pepitas on top and serve immediately.  *Make sure to only add enough pepitas so that you’ll eat them all.  Leftover seeds in the salad will get soggy.

SIDE 3 Roasted Corn, Pepper & Black Bean Salad

2 bags frozen corn, thawed overnight in the fridge and drained (reserve liquid if desired for salad, just don’t use it for roasting)

2 tsp olive oil

1 Tbsp chili powder

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can roasted whole green chiles, chopped

1 jar roasted red bell peppers, chopped

2 bunches cilantro

4 limes, zested and juiced

1 cup water

2 Tbsp olive oil *for flavor but not necessary

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 chipotle in adobo sauce *optional but adds a nice smoky flavor

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.  Scatter thawed corn on a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder.  Roast until corn is blackened slightly.
  • While corn is roasting, make dressing: in a blender combine cilantro, lime zest and juice, water, olive oil (if using), yellow onion and chipotle.  Purée until smooth, taste seasonings and adjust if needed.
  • Combine roasted corn (once done) with black beans, chopped chiles and chopped roasted red bell peppers.  Add dressing to taste and toss to combine.  Serve with tortilla chips if desired!

Soup: Turkey Corn & Green Chili

1 pkg ground turkey

2 tsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 bag frozen corn (use half to start)

2 zucchini, diced and divided

1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed and chopped

4 cloves garlic, sliced

1 can roasted whole green chiles, chopped

1 jar salsa verde (not spicy)

1 quart vegetable stock or water

2 cans beans (your choice, but black, kidney or white are good here)

1 bag tortilla chips

1 pkg sour cream or Tofutti “sour cream” *optional

Process:

  • Add turkey, olive oil, yellow onion, corn, half the zucchini, red bell pepper and garlic to a large soup pot and sauté for 10 minutes or until browned slightly.
  • Add green chiles and salsa verde + vegetable stock/water.  Mix together to deglaze the bottom of the pot.  Add beans, bring soup to a boil, reduce to a simmer and taste.  Add salt as necessary (keeping in mind that the salsa is salted).
  • Serve after 20 minutes with tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

______________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

September 6th – 12th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of September 6th – 12th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

___________________________________________________________________

MAINS

MAIN 1 Pork Tacos in Red Sauce, Pickled Onions and Coriander

One 4 lb pork roast* OR 2 lbs USA/Canada boneless pork loin chops S

1 tsp salt and pepper

4 cloves garlic

1 can red enchilada sauce

1 jar red chipotle salsa

½ red onion

½ bunch cilantro (coriander)

1 small pkg sour cream *optional

1 pkg corn tortillas

*For the roast, look for the least expensive cut (a Boston butt would be best)

I came across this idea recently and my mouth was watering just thinking about it!  We are making it easy on you by encouraging you to buy two different kinds of red sauce to make your own.  Throw this in your slow cooker on Sunday and enjoy this simple dish to start the week.

MAIN 2 Poached Chicken with Rice Thai Style

I love, love, love poached chicken.  It takes half the time of roasting, creates a delicious broth in the process and creates an amazing flavor that the rice absorbs as it takes its turn cooking in the water-turned-chicken broth.  I added a twist with some Thai ingredients that you can add at the end.

MAIN 3  Homemade Sausage & Greens with Pasta or Rice

I made this dish recently and loved not only how easy it was but how kid-friendly it was!  The homemade sausages are very small and great finger food and the greens bring some veg to the dish that is healthy for everyone at the table.

MAIN 4  Garlic-Roasted Tofu & Cauliflower

By now you know that I love the flavor profile of garlic, cauliflower and red pepper flakes!  Adding the tofu just makes sense and creates a one-pan dinner with an easy cleanup that’s also big on taste.

MAIN 5 White Bean Cassoulet with or without Chicken Sausage*

This dish can easily be made vegan so it’s a great option for all of you plant-based fans.  Add stock to leftovers and make a hearty soup, too.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Yellow Lentil Curry Salad

I love yellow lentils and often forget about them!  Throw together this salad in no time (the yellow lentils cook quickly) and chill for use as a side or lunch main all week!  Mix it up by topping it with Greek yogurt, raisins or even add vegetable stock for a vegan & vegetarian soup.

SIDE 2 Corn, Peppers & Potatoes

Sometimes you just want a simple side that is another one-pan wonder.  Toss these ingredients together, throw them in the oven and forget about them for 30 minutes.  The flavor profile is pretty Southwestern, yet light and healthy!  Keep some extra lime wedges for garnishing.

SIDE 3 Broccoli Beet Salad

I made this last minute for Labor Day and I really like how it came out.  The balance of sweet and tart were awesome and I loved sneaking the beets in there!

SOUP Garlicky Greens Aïgo Bouïdo

I first tried making (and eating) this soup over 10 years ago in the beginnings of my career.  I fell in love with it!  Don’t be afraid of the large amount of garlic.  You’ll be cooking it slowly for awhile and the flavors really mellow a ton!  Plus the health benefits are out of this world and much-needed during this time of year.  Let’s build up your immune system!

Breakfast

Arrowhead Mills organic pancake and waffle mixes S

California organic blackberries S

Dr. Praeger’s pancakes, littles & hashbrowns S

Washington State organic nectarines S

Pancakes and waffles seem to be a theme this week so go for it!  Fresh fruit on top adds that little something extra and helps to cut sugar if used in place of maple syrup…

Lunch

From Our Bakery garlic bread S

From Our Prepared Foods all made-in-house wraps S

The Original Brat Hans organic chicken sausages S

I’m sensing some delicious garlic bread + chicken sausage open-faced sandwiches, or just order a few wraps for use throughout the week with leftover soup.

Snacks

Back to Nature cookies, crackers and grahams S

Kȁserei Studer organic der scharfe maxx cheese S

MaraNatha organic peanut butter S

Stretch Island fruit leathers S

Washington State organic gala apples S

All I gotta say is apples and peanut butter!  My favorite go-to snack that packs a ton of protein.  Plus cheese and crackers and fruit leathers just for fun.

________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Salt

Pepper

White Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

Honey, Agave or Sugar

Rice

Fish Sauce

Soy Sauce

Peanuts (1 cup needed)

Sriracha *optional

Dried Oregano

Dried Basil

Plain Breadcrumbs

Olive Oil

Pasta (gf or regular, small shape)

Red Pepper Flakes

Bay Leaf (1 needed)

Curry Powder

Chili Powder

Sunflower Seeds

Dried Cranberries

White Miso Paste

Shopping List by Department

Produce

1 bag peeled garlic

2 red onions

2 bunches cilantro

3 limes

1 bunch green onions

1 bag shredded carrots

1 jalapeño

1 bag yellow onions

1 head cauliflower

1 pkg fresh rosemary

1 pkg fresh thyme

2 lemons

1 English cucumber

2 red bell peppers

4 Yukon gold potatoes

1 crown broccoli

Meat/Protein

One 4-lb pork roast (Boston butt if possible) OR 2 lbs USA/Canada boneless pork loin chops S

1 365 Everyday Value, USA organic whole chicken S

½ lb USA 90% lean ground beef S

½ lb ground pork (you may have to buy a full pound package, just save the other half for another time)

1 block extra-firm tofu

1 pkg chicken sausage S *optional for vegans

Dairy/Eggs

1 small container sour cream

1 container powdered parmesan cheese

1 dozen eggs

1 pint plain yogurt

1 container white miso paste (located in this section)

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 pkg corn tortillas

1 pkg rice

1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts

1 cup plain breadcrumbs

1 pkg gf or regular small-shaped pasta

1 pkg yellow lentils

½ cup sunflower seeds, toasted and unsalted

½ cup dried cranberries

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 can red enchilada sauce

1 jar red chipotle salsa

1 quart chicken stock

3 quarts vegetable stock (or make your own)

2 cans cannellini beans

1 jar pickled beets

Frozen Items

2 bags frozen spinach

1 bag frozen corn

_____________________________________________________________________

MAINS

MAIN 1 Pork Tacos in Red Sauce, Pickled Onions and Coriander

One 4 lb pork roast* OR 2 lbs USA/Canada boneless pork loin chops S

1 tsp salt and pepper

4 cloves garlic

1 can red enchilada sauce

1 jar red chipotle salsa

½ red onion, sliced thinly

¼ cup white vinegar

1 tsp honey, agave or sugar

½ tsp salt

½ bunch cilantro (coriander), rinsed and chopped

1 small pkg sour cream *optional

1 pkg corn tortillas

*For the roast, look for the least expensive cut (a Boston butt would be best)

Process:

  • Coat the pork roast or chops in salt and pepper and place in a slow cooker.
  • Add garlic, enchilada sauce, and chipotle salsa.
  • Set to low and cook overnight or all day, for at least 8 hours for the roast and at least 4 hours for the chops.
  • While pork is cooking, make pickled red onions: In a container with a lid, mix together onions, vinegar, sugar, salt and enough water to cover.  Place lid on tightly and shake to combine.  Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Once cooked, shred pork with two forks and serve in tortillas with sauce, red onion, cilantro, and sour cream if desired.

MAIN 2 Poached Chicken with Rice Thai Style

1 365 Everyday Value, USA organic whole chicken S

1 quart water

2 cups rice

½ red onion, sliced thinly

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

3 limes, juice 2, cut 1 into wedges for garnish

2 Tbsp fish sauce

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 bunch green onions, sliced thinly

1 cup shredded carrots

1 jalapeno, sliced very thinly, seeds removed

1 cup peanuts, roasted and crushed

Sriracha sauce to garnish *optional

Process:

  • In a large stock pot, add chicken and cover with water.  Bring water to a boil and poach chicken until cooked (meat will be white and falling off the bone around the legs).
  • Once chicken is done, remove to a bowl to cool.
  • Add rice to boiling poaching liquid and cook until rice is done.  While rice is cooking, make Thai flavoring: In a bowl combine red onion, cilantro, the juice of 2 of the limes, fish sauce, and soy sauce.  Set aside.
  • Once chicken is cooled enough to pick apart, remove meat and chop.
  • To serve: add rice and broth to a soup bowl with chicken and top with a small amount of the Thai flavoring ingredients.  Garnish with green onions, carrots, jalapeno, peanuts and a drizzle of Sriracha is desired.

MAIN 3  Homemade Sausage & Greens with Pasta or Rice

½ lb USA 90% lean ground beef S

½ lb ground pork

1 Tbsp dried oregano

1 Tbsp dried basil

1 tsp salt

1 cup plain breadcrumbs

½ cup parmesan cheese

2 eggs

2 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 tsp olive oil

1-2 cups chicken stock

1 bag frozen spinach, thawed slightly

1 pkg pasta (gf or regular, your choice but go with small-shaped pasta) OR 2 cups rice

Process:

  • In a bowl combine beef, pork, oregano, basil, salt, breadcrumbs, parmesan and eggs.
  • Mix with your hands until well-combined and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Remove spinach from freezer and run under warm water to thaw slightly.
  • In a pan, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil for 5 minutes over medium heat.
  • Add chicken stock and spinach (just needs to be thawed enough to remove from bag easily).
  • Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, while you prepare the meatballs.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Using a teaspoon or mini cookie scoop, make extra small (nickel-quarter-sized) meatballs and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Place in the oven and bake until browned and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Add pasta or rice to soup and cook through.  Taste soup and adjust seasonings as needed, keeping in mind that the meatballs (when added) offer a lot of flavor!
  • To serve, add meatballs to bowls and drench in soup and pasta/rice mixture.
  • Top with extra parmesan if desired.

MAIN 4  Garlic-Roasted Tofu & Cauliflower

8 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

1 block extra-firm tofu, cubed into ½ inch pieces

2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more as needed

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 tsp salt

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • On a foil-lined baking sheet, toss all ingredients and spread out evenly.
  • Roast for 30 minutes or until tofu and cauliflower are browned around edges, making sure to toss halfway through roasting with some tongs or a long-handled spoon.
  • Serve hot!

MAIN 5 White Bean Cassoulet with or without Chicken Sausage*

1 pkg The Original Brat Hans organic chicken sausage S *optional for vegans/vegetarians

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 pkg fresh rosemary

1 pkg fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

8 cloves garlic

1 yellow onion

2 cans cannellini beans

1 quart chicken or vegetable stock

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In a skillet, brown sausages in a bit of oil if using & remove from pan to set aside.
  • Add olive oil to skillet and heat over medium-high.  Add rosemary and thyme sprigs (whole) with bay leaf, garlic and onion.  Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add cannellini beans, stock and taste.  Add salt and pepper as needed.
  • Add sausages back if using and place in the oven in a baking dish to bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Yellow Lentil Curry Salad

1 bag yellow lentils

1 yellow onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

2 tsp olive oil

1 quart water, plus more as needed

2 Tbsp curry powder

1 tsp salt

2 lemons, 1 juiced, 1 cut into wedges

1 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1 English cucumber, diced

Process:

  • Rinse and pick through lentils.
  • In a soup pot, sauté onion and garlic with olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.  Add curry powder and cook for 3 minutes more to release aromatics.
  • Add water and lentils and cook until lentils are al dente and begin to mush up a bit.
  • Remove from heat and cool.
  • Once cooled, refrigerate and when ready to serve, toss with salt, lemon juice, cilantro and English cucumber, leaving a lemon wedge on each plate.

SIDE 2 Corn, Peppers & Potatoes

1 bag frozen corn

2 red bell peppers, stems and seeds removed and chopped

4 Yukon gold potatoes, cubed into a small 1/8th inch squares

½ red onion, sliced

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 tsp chili powder

1 lime

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with foil.
  • Add all ingredients (except for the lime juice) to baking sheet, toss to combine and bake for 20-30 minutes, making sure to mix together ingredients and rotate pan halfway through cooking.
  • Remove from oven once potatoes are golden brown and if they stick to the foil, let them rest 10 minutes then peel them off easily by lifting foil from pan.
  • To serve spritz some lime juice on top and enjoy!

SIDE 3 Broccoli Beet Salad

1 crown broccoli, cut into small florets

1 jar pickled beets, chopped

½ red onion, diced

½ cup sunflower seeds

½ cup dried cranberries

1 cup plain yogurt

1-2 tsp soy sauce, to taste

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp honey, agave or sugar

Process:

  • In a large bowl, combine broccoli, beets (with juice), red onion, and cranberries.
  • In a small bowl, combine yogurt, soy sauce, vinegar and honey (or other sweetener).
  • Pour sauce over broccoli mixture, toss and top with sunflower seeds to serve.

SOUP Garlicky Greens Aïgo Bouïdo

2 mini pkg bagged and peeled garlic (inside whole bag), cloves removed and left whole

2 quarts vegetable stock (begin by using just one and open and use the other as needed)

1 tsp each salt and pepper, or as needed

1 pkg frozen greens (spinach, kale or collards)

2 Tbsp white miso paste

Process:

  • Combine whole cloves of garlic with vegetable stock, salt and pepper and bring to a low simmer for 45 minutes.  Check a clove of garlic at this time: it should be very soft and very mellow/sweet in flavor.  If it’s still crunchy at all, continue to simmer until very soft.
  • Pour soup through a sieve into another soup pot (don’t lose that broth) and using a whisk, mash up garlic and press it through the sieve, making sure to scrape off any excess on the underside of the sieve.  That’s the good stuff so keep it!
  • Place your new soup pot on the stove over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, add greens and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, stir in miso and serve hot.

_________________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

August 30th – September 5th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of August 30th – September 5th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

_______________________________________________________________

MAINS

MAIN 1 Marinated Chicken Burrito Bowls

I love love love making burrito bowls because the kids get to choose what toppings they want and everyone wins!  The marinated chicken on sale this week at WFM is rocking and you should use it…but if you happen to have leftover chicken in the fridge that will work, too.  I also really enjoyed including the tips of cooking your grains with the salsa—really helps any grain to taste less plain.

MAIN 2 Argentinian Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Who doesn’t love a dinner that is fantastically delicious and also really quick?!  That’s what we’re about here at Vie.  You’re welcome…  No, but really don’t use all of that chimichurri and top it on anything from leftover burrito bowls to eggs this week!

MAIN 3 Asian-Style Ribs with Avocado Cabbage Slaw

Our newest Meal Planner, Matt, has ribs on his menu this week at Harris Teeter and when I saw these on sale at WFM I jumped on the train.  Because why not??  I used to make this cabbage slaw for dinner parties and let me tell you it is heavenly!  The avocado really lends a nice creaminess and BONUS you’re going to make your own Korean BBQ sauce…only if you want.

MAIN 4 Smoked Salmon Fettuccine with Crème Fraȋche & Dill

Use regular ol’ fettuccine or gluten-free, whatever you want!  It’s the flavors of the shallot+smoked salmon+dill that really pop.  Oh, yeah, and that touch of crème fraȋche we added!

MAIN 5 Vegan Savory Onion Tart with Dijon Greens

Ok, ok stop everything!  I know this one is at the end but it is absolutely my favorite meal of the week!  Very French, very simple, absolutely delicious.  If you’re going Vegan, make sure your crust is Vegan.  And the best part?  This meal is hearty and filling with the onion tart plus it’s served with the salad on top so it’s a two-for-one for sure.  Bon appetit!

SIDES

SIDE 1 Waldorf Salad

I liked adding this Waldorf Salad this week because it can easily be made Vegan and the flavors are just so good (and fairly surprising!).  Grapes, apples, toasty walnuts and maybe even some rotisserie chicken if you like.  Don’t forget to stock up on your favorite Vegan substitutes like Vegenaise and Tofutti “sour cream”.

SIDE 2 Tomato Tabbouleh Salad

Yes I know tabbouleh always has tomato, but it’s just usually never a lot.  This week I wanted to really switch things up and make a tomato-heavy salad with a nice cucumber crunch and plenty of lemon-y brightness.

SIDE 3 Roasted Pear Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Drizzle

Typically I reserve this dish for fall but pears are in season now so let’s run with it!  The spiciness of the arugula and the bitter tartness of the balsamic help balance the sweetness of the roasted pears.  All in all a perfect flavor combo.

SOUP: Roasted Tomato & Black Bean

I highlighted this recipe already this week on Instagram (follow us if you don’t!) but it will take you 30 minutes tops and is healthy, clean and filling.  Make a lot and share (that’s what I did)!

________________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

Salsa

Red Pepper Flakes

Brown Sugar

Honey

Soy Sauce

Rice Vinegar

Chile Paste

Toasted Sesame Oil

Sesame Seeds, Toasted

Fettuccine

Dijon Mustard

Mayo or Vegenaise

Apple Cider Vinegar

Bulgur Wheat

Vegetable Oil

Balsamic Syrup

High Quality Olive Oil

Shopping List by Department

Produce

2 sweet potatoes

4 bunches cilantro

5 avocados

4 lemons

1 bag peeled garlic

1 head red cabbage (use half)

1 red onion

1 bag vidalia onions

1 bunch dill

1 pkg arugula

2 shallots

1 lb California organic seedless grapes S

4 Granny Smith apples

1 bunch celery

1 lb heirloom local tomatoes

1 bunch parsley

1 English cucumber

1 lb Washington State organic Bartlett pears S

Meat/Protein

1-2 pkg WFM 365 marinated chicken breast C

1-2 lb Animal Welfare Rated USA boneless beef sirloin steaks S

2 lbs Animal Welfare Rated UK St. Louis-Style pork ribs S

1 pkg Changing Seas smoked salmon S

1 rotisserie chicken *optional for Waldorf Salad and Soup

Dairy & Eggs

1 small pkg crème fraȋche

1 small pkg Greek yogurt *optional for Waldorf Salad OR 1 small pkg Tofutti “sour cream”

1 cup crumbled bleu cheese *optional for Pear Salad

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 pkg WFM 365 ancient grains

1 pkg fresh or dried fettuccine (spinach if possible) or your choice of gluten-free pasta

1 pkg Immaculate Baking pie crust, puff pastry (make sure you find a Vegan brand if needed)

2 cups walnuts, toasted

1 small pkg WFM 365 quick-cooking bulgur wheat

1 bag tortilla chips

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

3 cans black beans

2 jars salsa

1 bottle Korean BBQ sauce (or make your own–recipe included in this week’s plan)

1 can 28 oz fire-roasted tomatoes

1 can corn (or buy frozen below)

1 quart vegetable broth

Frozen Items

1 ½ cups frozen corn (or used canned above)

________________________________________________________________

WEEKLY MENU RECIPES

MAINS

MAIN 1 Marinated Chicken Burrito Bowls
1-2 pkg WFM 365 Marinated chicken breast C
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp each salt and pepper
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 pkg 365 ancient grains, cooked per package instructions

1 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1 jar salsa, divided

1-2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced

Process:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 F.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and add sweet potatoes.  Toss with oil and salt + pepper.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.  While potatoes are baking, make grains per package instructions, keeping liquid quantity the same but adding half a jar of the salsa before cooking.  This will give the grains a nice flavor and allow the ingredients to meld and mellow a bit.
  • Remove sweet potatoes from oven, check for doneness and make space in the middle to add chicken breasts, arranging them so they are all flat and not overlapping.
  • Bake 15-20 minutes more, or until chicken and potatoes are done.
  • Arrange grains in individual bowls, top with sweet potatoes, sliced chicken, cilantro, black beans, the rest of the salsa and avocados.

MAIN 2 Argentinian Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
1-2 lbs Animal Welfare Rated USA boneless beef sirloin steaks S

1 tsp oil

½-1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 bunches cilantro, rinsed and left whole

2 lemons, peeled and juiced

4 cloves garlic, left whole

¼ cup olive oil *optional

¼ cup water *if not using olive oil, just use ½ water in total

1 big pinch red pepper flakes

Process:

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with oil.
  • Season steaks with salt and pepper and add to the hot pan, cooking 4-6 minutes on each side depending on thickness and how you like your steaks done.  Once the steaks are done, remove and let them rest for 10 minutes.
  • While steaks are cooking/resting, make chimichurri:
  • In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro bunches (stems included), the peel of 1 lemon, the juice of both lemons, garlic, olive oil + water or just all water plus the red pepper flakes.
  • Purée until smooth (or chunky–whatever you prefer) and pour sauce over steaks to serve.  (If you’d like to slice your steaks to help them stretch further, just make sure to slice against the grain, which usually means slicing width-wise.)

MAIN 3 Asian-Style Ribs with Avocado Cabbage Slaw
2 lbs Animal Welfare Rated UK St. Louis-Style Pork Ribs S

1 bottle Korean BBQ sauce or MYO (use ½-1 cup for ribs and ½ cup for slaw)

  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar or honey
  • ¾ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 1-2 Tbsp chile paste
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • Pinch black pepper
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic

1 head red cabbage (use half), shredded

½ red onion, sliced thinly

1 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and cubed

2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Process:

  • Make sauce by combining all ingredients (or skip this step if you’re using a pre-made bottle) in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes over low heat.  Divide sauce.
  • Preheat oven to 250 F.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil, lay out ribs (cutting them down to size if needed) and spread half of the Korean BBQ sauce over them, making sure to coat each side.  Wrap them up in foil and seal as tightly as possible.  Place in the oven for a few hours until tender and beginning to fall off the bone.  You can either start these in the morning or do them overnight, just decrease the oven temp to 200 F and cook for up to 8 hours!
  • About 15 minutes before serving, assemble slaw:
  • In a large bowl toss shredded cabbage (half), red onion, cilantro and the rest of the Korean BBQ sauce plus a little extra rice vinegar if needed.  Top with avocados and sesame seeds and toss again gently just before serving with ribs.

MAIN 4 Smoked Salmon Fettuccine with Crème Fraiche & Dill
1 pkg fresh or dried fettuccine pasta (choose spinach if possible) –or gluten-free if needed!

½ red onion, sliced thinly

1 small pkg crème fraȋche

1 pkg Changing Seas smoked salmon S, sliced into thin strips

½ bunch dill, rinsed and roughly chopped (reserve a few Tablespoons for garnish)

Salt and black pepper to taste, begin with a pinch of each, but this dish will like a little more black pepper than salt

Process:

  • Begin by cooking pasta in salted water per package instructions minus one minute so they are al dente.
  • Once pasta is done, drain and reserve 1 cup cooking liquid.  Return the pasta to the pan with cooking liquid plus red onion, crème fraȋche (begin with half the container then add more as needed), thinly-sliced salmon, dill and black pepper.  *Reserve the salt until you’ve tasted, then add as needed!
  • Toss everything together over low heat for 3 minutes, then serve.
  • Garnish with a bit of leftover dill.

MAIN 5 Vegan Savory Onion Tart with Dijon Greens

1 pkg immaculate baking pie crust OR 1 pkg puff pastry (make sure your crust is Vegan if needed)

4 vidalia onions, sliced thinly

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp brown sugar

½ pkg arugula

1 shallot, sliced thinly

¼ cup Dijon mustard

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 small pinch red pepper flakes

Process:

  • Remove your pie crust or puff pastry and allow 20 minutes to thaw.
  • Preheat your oven to 400 F.
  • Lightly oil or butter a pie dish.  *If you don’t have one, don’t fret!  You can lay out your crust directly onto a baking sheet.
  • Cut a circle out of the thawed crust, making sure that it is slightly bigger than your pie dish.  (You can make sure to do this right by flipping over the pie dish onto the crust and cutting ½ inch further out that the diameter of the circle.)
  • Pat your crust into place in your pie dish (or lay out in a circle on your baking sheet), pierce with a fork all over and bake until light brown and no longer raw, but not too dark or overcooked (you’ll be cooking it again).
  • While crust is baking, make caramelized onions:
  • Add olive oil to your largest skillet with high sides.  Heat over medium heat.
  • Add onions, stir and cover for 15 minutes.
  • Remove lid, add brown sugar and stir to combine.  Cook with the lid off for another 15 minutes over low heat still, making sure to add a splash of water as needed to prevent scorching.
  • While onions are working, make the vinaigrette!  In a jar with a lid (mason jars are perfect for this) combine shallot, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy and red pepper flakes.  Shake and taste.  Adjust soy or honey as needed until the flavor is just right for you.  It should be fairly tart.
  • Add finished onions to pie dish or on top of crust in baking sheet (making sure to not quite reach edges) and bake again until crust is done, about 10 minutes.
  • While tart is finishing, toss arugula with a few Tbsp of vinaigrette.
  • Remove tart from the oven, top with arugula salad and serve.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Waldorf Salad
1 lb California organic seedless grapes S, sliced in half

4 Granny Smith apples, seeds and stems removed and cubed

4 stalks celery, tops and bottoms removed and sliced thinly

1-2 cups walnuts, toasted

1 rotisserie chicken, meat pulled off and chopped *This is optional!  Make this salad Vegan by leaving off the chicken and using Vegenaise

¼ cup mayo, Vegenaise

¼ cup Greek yogurt (or ¼ cup more of Vegenaise or Tofutti “sour cream”)

½-1 tsp salt and pepper

1 Tbsp sugar

2-4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Process:

  • In a large bowl, combine grapes, apples, celery and chicken (if using).  Toss to combine.
  • In a small bowl, make dressing: combine mayo or Vegenaise with Greek yogurt or Tofutti sour cream, salt, pepper, sugar and apple cider vinegar.  Begin with 2 Tbsp of the vinegar and add more as needed.  Taste as you go and adjust as necessary.
  • Pour dressing over salad mixture and top with walnuts just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

SIDE 2 Tomato Tabbouleh Salad

1 lb heirloom local tomatoes, stems removed and roughly chopped

½ cup bulgur wheat (or use couscous/quinoa if you have that on hand)

1 bunch parsley, rinsed and chopped finely

1 English cucumber, peeled if not organic and diced

2 lemons, zested and juiced

1 tsp salt, more as needed

½ tsp black pepper

Process:

  • Cook bulgur wheat per package instructions and rinse in cold water to chill slightly.
  • Drain and add to a large bowl along with the chopped tomatoes, parsley, English cucumber, lemon zest and half the juice plus salt and pepper.
  • Taste and add more lemon juice if needed, keeping in mind that as this dish sits in the fridge it will need to be refreshed with more lemon juice as the days go by because the bulgur will absorb the flavors a bit.  Where they go no one knows…

SIDE 3 Roasted Pear Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Drizzle
1 lb Washington State organic Bartlett pears S, sliced in half, stems retained  *the less ripe the better!

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

½ pkg arugula

1 shallot, minced

1 cup crumbled bleu cheese *optional!  Leave off if vegan

1 bottle balsamic syrup

2 tsp high quality olive oil

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • On a foil-lined baking sheet, place pear cut-side up and drizzle with a bit of vegetable oil.  Roast for 15 minutes or until browned slightly but still slightly firm.
  • Serve warm pears on a large platter topped with arugula, shallot, bleu cheese if desired and a drizzle of balsamic syrup + high quality olive oil.  *If you don’t use the bleu cheese, go ahead a sprinkle some salt on those pears…you won’t regret it.

SOUP: Roasted Tomato & Black Bean

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 vidalia onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

1 28-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 jar salsa

2 cans black beans, not drained or rinsed

1 can corn, drained (0r 1 ½ cups frozen corn)

1 quart vegetable broth

1 avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed

2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken *leftover from the Waldorf Salad if you ended up using it!

1 pkg tortilla chips

Process:

  • In a soup pot, add oil and heat over medium heat.
  • Add chopped vidalia onions, garlic and sauté for 5 minutes.
  • Add fire-roasted tomatoes, salsa, black beans, corn and vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes then serve hot with avocado slices, rotisserie chicken (if using) and tortilla chips for garnish.

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Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

August 23rd – 29th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of August 23rd – 29th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

 

This week’s Meal Plan is a variation of our free Plant-Based plan inspired by farm fresh ingredients and what is in season now!  We have added protein suggestions with some of the meals so that if you’re not following a plant-based diet you can adjust.  Enjoy!

________________________________________________________________

Weekly Menu

MAINS

MAIN 1 Zucchini Boats with Tomato-Farro-Oregano Stuffing

*add Responsibly Farmed shrimp skewers S

This dish is easy and refreshing.  Prep work can be done ahead and post-cooking the boats only get better in the fridge.  Simply reheat to serve or enjoy cold.  The farro adds a nice bite and the tomato-oregano flavors help to add a twist to the typical tomato-basil love affair.

MAIN 2 Roasted Red & Gold Beets with Crispy Shallots & Fried Capers + Balsamic Drizzle

*add wild caught, Canada king salmon fillets S

This one will knock your socks off!  Double roasting the beets if you have time helps give them a buttery texture and the fried capers add a nice brininess while still pairing a nice crunch with the soft beets.  Balsamic tartness brings the whole dish together.

MAIN 3 Heirloom Tomato Steaks with Basil Oil

*add the same shrimp skewers S as listed above if desired

I love to slice local heirloom tomatoes nice and thick in the summer.  Their nooks and crannies help absorb the homemade basil oil in every pocket and the acidity of the dressing helps to cut the sweetness of the fruit.  Store leftovers in a jar for an instant pasta topping!

MAIN 4 Roasted Eggplant with Oregano-Orange Mint Sauce

*a Bell & Evans, USA air-chilled whole chicken S can be roasted alongside the eggplant

Roasting local eggplant is so fun because there are many different types to experiment with.  The end result is a bite that’s soft here, toothsome there and when topped with this herbaceous green sauce the end result is heavenly!

MAIN 5 Summer Squash Bake

*add parmesan and swiss + milk for a creamy twist

Who says squash has to be boring?  Toss your thinly sliced squash with some leftover basil oil and arrange nicely in a baking dish.  Add to the oven and walk away!  Not only is this meal hard to mess up, but it’s really delicious served hot or cold.  Add vegetable broth to the leftovers and some farro and you’ve got a light soup perfect for lunches.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Sweet Potato Wedges with Rosemary & Sea Salt

I love to take young sweet potatoes that are small and thin and roast them skin-on but if all you can find are large sweet potatoes, wedges are fine, too!  The sugar from the sweet potatoes caramelizes during roasting and offers a great crunch and balance to the earthy rosemary and sea salt!

SIDE 2 Blackened Shishito Peppers with Smoked Sea Salt

Shishitos are my absolute favorite because everyone in the family can enjoy them!  Even my almost one year-old stuffs his face with these!!  They are great served cold but can easily be reheated and leftovers are great to add on top of your lunch grain bowl.

SIDE 3 Butter Beans & Caramelized Vidalia Onions

‘Tis the season!  Butter beans are (I believe) the most underappreciated vegetable!  Since they are shelling beans, you any find them at the market still in their pod.  Any lima bean-esque legume will do for this dish, even black eye peas.  The caramelized onions offer a sweet and smoky note that makes these beans anything but bland.

SOUP: Red Beans, Okra & Quinoa Detox Soup

I was asked recently by a Vegan friend to come up with a cleansing soup that is high in protein.  This one definitely fits the bill!  Think red beans and rice with a twist, and don’t forget to pile on the okra.  Not only will they help thicken the soup naturally, but they’ll be sliced thin so if you have someone at the table that doesn’t much like okra, give this soup a chance!  Small morsels mean that it will be easier to eat with less chew-time!

Breakfast:

Bacon, Turkey Bacon & Sausage S

Ciabatta S

Eggs

Icelandic Skyr Yogurts S

Cascadian Farm organic granola and cereal S

Amazing Grass organic protein superfood protein powder S

Make some awesome smoothies or just have a good ol’ fashioned sit down breakfast with eggs, sausage and toast!

Lunch:

De Cecco Pasta S

Monte Bene Pasta Sauce S

I’m a big fan of the simple and light lunch, throwing together leftovers from the previous night’s dinner, however if you’re looking to make a big batch of lunch that will last you all week, make pasta!

Snacks:

Kind Bars S

Grapes S

Juice S

Wild Kratts Snacks S

____________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Salt

Sea Salt

Smoked Sea Salt

Pepper

Olive Oil  (you’ll need a full bottle for this week)

Balsamic Vinegar

White Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic Syrup

Capers

Red Pepper Flakes

Brown Sugar

Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

Farro

Quinoa

Apple Cider Vinegar

Shopping List by Department

Produce

2-4 large zucchini (depending on servings needed)

3 lbs large heirloom tomatoes

1 bunch fresh oregano

1 large bunch basil

1 bunch fresh mint

1 bunch fresh rosemary

1 bunch parsley

1 bunch red beets

1 bunch gold beets

2 shallots

1 bag peeled garlic

4 large eggplants

2 organic oranges

4 yellow summer squash

2 lbs sweet potatoes

1 lb shishito peppers

1 lb butter beans (limas, fresh)

5 vidalia onions (or a bag)

1 red bell pepper

1 lb okra

Protein

Suggestions:

1 Bell & Evans USA air-chilled whole chicken S

1-2 lb Responsibly Farmed Thailand shrimp skewers S

1 lb Wild Caught Canada King Salmon Fillet S

Dairy

1 pkg parmesan *optional for Squash Bake

1 pkg grated swiss *optional for Squash Bake

1-2 cups whole milk *optional for Squash Bake

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 pkg farro

1 pkg quinoa

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 can chipotle in adobo sauce (if not in your pantry already)

1 jar large capers

2 cans red kidney beans

2 quarts vegetable broth

Frozen Items

None this week

_______________________________________________________________

RECIPES

MAINS

MAIN 1 Zucchini Boats with Tomato-Farro-Oregano Stuffing

2-4 large zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise and hollowed out for filling

2 tomatoes, cubed

2 cups farro, cooked

½ bunch fresh oregano, leaves removed

½-1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Process:

  • Prepare farro by cooking in 4 cups water with a pinch of salt in a large saucepan or in a rice cooker until al dente, about 20-30 minutes.  Drain (if needed) until ready to use.
  • Hollow out zucchini with a spoon or knife, leaving a ¼ “ rim on the outside so the squash can hold up to being stuffed and cooked.
  • Chop the hollowed-out zucchini and toss with tomatoes, cooked farro, oregano, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and bake on a lined baking sheet or oiled baking dish for 25 minutes or until zucchini is done (softened slightly) and stuffing is heated through.
  • *Add shrimp skewers to this by grilling them or baking them while zucchini is cooking.  Serve on top of boats.

MAIN 2 Roasted Red & Gold Beets with Crispy Shallots & Fried Capers + Balsamic Drizzle

1 bunch gold beets, peeled and topped then sliced into wedges

1 bunch red beets, peeled and topped then sliced into wedges

1 cup olive oil, divided

1 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2 shallots, sliced into thin rounds

1 jar capers, drained

2 Tbsp balsamic syrup

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.  Line a two baking sheets with foil and keep red and gold beet wedges separate.  Toss with half the olive oil and sprinkle with half the salt and pepper.
  • Roast both uncovered for 30-45 minutes or until they are soft.  Do this step the day or night before if you can to ensure the most buttery beet texture.  If you don’t have time, skip straight away to the next step.  If you’ve done them a day in advance, simply fold the beets up in their foil tightly and let sit at room temp until the next day.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F and continue roasting beets for an additional 25 minutes.  Keep in mind that the foil will discolor the beets slightly, but they are still delicious!
  • During this last roasting phase, make the crispy shallots and capers:
  • In a large cast iron skillet, add the rest of the oil.  Heat over medium heat until shimmering and add sliced shallots first.  Cook them gently until browned but not burned.  Pay close attention and move them around the pan carefully with a metal spoon to ensure even cooking.  Remove to a large plate lined with paper towels once crispy.
  • Next, add the drained capers.  These will splatter a bit due to the amount of water in them so watch out.  No kids around for this one!  Stir the capers as they fry just as you did the shallots.  You’ll notice that the capers brown slightly and open up like flowers.
  • Remove them to the same paper towel and allow to cool.
  • Arrange roasted beet wedges on a large platter, sprinkle with crispy shallots and capers and drizzle with a small amount of balsamic syrup.
  • Taste and add more salt if desired, keeping in mind that the capers add a lot of briny flavor!
  • *Serve suggested salmon fillets with this by roasting salmon in the oven alongside beets for their second cooking, making sure to remove when opaque and flaky.

MAIN 3 Heirloom Tomato Steaks with Basil Oil

2 lbs large heirloom tomatoes, stems and hull removed and sliced along the radius into ½” slices

1 large bunch basil

2 cups olive oil

2 tsp white balsamic vinegar (or sherry vinegar)

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)

1 pinch red pepper flakes *optional

Process:

  • Arrange tomatoes on a platter, slightly overlapping and sprinkle with salt.
  • Make basil oil:  In a blender, combine basil (stems included), olive oil, white balsamic, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes.  Purée until smooth.
  • Store in a mason jar and shake before using.
  • To serve, use a spoon to drizzle basil oil over tomatoes.
  • *Add shrimp skewers to this by tossing them in a bit of basil oil and grilling them or baking them in an oven preheated to a low broil.  Serve on top of tomatoes.

MAIN 4 Roasted Eggplant with Oregano-Orange Mint Sauce

4 large eggplants, stems removed and cubed into 1” squares

4 cloves garlic, left whole

1-2 tsp salt

4 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 oranges, 1 left whole (seeds removed), 1 juiced

½ bunch fresh oregano

½ cup packed mint leaves

1 clove garlic

Water as needed

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F and line a baking sheet with foil.  (The foil will discolor the eggplant cubes slightly, but in my opinion it’s better than scrubbing an oily baking sheet after dinner!)
  • Toss eggplant cubes and garlic cloves in half the salt and half the olive oil.
  • Place in the oven and roast for 25 minutes.  While eggplant and garlic are roasting, make sauce:
  • In a blender or food processor, combine 1 whole seeded orange, the juice of the other orange, oregano leaves, mint leaves, the other half of the salt and olive oil and water as needed to make a smooth sauce.  Taste and adjust flavors as needed.
  • Remove the eggplant from the oven when done: it should be still in cubes for the most part and not complete mush.  Wait 10 minutes and as it cools it will un-adhere from the foil and be easy to scrape off intact.
  • Serve on a platter or in individual plates with a drizzle of sauce + more on the side in a bowl for others to use at their discretion.
  • *To add the chicken to this, simply sprinkle a generous helping of salt and pepper on the bird with some olive oil.  Place in the preheated oven to roast alone for 25 minutes, then add eggplant and follow the rest of the recipe, making sure to remove chicken when golden brown and the juices runs clear when bird is pierced with a fork.  Drizzle sauce on top to serve.

MAIN 5 Summer Squash Bake

4 yellow summer squash, tops removed and sliced very thinly

½ cup basil oil (leftover from recipe above)

½ tsp sea salt and black pepper

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Gently toss squash slices with basil oil, salt and pepper.
  • Arrange them in a medium baking dish by beginning at the edges and fanning them like a deck of cards in a circular motion until the bottom of the baking dish is covered.
  • Continue with a second and third layer until all squash is used or you’ve filled the pan.  Drizzle remaining oil atop slices and place in the oven.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender but not falling apart.
  • *If you’d like to add dairy to this, simply toss squash with swiss cheese, arrange in dish and sprinkle with parmesan.  Pour in 1-2 cups milk until bottom layer of squash is covered and bake until cheese is melted and squash is tender.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Sweet Potato Wedges with Rosemary & Sea Salt

2 lbs sweet potatoes (either small and thin or large and sliced into wedges)

½ cup fresh rosemary, leaves removed and chopped

2 tsp sea salt, or to taste

2-4 Tbsp olive oil, as needed

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and add whole small sweet potatoes or wedges.  Toss them  in half the oil, rosemary and sea salt.  Add more oil as needed.
  • Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack of the oven and roast for 30 minutes or until cooked through, crispy and caramelized slightly (you’ll see the sugars trying to escape from the sides of the potatoes).
  • Serve hot!

SIDE 2 Blackened Shishito Peppers with Smoked Sea Salt

1 lb shishito peppers, left whole

1 Tbsp olive oil

Pinch smoked sea salt, for finishing

Process:

  • Preheat oven to a low broil.
  • Spread out washed shishitos onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
  • Place in the middle of the oven, adjusting as needed so as to cook evenly (closer or further away from the broiler so that all peppers cook at the same rate instead of some scorching and others remaining underdone).
  • Once almost all of the peppers are blackened and blistered (but still green in most places) remove from oven, sprinkle with sea salt and serve.  (Stems can be eaten and these peppers are not spicy!  If you do get a spicy one, this is rare and good luck.)

SIDE 3 Steamed Butter Beans & Caramelized Vidalia Onions

1 lb butter beans, shelled

3 vidalia onions, sliced thinly

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp brown sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  • In a large heavy-bottomed pan (cast iron is ideal) add onions with oil over low heat.  Cook onions until they’ve sweat a bit and reduced in body.
  • Add sugar, stir to combine thoroughly and cover.  Cook for 30 minutes, removing lid every 10 minutes to stir and prevent scorching.  Add water as needed to keep liquid in the bottom of the pan (the water from the onions will be brought out from cooking and the sugar, however can evaporate if the lid is not airtight).
  • While onions are cooking, prepare another medium saucepan by filling it with 1 inch water and bring it to a boil.  Once at a boil, add beans and cover, stirring every so often to redistribute beans.  Cook beans for 20 minutes, or until they are softened but not falling apart.
  • Strain beans once cooked and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Serve over a bed of caramelized onions.

SOUP: Red Beans, Okra & Quinoa Detox Soup

2 vidalia onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 tsp olive oil

2 cans red beans, drained and rinsed

1 chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped or left whole

1 ½ cups quinoa, rinsed

1-2 quarts vegetable broth, use as much as needed

1 tsp smoked sea salt

1 lb okra, tops removed and sliced into 1/8th inch slices

1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar, to taste

½ bunch parsley, rinsed and chopped for garnish

Process:

  • Sauté onions, garlic and red pepper together in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  • Add red beans, chipotle (if using) and quinoa.
  • Stir to mix and then add broth, starting with 1 quart, then increasing once quinoa begins to cook and absorb liquid.  Add salt.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.  Taste and add more salt if needed.  Add broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
  • Add sliced okra and cover, cooking an additional 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, stir in vinegar and parsley and serve hot.

_______________________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

August 16th – 22nd

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of August 16th – 22nd, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

MAIN 1: Tahini Chicken with Cucumber Salad

2-3 lbs bone-in split chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks (or use the organic marinated chicken breasts S)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lemon, sliced in half and seeds removed

1 bunch parsley

2 Tbsp honey or pomegranate molasses if available

½ cup tahini sauce

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 bunch rosemary

1 English cucumber

2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced in half from top to bottom and quartered

1 pkg arugula

This has been a huge hit each time I’ve made it!  It’s easy to prepare and so healthy!  Make one batch of tahini sauce and use it two different ways.

MAIN 2: Quick Pasta Bolognese

1 yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks celery, diced

4 carrots, diced

1 lb fresh ground beef S

2 28 oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes (or regular if you prefer)

Water as needed to thin sauce

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta

1 bunch fresh basil, torn

Yes, nonna’s bolognese takes 8 hours, but who has that kind of time?  Throw this one together in your crock pot or instant pot and let the magic happen.  All you have to do is cook the pasta before serving.

MAIN 3: Ponzu-Marinated Swordfish with Garlic Bok Choy

¼ cup ponzu or soy sauce

1 Tbsp agave or sugar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

½ red onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided

1 lb wild caught Canada/USA fresh blue swordfish steaks S

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 bunches bok choy, rinsed and sliced in half if large

1 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand), crumbled

Tip: use extra brown rice from the recipe below if desired

Now that we’ve got the decadent meals for the week out of the way, how about some that are a little lighter and healthier but still bursting with flavor?  Our next few fit that bill.  This marinated swordfish will have you wondering if you’re at home or actually in a fancy restaurant kitchen.

MAIN 4: Detoxifying Teriyaki Mushroom Grain Bowl

1 pkg shiitake mushrooms

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 cups brown rice, cooked (can be made in advance)

½ red cabbage, shredded

½ red onion, thinly sliced

1 bunch green onions, sliced into 1 inch pieces on the bias

1 avocado, sliced thinly

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 pkg Nature’s ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs or cubed extra firm tofu (optional)

Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

Detox: the magic word.  Did you know that shiitakes are incredibly detoxifying? Even better, this grain bowl is fantastic because it’s filling and very kid-friendly.  Let everyone build their own for a hands-on and unique experience.

MAIN 5: Tangy Shrimp with Bright Red Pepper Sauce

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked, peeled and deveined shrimp S

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 California/Mexico red bell peppers, chopped

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

1 small can fire roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle (optional)

Juice of 2 limes

½ pkg baby kale

We love this one because the sauce can be made in advance (and is actually better after the flavors merry for a few days in the fridge).  Roasting the shrimp in the oven brings out their flavor and makes them easier to peel and don’t forget that burst of bright green veg with the baby kale as a bed for warm shrimp and punchy sauce.

SIDES

SIDE 1: Lemon Asparagus Salad with Shaved Parmesan Crisps

2 lemons, zested & juiced

1 bunch asparagus, cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 block parmesan, shaved

½ pkg baby kale

Learn how to create ribbons out of the asparagus and make parm crisps all in one night!

SIDE 2: French Onion Couscous

2 yellow onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp thyme

1 container pearled couscous

1 quart chicken or veggie stock

1 tsp each salt & pepper

This dish has always been a hit and the depth of flavor is outrageous.  You’ll want to throw leftovers into soup or on top of salad.

SIDE 3: Fresh Fruit Salad with Mint Yogurt Drizzle

5 oranges

3 apples

2 Ataulfo/ Mexico yellow mangoes

1 box California organic strawberries, sliced

½ lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pkg mint, cut into ribbons

1 pkg Brown Cow vanilla greek yogurt

2 Tbsp milk

A fresh fruit salad with mint yogurt sauce is refreshing and perfect for this first few hints of spring.  This can be made vegan by replacing regular milk and yogurt with dairy-free.

SOUP: Miso, Rice & Mushroom Soup

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 pkg mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 bunch chard, sliced into chiffonade

1 quart mushroom or chicken stock

1 tsp soy sauce (or to taste)

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice

3 Tbsp miso paste

1 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand)

Breath in, breath out.  This soup is comforting and healthy but also rich in nutrients and helps give your body what it needs.

BREAKFAST

Make a delicious summer smoothie using fresh peaches, watermelons and raspberries!

LUNCH

Grab an organic French baguette from the bakery and some house-roasted turkey breast

SNACKS

Wild Kratts organic creature crackers S

Wild Kratts juice S

Tortilla chips from Garden of Eatin’ S

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Olive Oil

Coconut Oil

Brown Rice

Salt

Pepper

Sugar

Chipotle in Adobo Sauce (optional)

Red Pepper Flakes

Soy Sauce

Ponzu

Cajun Seasoning

Maple Syrup or Agave

Milk

Mayonnaise (or Vegenaise on sale)

Toasted Sesame Oil

Toasted Sesame Seeds

Dried Thyme

Balsamic Vinegar

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

1 bag peeled garlic

1 bag yellow onions

3 red bell peppers

1 English cucumber

1 vine-ripened tomatoes

1 avocado

1 bunch organic celery

1 1-lb bag carrots

1 bunch fresh basil

1 red onion

2 bunches bok choy

2 pkg shiitake mushrooms

1 red cabbage

1 bunch green onions

1 bunch cilantro

1 bunch parsley

1 bunch rosemary

2 limes

4 lemons

1 bunch asparagus

1 pkg baby kale

1 pkg arugula

5 oranges

3 apples

2 Ataulfo or Mexico yellow mangoes

1 box organic strawberries

1 pkg mint

1 bunch chard

Meat/Protein

2-3 lbs bone-in split chicken breast, thighs or drumsticks (or marinated chicken breast S)

1 lb lean ground beef S

1 lb wild caught fresh swordfish steaks S

1 pkg Nature’s Ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs or extra firm tofu (optional)

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked peeled and deveined shrimp

Dairy/Eggs

1 cup milk

1 Brown Cow vanilla Greek yogurt

1 block parmesan

1 container white miso

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots GF pasta

1 container pearled couscous

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice  or regular rice

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

2 28 oz cans fire-roasted or regular tomatoes

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand)

1 quart chicken stock

1 quart mushroom stock

1 jar tahini sauce

1 jar pomegranate molasses (optional)

Frozen Items

none

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

MAIN 1: Tahini Chicken with Cucumber Salad

2-3 lbs bone-in split chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks (or marinated chicken breasts) S

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lemon, sliced in half and seeds removed

1 bunch parsley

2 Tbsp honey or pomegranate molasses if available

½ cup tahini

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 bunch rosemary

1 English cucumber

2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced in half from top to bottom and quartered

1 pkg arugula

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Combine garlic, onion, olive oil, whole lemon, parsley, pomegranate molasses (if using), tahini and salt and pepper in a blender.  Puree until smooth.
  • Arrange chicken in a baking dish just large enough to fit all of it in an even layer and pour half of sauce over chicken, turning pieces to coat.  Place 3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs on top.
  • Put in the oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until chicken is done and lightly browned.
  • While chicken is cooking, make salad: using the rest of the tahini sauce, pour over sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and arugula and toss gently to combine.  Refrigerate until ready to eat.

 

MAIN 2: Quick Pasta Bolognese

1 yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks celery, diced

4 carrots, diced

1 lb lean ground beef S

2 28 oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes (or regular if you prefer)

Water as needed to thin sauce

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta

Process:

 

  • Either combine all ingredients in your crock pot or instant pot and cook OR saute in a large pot on the stove the following: onions, garlic, celery and carrot in oil until soft, then add ground turkey or beef to brown.
  • Once turkey or beef is browned, add tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • While turkey or beef is browning, make pasta so that you can serve all at once.
  • Garnish with some leftover parmesan and torn basil leaves.

 

MAIN 3: Ponzu-Marinated Swordfish with Garlic Bok Choy

¼ cup ponzu or soy sauce

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 Tbsp agave or sugar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

½ red onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided

1 lb wild caught fresh swordfish steaks S

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 bunches bok choy, rinsed and sliced in half if large

1 pkg dried seaweed, crumbled

Tip: use extra brown rice from the recipe below if desired

Process:

 

  • In a large bag or bowl, combine ponzu, rice vinegar, agave, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic and red onion and marinate for 20 minutes on the counter.  
  • Preheat oven to high broil.
  • Remove fish from bag and place fish on an oiled baking sheet.  Broil for 10 minutes.
  • Add bok choy to bag with marinade and turn to coat.
  • For the last five minutes of broiling, add bok choy and place the rest of marinade in a small pot to heat and reduce.
  • Remove fish and bok choy from oven once cooked (fish should be flaky and bok choy should be bright green and a little crispy around the edges.
  • Let rest for a few minutes, then drizzle with reduction and sprinkle with any leftover sesame seeds to serve.

 

MAIN 4: Detoxifying Teriyaki Mushroom Grain Bowl

2 cups brown rice, cooked (can be made in advance)

1 pkg shiitake mushrooms

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

½ red cabbage, shredded

½ red onion, thinly sliced

1 bunch green onions, sliced into 1 inch pieces on the bias

1 avocado, sliced thinly

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 pkg Nature’s ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs or cubed extra firm tofu (optional)

Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

Process:

 

  • Begin by cooking rice if you haven’t yet.  Combine 1 part rice with 2 parts water, cover and cook until water is absorbed and rice is done, adding water as necessary.
  • Marinate mushrooms: place shiitakes in a bag with the agave, balsamic and soy.  Allow to marinate at least 20 minutes, but these are great if they marinate overnight.
  • In a single serve bowl, scoop in some rice, add marinated mushrooms, cabbage, onion, green onion, avocado and cilantro and top with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
  • Add cooked meatballs or cold tofu if desired.

 

MAIN 5: Tangy Shrimp with Bright Red Pepper Sauce

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked, peeled and deveined shrimp S

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 red bell peppers, chopped S

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

1 small can fire roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle (optional)

Juice of 2 limes

½ pkg baby kale C

Process:

 

  • Place shrimp (tossed with olive oil, red pepper flakes and half the salt and pepper) on a foil-lined baking sheet under a broiler set to low.  
  • While shrimp are cooking (should take 15 minutes) make red pepper sauce: in a blender, combine the rest of the salt and pepper, the red bell peppers, cilantro, fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle and lime juice.  Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  • Remove shrimp from oven and serve shrimp over baby kale and top with a generous helping of the red pepper sauce.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1: Lemon Asparagus Salad with Shaved Parmesan Crisps

2 lemons, zested & juiced

1 bunch asparagus, cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 block parmesan, shaved

½ pkg baby kale

Process:

 

  • Combine lemon juice, zest, asparagus ribbons, garlic and salt and pepper with the olive oil and set aside to marinate a bit.  (This can be done the day prior.)
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Gather parmesan shavings into flat piles, about 4 shavings per pile.
  • Place them on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake until melted and browned slightly.
  • Remove from the oven, let them cool and test one for doneness.  It should be crisp and crunchy but not burned.  Return to the oven as needed.  Store these in a plastic bag for use throughout the week.  Make as many as you like!
  • Serve the asparagus over a bed of baby kale and top with parmesan crisps.  Serve immediately.

 

SIDE 2: French Onion Couscous

2 yellow onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp thyme

1 container pearled couscous

1 quart chicken stock

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Process:

 

  • In a large saucepan, heat onions, garlic and olive oil over medium-high heat until slightly charred.
  • Add thyme, couscous and brown for a few minute more to toast the couscous.
  • Add stock, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until couscous is soft.
  • Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

 

Tip: to reheat, simply add more stock or water for use throughout the week.

SIDE 3: Fresh Fruit Salad with Mint Yogurt Drizzle

5 oranges, peeled and cut into segments

3 apples, cored and sliced

2 Ataulfo or yellow mangoes, peeled, pitted and cubed S/C

1 box organic strawberries, sliced S

½ lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pkg mint, cut into ribbons C

1 pkg Brown Cow vanilla greek yogurt

2 Tbsp milk

Process:

 

  • Combine all fruit with sugar and toss to coat sugar evenly.  Set aside in the fridge to chill and macerate.  The sugar will draw out the natural juices of the fruit, making a nice sauce to coat the salad.
  • While fruit is chilling, combine mint, yogurt and milk until you reach your desired “drizzle” consistency.  *Omit the yogurt for a vegan dish!
  • Serve cold with drizzle and a mint leaf for garnish.

 

SOUP: Miso, Rice & Mushroom Soup

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 pkg mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 Tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

1 quart mushroom or chicken stock

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice or any rice of your choosing

1 bunch chard, sliced into chiffonade

3 Tbsp miso paste

Soy sauce to taste

Process:

 

  • Saute onion and mushrooms in oil until wilted, about 10 minutes.
  • Add stock and rice and cook until rice is al dente.
  • Add chard ribbons and allow them to steep for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add miso just before serving, making sure to mix well enough to break up any clumps.  Taste before serving and add soy sauce if needed.

 

________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

August 2nd – 8th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of August 2nd – 8th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

Main 1: Bone-In Pork Loin Chops with Pepper Jam

3 bell peppers, sliced thinly S

1 sweet onion, sliced thinly

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp agave or brown sugar

1 ½-2 lbs USA or Canada bone-in pork loin chops S

1 Tbsp olive oil C

1 tsp each salt and pepper

Simple and fast to prepare, this dish will be on the table in 30 minutes or less with very little clean-up to boot!  We like that, don’t we??

Main 2: Surf and Turf with Butter Chive Potatoes

1 lb Responsibly Farmed peeled uncooked shrimp S and 1-2 lbs T-bone steaks S

1 bag creamer baby potatoes

4 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 garlic cloves, minced

1 shallot, minced

1 bunch chives, chopped

Choose to get fancy or to just pick one of the other, you can’t go wrong! Everyone loves a good surf n’ turf!!

Main 3: Massaman Curry

2 tbsp coconut oil C

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 teaspoons  each salt, cumin, turmeric, ginger (may want to adjust seasoning to taste before serving)

3 medium-sized white potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 bunch small carrots, greens removed but tops intact

4 cups chicken/vegetable stock

¼ cup unsweetened crunchy peanut butter

1-2 cans coconut milk

½ cup lime juice (about 4-6 limes)

¼ cup fish sauce

2 Tbsp sugar or agave

1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts for garnish

One of my comfort food go-to’s!  Massaman curry is so fresh and vibrant tasting and makes great leftovers.  Plus it is a fantastic vegetarian dish and can be made vegan by omitting chicken stock and fish sauce.

Main 4: Cilantro Tofu Fries with Green Rice and Black Beans

1 bunch cilantro, washed

2 cups vegetable oil

2 cups rice, cooked

1 block extra-firm tofu, sliced into large matchsticks, resembling fries

1-2 Tbsp olive oil

1 can black beans, rinsed S

Making cilantro oil is a great secret weapon to have in the kitchen.  It livens up any meal and stays preserved for a long time.  Drizzling it over the tofu and rice gives it such an eye-catching appearance!

Main 5: Sausage with Garlicky Greens

1-2 lbs Whole Foods house-made garlic sausage

6 cloves garlic

2 bunches kale (or other green of your choice)

1 quart chicken stock

¼ cup nutritional yeast (optional)

1-2 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

Sausage and greens is such a healthy way to go when you want a quick dinner that is also satisfying and gives you a big chunk of your daily dose of leafy greens!

Side 1: Baked Rosemary White Beans

1 bunch rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped (about 4-6 sprigs)

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

4 cans Westbrook Natural organic canned white beans S

2-4 cups chicken stock

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

One of my favorite things to make because it’s so easy, plus bonus: throw some chopped celery and carrots in there, add more stock and you have a soup!

Side 2: Corn & Pepper Salad

2 bags frozen corn

2 bell peppers, chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 tsp olive oil

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

This one takes ten minutes and gets better in the fridge as the flavors merry during the week.  Use any leftovers as an ingredients for  veggie burgers!

Side 3: Roasted Broccoli with Ravioli

2 crowns broccoli

1 tsp each salt, pepper and garlic powder

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 lb ravioli (fresh pasta counter) S

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Who doesn’t love a hearty plate of ravioli??  Add some flavorful roasted broccoli and you’ll get your veggies, too!

Soup: Split Pea

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, mince

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 ham hock (in the freezer section next to burgers/chicken tenders/fowl)

1 cup ham (buy the Wellshire Farms mini boneless ham), diced

1 bag split peas, rinsed and picked through

1-2 quarts stock

2 tsp salt and pepper

Our family’s absolute favorite winter soup!  Make it vegan by excluding the ham.

These are your Breakfast, Lunch and Snacking items to be purchased at your discretion.  They are not listed in your Shopping List by Department below.

Breakfast:

Wallaby organic Australian-style lowfat yogurt S

Vega protein smoothies S

Wellshire classic & peppered turkey bacon S

KIND healthy grains & breakfast bars S

Organic watermelon S

Lunch:

Applegate family-sized sliced meats S

Annie’s organic mac & cheese S

Snacks:

California organic blackberries S

Washington red cherries S

Ready to Eat Snack Break Boxes S

Organic Valley organic kids’ milks S

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Olive Oil C

Soy Sauce

Agave or Brown Sugar

Salt

Pepper

Unsalted Butter

Coconut Oil C

Cumin

Turmeric

Ginger

Crunchy Peanut Butter C

Fish Sauce

Vegetable Oil

Nutritional Yeast

Red Pepper Flakes

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

5 bell peppers, color choice is yours S

2 bunches carrots with tops still on

1 bunch celery

8 limes

1 sweet onion

1 bag yellow onions

1 bag creamer baby potatoes

3 medium-sized yukon gold potatoes

1 sweet potato (large)

1 bag peeled garlic

1 shallot

1 bunch chives

1 bunch cilantro

1 bunch rosemary

2 bunches kale

2 crowns broccoli

Meat/Protein

1 ½ – 2 lbs USA/Canada bone-in pork loin chops S

1 lb Responsibly Farmed uncooked shrimp S and 1-2 lbs T-bone steaks S/C (choose one or the other or do both for a great surf n’ turf)

1 block extra firm tofu

1-2 lbs Whole Foods house-made garlic sausage

1 ham hock (optional)

1 small ham steak (Wellshire Farms)

Dairy/Eggs

1 lb ravioli

1 cup grated parmesan

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 cup peanuts, roasted and unsalted

2 cups jasmine rice

1 bag split peas

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

5 quarts stock (either chicken or vegetarian can be used)

1-2 canc coconut milk

1 can black beans S

4 cans white beans S

Frozen Items

2 bags frozen corn

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

Main 1: Bone-In Pork Loin Chops with Pepper Jam

3 bell peppers, sliced thinly S

1 sweet onion, sliced thinly

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp agave or brown sugar

1 ½-2 lbs USA or Canada bone-in pork loin chops S

1 Tbsp olive oil C

1 tsp each salt and pepper

Process:

 

  • Begin by making relish: over medium heat in a skillet saute the peppers, onion, soy sauce and agave/brown sugar.  After five minutes, reduce flame to low and cook slowly until caramelized and a little sticky.
  • Remove pepper jam from pan and set aside to cool.  Wipe out pan quickly with a paper towel and add oil.
  • Reheat skillet over medium heat, salt and pepper pork chops and place in pan, searing on each side for 4-6 minutes or until cooked through.  You’ll know they are done when they feel firm when pressed.  Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with the pepper jam.

 

Main 2: Surf and Turf with Butter Chive Potatoes

1 bag creamer baby potatoes

1 lb Responsibly Farmed peeled uncooked shrimp S and 1-2 lbs T-bone steaks S

4 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

1 tsp salt

1 garlic cloves, minced

1 shallot, minced

1 bunch chives, chopped

Process:

 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of water to boil.  Add potatoes and cook until soft in the middle, using a knife to poke one or two throughout cooking.  Drain and keep warm.
  • While potatoes are cooking, you can add the shrimp (if using) by putting them straight into the same pot as the potatoes.  Boil the shrimp until the flesh is pink, opaque and firm.
  • If making steaks, salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat in a skillet, cooking 4 minutes per side.
  • While everything is cooking, quickly assemble the chive butter (this can be done in advance):
  • Mix together the butter with salt, garlic, shallot and chives.
  • Use the butter to top on potatoes, lobster and steak.

 

Main 3: Massaman Curry

2 tbsp coconut oil C

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 teaspoons  each salt, cumin, turmeric, ginger (may want to adjust seasoning to taste before serving)

3 medium-sized white potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 bunch small carrots, greens removed but tops intact

4 cups chicken/vegetable stock

¼ cup unsweetened crunchy peanut butter

1-2 cans coconut milk

½ cup lime juice (about 4-6 limes)

¼ cup fish sauce

2 Tbsp sugar or agave

1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts for garnish

Process:

 

  • Heat coconut oil until melted in big dutch oven or stock pot.  Add garlic, onions and spices and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent spice mixture from scorching.
  • Add potatoes, stock & peanut butter.  Stir to combine all ingredients.  (You may need to add water if potatoes are not covered.)  Place carrots gently on top (I like this method because the carrots get nicely steamed without overcooking and falling apart) and put a lid on.
  • Cook at a low boil for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender but not breaking apart.
  • Once potatoes are tender, remove from the heat, add coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, agave and mix to combine.  Taste, adjust seasonings as necessary and serve alone or over rice.

 

Main 4: Cilantro Tofu Fries with Green Rice and Black Beans

1 bunch cilantro, washed

2 cups vegetable oil

2 cups rice, cooked

1 block extra-firm tofu, sliced into large matchsticks, resembling fries

1-2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt and pepper

1 can black beans, rinsed S

Process:

 

  • Make cilantro oil: in a blender, combine the cilantro and oil.  Place in a jar for use throughout the coming weeks.
  • Cook rice with 4 cups liquid, a pinch of salt and a dash of oil.  Keep warm until ready to use.
  • While rice is cooking, Preheat oven to 425 F and slice tofu to resemble large matchsticks.
  • Toss tofu in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven until crisp, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove, toss rice with black beans and 2 Tbsp cilantro oil.
  • Serve tofu on top of rice with a bit more cilantro oil drizzled on top and remember to reserve the rest of the cilantro oil in the fridge for later in the month.

 

Main 5: Sausage with Garlicky Greens

1-2 lbs Whole Foods house-made garlic sausage

6 cloves garlic

2 bunches kale (or other green of your choice), shredded

1 quart chicken stock

¼ cup nutritional yeast (optional)

1-2 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

Process:

 

  • Brown sausage in a large skillet and move to the outsides of the pan edges.
  • Add oil and garlic and brown slightly, five minutes.
  • Add kale, chicken stock nutritional yeast and salt and pepper.
  • Cover and cook until kale is bright green and only slightly wilted.

 

Side 1: Baked Rosemary White Beans

1 bunch rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped (about 4-6 sprigs)

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

4 cans Westbrook Natural organic canned white beans S

2-4 cups chicken stock

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

Process:

 

  • Sauté rosemary, onion, garlic and olive oil together until softened, five minutes.  
  • Add beans, stock and salt and pepper and cook gently until thickened and heated through, adding more stock as needed.

 

Side 2: Corn & Pepper Salad

2 bags frozen corn

2 bell peppers, chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 tsp olive oil

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

Process:

 

  • Combine everything in a pot and heat through.

 

Side 3: Roasted Broccoli with Heart-Shaped Ravioli

2 crowns broccoli, cut into florets

1 tsp each salt, pepper and garlic powder

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 lb heart-shaped ravioli (fresh pasta counter) S

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • On a foil-lined baking sheet, toss florets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and half the oil.
  • Roast for 25 minute or until done.
  • While broccoli is cooking, heat a large pot of water and when boiling, add ravioli to only cook for 2 minutes. Or until heated through.
  • Halfway through roasting time, drain cooked ravioli and add to broccoli pan and bake until crisp.
  • Serve hot covered in parmesan.

 

Soup: Split Pea

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 ham hock (in the freezer section next to burgers/chicken tenders/fowl)

1 cup ham (buy the Wellshire Farms mini boneless ham), diced

1 bag split peas, rinsed and picked through

1-2 quarts stock

2 tsp salt and pepper

Process:

 

  • In a large soup pot, heat oil and add onion, garlic, celery and carrots.  
  • After five minutes, add ham hock, chopped ham and mix.
  • Add split peas and stock, plus salt and pepper.
  • Cook for thirty minutes, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

 

________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

July 26th – August 1st

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of July 26th – August 1st, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

MAINS

MAIN 1 Chimichurri Chicken with Yellow Rice

1-2 lbs Bell & Evans USA air-chilled boneless skinless chicken breasts S

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp olive oil, divided

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cups white rice

Pinch salt

Pinch saffron (or 1 tsp turmeric)

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

1 bunch cilantro, rinsed

2 lemons, zested and juiced

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 garlic cloves, left whole

The spices that coat the chicken in this dish help to keep it moist.  It will not disappoint!  Plus, even better: use leftover chicken for later in the week!

MAIN 2 Ancho Marinated Skirt Steaks with Honey Lime Mango Salad

1 lb animal welfare rated USA skirt steaks S

1 pkg dried Ancho peppers

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp honey, divided

1 tsp soy sauce

4 limes, zested and juiced, divided

1/2 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

5 mangos, cubed S

1/2 red onion, sliced into slivers

1 head romaine, shredded

This is a great recipe for turning an inexpensive cut of meat into a buttery, tender steak with every bite!  The mango salad really helps to balance the tangy flavors from the marinade, too.  It’s a win-win.

MAIN 3 Blackened Swordfish Steaks with Pineapple Mango Salsa over Massaged kale

1 lb Wild Caught, Canada fresh swordfish steaks S

2 tsp each of cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne

2 tsp olive oil

1 bunch kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce or amino acids

1 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 can cubed pineapple

2 mangos, cubed S

1/2 bunch cilantro

1/2 red onion, diced

1 lime, zested and juiced

New Orleans meets Baja.  This swordfish is packed with flavor and gets a nice crunch to the outside thanks to the awesome spice rub.  This is also a great follow up from the Skirt Steak recipe because you can take leftover mango salad and turn it into salsa for this recipe!  Let’s use leftovers wisely, people.

MAIN 4 Shrimp over Strawberry Spinach Salad

1 lb Wild Caught USA jumbo shell-on shrimp S

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 pkg baby spinach

1 pkg Mexico organic strawberries S

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp soy sauce

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 cup almonds, toasted

With this recipe all the work is practically done for you!  Save this dish for a busy night and buy the pre-seasoned shrimp.  Enjoy it cold, or reheat the shrimp if desired.  The strawberry and balsamic pairing add a nice tart surprise to this healthy salad!

MAIN 5 Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Mint-Cucumber Relish

2-3 lbs New Zealand semi-boneless lamb S

2 Tbsp each cumin, curry powder and garlic powder

2 tsp salt and pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups quinoa

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 bunch mint

1 English cucumber, chopped

1 Tbsp sherry vinegar

Pinch salt

Pinch sugar

Lamb done right!  We love the low and slow method for lamb and we love even more the twist of using a mint-cucumber relish in place of traditional mint jelly.  Let’s make lamb modern!

SIDES

SIDE 1 Black Bean & Grilled Corn Salad

1 cup dried black beans, cooked

4-6 ears corn, grilled or roasted S

1/2 red onion, chopped

1/2  bunch cilantro, rinsed

1 cup queso fresco

1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 limes, zested and juiced

This is refreshing and makes a lot, so use the leftovers to throw on top of a grain bowl or soup for lunch this week.

SIDE 2 Smoky Roasted Tomatoes Stuffed with Spiced Rice

2 lbs tomatoes on the vine, sliced in half S

6 garlic cloves, left whole

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

1 cup rice

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

1 tsp liquid smoked *optional

1 tsp smoked sea salt

1/2 cup queso fresco

This recipe was a huge hit at a recent dinner party I attended!  It is so simple and quick to make yet it works so well.  You’ll be saving this recipe for your next dinner party or potluck.

SIDE 3 Plantain Salad with Roasted Red Peppers & Cilantro Salsa Verde

2 plantains, ripe

2 tsp each cumin, chili powder

1 red bell pepper, roasted

1 poblano pepper (or cubanelle)

3 tomatillos, leaves removed and chopped

1/2 bunch cilantro

1 can hatch or green chiles, chopped

1 tsp each salt and pepper

Heaven on a plate!  If you are never sure of what to do with plantains, this meal is for you.  The healthy salsa verde turns it into a fun, dippable side dish that the kids will love.

SOUP

Cuban Black Bean

2 cups dried black beans, cooked

2 yellow onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

2 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

1 quart vegetable stock

1 chipotle in adobo sauce

Sour cream or tofutti sour cream to garnish

Shredded cheese or daiya cheese to garnish

1 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced

Who doesn’t love the comfort of a rich and healthy black bean soup?  Add fire roasted tomatoes to jazz it up, or leave as is.  Puree later in the week for a fantastic black bean dip to go along with those tortilla chips that are on sale!

BREAKFAST

Organic Valley eggs C

Earth’s Best frozen breakfast C

Fage Greek yogurt S

Fresh fruit (blueberries, cherries, peaches)

Oats

Make a yummy smoothie with fruit, yogurt and oats and don’t forget to add your greens!  A nice egg sandwich on a busy morning with the Tuscan bread is a great option, too.

LUNCH

Earth’s Best frozen entrée C

Brat Hans chicken sausage C

Wellshire USA chicken Dino bites S

Severino heat & eat pasta bowls S

Divina Marinated artichoke quarters with piquillo peppers s

Gardein sliders a pocket meals S

Go with something prepared already this week or throw together a nice salad topped with chicken sausage and artichoke quarters!

SNACK

Organic Prairie organic beef mighty bars C

Terra chips C

Dutch Cheese Makers hatch chiles gouda S

From Our Bakery organic Tuscan bread S

Honest bottled tea S

Late July clasico tortilla chips S

A simple snack of bread and good cheese is all you need!  Or grab a meaty protein bar for the pool or work.

_______________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Salt

Pepper

Garlic Powder

Olive Oil

Saffron or Turmeric

Red Pepper Flakes

Dried Ancho Peppers (in package by bulk goods)

Honey

Soy Sauce

Cumin

Chili Powder

Dried Oregano

Dried Basil

Onion Powder

Cayenne

Apple Cider Vinegar

Paprika (smoked or regular)

Balsamic Vinegar

Almonds

Sherry Vinegar

Sugar

Liquid Smoke *optional

Smoked Sea Salt

Shopping List by Department

Produce

1 bag yellow onions

3 bunches cilantro

2 lemons

7 limes

1 bag whole peeled garlic

7 mangos

1 red onion

1 pkg romaine lettuce

1 pkg spinach

1 bunch kale

1 bunch mint

1 English cucumber

4-6 ears fresh corn

2 lbs tomatoes on the vine S

2 plantains, ripe

1 red bell pepper

1 poblano pepper (or cubanelle)

3 tomatillos

Meat & Protein

1-2 lbs Bell & Evans USA boneless skinless chicken breasts S

1 lb animal welfare rated USA skirt steak

1 lb Wild Caught, Canada fresh swordfish fillets S

1 lb shell-on shrimp S

2-3 lbs New Zealand semi-boneless lamb S

Dairy & Eggs

1 block queso fresco

1 pkg sour cream or tofutti sour cream

1 pkg shredded cheese or daiya non-dairy shredded cheese

Grains/Dried Fruit/Nuts

1 pkg white rice

1 pkg quinoa

1 bag dried black beans

Canned Goods & Non Perishables

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

1 can cubed pineapple

1 can hatch or green chiles

1 can chipotles in adobo sauce

1 quart vegetable stock (or make our own)

1 avocado

Frozen Items

None this week

_______________________________________________________________

Recipes

MAINS

MAIN 1 Chimichurri Chicken with Yellow Rice

1-2 lbs Bell & Evans USA boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2 tsp garlic powder, cumin

2 tsp olive oil, divided

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cups white rice

Pinch salt

Pinch saffron (or 1 tsp turmeric)

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

1 bunch cilantro, rinsed

2 lemons, zested and juiced

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 garlic cloves, left whole

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In an oiled baking dish, coat chicken evenly with half of salt, pepper, garlic powder and cumin.  Drizzle with half of the oil and place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes, or until chicken is done.  Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • While chicken is cooking, make rice: sauté yellow onion in the rest of the oil and add remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder and cumin.  Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add rice, saffron (or turmeric), tomatoes and water and cook until rice is done and water is absorbed.  Fluff with a fork to release steam and add cilantro, lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes and garlic.
  • Serve chicken over rice and enjoy!

 

MAIN 2 Ancho Marinated Skirt Steaks with Honey Lime Mango Salad

1 lb animal welfare rated USA skirt steaks

1 pkg dried Ancho peppers

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp honey, divided

1 tsp soy sauce

4 limes, zested and juiced, divided

1/2 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

5 mangos, cubed S

1/2 red onion, sliced into slivers

1 head romaine, shredded

Process:

 

  • Up to 24 hours in advance and as little as 30 minutes in advance, combine skirt steak, ancho peppers (about 3), garlic, honey, soy sauce and half of the lime zest and juice in a bag.  Seal tightly, turn to coat evenly and marinate.
  • While steak is marinating, make mango salad by combining the rest of the honey, lime zest and juice, cilantro, mangos and red onion.
  • Remove steak from marinade (and reserve for a later use if desired–can be frozen).  Place steak in a hot pan with 1 tsp oil and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or more, depending on desired doneness.
  • Let steak rest 10 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve with mango salad over a bed of romaine.

 

MAIN 3 Blackened Swordfish with Pineapple Mango Salsa over Massaged Kale

1 lb fresh swordfish fillets S

2 tsp each of cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne

2 tsp olive oil

1 bunch kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce or amino acids

1 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 can cubed pineapple

2 mangos, cubed S

1/2 bunch cilantro

1/2 red onion, diced

1 lime, zested and juiced

Process:

 

  • Coat fillets in spices and sear on each side in a skillet with olive oil until blackened and crusty, about 5 minutes each side.
  • While fish is cooking, combine pineapple, cubed mangos, cilantro, red onion and lime zest and juice.
  • Serve blackened swordfish fillets with pineapple-mango salsa on top.

 

MAIN 4 Shrimp over Strawberry Spinach Salad

1 lb shell-shocked shrimp, peeled

Flavor plain shrimp with the following: 1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 pkg baby spinach

1 pkg Mexico organic strawberries S, hulled and sliced in half

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp soy sauce

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 cup almonds, toasted

Process:

 

  • Arrange baby spinach on a large platter.  Top with strawberries, balsamic, olive oil, soy sauce, red onion and almonds.
  • Add shrimp and toss to combine just before serving.

 

MAIN 5 Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Mint-Cucumber Relish

2-3 lbs New Zealand semi-boneless

2 Tbsp each cumin, curry powder and garlic powder

2 tsp salt and pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups quinoa

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 Tbsp curry powder

1 bunch mint, rinsed and chopped finely

1 English cucumber, chopped

1 Tbsp sherry vinegar

Pinch salt

Pinch sugar

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 325 F.
  • Coat lamb in spices and brown in a skillet with oil on all sides.
  • Place in a baking dish and roast until cooked to medium rare.
  • While lamb is roasting, make quinoa by cooking with 4 cups water, yellow onion and curry powder.
  • In another bowl, combine mint, cucumber, sherry vinegar, salt and sugar and let sit at room temperature so that flavors can mingle.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1 Black Bean & Grilled Corn Salad

1 cup dried black beans, cooked

4-6 ears corn, grilled or roasted

1/2 red onion, chopped

1/2  bunch cilantro, rinsed

1 cup queso blanco

1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 limes, zested and juiced

Process:

 

  • Cook black beans (or used canned if needed).  To cook, simply preheat oven to 250 F and place the entire bag of beans in a large pot of water fitted with an ovenproof lid.  Rinse beans, then cover with water to 2 inches above beans.  Do not add salt!.  Cover and bring to a boil.  Boil for 15 minutes.
  • Check water level and add more to cover beans by 2 inches.
  • Place in oven and set a timer for 90 minutes.  Beans will be done anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes, so feel free to check on them.
  • While beans are cooking, “grill” corn by placing it under a broiler until blackened slightly on all sides.
  • Cut corn from stalk, toss with cooked black beans and add onion, cilantro, queso blanco, salt, pepper and lime zest and juice.  Serve and save leftovers for busy days!

 

SIDE 2 Smoky Roasted Tomatoes Stuffed with Spiced Rice

2 lbs tomatoes on the vine, sliced in half

6 garlic cloves, left whole

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

1 cup rice

2 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, divided

1 tsp liquid smoked *optional

1 tsp smoked sea salt

1/2 cup queso blanco

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.  
  • On a foil-lined baking sheet, sprinkle tomatoes with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and half the salt and pepper.  Add garlic cloves and drizzle everything with olive oil.  Sprinkle with liquid smoke and sea salt and place them in the oven.
  • Roast for 20-30 minutes or until they are browned on top, ready to burst and softened only slightly.
  • While tomatoes are roasting either use leftover yellow rice or make the rice in this recipe: cook rice with 2 cup water, adding cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and 1 tsp salt.  Spoon cooked rice in mounds on top of roasted tomatoes and sprinkle on the queso!

 

SIDE 3 Plantain Salad with Roasted Red Peppers & Cilantro Salsa Verde

2 plantains, ripe and sliced

1 red bell pepper, roasted

1 poblano pepper (or cubanelle)

2 tsp each cumin, chili powder, garlic powder

3 green tomatillos, leaves removed and chopped

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1/2 bunch cilantro

1 can hatch or green chilies, chopped

½ tsp each salt and pepper

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • On a foil-lined baking sheet, toss sliced plantains with red bell pepper, poblano and tomatillos.  Sprinkle with oil and spice mixture.
  • Roast until softened and plantains are slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and serve with leftover chimichurri or the salsa verde: to make the salsa verde combine in a blender cilantro, hatch or green chilies and salt and pepper.

 

SOUP

Cuban Black Bean

2 cups dried black beans, cooked

2 yellow onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

2 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

1 quart vegetable stock

1 chipotle in adobo sauce

Sour cream or tofutti sour cream to garnish

Shredded cheese or daiya cheese to garnish

1 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced

Process:

 

  • Follow the process above for cooking black beans or use your leftovers.
  • In a large soup pot, saute in oil onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika and garlic powder with salt and pepper for 5 minutes.
  • Add vegetable stock, chipotle and bring to a boil.. Reduce to a simmer and add more water when necessary.
  • Use a potato masher to mash up some of the beans in the pot to increase thickness of the soup, taste seasonings and adjust if needed.
  • Serve hot and garnish with sour cream of tofutti, shredded cheese and sliced avocado.

 

 

________________________________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

July 19th – 25th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of July 19th – July 25th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

MAINS

MAIN 1  Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps

1-2 pkg Made Right Here chicken sausage S or 1 lb Bell & Evans, USA ground chicken breast S

2 Tbsp fresh ginger

3 cloves garlic

1 tsp soy sauce

1 cup hoisin sauce

1 can water chestnuts

1 head bibb lettuce

1 bunch green onions

½ bunch cilantro

1 English cucumber

½ jalapeño

I love hoisin chicken lettuce wraps for any time of year, but the are so light that they seem most fitting to enjoy during the summer months!  The ground chicken absorbs so much flavor and the flavors of fresh ginger, garlic, hoisin and green onions are bold and fantastic together.

MAIN 2  Salmon Burgers

1-2 lbs salmon burgers S (from the seafood department)

2 avocados

1 shallot

1 chipotle in adobo sauce

2 Tbsp mayo

½ tsp salt and pepper

1 lime

½ lb swiss cheese, sliced *optional

1 pkg whole wheat hamburger buns

Switch it up and have a salmon burger instead of regular ol’ beef burgers.  They are premade in the case and we’re giving you a nice recipe for an avocado spread to slather on your whole wheat buns.  This one is cook out ready for sure!

MAIN 3  Shrimp Ceviche

1 lb Responsibly Farmed, USA uncooked shell-on shrimp S

1 bag limes

1 tsp salt

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1-2 peaches (depending on size: you want about 1 cup cubed peach)

1 red bell pepper

½ red onion

½ jalapeño

½ bunch cilantro

1 bag corn tortilla chips C

If you’ve never tried to make ceviche you’re in for a treat.  This is one of the easiest recipes to follow!  The shrimp gets cooked by the acid in the lime juice and the addition of red pepper, onion, cilantro and thinly-sliced jalapeno helps to add crunch and spice.

MAIN 4  Moroccan-Stuffed Tomatoes

2 lbs California organic heirloom tomatoes S

1 red bell pepper

1 cup couscous, dried

2 cups vegetable broth

½ cup golden raisins (sultanas)

2 tsp harissa seasoning (if you can’t find this, chili powder will work)

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ bunch parsley

1 yellow onion

2 cloves garlic

Stuffing fresh, ripe tomatoes with flavored couscous is just plain delicious.  We love this vegan & vegetarian dish for its bold flavor and simplicity.

MAIN 5  Squash Bake

2 yellow onions

4 cloves garlic

3 zucchini

3 yellow summer squash

1 tsp salt and pepper

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 pinch nutmeg

1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 cup swiss cheese, shredded

1 cup whole milk

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to do with so much squash this time of year!  We like to keep it simple with a bake flavored by simple cheeses and garlic.  This comes together quickly with very little hands-on time.

SIDES

SIDE 1  Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Sweet & Sour Dipping Sauce

2 heads cauliflower

¼ cup olive oil

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt and pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes

1 cup honey

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp mirin

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

These little cauliflower nuggets are so trendy right now but why wait until you can make it to the next restaurant?  We leave the flour and deep-frying part out so you get to just enjoy their clean flavor with the homemade sweet & sour (and a little spicy) dipping sauce!

SIDE 2  Mixed Citrus Salad with Honey Orange Vinaigrette

5 oranges

2 grapefruits

1 pkg arugula

¼ cup honey

2 Tbsp white vinegar

2 tsp soy sauce

1 cup almonds, toasted

Light & bright!  That’s the name of the game with this salad.  It will curb your appetite and delight your palate.  Who doesn’t love the sweet tang of citrus balanced with honey, vinegar and soy–and don’t forget the crunch of the toasted almonds!

SIDE 3  Noodle Salad with Red Peppers, Cashews and Sesame Seeds

1 pkg soba noodles

2 red bell peppers

1 cup shredded red cabbage

½ red onion

1 cup cashews, toasted

2 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

¼ cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1-2 tsp soy sauce, to taste

1 lime

Great cold or room temperature, you’ll be reaching for this one as a great side or even lunch option, too!  The mixture of cashew, toasted sesame and peanut flavors work amazingly well and give this dish real depth.

SOUP: Italian Wedding

½ lb USA 90% lean ground beef S

2 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper

1 pinch red pepper flakes

½ bunch parsley

½ red onion

6 cloves garlic

3 stalks celery

2 carrots

1 green bell pepper

1-2 quarts vegetable or chicken broth

2 cups mini-shaped pasta, like stars

1 bunch collards

½ pkg fresh basil

This soup is always so simple and so good.  Our favorite addition is the mini Italian meatballs!  The collards get super buttery as they cook and almost melt in your mouth and the best part is that this soup is light enough for a hot day.

Breakfast

California organic blackberries S/C

Amazing Grass green superfood drink packets S

From Our Bakery challah bread

Organic Valley flavored half & half C

Organic Valley organic grassmilk yogurts

Lunch

Applegate organic hot dogs S

Gusto charcuterie S

Koch maple honey turkey breast S

Dutch Cheese Makers spring koe gouda S

Blue Diamond almond nut thins

Rudi’s organic hamburger and hotdog buns C

MaraNatha peanut butter C

Organic Valley organic shredded or bar of cheese C

Snacks

Washington red cherries S (conventional and organic)

Bearitos baked corn puffs S

Kind bars S

KeVita organic probiotic drinks S

Vermont Smoke & Cure jerky sticks S

Bare fruit chips C

________________________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Hoisin Sauce

Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

Mayo

Salt

Pepper

Red Pepper Flakes

Harissa (or Chili Powder)

Smoked Paprika

Couscous

Golden Raisins (Sultanas)

Nutmeg

Whole Milk

Olive Oil

Garlic Powder

Honey

Apple Cider Vinegar

Soy Sauce

Mirin

Toasted Sesame Oil

White Vinegar

Almonds

Cashews

Sesame Seeds

Peanut Butter

Rice Vinegar

Mini-Shaped Pasta (like stars)

Shopping List by Department

Produce

1 hand fresh ginger

1 bag whole peeled garlic

1 head bibb lettuce

1 bunch green onions

1 bunch cilantro

1 English cucumber

2 jalapeños

2 avocados

1 shallot

2 bags limes

1 lb peaches S

4 red bell peppers

2 red onions

2 lbs California organic heirloom tomatoes S

1 bunch parsley

1 bag yellow onions

3 zucchini

3 yellow summer squash

2 heads cauliflower

5 oranges

2 grapefruits

1 pkg arugula

1 cup red cabbage, shredded (but in the prepped section or buy 1 red cabbage)

1 green bell pepper

1 bunch celery

1 1-lb bag carrots

1 bunch collards

1 pkg basil

Meat/Protein

1-2 pkg Made Right Here chicken sausages S or 1 lb Bell & Evans ground chicken breasts S

1-2 lbs salmon burgers S (from the seafood department) S

1 lb Responsibly Farmed, USA uncooked shell-on shrimp S

½ lb USA 90% lean ground beef S

Dairy/Eggs

½ lb swiss cheese slices

1 cup shredded swiss cheese *for this and the above swiss, but a hunk of swiss to save money and both slice/grate it!

1 ½ cups parmesan, grated

1 quart whole milk (need 1 cup)

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 pkg whole wheat hamburger buns

1 bag corn tortilla chips C

1 cup couscous

½ cup golden raisins (sultanas)

1 cup almonds

1 pkg soba noodles

1 cup cashews

1 pkg mini-shaped pasta

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 bottle hoisin sauce

1 can water chestnuts

1 chipotle in adobo sauce

2-3 quarts vegetable broth

Frozen Items

none

________________________________________________________________________

Recipes

MAIN 1  Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps

1-2 pkg Made Right Here chicken sausage S, sliced thinly or 1 lb Bell & Evans, USA ground chicken breast S

2 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated

3 cloves garlic, minced or grated

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp soy sauce

1 cup hoisin sauce

1 can water chestnuts, drained and chopped

1 head bibb lettuce, leaves carefully torn off of core

1 bunch green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces diagonally (on the bias)

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1 English cucumber, sliced thinly

½ jalapeño, sliced thinly

Process:

 

  • Simply brown together chicken in a hot skillet with sesame oil for a few minutes then add ginger and garlic.  Cook an additional 5 minutes.
  • Toss hot mixture with soy sauce, hoisin, water chestnuts and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the lettuce wraps:
  • On individual plates, place lettuce leaves and fill with chicken mixture.  Top with green onions, cilantro, cucumber and jalapeño and serve hot, using the lettuce to wrap up the filling and eat (like a taco).

 

MAIN 2  Salmon Burgers

1-2 lbs salmon burgers S (from the seafood department)

1 tsp olive oil

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and scooped out

1 shallot, diced

1 chipotle in adobo sauce, removed from sauce and chopped *optional

2 Tbsp mayo

½ tsp salt and pepper

1 lime, juiced

½ lb swiss cheese, sliced *optional

1 pkg whole wheat hamburger buns

Process:

 

  • Brown salmon burgers in a skillet or on the grill, making sure to use oil to prevent sticking.
  • Make avocado spread by mashing together avocados, shallot, chipotle, mayo, salt, pepper, and lime juice until smooth and slightly chunky.
  • Toast buns if desired under a broiler set to low for 3-5 minutes and once salmon burgers are done, place on the buns, add swiss to melt it and spread avocado mixture over top bun.  Serve hot!

 

MAIN 3  Shrimp Ceviche

1 lb Responsibly Farmed, USA uncooked shell-on shrimp S, shells removed and chopped up while still raw

1 bag limes, juiced until you get 1 cup

1 tsp salt

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1-2 peaches (depending on size: you want about 1 cup cubed peach), cubed

1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced

½ red onion, diced

½ jalapeño, stem and seeds removed, diced

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1 bag corn tortilla chips

Process:

 

  • Combine in a large bowl the shrimp, lime juice, salt, red pepper flakes and red onion.  Toss well.
  • Allow to sit in fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight before following the next step.  Taste and add more salt if necessary at this point.
  • Toss shrimp mixture with red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro.  Add peaches just before serving and use tortilla chips to eat!

 

MAIN 4  Moroccan-Stuffed Tomatoes

1 cup couscous, dried

2 cups vegetable broth

2 lbs California organic heirloom tomatoes S, sliced around their equator

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 onion, diced

½ cup golden raisins (sultanas)

2 tsp harissa seasoning (if you can’t find this, chili powder will work)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 bunch parsley, rinsed and chopped finely, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Begin by cooking couscous: in a saucepan bring the vegetable stock to a boil (taste before it’s too hot and add a pinch of salt if not salted well already) and add couscous.  Stir and cook for 1 minute.  Remove from heat and cover.  Set aside for 10 minutes, then fluff with a knife.
  • While couscous is cooking, prep the rest of the ingredients: slice tomatoes and scoop out seeds and juice, leaving small bowls.  In a large bowl combine tomato pulp with red bell pepper, onion, golden raisins, harissa (or chili powder), smoked paprika, half the parsley and garlic.
  • Add the couscous and re-stuff the tomatoes.  Save any extra for an oiled baking dish and bake separately.
  • Bake everything in the oven for 20 minutes or until filling is hot but before tomatoes break down.  Place under the broiler for the last few minutes if needed to get some extra color and serve with a sprinkling of parsley.

 

MAIN 5  Squash Bake

2 yellow onions

4 cloves garlic

3 zucchini

3 yellow summer squash

1 tsp salt and pepper

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 pinch nutmeg

1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 cup swiss cheese, shredded

1 cup whole milk

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Toss together in a large bowl the onions, garlic, zucchini, summer squash, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, nutmeg and both cheeses.
  • Oil a deep baking dish and add mixture.  Pour in milk and bake for 30-45 minutes or until squash is bright in color and milk is boiling and slightly absorbed by the squash.
  • Eat immediately and spoon extra sauce on top.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1  Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Sweet & Sour Dipping Sauce

2 heads cauliflower, cut into florets

¼ cup olive oil

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt and pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes

1 cup honey

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp mirin

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

½ tsp red pepper flakes

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • On a baking sheet lined with foil, spread out cauliflower florets evenly, pour oil over and toss until well-coated.
  • Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and place in the oven to roast until crispy and cooked, about 20-30 minutes.
  • While cauliflower is cooking, make sauce: in a saucepan cook honey, vinegar, soy sauce, mirin, toasted sesame oil and red pepper flakes.  Reduce mixture by half and remove to let cool.  Check its thickness–does it seem syrupy?  If not, replace it on the stove until it cooks down a little more.
  • To serve, drizzle sauce over cauliflower while it is very hot.

 

SIDE 2  Mixed Citrus Salad with Honey Orange Vinaigrette

5 oranges, 3 peeled and sliced into rounds, 2 zested and juiced

2 grapefruit, peeled and sliced into rounds

1 pkg arugula

¼ cup honey

2 Tbsp white vinegar

2 tsp soy sauce

1 cup almonds, toasted

Process:

 

  • To make dressing: whisk together honey, vinegar, and soy sauce.
  • Place sliced oranges and grapefruit on top of arugula.  Drizzle dressing over top (only use what you need), and toss gently before serving.
  • Serve with toasted almonds.

 

SIDE 3  Noodle Salad with Red Peppers, Cashews and Sesame Seeds

1 pkg soba noodles, cooked

2 red bell peppers, stem and seeds removed and sliced thinly

1 cup shredded red cabbage

½ red onion, cut in half and sliced thinly

1 cup cashews, toasted

2 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

¼ cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1-2 tsp soy sauce, to taste

1 lime, sliced into wedges

Process:

 

  • Cook noodles per package instructions minus 1 minute to prevent them from overcooking.
  • While noodles are cooking (set a timer) prep bell peppers, cabbage, and red onion.
  • Once noodles are done, drain and rinse under cool water.
  • Toss drained noodles with bell pepper, red cabbage, and onion.
  • Make sauce: whisk together peanut butter, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce
  • Pour a small amount of sauce over noodles, toss carefully and keep adding sauce until your noodles are coating with the proper amount of sauce.
  • Serve with lime wedges.

 

SOUP: Italian Wedding

½ lb USA 90% lean ground beef S

2 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper

1 pinch red pepper flakes

½ bunch parsley

½ red onion

6 cloves garlic

1 tsp olive oil

3 stalks celery

2 carrots

1 green bell pepper

1-2 quarts vegetable or chicken broth

2 cups mini-shaped pasta, like stars

1 bunch collards

½ pkg fresh basil

½ cup parmesan, grated

Process:

 

  • Combine beef with garlic powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.  Form into small meatballs (the size of marbles) and set in the fridge while you make the soup.
  • Cook red onion and garlic with olive oil in a large stock pot for 5 minutes.  Add celery, carrots, green bell pepper and cook 5 minutes more.
  • Add broth, beginning with 1 quart and then adding more broth as needed.  Bring to a boil, add meatballs and collards and reduce to a simmer, stirring often to prevent meatballs from sticking together.  Note: don’t stir so vigorously that you break up your meatballs!
  • Add more stock as needed and pasta.  Cook for 10 minutes or more, until pasta is cooked.
  • Serve soup with basil and parmesan to garnish.

 

 

___________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

July 12th – 18th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of July 12th – 18th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Mains

MAIN 1 Za’atar Rubbed Salmon with Squash Couscous

1 lb Responsibly Farmed Norway/Scotland fresh Atlantic salmon fillets S

1 pkg za’atar seasoning (2 Tbsp worth)

1 pkg pearled couscous (multicolored)

1 yellow squash

1 zucchini

1 shallot

1 tsp each salt and pepper, to taste

Za’atar spices just go really well with salmon and couscous–at least we think so!  What a fantastic dish to start off your week on the right foot.

MAIN 2 Honey-Chipotle Glazed Chicken with Grilled Peaches

1-2 lb Air-Chilled chicken breasts C ($5 off any one $20 or more purchase from the Meat Department)

1 chipotle in adobo sauce

½ cup honey

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1-2 lb California organic yellow peaches S

A great dish for the grill, it’s nice to throw in a little chipotle spice with that sweet honey!  Peaches are in season now, too, so buy local if you can.

MAIN 3 Chile-Lime Fajitas with Ancho Sauce

1-2 lb USA beef skirt steaks S

1 Tbsp ancho chile powder

1 tsp salt

4 limes

1 tsp vegetable oil

½  red onion

2 avocados

1 bag corn or flour tortillas

1 pkg dried ancho chiles (you will use 4 whole chiles)

2 cups water

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 cloves garlic

1 pkg Organic Valley organic shredded jack or bar of jack cheese C

Everyone loves fajitas and these are perfect for a tight budget.  Skirt steaks are on sale this week and also benefit from a quick sauté so make these in a pinch and enjoy leftovers on salads all week!

MAIN 4 White Bean Cassoulet with Chicken Sausage*

1 pkg The Original Brat Hans organic chicken sausage S *optional for vegans/vegetarians

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 pkg fresh rosemary

1 pkg fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

8 cloves garlic

1 yellow onion

2 cans cannellini beans

1 quart chicken or vegetable stock

This dish can easily be made vegan so it’s a great option for all of you plant-based fans.  Add stock to leftovers and make a hearty soup.

MAIN 5 Green Chile Chilaquiles with Crumbled Lime-Cilantro Tofu

1 block extra-firm tofu

2 limes

1 bunch cilantro

1 Tbsp garlic powder

2 jars Frontera green salsa S

2 pkg Frontera heirloom tortilla chips S

1 pkg queso fresco *optional

This is a fantastic meal that is easy, fun and great for kids!  Plus, when the tofu is mixed in with the other ingredients you’ll hardly know it’s there at all.  We’d call that a win!

Sides

SIDE 1 Strawberry Basil Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

3 pkg California organic strawberries S

½ pkg basil

1 pkg arugula

¼ cup honey

3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

Go ahead and go wild with strawberries and basil while they are both in season.  The balsamic pairs so well with the sweet-tart of the berries and leftovers can be used throughout the week.

SIDE 2 Cherry-Beet Salad with Chèvre

1 lb Washington Rainier cherries S

1 bunch beets

2 cups walnuts

1 log Caromont Farm Chèvre *optional

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp honey

We made this one a year ago at our first Whole Foods demo and it was not only delicious but nice because of its surprising flavors.  Who knew that beets and cherries went so well together?

SIDE 3 Iceburg Wedge Salad with Bacon Blue Cheese Dressing & Spiced Walnuts

1 head iceburg lettuce

1 pkg bacon

1 pkg blue cheese crumbles

1 pint buttermilk

1 packet powdered ranch flavoring mix

1 cup walnut

½ cup honey

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp ancho chile powder

Bring your favorite wedge salad concept home!  This one will teach you how to make a blue cheese dressing (with bacon!!!) and also will offer great tips on how to make spiced nuts.

SOUP: Provençale Fish Stew

2 yellow onions

4 cloves garlic

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 pinch saffron *optional

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 quart fish stock

3 Yukon gold potatoes

½-1 lb Wild Caught USA turbot fillets S

½ pkg basil leaves

1 pinch red pepper flakes

It’s bouillabaisse time and what better way to celebrate than with a provençale fish stew?  This is a great way to spend less on fish–incorporate it into a soup with lots of other flavors and vegetables and you can buy half as much and stretch it far!

Breakfast

Overnight Oats (oatmeal, dried fruit, nuts, flax seeds, chia seeds)

Smoothies (frozen or fresh fruit, plain whole milk yogurt, spinach, coconut water)

Eggs & Bacon

Lunch

BLT’s, Ham Sandwiches

Soup

Salad

Snacks

Fruit

Cheese & Crackers

Tortilla Chips & Dip

Carrots, Celery & Hummus

______________________________________________________________________

Staples

Cooking Spray (Spectrum Naturals Cooking Spray C)

Za’atar Seasoning

Pearled Couscous

Salt

Pepper

Chipotles in Adobo Sauce

Honey

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ancho Chile Powder

Dried Ancho Chiles

Vegetable Oil

Olive Oil

Cannellini Beans (2 cans)

Chicken or Vegetable Stock (2 quarts)

Fish Stock (1 quart)

Garlic Powder

Balsamic Vinegar

Packet Powdered Ranch Flavoring Mix

Saffron

Nutmeg

Red Pepper Flakes

Bay Leaves (need 1)

Shopping List by Department

Produce

1 yellow squash

1 zucchini

1 shallot

1-2 lb California organic yellow peaches S

1 red onion

2 avocados

1 bag whole peeled garlic

1 pkg fresh thyme

1 pkg fresh rosemary

2 limes

1 bunch cilantro

3 pkg California organic strawberries S

1 large pkg fresh basil

1 pkg arugula

1 lb bag Washington Rainier cherries S

1 bunch beets

1 head iceburg lettuce

1 bag Yukon gold potatoes (cheapest option) or just buy 3 (need 3)

Meat/Protein

1 lb Responsibly Farmed Norway/Scotland fresh Atlantic salmon fillets S

1-2 lbs Air-Chilled chicken breasts C

1-2 lbs USA beef skirt steak S

1 pkg The Original Brat Hans organic chicken sausage *optional

1 block extra-firm tofu

1 pkg bacon

½-1 lb Wild Caught USA turbot fillets S

Dairy/Eggs

1 pkg Organic Valley organic shredded jack or bar cheese C

1 dozen eggs

1 pkg queso fresco *optional

1 log Caromont Farm chèvre *optional

1 pkg blue cheese crumbles

1 pint buttermilk

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 pkg pearled couscous

1 bag corn or flour tortillas

1 pkg dried ancho chiles (you’ll need 4)

2 pkg Frontera heirloom tortilla chips S

3 cups walnuts

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock

2 jars Frontera green salsa S

Frozen Items

_____________________________________________________________________

Recipes

MAIN 1 Za’atar Rubbed Salmon with Squash Couscous

1 lb Responsibly Farmed Norway/Scotland fresh Atlantic salmon fillets S

1 pkg za’atar seasoning (2 Tbsp worth)

1 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 cups pearled couscous (multicolored)

4 cups water

1 yellow squash, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 shallot, minced

1 tsp each salt and pepper, divided and to taste

Process:

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high with half the oil and rub za’atar spice mixture over fish on both sides.
  • Cook on both sides for 4-6 minutes or until fish is flaky and opaque in the center.  Set aside and keep warm while the couscous finishes.
  • While salmon is cooking, make couscous: In a medium saucepan, add the rest of the oil and sauté squash and shallot for 3 minutes.
  • Add couscous, water and half of salt and pepper at first.  Add lid and bring to a boil then remove from heat.
  • Check couscous for doneness, let sit for 5 minutes then fluff with a fork.  Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • Serve salmon on a bed of couscous.

MAIN 2 Honey-Chipotle Glazed Chicken with Grilled Peaches

1-2 lb Air-Chilled chicken breasts C ($5 off any one $20 or more purchase from the Meat Department)

1 chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped

½ cup honey

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp vegetable oil

1-2 lb California organic yellow peaches S, sliced in half and pitted

Process:

  • Preheat grill to medium-high or preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In a small bowl, combine chopped chipotle, honey, vinegar and soy sauce.
  • Toss ½ the sauce with chicken and marinate for 20 minutes while grill/oven are preheating.
  • Grill or bake chicken until done and meat is done.  While chicken is cooking, take the rest of the sauce and cook it down in a small pot until reduced by half.
  • Lightly oil peaches and add them to the grill/oven for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Serve chicken with peaches and the reduced sauce drizzled on top.

MAIN 3 Chile-Lime Fajitas with Ancho Sauce

1-2 lb USA beef skirt steaks S

1 Tbsp ancho chile powder

1 tsp salt

4 limes, juiced and juice divided

1 tsp vegetable oil

½  red onion, sliced thinly

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced

1 bag corn or flour tortillas

1 pkg dried ancho chiles (you will use 4 whole chiles)

2 cups water

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 cloves garlic

1 pkg Organic Valley organic shredded jack or bar of jack cheese C

Process:

  • Combine skirt steaks with chile powder, salt, half the lime juice and oil.  Allow to marinate in a bag or bowl for at least 20 minutes.
  • While steak is marinating, make sauce: heat the water and pour over dried chiles in a glass bowl or measuring cup.  Allow at least 20 minutes to rehydrate the chiles.
  • Remove stems and seeds and add to a blender with the fire-roasted tomatoes, the rest of the lime juice and the garlic cloves.  Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.  Set aside until ready to use.
  • Remove steaks and grill or cook in a skillet for 4 minutes on each side.
  • Take off heat and allow meat to rest for 10 minutes.
  • Slice thinly and serve in warmed tortillas with red onion, avocado, cheese and ancho chile sauce on top!

MAIN 4 White Bean Cassoulet with Chicken Sausage*

1 pkg The Original Brat Hans organic chicken sausage S *optional for vegans/vegetarians, sliced into rounds

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

8 cloves garlic

1 yellow onion

2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 quart chicken or vegetable stock

½-1 tsp salt

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In a skillet, brown sausages in a bit of oil if using & set aside.
  • Add olive oil to skillet and heat over medium-high.  Add rosemary and thyme sprigs (whole) with bay leaf, garlic and onion.  Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add cannellini beans, stock and taste.  Add salt and pepper as needed.
  • Add sausages back if using and place in the oven in a baking dish to bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.

MAIN 5 Green Chile Chilaquiles with Crumbled Lime-Cilantro Tofu

1 block extra-firm tofu

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1 Tbsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

2 jars Frontera green salsa S

2 pkg Frontera heirloom tortilla chips S

Water as needed

1 cup queso fresco *optional

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Crumble tofu into a bowl with your hands and toss with cilantro, garlic powder and salt.
  • In a large baking dish, layer chips and salsa together and add water to come up halfway.  You’ll have to eyeball this a bit: you don’t want your chips too soggy but you need them to have some added moisture so they can bake properly.
  • Top with tofu mixture (reserving ⅓ cup for garnish later) and sprinkle with half of the queso fresco if desired.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until chips have softened and sauce is thickened.
  • Sprinkle with a little more queso and tofu mixture and serve hot.

Sides

SIDE 1 Strawberry Basil Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

3 pkg California organic strawberries S, hulled and sliced in half

½ cup basil, leaves torn

1 pkg arugula

¼ cup honey

3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

½-1 tsp salt

Pinch red pepper flakes

Process:

  • Place arugula, strawberries and basil in a bowl and toss gently.
  • Mix honey, balsamic, olive oil and salt + red pepper flakes.
  • Pour a few tablespoons of dressing over salad and toss to combine.
  • Serve chilled.

SIDE 2 Cherry-Beet Salad with Chèvre

1 lb Washington Rainier cherries S, pitted

1 bunch beets, leafy greens removed and reserved for another time

2 cups walnuts, toasted

1 log Caromont Farm Chèvre *optional, crumbled

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp honey

½-1 tsp salt and pepper

½ cup basil leaves

Process:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add topped beets.  Cook for 15 minutes, then drain and run under cool water, pressing each beet gently (and carefully-they’ll be hot) to remove skin.
  • While beets are cooking, toast walnuts: preheat the oven to 350 F.  Scatter walnuts on a baking sheet and place in oven to bake for 7 minutes.  Set a timer!  After 7 minutes, check the walnuts and let them go longer if needed.  They should be shiny, lightly browned and aromatic when done.
  • Slice beets into bite-sized pieces the size of the cherries and place in a serving bowl.
  • Add cherries, basil and walnuts.  Toss to combine then add vinegar, oil, honey and salt + pepper.  Toss gently again.
  • Serve with crumbled chèvre and remember to only make enough to eat for each sitting.  Walnuts will get soggy if left in the salad overnight.

SIDE 3 Iceburg Wedge Salad with Bacon Blue Cheese Dressing & Spiced Walnuts

1 head iceburg lettuce

1 pkg bacon

1 pkg blue cheese crumbles

1 pint buttermilk

1 packet powdered ranch flavoring mix

1 cup walnut

½ cup honey

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp ancho chile powder

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange bacon in an even layer to cook.  Remember to drain off bacon fat every so often and cook bacon for 25 minutes or so until crispy.
  • Remove bacon to paper towels to cool, then take half and crumble.  *Save the other half for sandwiches throughout the week!
  • Make spiced walnuts: toss raw walnuts with honey, vegetable oil, nutmeg, chile powder and salt.  Throw onto a foil-lined baking sheet and cook until toasted and crunchy, about 15 minutes.  Stir and redistribute nuts halfway through to prevent burning.  Remove from oven when done and allow to cool, then break apart any big clumps with your fingers if needed.
  • Quarter iceburg lettuce and arrange on plates or a platter.
  • Make dressing by combining in a bowl the following: bacon, blue cheese crumbles, half of the buttermilk and powdered ranch flavoring mix.  Taste and adjust salt if needed.  Add more buttermilk until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Pour dressing over lettuce wedges and top with spiced nuts.

SOUP: Provençale Fish Stew

2 yellow onions

4 cloves garlic

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 pinch saffron *optional

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 quart fish stock

3 Yukon gold potatoes

Salt and pepper to taste, start with ½ tsp then work your way up

½-1 lb Wild Caught USA turbot fillets S

½ pkg basil leaves

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Process:

  • In a soup pot, cook onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary and saffron together with oil for 5 minutes.
  • Add fire-roasted tomatoes, fish stock and potatoes.  Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
  • Taste and add salt if needed.
  • Carefully place fish fillets in hot liquid when you’re ready to sit down to eat and allow them to poach (cook) for 10 minutes.
  • Serve each bowl of soup with a bit of everything and top with basil leaves and red pepper flakes (if desired).


Mega Meal Plan

June 28th – July 4th

 

This list is based on Sale items for the week of June 28th – July 4th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  When items are Buy 1 Get 1 Free or Buy 2 Get 3 Free, take advantage and stock up for future use!  Freeze perishable items (meat, cheese) and store non-perishables (tomato sauce, pasta, rice, olive oil) in the pantry.

 

Make sure to sign up to become a member of the store you shop at and carry their card so that at check out your items can be discounted.  Becoming a member is free!  Also, download your favorite store’s app for additional savings and to use coupons.

 

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

 

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients:1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

 

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

 

MAINS

 

MAIN 1  Grilled Lemon Chicken with Charred Asparagus

1-2 pkg chicken drumsticks

3 lemons

4 cloves garlic

1 red onion

1-2 bunches asparagus

2 tsp salt & pepper, divided

 

Good for the grill or the oven, this grilled chicken is bursting with lemon flavor that pairs oh-so-nicely with the charred taste of the asparagus.  Keep leftovers for cold chicken salads or add to your favorite lunch-time grain bowl.

 

MAIN 2  Hoisin Chicken Burgers with Ginger Cucumber Slaw

2 lbs ground chicken

1 bottle hoisin sauce

4 Tbsp fresh ginger, divided

3 cloves garlic

1 can bamboo shoots

1 can water chestnuts

2 English cucumbers

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp mirin

2 tsp honey or agave

¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted

1 pkg whole wheat hamburger buns

 

The ground chicken keeps this dish light and absorbs all of the aromatic flavors from the sweet hoisin sauce, ginger and garlic.  This is a new way to enjoy a burger this summer, for sure!

 

MAIN 3  Macaroni & Cheese with Truffled Tomatoes

1 box elbow macaroni

1 yellow onion

4 Tbsp unsalted butter or vegetable oil

4 Tbsp flour or cornstarch*

1 block white cheddar cheese*, grated (about 3 cups worth once grated)

2-4 cups milk*

3 local red tomatoes

1 Tbsp truffle oil (truffle sea salt can be substituted)

1-2 tsp salt & pepper, to taste

 

*this recipe can be adjusted to accommodate gluten allergies and can also be made vegan by substituting vegan cheese and unflavored, unsweetened nut milk.

 

Every now and then we deserve to get a little indulgent.  After all, this week’s menu is full of healthy and light dishes so why not throw in something slightly sinful.  The bonus here is that you’ll learn to make homemade mac and cheese, which we all know just tastes better.

 

MAIN 4  Marinated Celery & Mushroom Salad with Steamed Tofu

1 bunch celery

2 pkg whole mushrooms

1 shallot

¼ cup red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

1-2 Tbsp soy sauce, divided

1 Tbsp dried thyme

1 block firm tofu

 

An incredibly healthy dish that is flavorful, crunchy and light.  Reserve this for a hot summer night and you’ll please every palate at the table.

 

MAIN 5  Broiled Garlic Fish Fillets with Olive Tapenade

1-2 lbs white fish, like cod or tilapia

8 cloves garlic + 2 cloves for later

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1-2 tsp salt & pepper, to taste

1 jar capers

1 jar kalamata olives, pitted

1 jar green olives, pitted

 

Reminiscent of the South of France, this dish is embarassingly simple to make since it’s a one pan wonder.  Learn how to make tapenade, too, and use leftovers for salad toppings and sandwich spreads!

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1  Kale Cobb Salad

½ red onion. sliced thinly

2 bunches Kale, ribs removed and chopped finely

2-4 hard-boiled eggs

1 pkg bacon, cooked

1 avocado, sliced

1 pkg blue cheese crumbles

2 cups homemade croutons (made from stale bread.  Use the bread on sale this week!) or buy bagged croutons in the grocery/ bakery department

1 bottle blue cheese dressing

 

What a winner!  A nice change up in the Cobb Salad department.  Enjoy this one with any of your favorite toppings, but keep in mind that our suggestion really compliment each other well.   (Blue cheese dressing is in your shopping list but feel free to get whatever you like!)

 

SIDE 2  Red, White & Blue Fruit Salad

2 pkg strawberries

1 pkg raspberries

1 lb nectarines

2 pkg blueberries

1 pkg blackberries

1 pint heavy whipping cream

1 small container vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt

 

This is the perfect salad to enjoy on the 4th surrounded by family and friends.  Make as much or as little as you like and if you’re not eating a plant-based diet, top it with some healthy whipped cream + Greek yogurt mix.

 

SIDE 3  Parmesan Squash Saute

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic

½ red onion

2 yellow squash

2 zucchini squash

1-2 tsp salt & pepper, to taste

½ cup parmesan, grated

 

Summer is here and the squash is starting to come in! This is a simple and quick dish that sits well in the fridge and can be enjoyed cold or hot.

 

SOUP: Rosada Chili

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 lb ground beef *optional

3 Tbsp cumin

2 Tbsp chili powder

1 Tbsp garlic powder and paprika

2 tsp salt

1 can chopped tomatoes

1 1/2 quarts water

4 cups cooked beans (or more if desired) –use 3 cans or cook your own dried beans

Toppings:

1 pkg queso fresco

1-2 avocados

1 bunch radishes, cut into julienne

1 bag tortilla chips (nacho flavored is great here)

2 ripe tomatoes

1 tsp each oregano and paprika

 

Our new favorite summer chili, this recipe is great for bringing to a BBQ or topping on your favorite burger or hot dog!  Enjoy the summer and make this again and again, and if you like, follow the link in the recipe to learn how to save even more money and make your beans from scratch.

 

_________________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Salt

Pepper

Hoisin Sauce

Rice Vinegar

Toasted Sesame Oil

Soy Sauce

Mirin

Honey or Agave

Sesame Seeds

Unsalted Butter

Vegetable Oil

Olive Oil

Flour or Cornstarch

Milk

Truffle Oil or Truffled Sea Salt

Red Wine Vinegar

Dried Thyme

Cumin

Chili Powder

Garlic Powder

Paprika

Oregano

 

Shopping List By Department

 

Produce

3 lemons

1 bag peeled garlic

1 red onion

1-2 bunches asparagus

1 hand fresh ginger

2 English cucumbers

1 bag yellow onions

2 lbs ripe tomatoes

1 bunch celery

2 pkg whole white or cremini mushrooms

1 shallot

2 bunches kale

3 avocados

2 pkg strawberries

1 pkg raspberries

1 lb nectarines

2 pkg blueberries

1 pkg blackberries

2 yellow squash

2 zucchini squash

1 bunch radishes *optional for soup

 

Meat/Protein

1-2 pkg chicken drumsticks

2 lbs ground chicken

1 block firm tofu

1-2 lbs white fish (whole or fillets) *Choose cod, tilapia or any other white fish you prefer

1 pkg bacon

1 lb ground beef *optional for the chili

 

Dairy/Eggs

1 block white cheddar cheese (3 cups worth once grated)

1 dozen eggs

1 pkg blue cheese crumbles

1 pint heavy whipping cream

1 small container vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt

½ cup parmesan, grated

1 pkg queso fresco *optional garnish for soup

 

Grains/Dried Fruit/Nuts

1 pkg whole wheat hamburger buns

1 box elbow macaroni

1 loaf stale bread or 1 pkg pre-made croutons

1 bag tortilla chips *optional for soup

 

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 bottle hoisin sauce

1 can bamboo shoots

1 can water chestnuts

1 jar capers

1 jar kalamata olives, pitted

1 jar green olives, pitted

1 bottle truffle oil (or 2 tsp truffled sea salt)

1 bottle blue cheese dressing

1 small can fire roasted or chopped tomatoes

3 cans small red beans (like kidney) or 1 bag dried rosada (pink) beans

 

Frozen Items

 

_________________________________________________________________

MAINS

 

MAIN 1  Grilled Lemon Chicken with Charred Asparagus

1-2 pkg chicken drumsticks

3 lemons, sliced in half, divided and half juiced

1 Tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

½ red onion, sliced into thin rounds

1-2 bunches asparagus, trimmed

2 tsp salt & pepper, divided

 

Process:

 

  • In a large plastic bag or container, toss chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and red onion.  Add half the salt and pepper.  Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
  • Preheat grill or oven and cook chicken with marinade, garlic, onion and the rest of the lemon halves slowly (at around 300 F) for an hour or so or until cooked through and the meat is pulling away from the bone.
  • For the last 10 minutes of cooking, add asparagus (if cooking in oven, scatter around chicken.  If grilling, toss in oil before cooking) and add the rest of the salt and pepper.
  • Serve everything with charred lemon halves and squeeze juice on as desired.

 

 

MAIN 2  Hoisin Chicken Burgers with Ginger Cucumber Slaw

2 lbs ground chicken

½ cup hoisin sauce

4 Tbsp fresh ginger, divided and grated or minced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can bamboo shoots, chopped

1 can water chestnuts, chopped

2 English cucumbers, sliced paper thin

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp mirin

2 tsp honey or agave

¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted

1 pkg whole wheat hamburger buns

More hoisin on top of burger patties if desired

 

Process:

 

  • In a large bowl mix together ground chicken, hoisin, half of the ginger, garlic, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts (use your hands!).
  • In the oven, griddle or grill, cook burgers through.  While burgers are cooking (6-8 minutes per side), make slaw:
  • Combine the other half of the ginger with the cucumber slices, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, honey or agave and sesame seeds.  Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Toast hamburger buns and serve topped with slaw and more hoisin as desired.

 

 

MAIN 3  Macaroni & Cheese with Truffled Tomatoes

1 box elbow macaroni

1 yellow onion, grated or diced

4 Tbsp unsalted butter or vegetable oil + 1 Tbsp of either

4 Tbsp flour or cornstarch*

2-4 cups milk*

1 block white cheddar cheese*, grated (about 3 cups worth once grated)

3 local red tomatoes, chopped & seeds removed

1 Tbsp truffle oil (truffle sea salt can be substituted)

1-2 tsp salt & pepper, to taste

 

*this recipe can be adjusted to accommodate gluten allergies and can also be made vegan by substituting vegan cheese and unflavored, unsweetened nut milk.

 

Process:

 

  • Cook macaroni according to package instructions minus 2 minutes.  Make sure to drain and reserve 1 cup cooking liquid.  Toss macaroni in 1 Tbsp oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • In a large skillet, saute onions in butter for 5 minutes.
  • Add flour or cornstarch and stir well with a wooden spoon to combine.  Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add milk, 1 cup at a time until lump-free and thick.
  • Add cheese and stir to combine.
  • Thin with more milk and/or cooking water as needed and toss with macaroni, salt and pepper.
  • Pour into an oiled baking dish, top with tomatoes.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until bubbling.
  • Remove from oven, drizzle with truffle oil and serve hot.

 

 

MAIN 4  Marinated Celery & Mushroom Salad with Steamed Tofu

1 bunch celery, sliced thinly

2 pkg whole mushrooms, cleaned and quartered

1 shallot, minced

¼ cup red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

1-2 Tbsp soy sauce, divided

1 Tbsp dried thyme

1 block firm tofu, cubed into 1 inch chunks

 

Process:

 

  • In a large bowl, toss celery, mushrooms, shallot, vinegar, olive oil, half of soy sauce and thyme.  Combine well, cover and allow to marinate.
  • Bring 1 inch of water to a boil and place a colander on top of the pan that you’re using, making sure that it nests into the pot slightly.
  • Place cubed tofu gently inside and drizzle with the rest of the soy sauce.
  • Place a lid on top and steam for 10 minutes, or until tofu is warmed through but not crumbling apart.  To ensure this, check tofu after five minutes.
  • Serve hot tofu over marinated salad.

 

 

MAIN 5  Broiled Garlic Fish Fillets with Olive Tapenade

1-2 lbs white fish, like cod or tilapia

8 cloves garlic + 2 cloves for later

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1-2 tsp salt & pepper, to taste

1 jar capers

1 jar kalamata olives, pitted

1 jar green olives, pitted

 

Proces:

 

  • Preheat oven to a high broil and place an oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
  • In a baking dish, drizzle half of oil and place fish on top.  Scatter 8 garlic cloves around fish, drizzle with the rest of the oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • While fish is broiling (should take 10-15 minutes depending on thickness and type of fish) make tapenade:
  • In a food processor, blender or by hand, chop olives, capers, and 2 cloves garlic together and chill until ready to use.
  • Serve fish with tapenade spooned on top, remember that a little goes a long way.

 

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1  Kale Cobb Salad

½ red onion. sliced thinly

2 bunches Kale, ribs removed and chopped finely

2-4 hard-boiled eggs

1 pkg bacon, cooked

1 avocado, sliced

1 pkg blue cheese crumbles

2 cups homemade croutons (made from stale bread.  Use the bread on sale this week!) or buy bagged croutons in the grocery or bakery department.

 

Process:

 

  • Combine red onion and kale.
  • Top with hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, blue cheese crumbles and croutons and drizzle with your favorite salad dressing.  (Blue Cheese dressing is in your shopping list but feel free to get whatever you like!)

 

 

SIDE 2  Red, White & Blue Fruit Salad

2 pkg strawberries, cleaned, hulled and sliced in half

1 pkg raspberries, rinsed

1 lb nectarines, pitted and sliced

2 pkg blueberries, rinsed

1 pkg blackberries, rinsed

1 pint heavy whipping cream, whipped

1 pkg vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt

 

Process:

 

  • Combine all prepped fruit in a large bowl, and depending on ripeness, add 1 Tbsp sugar if desired.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whip cream until stiff and fold in Greek yogurt until mixed well.
  • Serve fruit salad with a dollop of cream/yogurt mixture.

 

 

SIDE 3  Parmesan Squash Saute

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

½ red onion, sliced thinly

2 yellow squash, washed, trimmed and sliced into ¼ inch rounds

2 zucchini squash, washed, trimmed and sliced into ¼ inch rounds

1-2 tsp salt & pepper, to taste

½ cup parmesan, grated

 

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to a low broil.
  • Saute garlic and onion in olive oil for 5 minutes in an oven-proof skillet.
  • Add squash and continue to cook for 8-10 minutes more, or until zucchini is bright green and squash is slightly tender.
  • Top with salt, pepper and parmesan and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt and crisp up cheese before serving.

 

 

SOUP: Rosada Chili

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 lb ground beef *optional

3 Tbsp cumin

2 Tbsp chili powder

1 Tbsp garlic powder and paprika

2 tsp salt

1 can chopped tomatoes

1 1/2 quarts water

4 cups cooked beans (or more if desired) –use 3 cans or cook your own dried beans

Toppings:

1 pkg queso fresco

1-2 avocados

1 bunch radishes, cut into julienne

1 bag tortilla chips (nacho flavored is great here)

2 ripe tomatoes

1 tsp each oregano and paprika

 

Process:

 

  • Saute onion and beef together until browned, about 10 minutes, with spices.
  • Add tomatoes, water and beans and cook over medium heat until thickened, about 25 minutes.
  • Taste, adjust seasonings if needed.
  • Serve with desired garnishes.

 

 


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

June 21st – June 27th

 

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of June 21st – June 27th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

 

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

 

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

 

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

 

 

MAINS

 

MAIN 1 Shrimp & Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Drizzle

1 lb Responsibly Farmed Thailand cooked tail-on shrimp or any other pre-cooked shrimp available

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 pkg baby spinach

1 pkg California organic strawberries S

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp soy sauce

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 cup almonds, toasted

 

With this recipe all the work is practically done for you!  Save this dish for a busy night and buy the pre-seasoned shrimp.  Enjoy it cold, or reheat the shrimp if desired.  The strawberry and balsamic pairing add a nice tart surprise to this healthy salad!

 

 

MAIN 2 Marinated Chicken Kabobs with Chickpea Couscous

1 pkg za’atar seasoning (found near the frozen meat section)

2 lemons, zested and juiced

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

4 Made Right Here chicken kabobs (in the meat case) S

1 pkg couscous

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

 

We love to utilize the chicken kabobs when they are on sale at WFM!  Marinate them in your own dressing (super easy to make) and then make some toasted onion couscous while the kabobs bake away in the oven.  This is a quick and healthy dinner that’s great for a busy night.

 

MAIN 3 Salmon Steaks with Oregano-Mint Sauce

1 bunch fresh oregano, leaves removed

1 bunch fresh mint, leaves removed

2 oranges, zested and juiced

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2-4 Norway/Iceland fresh Atlantic salmon steaks S

1 lb green beans, trimmed

 

An interesting combo, we are mixing the flavors of oregano and fresh mint with sweet orange to create a light sauce that adds a huge punch of flavor to salmon.  Get extra veg with the roasted green beans, too!

 

MAIN 4 Panko Pesto Baked Chicken with Butter Lettuce

1 packed cup basil leaves

¼ cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 cup panko

2 tsp each salt and pepper, divided

1 pkg Bell & Evans chicken breasts S

1 pkg butter lettuce (bibb)

 

A staple in our kitchen, coating chicken in a pest0 + panko mixture ensures flavorful and moist chicken breasts.  It’s also a one-pan wonder so relax and enjoy your time in the kitchen with a nice glass of vino!

 

MAIN 5 Stuffed Avocados with Seafood Salad and/or Cucumber Ginger Salad

3 avocados, ripe and sliced in half, pit removed

1 pint seafood salad S OR 2 cups Cucumber Ginger Salad:

1 English cucumber, sliced into ¼ “ rounds and quartered

2 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

2 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp mirin

1 tsp fish sauce *optional

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

2 Tbsp shallot, minced

 

Summer is the time for this satisfying dinner salad.  The avocados lend themselves perfectly to a light stuff and bonus(!): you can use both salads or just stick to the cucumber number if you’re following a plant-based diet.

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1 Crudite Platter with Crostini & Hummus

2 baguettes S

2 cloves garlic

4 Tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil

1 tsp salt and pepper

2 pkg hummus, your choice S

2 English cucumbers S

1 bag sweet peppers S

1 bag baby carrots S

 

Seeing that we are now in prime picnic and potluck season, this is a fantastic dish to throw together.  Leftovers make great snacks and sometimes have pre-cut raw vegetables and freshly-made crostini in your fridge and pantry are perfect for lazy summer nights.

 

SIDE 2 Parsley Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Drizzle

1 pkg egg noodles (or vegan wide noodles)

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

½ bunch flat-leafed (Italian) parsley, rinsed and chopped finely

1 pkg chives, chopped finely

1 lemon, juiced

2 cloves garlic, whole

2 tsp salt, divided

½ cup packed basil

½ cup olive oil

 

We love this side for its simplicity, but don’t be fooled–it is packed with flavor and nutrients (what with all that parsley) and makes a perfect addition to any leftover meat that you might have on hand.  If you want to splurge, buy the fresh pasta noodles in the cheese department.

 

SIDE 3 Cherry Beet Salad

1 bunch red beets, topped and washed

½ bag Washington organic red cherries, washed and pitted S

1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

½ cup goat cheese, crumbled *optional

1 small handful basil, sliced into ribbons

2-4 Tbsp balsamic reduction

 

We made this amazing salad at our first-ever WFM demo in Charlottesville and it was a huge hit!  The sweetness of both the cherries and beets get along together very well while the goat cheese and balsamic give it a nice tart finish.

 

 

SOUP:  African Avocado Soup with Berbere & Tilapia*

½ red onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp coconut oil

2 Tbsp berbere seasoning, divided

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped, divided

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 quart vegetable stock

1-2 tsp soy sauce

1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced thinly into rounds

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and cubed

½ lb Ecuador fresh tilapia fillets *Tilapia is optional S

 

This is an old favorite soup adapted from Marcus Samuelsson’s cookbook “The Soul of a New Cuisine” which pretty much rocked our world!  We offer the tilapia as an option for our plant-based friends.

 

Breakfast

Bakery: fresh breads C, $2 off and one purchase of $10 or more

Organic Valley protein shakes C

Organic Valley eggs C

Noosa yogurt C

California organic strawberries S

 

Combine fruit and yogurt for breakfast smoothies or simply have some toast and eggs!

 

Lunch

Epic bone broth C

Responsibly Farmed frozen Atlantic salmon fillets C

WFM 365 all beef hot dogs C

Follow Your Heart smoked gouda-style slices (vegan cheese) C

Follow Your Heart vegenaise C

Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo S

From Our Bakery organic seeduction bread S

Organic Meat Co,, Australia organic 100% grass-fed beef burgers S

Ready to Eat seafood salads S

Made Right Here champagne potato salad S

Naturalissima panino (cured meat and cheese roll-ups) S

 

Bake some salmon and top leftover greens, make a vegan grilled cheese or even have a picnic with some burgers and pre-made salads from the deli.

 

Snacks

Epic meat snacks (jerky bites, meat strips, meat, bars, pork rinds, cracklings) C/S

Watermelon C

Green or golden kiwi C

Washington organic red cherries S

California organic yellow peaches S

Taza Chocolate organic dark chocolate bark S

Simple Mills crackers & cookies S

 

Crackers, fresh fruit and cheese are always great snacking options, but also check out the huge sale on Epic beef jerky.

 

 

________________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Cumin

Chili Powder

Paprika

Garlic Powder

Salt

Pepper

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic Syrup (Reduction)

Olive Oil

Soy Sauce

Almonds

Walnuts

Red Pepper Flakes

Panko Breadcrumbs

Rice Vinegar

Mirin

Fish Sauce

Unsalted Butter

Coconut Oil

 

Shopping List by Department

 

Produce

1 pkg baby spinach

1 pkg California organic strawberries S

1 red onion

1 bag yellow onions

4 lemons

1 bag whole, peeled garlic

1 bunch fresh oregano

1 bunch fresh mint

2 oranges

1 lb green beans

1 large pkg fresh basil (or if you need less, living basil C)

1 pkg bibb lettuce

5 ripe avocados

3 English cucumbers

1 hand fresh ginger

1 bunch cilantro

1 shallot

1 bag sweet mini peppers

1 bag baby carrots

1 bunch flat-leafed Italian parsley

1 pkg chives

1 bunch red beets

1 bag Washington organic cherries

2 limes

1 jalapeno

 

Meat/Protein

1 lb pre-cooked shrimp, peeled

4 Made Right Here chicken kabobs S

2-4 Norway/Iceland fresh Atlantic salmon steaks S

1 pkg Bell & Evans chicken breasts S

1 pint seafood salad S (from the deli/seafood section)

½ lb Ecuador fresh tilapia fillets S *optional

 

Dairy/Eggs

1 pkg crumbled goat cheese (or 1 log, crumbled)

 

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 cup almonds

1 pkg couscous

1 pkg panko breadcrumbs

2 baguettes

2 pkg hummus, your choice

1 cup walnuts

 

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

1 pkg za’atar seasoning mixture (found near the frozen meat section)

2 pkg berbere seasoning mixture (found near the frozen meat section)

1 quart vegetable stock

 

Frozen Items

none

 

________________________________________________________________

 

MAINS

 

MAIN 1 Shrimp & Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Drizzle

1 lb Responsibly Farmed Thailand cooked tail-on shrimp or any other pre-cooked shrimp available

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 pkg baby spinach

1 pkg California organic strawberries S

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp soy sauce

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 cup almonds, toasted

 

Process:

 

  • Arrange baby spinach on a large platter.  Top with strawberries, balsamic, olive oil, soy sauce, red onion and almonds.
  • Add shrimp (mixed with a couple of teaspoons of mixed seasoning) and toss to combine just before serving.

 

 

 

 

MAIN 2 Marinated Chicken Kabobs with Chickpea Couscous

1 pkg za’atar seasoning (found near the frozen meat section)

2 lemons, zested and juiced

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

4 Made Right Here chicken kabobs (in the meat case) S

1 pkg couscous

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

 

Process:

 

  • In a large plastic bag or storage container with a lid, combine za’atar seasoning, lemon zest, lemon juice, half of the olive oil, garlic and half of the salt and pepper.  Close bag and mix evenly.
  • Open bag, add kabobs (making sure not to poke holes in plastic with skewers) and reseal.  Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
  • When ready to cook, preheat oven to 400 F and heat in a medium saucepan the rest of the olive oil, salt, pepper, couscous and onions.  Cook for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring often over medium heat.
  • Add water (per package instructions) and drained and rinsed chickpeas.  Place lid on top, remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes.  Fluff with a fork then replace lid until ready to serve.
  • While couscous is cooking, place marinated kabobs in the oven on a foil-lined baking sheet (with the rest of the marinade drizzled on top) and cook until chicken is done, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Serve kabobs on top of couscous.

 

 

MAIN 3 Salmon Steaks with Oregano-Mint Sauce

1 bunch fresh oregano, leaves removed

1 bunch fresh mint, leaves removed

2 oranges, zested and juiced

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2-4 Norway/Iceland fresh Atlantic salmon steaks S

1 cup white wine or water

1 lb green beans, trimmed

 

Process:

 

  • Set oven temperature to 250 F.
  • Begin by making oregano-mint sauce: in a blender or food processor, puree oregano leaves, mint leaves, orange zest, orange juice, half of olive oil and half of salt and pepper.  Pulse until smooth.
  • Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Pour the rest of the olive oil in the pan and add salmon steaks (without crowding pan).  Cook each for 5-6 minutes per side, using a spatula to shimmy under each steak and flip carefully without breaking apart fish.
  • Remove fish after cooking and place on a plate.  Keep warm in the oven covered loosely in foil.
  • In the same pan you cooked the fish, add white wine or water and deglaze pan over medium heat.  Add green beans and cover.  Cook for 4 minutes.
  • Serve with green beans + glaze from pan (those are important flavors!) and top with a salmon steak and a drizzle of oregano-mint sauce.

 

 

MAIN 4 Panko Pesto Baked Chicken with Butter Lettuce

1 packed cup basil leaves

¼ cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 cup panko

2 tsp each salt and pepper, divided

1 pkg Bell & Evans chicken breasts S

1 pkg butter lettuce (bibb)

 

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In a blender, combine basil, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest and lemon juice, and half of the salt and pepper.  Blend until smooth.
  • Take chicken breast and cut in half lengthwise, then pound out between two pieces of plastic, parchment or wax paper until thin.
  • Place chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet, spread with 1-2 Tbsp pesto, then top with panko and the rest of the salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle the tops of each panko-crusted breast with a bit of olive oil and place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes (or less if breasts are really thin).
  • Serve breasts over a bed of bibb lettuce with a drizzle of pesto on top of the lettuce leaves.*

 

*You can add more lemon juice and oil to dilute the pesto a bit and make an excellent salad dressing!

 

MAIN 5 Stuffed Avocados with Seafood Salad and/or Cucumber Ginger Salad

3 avocados, ripe and sliced in half, pit removed

1 pint seafood salad S OR 2 cups Cucumber Ginger Salad:

1 English cucumber, sliced into ¼ “ rounds and quartered

2 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

2 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp mirin

1 tsp fish sauce *optional

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

2 Tbsp shallot, minced

 

Process:

 

  • Make cucumber ginger salad if using by combining cucumber, ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, mirin, fish sauce, cilantro and shallot.  
  • Next, assemble avocados: fill each with a few spoonfuls of seafood salad or cucumber ginger salad.
  • Drizzle with you favorite vinaigrette or just garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
  • Use a spoon to grab a little salad + a little avocado all at once.

 

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1 Crudite Platter with Crostini & Hummus

2 baguettes S

2 cloves garlic

4 Tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil

1 tsp salt and pepper

2 pkg hummus, your choice S

2 English cucumbers S

1 bag sweet peppers S

1 bag baby carrots S

 

Process:

 

  • Slice baguettes into rounds that are ⅛ “ thick.  Preheat your oven to 300 F and gently spread butter or olive oil lightly over each round.
  • Slice garlic cloves in half and rub cut sides roughly on bread to impart some garlic flavor.  Save the leftover garlic cloves for another dish by putting them in a plastic bag or small container fitted with a lid.
  • Sprinkle crostini with salt and pepper and bake for 20-30 minutes or until dry and crispy but not burned.
  • While crostini is baking, prepare raw vegetables by slicing into bite-sized pieces (excluding carrots, which are already done for you).
  • Arrange raw vegetables on a platter around hummus and serve with a bowl of crostini.

 

 

SIDE 2 Parsley Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Drizzle

1 pkg egg noodles (or vegan wide noodles)

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

½ bunch flat-leafed (Italian) parsley, rinsed and chopped finely

1 pkg chives, chopped finely

1 lemon, juiced

2 cloves garlic, whole

2 tsp salt, divided

½ cup packed basil

½ cup olive oil

 

Process:

 

  • Cook noodles per package instructions minus 1 minute.
  • While cooking, puree in a blender or food processor the following: lemon juice, garlic, half of salt, basil and olive oil.  Set aside until ready to use.
  • Once cooked, drain and toss with butter and the rest of the salt.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl, toss still-warm noodles with parsley and chives.
  • To serve, drizzle with homemade pesto.

 

 

SIDE 3 Cherry Beet Salad

1 bunch red beets, topped and washed

½ bag Washington organic red cherries, washed and pitted S

1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

½ cup goat cheese, crumbled *optional

1 small handful basil, sliced into ribbons

2-4 Tbsp balsamic reduction

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Process:

 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add beets, skin on.  Cook beets for 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
  • Run under cool water and squeeze to remove skins (beets with be hot so work carefully).
  • Chop beets into cubes the size of quarters and toss with pitted cherries (sliced in half).  Top with toasted walnuts, goat cheese, basil ribbons and balsamic syrup and sprinkle with salt and pepper to serve.

 

 

 

SOUP:  African Avocado Soup with Berbere & Tilapia*

½ red onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp coconut oil

2 Tbsp berbere seasoning*, divided

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped, divided

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 quart vegetable stock

1-2 tsp soy sauce

1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced thinly into rounds

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and cubed

½ lb Ecuador fresh tilapia fillets *Tilapia is optional S

*If unable to find berbere seasoning, substitute chili powder

 

Process:

 

  • In a soup pot, saute red onion, garlic and red pepper flakes in coconut oil for 5 minutes or medium heat.
  • Add half of berbere seasoning, fresh ginger and half the cilantro and continue cooking for 5 minutes more.
  • Add vegetable stock and 1 tsp soy sauce.  Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer.
  • If using tilapia, coat in the rest of the berbere mixture and blacken in a pan with 2 Tbsp olive oil for 3 minutes on each side.
  • Taste soup and add extra soy sauce if desired.  If not using tilapia, add the remaining berbere spice mixture.
  • To serve soup, add lime zest and juice to pot, pour into bowls and top with jalapenos, avocado slices and tilapia if using.

 

 


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

June 14th – 20th

 

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of June 14th – 20th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

 

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

 

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

 

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

 

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

 

 

MAINS

 

MAIN 1: Black, Blue & Purple Steak Salad with Blue Cheese + Beets

1 bunch beets, topped and cleaned

½ red onion, sliced thinly

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed

1 cup water

½ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 lb dry-aged beef C ($5 off $25 or more spent-from the meat department) OR 1 lb USA boneless ribeye steak S ($5 off at $11.99/lb)

1-2 tsp salt & pepper, divided and to taste

1 wedge blue cheese, crumbled (find an inexpensive option or buy the pre-crumbled tub)

1 pkg arugula S

¼ cup balsamic glaze

2 Tbsp good olive oil

 

Using steak in a dish can be expensive, so we often like to take a nice cut and use it as the supporting role.  Steak salads are great for this because you still get full and can spread 1 lb’s worth of steak around to many plates.  We do a quick pickle here with the beets, too, so the flavor profile is substantial!

 

MAIN 2:  Dinner Crepes with Turkey, Swiss, Pickled Beets and Fresh Greens

2 cup all-purpose flour (if going gluten-free, substitute buckwheat flour)

1 cup milk

½ tsp salt

4 Organic Valley eggs C

1 cup water

4 Tbsp butter, melted

1 bunch beets, topped and boiled

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed

1 cup water

½ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 pkg sliced swiss

1 lb Koch oven roasted turkey breast S, thinly sliced

1 pkg frisee or baby kale S

 

Dinner crepes are always a favorite because they are quick to throw together and leftover batter can be used for breakfast the next day!  You can add to these whatever toppings you like but we’ve got some suggestions, as always.

 

MAIN 3: Dill Salmon Bake with Roasted Lemons & Green Beans

1 6-pack Responsibly Farmed frozen Atlantic salmon fillets C

1 bunch dill

2 tsp salt & pepper, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 shallot, sliced

2 lemons, halved crosswise along their equator

1 lb green beans, trimmed

1 cup white wine

¼ cup creme fraiche

 

Using frozen salmon is a great way to save money.  Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before using.  This salmon gets the royal treatment with the simple addition of dill, lemon and creme fraiche.  It’s one of Lynsie’s favorites to make at home.

 

MAIN 4: Shrimp* with Romesco Sauce

*Buy the ribeye listed above and get $5 off per lb on 26/30 shrimp!

1-2 lbs 26/30 shrimp S (or 2 cans chickpeas if Vegan/Vegetarian)

2 Tbsp spice mixture of the following: 1 Tbsp each paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin)

2 California/Mexico red field/bell peppers, roasted S

2 cups rice, cooked

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes (½ cup used for this recipe)

1 cup toasted almonds

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp smoked paprika or regular paprika

2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

½-1 tsp salt, to taste

Pinch of cayenne if desired

 

This is a classic with the romesco!  It’s healthy yet satisfying and the sauce is great for you with all of those red peppers and almonds!  To go Vegan or Vegetarian, sub out the shrimp for chickpeas and rice, making sure to coat the garbanzos (chickpeas) in the spice mixture and bake as directed with the shrimp).

 

MAIN 5: Cauliflower Provencal (Vegan/Vegetarian)

1 head cauliflower, left whole

2 lemons, sliced in half crosswise on their equator

2 Tbsp Herbes de Provence

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly lengthwise

2 zucchini, cubed

1 cup dry white wine

Leftover rice from the recipe above

 

This was a dish that Lynsie featured on a RelayFoods meal plan a couple of years ago.  It is super easy and so versatile, plus it is 100% plant-based.  Make it in your crock pot or cook it in the oven in a casserole dish with a lid, either way, it is a no muss no fuss kind of meal that will please everyone at the table!

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1: Melon & Zucchini Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

2 California organic cantaloupes (2 for $6) S, peeled and cubed

1 zucchini, grated or shredded

2 lemons, peeled and seeds removed

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup honey

 

We featured this recipe on our site this week!  It’s a fantastic recipe by Vie Meal Planner Hannah Matarazzo and it was a big hit with kids and adults alike at our Soiree a couple of weeks ago.  Save undressed melon and zucchini (if there is anything left) to make a great slushi for hot days!  BONUS: adding zucchini to the melon is a great way to get veggies into the mouths of picky eaters.  

 

SIDE 2: Roasted Tomato & Quinoa Salad

2 pints grape or cherry tomatoes (find what’s on sale), halved

8 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole

1 tsp each salt & pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups quinoa, cooked

½ bunch basil

2 cups shredded parmesan *optional

 

A recent hit at picnics and parties, this is a side that we’ve been making a lot of lately!  Roasting the tomatoes low and slow really helps to give this quinoa dish a great depth of flavor, and bonus: it’s gluten-free!

 

SIDE 3: Steamed Broccoli with Orange Peel

2 crowns broccoli, left whole

3 oranges, peeled and juiced

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp honey

1 pinch red pepper flakes

 

A super vitamin-packed plant-based option that tastes great hot or cold.  Use leftovers as snack for the kids throughout the week or use these in a grain bowl with leftover quinoa or rice.

 

SOUP: CAPRESE

6 cloves garlic, left whole

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 28-oz cans fire roasted tomatoes

1 quart vegetable stock

2 slices bread or 1 cup cooked rice (if gluten-free)

½ bunch basil

2 logs Crave Brothers fresh mozzarella, S (2 for $10)*, cubed

 

This soup is special because you’ll learn how to make a classic tomato sauce in the process!  Adding basil and mozzarella at the end is divine, especially because you’ll be placing the soup bowls under the broiler briefly to melt the cheese, but remember if you’re eating a plant-based diet, you can omit the mozz!

 

BREAKFAST

1 dozen Organic Valley eggs (make sure to buy 2 dozen if making the crepes)

1 pkg Nature’s Rancher hickory smoked bacon S

Abe’s mini muffins S

Birch Bender’s griddle cakes protein & paleo pancake and waffle mix S

365 Everyday Value raspberry electrolyte plus+ powder S

 

Bacon and eggs are always a great breakfast staple.  Make protein-filled pancakes, too!  Or grab the mini muffins if your mornings are busy.

 

LUNCH

Ready to Cook salmon burgers S

Vermont Creamery creme fraiche S

Koch oven roasted turkey breast S

 

Premade salmon burgers are a great option for a healthy and quick lunch.  Make all of them at once and enjoy cold topped with creme fraiche over salads with leftover almonds and pickled beets and red onion!  With turkey on sale this week, remember that sandwiches are always in style.

 

SNACK

Steaz iced teas S

Stonyfield organic 100% grassfed Greek yogurt cups S

Gardin of Eatin’ tortilla chips and bowls S

 

Grab some salsa or grated cheese and MYO nachos or pick up some fresh fruit + granola to top your Greek yogurt with.

 

___________________________________________________

 

Pantry Staples

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Sugar

Soy Sauce

Salt

Pepper

Balsamic Glaze

Good Olive Oil

Cooking Olive Oil

All-Purpose Flour or Buckwheat Flour

Milk

Unsalted Butter

White Wine

Paprika

Smoked Paprika

Chili Powder

Garlic Powder

Cumin

Rice

Quinoa

Almonds

Red Wine Vinegar

Cayenne

Herbes de Provence

Honey

Toasted Sesame Oil

Rice Vinegar

Red Pepper Flakes

Bread

Poppy Seeds

 

Shopping List by Department

 

Produce

2 bunches beets

1 red onion

1 bunch rosemary

1 pkg arugula

1 pkg frisee salad or baby kale

1 bunch dill

1 bag whole, peeled garlic

1 shallot

6 lemons

1 lb green beans

2 California/Mexico red field/bell peppers S

1 head cauliflower

3 zucchini

2 California organic cantaloupes S

2 crowns broccoli

2 pints grape tomatoes

1 bunch basil

3 oranges

 

Meat/Protein

1 lb dry-aged beef C OR 1 lb USA boneless ribeye steak S

1 lb Koch oven roasted turkey breast S

1-2 lbs 26/30 shrimp S OR 2 cans chickpeas

 

Dairy/Eggs

1 wedge blue cheese

1 dozen Organic Valley eggs C

1 pkg sliced swiss cheese

1 pkg creme fraiche S

1 pkg shredded parmesan

2 logs Crave Brothers mozzarella S

 

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 bag rice

1 bag quinoa

1 cup toasted almonds

 

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

2 cans chickpeas OR shrimp S (above)

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 28 oz cans fire roasted tomatoes

1 quart vegetable stock

 

Frozen Items

1 6-pack Responsibly Farmed frozen Atlantic salmon fillets C

___________________________________________________

 

MAINS

 

MAIN 1: Black, Blue & Purple Steak Salad with Blue Cheese + Beets

1 bunch beets, topped and cleaned

½ red onion, sliced thinly

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed

1 cup water

½ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 lb dry-aged beef C ($5 off $25 or more spent-from the meat department) OR 1 lb USA boneless ribeye steak S ($5 off at $11.99/lb)

1-2 tsp salt & pepper, divided and to taste

1 wedge blue cheese, crumbled (find an inexpensive option or buy the pre-crumbled tub)

1 pkg arugula S

¼ cup balsamic glaze

2 Tbsp good olive oil

Process:

 

  • Bring a large salted pot of water to a boil.
  • Add topped beets (reserving greens for another time–or stock) and cook until tender when poked with a knife (about 20 minutes).
  • Remove beets from stove, drain hot water and replace with cold.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes.  Once cooled, work carefully with each beet to hold it under running water while squeezing it and the outer skin should come right off.  *This is a messy job so don’t wear white!!
  • Slice beets into thin rounds and add to a bowl along with the red onion, rosemary, water, vinegar, sugar and soy sauce.  Allow to sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, however all of the steps above can be done in advance!
  • Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and salt and pepper the outside of the steak generously.
  • Add a drizzle of oil to the skillet and add the steak, cooking 4-6 minutes on each side depending on how you like your steak.  (4 minutes=medium-rare, 6 minutes=medium-well.)
  • Remove the steak to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the greens and arrange the beet/red onion mixture on top.
  • Slice the steak thinly lengthwise into strips and add to the top of the salad.
  • Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and drizzle with a little balsamic glaze and olive oil.

 

 

MAIN 2:  Dinner Crepes with Turkey, Swiss, Pickled Beets and Fresh Greens

2 cup all-purpose flour (if going gluten-free, substitute buckwheat flour)

1 cup milk

½ tsp salt

4 Organic Valley eggs C

1 cup water

4 Tbsp butter, melted

1 bunch beets, topped and boiled

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed

1 cup water

½ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

½ stick unsalted butter (4 Tbsp)

1 pkg sliced swiss

1 lb Koch oven roasted turkey breast S, thinly sliced

1 pkg frisee or baby kale S

Process:

 

  • Combine flour, milk, salt, eggs, water and melted butter in a blender and blend on high until mixed through completely without any lumps.  This can be done a few days in advance if desired, but be careful: the batter won’t last long!
  • As in the recipe above: Bring a large salted pot of water to a boil.
  • Add topped beets (reserving greens for another time–or stock) and cook until tender when poked with a knife (about 20 minutes).
  • Remove beets from stove, drain hot water and replace with cold.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes.  Once cooled, work carefully with each beet to hold it under running water while squeezing it and the outer skin should come right off.  *This is a messy job so don’t wear white!!
  • Slice beets into thin rounds and add to a bowl along with the rosemary, water, vinegar, sugar and soy sauce.  Allow to sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, however all of the steps above can be done in advance!
  • To make crepes: heat ½ Tbsp at a time of unsalted butter in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet set over medium heat.
  • Using a measuring cup, add ¼ cup batter to the pan once hot and swirl pan immediately to coat the bottom and an 1/8th of an inch up the sides if possible.
  • Allow crepe to cook until the top no longer looks runny and is opaque.  Using a large spatula, carefully scoop underneath and flip quickly in the pan to cook the other side.
  • Now that the cooked side is facing you, add swiss cheese and turkey, a few slices of each.  Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and fold in half, then in half again until you have a triangle.
  • Remove to a plate and top with pickled beets (remove them from the pickling liquid, don’t pour the liquid on top of the crepe or else you’ll end up with a mushy crepe).
  • Add greens to the top and serve hot.

 

 

MAIN 3: Dill Salmon Bake with Roasted Lemons & Green Beans

1 6-pack Responsibly Farmed frozen Atlantic salmon fillets C

1 bunch dill

2 tsp salt & pepper, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 shallot, sliced

2 lemons, halved crosswise along their equator

1 lb green beans, trimmed

1 cup white wine

¼ cup creme fraiche S

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In a baking dish, drizzle a bit of olive oil and place thawed salmon fillets skin-side down.
  • Top each fillet with salt, pepper, dill and garlic.
  • Scatter shallot, lemons and green beans around fish and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from oven, add white wine and return for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Once done, remove and serve hot with a dollop of creme fraiche.

 

 

MAIN 4: Shrimp* with Romesco Sauce

*Buy the ribeye listed above and get $5 off per lb on 26/30 shrimp!

1-2 lbs 26/30 shrimp S (or 2 cans chickpeas if Vegan/Vegetarian)

2 Tbsp spice mixture of the following: 1 Tbsp each paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin)

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 California/Mexico red field/bell peppers, roasted S

2 cups rice, cooked

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes (½ cup used for this recipe)

1 cup toasted almonds

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp smoked paprika or regular paprika

2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

½-1 tsp salt, to taste

Pinch of cayenne if desired

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to a low broil.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and place red bell peppers, stems intact, directly onto the foil.  Place under the broiler in the middle of the oven and roast following this method.
  • Once done, remove from oven, leaving broiler on and allow to cool.  Begin rice on the stovetop or rice cooker, remembering that the grain cooking ratio is 1 part grain to two parts water.
  • Toss shrimp (or chickpeas if using) in the spice mixture with the olive oil and bake in the lowest part of the oven (lower third rack) until heated through and slightly browned.  You’ll have to keep an eye on everything and toss with a spoon as needed to ensure even cooking.
  • While shrimp are cooking, make romesco: in a blender or food processor, combine roasted peppers (stems and seeds removed) with tomatoes, almonds, olive oil, paprika, garlic, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and cayenne.
  • Once shrimp or chickpeas are done, serve over a bed of rice with the romesco sauce either poured overtop or left on the table in a bowl as a condiment.

 

 

MAIN 5: Cauliflower Provencal (Vegan/Vegetarian)

1 head cauliflower, left whole

2 lemons, sliced in half crosswise on their equator

2 Tbsp Herbes de Provence

1 tsp each salt & pepper

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly lengthwise

2 zucchini, cubed

1 cup dry white wine

Leftover rice from the recipe above

Process:

 

  • In a crock pot or large oven-proof soup pot with a lid, place cauliflower stem-side down.  Scatter lemons around and top with herbes de provence, salt and pepper and garlic.
  • Cover and cook for 1 hour on high (or in a preheated 350 F oven)
  • Remove lid, add zucchini and white wine, replace lid and continue to cook for 30 minutes more, or until zucchini is bright green and cauliflower is tender when inserted with a knife.
  • Slice cauliflower into wedges and serve over rice with juices from the bottom of the pot poured overtop.

 

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1: Melon & Zucchini Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

2 California organic cantaloupes (2 for $6) S, peeled and cubed

1 zucchini, grated or shredded

2 lemons, peeled and seeds removed

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup honey

½-1 tsp each salt and pepper, or to taste

¼ cup poppy seeds

Process:

 

  • Combine melon cubes and grated zucchini in a large bowl and set in the fridge to chill, covered.
  • In a blender, nutribullet or food processor, make the dressing:  puree the peeled lemons whole (making sure their seeds are removed) with the olive oil, vinegar and honey.
  • Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  • Mix in poppy seeds by hand and drizzle desired amount over salad, reserving the rest of the dressing for later.

 

 

SIDE 2: Roasted Tomato & Quinoa Salad

2 pints grape or cherry tomatoes (find what’s on sale), halved

8 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole

1 tsp each salt & pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups quinoa, cooked

½ bunch basil

2 cups shredded parmesan *optional

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 325 F.
  • Line a large baking sheet with foil and scatter halved tomatoes all over, spreading out evenly.
  • Sprinkle with garlic cloves, olive oil, salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until garlic cloves are browned and soft and tomatoes are slightly dried.  Reserve any liquid in the bottom of the baking sheet for the salad and set aside to cool.
  • While tomatoes and garlic are roasting, make quinoa: rinse quinoa in cold water and bring 4 cups water  to a boil in a medium saucepan, add salt.  Once at a boil, add quinoa and stir to break up any lumps.
  • Cover and let quinoa cook until pods open up slightly and are softened.
  • Drain and run under cool water.
  • Toss roasted tomatoes and garlic with quinoa and add basil.  Add more olive oil if needed, although the juice from the roasted tomatoes should be enough.
  • Top with parmesan just before serving.

 

 

SIDE 3: Steamed Broccoli with Orange Peel

2 crowns broccoli, left whole

3 oranges, peeled and juiced (peels reserved)

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp honey

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Process:

 

  • Bring a large pot filled with 1 inch water to boil.  
  • Add broccoli, stem side down.  Scatter the orange peels around the broccoli.  Cover and steam for 4 minutes.
  • Remove broccoli to arrest cooking and pour out water, reserving peels, until there is only ½ inch remaining (it may have already evaporated).
  • Turn stove to medium and add to water and peels the orange juice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey and red pepper flakes and bring sauce to a boil.  Reduce by half or until thickened.
  • Pour sauce over broccoli to serve, discarding orange peels at this time or using them for garnish.

 

 

SOUP: CAPRESE

6 cloves garlic, left whole

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 28-oz cans fire roasted tomatoes, divided

1 quart vegetable stock

2 slices bread or 1 cup cooked rice (if gluten-free)

½ bunch basil

2 logs Crave Brothers fresh mozzarella, S (2 for $10)*, cubed

Process:

 

  • Saute garlic in olive oil in a soup pot and add red pepper flakes.  Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add 1 can tomatoes, vegetable stock and bread or rice.  Cook for 20 minutes.
  • Puree everything using an immersion blender or tabletop blender and pour into an oven proof bowl(s) or pot.  Add the other can of tomatoes and stir to combine.
  • Top with cubed mozzarella (if using cheese) and place under broiler for 2-4 minutes to melt and brown.
  • To serve, sprinkle with basil.

 

 

BREAKFAST

1 dozen Organic Valley eggs (make sure to buy 2 dozen if making the crepes)

1 pkg Nature’s Rancher hickory smoked bacon S

Abe’s mini muffins S

Birch Bender’s griddle cakes protein & paleo pancake and waffle mix S

365 Everyday Value raspberry electrolyte plus+ powder S

 

Bacon and eggs are always a great breakfast staple.  Make protein-filled pancakes, too!  Or grab the mini muffins if your mornings are busy.

 

LUNCH

Ready to Cook salmon burgers S

Vermont Creamery creme fraiche S

Koch oven roasted turkey breast S

 

Premade salmon burgers are a great option for a healthy and quick lunch.  Make all of them at once and enjoy cold topped with creme fraiche over salads with leftover almonds and pickled beets and red onion!  With turkey on sale this week, remember that sandwiches are always in style.

 

SNACK

Steaz iced teas S

Stonyfield organic 100% grassfed Greek yogurt cups S

Gardin of Eatin’ tortilla chips and bowls S

 

Grab some salsa or grated cheese and MYO nachos or pick up some fresh fruit + granola to top your Greek yogurt with.

 


 

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

June 7th – 13th

 

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of June 7th – 13th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

 

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

 

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

 

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

 

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

 

MAIN 1: Tahini Chicken with Cucumber Salad

2-3 lbs bone-in split chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks S

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lemon, sliced in half and seeds removed

1 bunch parsley

2 Tbsp honey or pomegranate molasses if available

½ cup tahini sauce

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 bunch rosemary

1 English cucumber

2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced in half from top to bottom and quartered

1 pkg arugula

 

This has been a huge hit each time I’ve made it!  It’s easy to prepare and so healthy!  Make one batch of tahini sauce and use it two different ways.

 

MAIN 2: Quick Pasta Bolognese

1 yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks celery, diced

4 carrots, diced

1 lb fresh ground turkey or beef S

2 28 oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes (or regular if you prefer)

Water as needed to thin sauce

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta

1 bunch fresh basil, torn

 

Yes, nonna’s bolognese takes 8 hours, but who has that kind of time?  Throw this one together in your crock pot or instant pot and let the magic happen.  All you have to do is cook the pasta before serving.

 

MAIN 3: Ponzu-Marinated Catfish with Garlic Bok Choy

¼ cup ponzu or soy sauce

1 Tbsp agave or sugar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

½ red onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided

1 lb wild caught USA fresh blue catfish fillets S

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 bunches bok choy, rinsed and sliced in half if large

1 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand), crumbled

Tip: use extra brown rice from the recipe below if desired

 

Now that we’ve got the decadent meals for the week out of the way, how about some that are a little lighter and healthier but still bursting with flavor?  Our next few fit that bill.  This marinated catfish will have you wondering if you’re at home or actually in a fancy restaurant kitchen.

 

MAIN 4: Detoxifying Teriyaki Mushroom Grain Bowl

1 pkg shiitake mushrooms

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 cups brown rice, cooked (can be made in advance)

½ red cabbage, shredded

½ red onion, thinly sliced

1 bunch green onions, sliced into 1 inch pieces on the bias

1 avocado, sliced thinly

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 pkg Nature’s ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs or cubed extra firm tofu (optional)

Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

 

Detox: the magic word.  Did you know that shiitakes are incredibly detoxifying? Even better, this grain bowl is fantastic because it’s filling and very kid-friendly.  Let everyone build their own for a hands-on and unique experience.

 

 

MAIN 5: Tangy Shrimp with Bright Red Pepper Sauce

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked, Shell-On shrimp

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 California/Mexico red bell peppers, chopped S

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

1 small can fire roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle (optional)

Juice of 2 limes

½ pkg baby kale

 

We love this one because the sauce can be made in advance (and is actually better after the flavors merry for a few days in the fridge).  Roasting the shrimp in the oven brings out their flavor and makes them easier to peel and don’t forget that burst of bright green veg with the baby kale as a bed for warm shrimp and punchy sauce.

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1: Lemon Asparagus Salad with Shaved Parmesan Crisps

2 lemons, zested & juiced

1 bunch asparagus, cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler S

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 block parmesan, shaved

½ pkg baby kale

 

Learn how to create ribbons out of the asparagus and make parm crisps all in one night!

 

SIDE 2: French Onion Couscous

2 yellow onions, chopped C

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 Tbsp thyme

1 container pearled couscous

1 quart chicken or veggie stock S

1 tsp each salt & pepper

 

This dish has always been a hit and the depth of flavor is outrageous.  You’ll want to throw leftovers into soup or on top of salad.

 

SIDE 3: Fresh Fruit Salad with Mint Yogurt Drizzle

5 oranges

3 apples

2 Ataulfo/ Mexico yellow mangoes S/C

1 box California organic strawberries, sliced S

½ lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pkg mint, cut into ribbons C

1 pkg Brown Cow vanilla greek yogurt

2 Tbsp milk

 

A fresh fruit salad with mint yogurt sauce is refreshing and perfect for this first few hints of spring.  This can be made vegan by replacing regular milk and yogurt with dairy-free.

 

SOUP: Miso, Rice & Mushroom Soup

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 pkg mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 bunch chard, sliced into chiffonade

1 quart mushroom or chicken stock

1 tsp soy sauce (or to taste)

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice C

3 Tbsp miso paste

1 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand)

 

Breath in, breath out.  This soup is comforting and healthy but also rich in nutrients and helps give your body what it needs.

 

BREAKFAST

Organic Valley Organic Fuel Protein Powder C

Organic Valley Organic Protein Shakes C

Case Ataulfo Mangoes $3 off C or Mexico Yellow Mangoes S

Organic Valley Organic Eggs C

California White Peaches & White Nectarines S

Living Harvest Tempt Hempmilk Non-Dairy Beverages S

Cascadian Farms Farmstand Granolas S

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts S

Garden of Life Protein & Greens Powder S

Enjoy smoothies this week or simply have some yogurt and granola.  Eggs are also on sale so omelettes anyone?

LUNCH

Saffron Road Broth or Entree C

Fresh Organic Chicken $5 off of $20 C

Responsibly Farmed Frozen Atlantic Salmon Fillets C

Maya Kaimal Sauce or Marinade C

Hilary’s Organic Veggie Burgers C

Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda-Style Slices C

Follow Your Heart Vegenaise C

Made Right Here Chicken Kebabs and Satays S

Koch, USA Smoked Turkey Breast S

From Our Bakery Organic Tuscan Bread S

Prep some veggie burgers or turkey sandwiches this week or use the marinade on sale to dress up roast chicken, salmon or kebabs!

SNACK

Saffron Road Snacks C

Earth’s Best Snacks or Meals C

Que Pasa White, Yellow or Blue Corn Tortilla Chips C

Barber’s Farmhouse Cheese 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar S

Maitres Laitiers du Contentin Petit Suisse Fresh Snacking Cheeses S

Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed & Thins Crackers S

Crackers and cheese for sure!  There are plenty of healthy snacks to choose from this week.

 

 

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

 

Olive Oil

 

Coconut Oil

 

Brown Rice

 

Salt

 

Pepper

 

Sugar

 

Chipotle in Adobo Sauce (optional)

 

Red Pepper Flakes

 

Soy Sauce

 

Ponzu

 

Cajun Seasoning

 

Maple Syrup or Agave

 

Milk

 

Mayonnaise (or Vegenaise on sale)

 

Toasted Sesame Oil

 

Toasted Sesame Seeds

 

Dried Thyme

 

Balsamic Vinegar

 

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

 

Produce

1 bag peeled garlic

1 bag yellow onions

3 red bell peppers S

1 English cucumber

1 vine-ripened tomatoes

1 avocado

1 bunch organic celery

1 1-lb bag carrots

1 bunch fresh basil

1 red onion

2 bunches bok choy

2 pkg shiitake mushrooms

1 red cabbage

1 bunch green onions

1 bunch cilantro

1 bunch parsley

1 bunch rosemary

2 limes

4 lemons

1 bunch asparagus S

1 pkg baby kale

1 pkg arugula

5 oranges

3 apples

2 Ataulfo or Mexico yellow mangoes S/C

1 box organic strawberries S

1 pkg mint

1 bunch chard

 

 

Meat/Protein

2-3 lbs bone-in split chicken breast, thighs or drumsticks S

1 lb Koch ground turkey breast S or USA 85 % lean ground beef S

1 lb wild caught fresh blue catfish fillets S

1 pkg Nature’s Ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs S or extra firm tofu (optional)

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked Shell-On shrimp

 

Dairy/Eggs

1 cup milk

1 Brown Cow vanilla Greek yogurt

1 block parmesan

1 container white miso

 

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta

1 container pearled couscous

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice  or regular rice

 

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

2 28 oz cans fire-roasted or regular tomatoes

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand)

1 quart chicken stock

1 quart mushroom stock

1 jar tahini sauce

1 jar pomegranate molasses (optional)

 

 

Frozen Items

None

BREAKFAST

Organic Valley Organic Fuel Protein Powder C

Organic Valley Organic Protein Shakes C

Case Ataulfo Mangoes $3 off C or Mexico Yellow Mangoes S

Organic Valley Organic Eggs C

California White Peaches & White Nectarines S

Living Harvest Tempt Hempmilk Non-Dairy Beverages S

Cascadian Farms Farmstand Granolas S

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts S

Garden of Life Protein & Greens Powder S

LUNCH

Saffron Road Broth or Entree C

Fresh Organic Chicken $5 off of $20 C

Responsibly Farmed Frozen Atlantic Salmon Fillets C

Maya Kaimal Sauce or Marinade C

Hilary’s Organic Veggie Burgers C

Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda-Style Slices C

Follow Your Heart Vegenaise C

Made Right Here Chicken Kebabs and Satays S

Koch, USA Smoked Turkey Breast S

From Our Bakery Organic Tuscan Bread S

SNACK

Saffron Road Snacks C

Earth’s Best Snacks or Meals C

Que Pasa White, Yellow or Blue Corn Tortilla Chips C

Barber’s Farmhouse Cheese 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar S

Maitres Laitiers du Contentin Petit Suisse Fresh Snacking Cheeses S

Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed & Thins Crackers S

________________________________________________________________________

 

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

 

MAIN 1: Tahini Chicken with Cucumber Salad

2-3 lbs bone-in split chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks S

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lemon, sliced in half and seeds removed

1 bunch parsley

2 Tbsp honey or pomegranate molasses if available

½ cup tahini

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 bunch rosemary

1 English cucumber

2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced in half from top to bottom and quartered

1 pkg arugula

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Combine garlic, onion, olive oil, whole lemon, parsley, pomegranate molasses (if using), tahini and salt and pepper in a blender.  Puree until smooth.
  • Arrange chicken in a baking dish just large enough to fit all of it in an even layer and pour half of sauce over chicken, turning pieces to coat.  Place 3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs on top.
  • Put in the oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until chicken is done and lightly browned.
  • While chicken is cooking, make salad: using the rest of the tahini sauce, pour over sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and arugula and toss gently to combine.  Refrigerate until ready to eat.

 

 

MAIN 2: Quick Pasta Bolognese

1 yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks celery, diced

4 carrots, diced

1 lb Koch USA fresh ground turkey breast or USA 85% lean ground beef S

2 28 oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes (or regular if you prefer)

Water as needed to thin sauce

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta

Process:

 

  • Either combine all ingredients in your crock pot or instant pot and cook OR saute in a large pot on the stove the following: onions, garlic, celery and carrot in oil until soft, then add ground turkey or beef to brown.
  • Once turkey or beef is browned, add tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • While turkey or beef is browning, make pasta so that you can serve all at once.
  • Garnish with some leftover parmesan and torn basil leaves.

 

 

MAIN 3: Ponzu-Marinated Catfish with Garlic Bok Choy

¼ cup ponzu or soy sauce

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 Tbsp agave or sugar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

½ red onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided

1 lb wild caught fresh blue catfish fillets S

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 bunches bok choy, rinsed and sliced in half if large

1 pkg dried seaweed, crumbled

Tip: use extra brown rice from the recipe below if desired

Process:

 

  • In a large bag or bowl, combine ponzu, rice vinegar, agave, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic and red onion and marinate for 20 minutes on the counter.  
  • Preheat oven to high broil.
  • Remove fish from bag and place fish on an oiled baking sheet.  Broil for 10 minutes.
  • Add bok choy to bag with marinade and turn to coat.
  • For the last five minutes of broiling, add bok choy and place the rest of marinade in a small pot to heat and reduce.
  • Remove fish and bok choy from oven once cooked (fish should be flaky and bok choy should be bright green and a little crispy around the edges.
  • Let rest for a few minutes, then drizzle with reduction and sprinkle with any leftover sesame seeds to serve.

 

 

MAIN 4: Detoxifying Teriyaki Mushroom Grain Bowl

2 cups brown rice, cooked (can be made in advance)

1 pkg shiitake mushrooms

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

½ red cabbage, shredded

½ red onion, thinly sliced

1 bunch green onions, sliced into 1 inch pieces on the bias

1 avocado, sliced thinly

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 pkg Nature’s ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs or cubed extra firm tofu (optional)

Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

Process:

 

  • Begin by cooking rice if you haven’t yet.  Combine 1 part rice with 2 parts water, cover and cook until water is absorbed and rice is done, adding water as necessary.
  • Marinate mushrooms: place shiitakes in a bag with the agave, balsamic and soy.  Allow to marinate at least 20 minutes, but these are great if they marinate overnight.
  • In a single serve bowl, scoop in some rice, add marinated mushrooms, cabbage, onion, green onion, avocado and cilantro and top with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
  • Add cooked meatballs or cold tofu if desired.

 

 

MAIN 5: Tangy Shrimp with Bright Red Pepper Sauce

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked, Shell-On shrimp

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 red bell peppers, chopped S

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

1 small can fire roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle (optional)

Juice of 2 limes

½ pkg baby kale C

Process:

 

  • Place shrimp (tossed with olive oil, red pepper flakes and half the salt and pepper) on a foil-lined baking sheet under a broiler set to low.  
  • While shrimp are cooking (should take 15 minutes) make red pepper sauce: in a blender, combine the rest of the salt and pepper, the red bell peppers, cilantro, fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle and lime juice.  Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  • Remove shrimp from oven, peel if desired or allow everyone to peel their own at the table, making sure to provide a shell bowl and some wet cloths for cleaning hands.
  • Serve shrimp over baby kale and top with a generous helping of the red pepper sauce.

 

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1: Lemon Asparagus Salad with Shaved Parmesan Crisps

2 lemons, zested & juiced

1 bunch asparagus, cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler S

2 garlic cloves, minced C

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 block parmesan, shaved

½ pkg baby kale

Process:

 

  • Combine lemon juice, zest, asparagus ribbons, garlic and salt and pepper with the olive oil and set aside to marinate a bit.  (This can be done the day prior.)
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Gather parmesan shavings into flat piles, about 4 shavings per pile.
  • Place them on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake until melted and browned slightly.
  • Remove from the oven, let them cool and test one for doneness.  It should be crisp and crunchy but not burned.  Return to the oven as needed.  Store these in a plastic bag for use throughout the week.  Make as many as you like!
  • Serve the asparagus over a bed of baby kale and top with parmesan crisps.  Serve immediately.

 

 

SIDE 2: French Onion Couscous

2 yellow onions, chopped C

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 Tbsp thyme

1 container pearled couscous

1 quart chicken stock S

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Process:

 

  • In a large saucepan, heat onions, garlic and olive oil over medium-high heat until slightly charred.
  • Add thyme, couscous and brown for a few minute more to toast the couscous.
  • Add stock, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until couscous is soft.
  • Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

 

Tip: to reheat, simply add more stock or water for use throughout the week.

 

SIDE 3: Fresh Fruit Salad with Mint Yogurt Drizzle

5 oranges, peeled and cut into segments

3 apples, cored and sliced

2 Ataulfo or yellow mangoes, peeled, pitted and cubed S/C

1 box organic strawberries, sliced S

½ lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pkg mint, cut into ribbons C

1 pkg Brown Cow vanilla greek yogurt

2 Tbsp milk

Process:

 

  • Combine all fruit with sugar and toss to coat sugar evenly.  Set aside in the fridge to chill and macerate.  The sugar will draw out the natural juices of the fruit, making a nice sauce to coat the salad.
  • While fruit is chilling, combine mint, yogurt and milk until you reach your desired “drizzle” consistency.  *Omit the yogurt for a vegan dish!
  • Serve cold with drizzle and a mint leaf for garnish.

 

 

SOUP: Miso, Rice & Mushroom Soup

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 pkg mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 Tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

1 quart mushroom or chicken stock

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice or any rice of your choosing

1 bunch chard, sliced into chiffonade

3 Tbsp miso paste

Soy sauce to taste

Process:

 

  • Saute onion and mushrooms in oil until wilted, about 10 minutes.
  • Add stock and rice and cook until rice is al dente.
  • Add chard ribbons and allow them to steep for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add miso just before serving, making sure to mix well enough to break up any clumps.  Taste before serving and add soy sauce if needed.

 

 

BREAKFAST

Organic Valley Organic Fuel Protein Powder C

Organic Valley Organic Protein Shakes C

Case Ataulfo Mangoes $3 off C or Mexico Yellow Mangoes S

Organic Valley Organic Eggs C

California White Peaches & White Nectarines S

Living Harvest Tempt Hempmilk Non-Dairy Beverages S

Cascadian Farms Farmstand Granolas S

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts S

Garden of Life Protein & Greens Powder S

LUNCH

Saffron Road Broth or Entree C

Fresh Organic Chicken $5 off of $20 C

Responsibly Farmed Frozen Atlantic Salmon Fillets C

Maya Kaimal Sauce or Marinade C

Hilary’s Organic Veggie Burgers C

Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda-Style Slices C

Follow Your Heart Vegenaise C

Made Right Here Chicken Kebabs and Satays S

Koch, USA Smoked Turkey Breast S

From Our Bakery Organic Tuscan Bread S

SNACK

Saffron Road Snacks C

Earth’s Best Snacks or Meals C

Que Pasa White, Yellow or Blue Corn Tortilla Chips C

Barber’s Farmhouse Cheese 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar S

Maitres Laitiers du Contentin Petit Suisse Fresh Snacking Cheeses S

Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed & Thins Crackers S

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

May 24th – 30th

 

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of May 24th – 30th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

 

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

 

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

 

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

 

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

 

 

MAINS

 

MAIN 1 Salmon and Crėme Fraîche Pasta

Creamy Smoked Salmon & Creme Fraiche Pasta with Fresh Dill

1 lb salmon steaks S

1 pkg pipe rigate Pasta (or any small-shaped pasta of your choice-use GF if needed)

½ Onion, diced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

2 Tbsp Butter

1 carrot, diced

1 Lemon, juiced

½ pkg frozen peas

½ bunch Dill, washed and chopped

½-1 cup Crėme fraîche

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Grated swiss or parmesan cheese to garnish

 

Nothing says spring like this dish!  Tender carrots and peas, a light cream-dressed pasta.  Use the Whole Foods Market brand pipe rigate (or similar shaped pasta) to really hold in the flavor of this dish!  You’ll see how the peas just nest nicely with the shape of the pasta!

 

MAIN 2 Creole Blackened Fish Burgers

1 lb Wild Caught, USA fresh mahi mahi fillets (or any type of seafood steak) S

2 Tbsp Creole seasoning

2 tsp olive oil or butter

½ cup mayo

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp smoked paprika

½ tsp salt

1/2 red onion, sliced into rounds

1 pkg brioche buns (located in the bakery) or Rudi’s organic hamburger buns S

1 Avocado, sliced (optional)

½ cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo

1 head Bibb Lettuce, washed and leaves separated

 

Blackened fish burgers are one of our favorite things here at Vie because they come together so quickly and are super healthy!  Better yet, ditch the bun and serve on a bed of lettuce and you’ve got a light salad.

 

MAIN 3 Beef Bulgogi

1-2 lbs USA boneless sirloin steaks, placed in the freezer and then thawed for 30 minutes S

⅓ cup soy sauce or amino acids

3 Tbsp agave, honey or regular ol’ sugar

1 Tbsp sesame oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 hand fresh Ginger

1 yellow Onion, sliced thinly

4 cloves Garlic, sliced thinly

1 bunch scallions/green onions, sliced

2 Tbsp coconut oil

3 tsp toasted sesame oil (so good and really adds a fantastic flavor)

A few cilantro leaves for garnish

Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

2 cups jasmine rice, cooked

 

Always a fantastic standby and my favorite way to stretch a typically expensive cut of steak.  Everyone loves this dish because the flavors are so out of the ordinary, yet delicious.  Follow the instructions carefully so that you give yourself enough time to have it ready for dinner, or make it in advance for a quick feast with little clean up.

 

 

MAIN 4 Marinated Yogurt Chicken Kebabs

2-4 WFM prepared chicken kebabs (at the meat counter) S

1 pint greek yogurt

2 Tbsp curry powder

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2 cups basmati rice

2 zucchini, cut into 1 inch cubes

2 tsp olive oil, divided

 

This is a true 30 minute dinner.  Use the premade kebabs from the meat counter and dress them up with this delicious yogurt marinade.  Add roasted zucchini for extra flavor and veg!

 

MAIN 5 Salade Niçoise

1 head Bibb lettuce

1 can White beans

2 tsp dried Italian Herbs or Herbes de Provence

1 pinch Red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp Olive oil

2 Tbsp Red wine vinegar

1 tsp each salt & pepper

½ lb Green beans, trimmed

1 small container Marcona almonds (near the cheese and olives case)

1 can Tuna or Salmon (optional) *or indulge in a large tuna or salmon steak S

2-4 hard-boiled Eggs (optional)

Honey mustard or shallot vinaigrette

 

A vibrant and healthy entree salad, this one is great because everyone can pick and choose what they like.  It’s a win-win for everyone.

 

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1 Fruit Salad

{pictured here: mixed berry salad}

1 bag California red cherries, pitted S

1 pint California organic blueberries, washed S

1 bag Mexico organic seedless grapes, washed S

1 small container plain yogurt

2 Tbsp Fresh mint, chopped

1 Tbsp Honey

 

Why not give yourself a little break and make a fruit salad as a side that is so easy to throw together and can also double for breakfast or a healthy snack?  The mint-yogurt drizzle brings it all together and makes it not-your-garden-variety fruit salad.

 

SIDE 2 Butternut Grains

{pictured here with fresh Tuscan kale}

1 Shallot, minced

1 Tbsp Oil or butter

2 stalks Celery, diced

1 Carrot, diced

1 bag frozen Butternut squash

1 bag Whole Foods 365 brand quick-cooking Grains. your choice

1 tsp each salt & pepper

 

This side is great for folks who shy away from butternut squash because it’s, well, sometimes tricky to add into meals.  Am I right?  Sneak it into the grains and you’ll have a creamy and bright grain salad that can be served warm or cold.

 

SIDE 3 Kale Cobb

½ Red onion. Sliced thinly

2 bunches Kale, ribs removed and chopped finely

2-4 hard-boiled Eggs

1 pkg Bacon, cooked

1 Avocado, sliced

1 pkg Blue cheese crumbles

2 cups Homemade croutons (made from stale bread.  Use the fire bread on sale this week!)

 

What a winner!  A nice change up in the Cobb Salad department.  Enjoy this one with any of your favorite toppings, but keep in mind that our suggestion really compliment each other well.

 

SOUP  Corn & White Bean Chowder

8 ears corn, your choice S

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 tsp olive oil

1 can white beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups milk or unflavored, unsweetened nut milk

1-2 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

 

This is a fantastic creamy vegan soup (use nut milk) that feels like summer!  The white beans add a hearty punch and you’ll even learn how to make your own vegetable stock, to boot.

 

BREAKFAST

Stonyfield Yogurt C

Organic Valley grassmilk yogurts C

Kashi cold cereal C

Harmless Harvest organic coconut water C

California red cherries S

California organic blueberries S

Mexico organic seedless grapes S

Bulletproof collagen or whey protein powder S

 

Ideas (NEW): Make smoothies with fresh or frozen fruit, yogurt, coconut water, protein powder and spinach (all on sale).

 

LUNCH

Saffron Road Snacks, Broth, Sauce or Entree C

Produce $5 any one purchase of $25 or more C

WFM Sausages C

Organic Valley shredded cheese C

Modern Table Meal Kit or Bean Pasta Meal Starter C

Lundberg organic sprouted rice entree C

WFM smoked mozzarella pasta salad at the deli counter S

Wellshire premium beef franks S

Rudi’s organic hot dog rolls S

Rudi’s organic hamburger buns S

Daiya shreds, blocks, cream cheeze and slices S

Kourellas organic grill and eat cheese S

 

Ideas: Lots on sale for lunches this week!  Cook grains for rice bowls, enjoy salad and a soup or make a sausage melt sandwich.

 

SNACK

Saffron Road Snacks C

Enjoy Life Snacks, Baking Mix or Plentils C

Organic Prairie organic beef mighty bars C

R.W. Knudsen organic sensible sippers juice boxes C

Kettle chips S

Honest lemonade S

 

Ideas: It’s always easy to find healthy foods to snack on like fruits and vegetables, but there are some great snack foods on sale this week that will be perfect for a cookout, too!

_________________________________________________________

 

Pantry Staples

 

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

 

Olive Oil

Unsalted Butter

Salt

Pepper

Creole Seasoning

Mayo

Smoked Paprika

Soy Sauce (or Amino Acids)

Agave, Honey or Sugar

Red Pepper Flakes

Coconut Oil

Toasted Sesame Oil & Regular Sesame Oil

Sesame Seeds

Jasmine Rice

Basmati Rice

Curry Powder

Italian Herb Seasoning or Herbes de Provence

Red Wine Vinegar

Marcona Almonds (near olive & cheese case)

Dijon Mustard

Milk or Nut Milk (unflavored & unsweetened)

 

 

 

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

 

Produce

1 bag yellow onions

1 bag whole peeled garlic

1 1-lb bag carrots

1 lemon

1 bunch dill

1 red onion

2 avocados

1 pkg fresh salsa or pico de gallo

2 heads bibb lettuce

1 hand fresh ginger

1 bunch scallions/green onions

1 bunch cilantro

2 zucchini

½ lb green beans

1 bunch fresh mint

1 shallot

1 bunch celery

2 bunches kale

8 ears corn, your choice S

 

Meat/Protein

1 lb salmon steaks S

1 lb wild caught USA fresh mahi mahi fillets (or any type of seafood steak) S

1-2 lbs USA boneless sirloin steaks S

2-4 WFM prepared chicken kebabs (at meat counter) S

1 pkg bacon

 

Dairy/Eggs

1 dozen eggs

1 pkg creme fraiche

1 small block swiss or parmesan

1 pint greek yogurt

1 small container regular yogurt S

1 pkg blue cheese crumbles

 

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 pkg pipe rigate pasta (or any small shaped pasta, use GF if needed)

1 pkg brioche buns (located in bakery near checkout) or Rudi’s organic hamburger buns S

1 pkg jasmine rice

1 pkg basmati rice (the two types can be used interchangeably)

2 cans white beans

1 pkg marcona almonds (located near olive and cheese cases)

1 bag California red cherries S

1 pint California organic blueberries S

1 bag Mexico organic seedless grapes S

1 bag WFM quick-cooking grains, your choice but farro or barley work well

1 pkg croutons (or make your own)

 

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

2 cans white beans

1 can tuna or salmon

 

Frozen Items

1 bag frozen butternut squash

1 bag frozen peas

_________________________________________________________

 

MAINS

 

MAIN 1 Salmon and Crėme Fraîche Pasta

1 lb salmon steaks S

1 pkg pipe rigate Pasta (or any small-shaped pasta of your choice-use GF if needed)

½ Onion, diced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

2 Tbsp Butter

1 carrot, diced

1 Lemon, juiced

½ pkg frozen peas

½ bunch Dill, washed and chopped

½-1 cup Crėme fraîche

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Grated swiss or parmesan cheese to garnish

Process:

 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add pasta once the water is boiling and cook to al dente.
  • While water is heating and pasta is cooking, prepare the rest of the dish: Add onion, garlic, butter and carrot to a large skillet.  Cook over low heat until softened and bright in color.
  • Add lemon juice, peas, cooked & drained pasta, smoked salmon and heat through.
  • Remove from heat, add the creme fraiche, salt and pepper and stir to coat and sprinkle with cheese.

 

 

 

MAIN 2 Creole Blackened Fish Burgers with Avocado Relish

1 lb Wild Caught, USA fresh mahi mahi fillets (or any type of seafood steak) S

2 Tbsp Creole seasoning

2 tsp olive oil or butter

½ cup mayo

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp smoked paprika

½ tsp salt

1/2 red onion, sliced into rounds

1 pkg brioche buns (located in the bakery) or Rudi’s organic hamburger buns S

1 Avocado, sliced (optional)

½ cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo

1 head Bibb Lettuce, washed and leaves separated

Process:

 

  • Coat fish in Creole seasoning and saute for 4-5 minutes on each side (depending on thickness) in a skillet with olive oil or butter.
  • While fish is cooking prep other ingredients and to serve assemble burgers!  *Combine mayo, garlic, paprika and salt to make aioli to spread on the buns.  Combine avocado and salsa to make avocado relish!

 

 

MAIN 3 Beef Bulgogi

1-2 lbs USA beef London broil, placed in the freezer and then thawed for 30 minutes S

⅓ cup soy sauce or amino acids

3 Tbsp agave, honey or regular ol’ sugar

1 Tbsp sesame oil

4 cloves Garlic, sliced thinly

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 hand fresh Ginger

1 yellow Onion, sliced thinly

1 bunch scallions/green onions, sliced

2 Tbsp coconut oil

3 tsp toasted sesame oil (so good and really adds a fantastic flavor)

A few cilantro leaves for garnish

Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

2 cups jasmine rice, cooked

Process:

 

  • You’ll need to start an hour early (30 minutes to defrost london broil and 20 minutes to marinate the beef), so plan ahead.
  • Begin by removing london broil from freezer (this makes for easier slicing) and slice thinly into a large container with a lid.  Add soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, ginger and onion.  Allow to marinate for 20 minutes.
  • Make the rice at this time!
  • In a large wok or saute pan, heat coconut oil and add beef in its marinade.
  • Cook until beef is just browned around the edges but still pink in places (this will help to keep its tenderness).
  • Serve over rice with green onions, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds and cilantro.

 

 

 

MAIN 4 Marinated Yogurt Chicken Kebabs

2-4 WFM prepared chicken kebabs (at the meat counter) S

1 pint greek yogurt

2 Tbsp curry powder

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2 cups basmati rice

2 zucchini, cut into 1 inch cubes

2 tsp olive oil, divided

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Combine yogurt with curry powder and half of salt and pepper.
  • Spread evenly over chicken kebabs and place kebabs on a foil-lined baking sheet drizzled with half the oil.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • While kebabs are baking, cook rice in 4 cups water until cooked through & toss zucchini with the rest of the salt, pepper and oil.
  • Remove baking sheet from oven, add zucchini and rotate kebabs.
  • Place in the oven to cook for 10-15 minutes more, or until chicken is done and zucchini is roasted.
  • Serve with rice.

 

 

MAIN 5 Salade Niçoise

1 head Bibb lettuce

1 can White beans

2 tsp dried Italian Herbs or Herbes de Provence

1 pinch Red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp Olive oil

2 Tbsp Red wine vinegar

1 tsp each salt & pepper

½ lb Green beans, trimmed

1 small container Marcona almonds (near the cheese and olives case)

1 can Tuna or Salmon (optional) *or indulge in a nice big tuna or salmon steak S

2-4 hard-boiled Eggs (optional)

Honey mustard or shallot vinaigrette

Process:

 

  • Tear washed lettuce leaves and arrange on a platter.
  • Toss rinsed and drained white beans with the herbs, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar and salt + pepper.
  • Blanch green beans by adding them to a pot filled with 1 inch of boiling water, cover with a tight fitting lid and set a timer for four minutes.  Once timer goes off, remove the beans, drain and submerge in ice water to arrest cooking.  Allow to sit in ice water until ready to serve.
  • Slice hard-boiled eggs in half, drain tuna or salmon and green beans and arrange everything on a platter.  Sprinkle with your favorite honey mustard dressing or shallot vinaigrette.

 

 

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1 Fruit Salad

1 bag California red cherries, pitted S

1 pint California organic blueberries, washed S

1 bag Mexico organic seedless grapes, washed S

1 small container plain yogurt

2 Tbsp Fresh mint, chopped

1 Tbsp Honey

Process:

 

  • Combine fruit, toss and set aside.
  • Mix yogurt with mint and honey and reserve for drizzling over fruit when serving.

 

 

SIDE 2 Butternut Grains

1 Shallot, minced

1 Tbsp Oil or butter

2 stalks Celery, diced

1 Carrot, diced

1 bag frozen Butternut squash

1 bag Whole Foods 365 brand quick-cooking Grains. your choice

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Process:

 

  • In a medium saucepan, saute shallot in butter or oil for 5 minutes, add celery and carrot and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add butternut squash, grains and water to cover.
  • Cook until grains are soft,add water as needed and salt and pepper to taste.

 

 

SIDE 3 Kale Cobb

½ Red onion. Sliced thinly

2 bunches Kale, ribs removed and chopped finely

2-4 hard-boiled Eggs, peeled and halved

1 pkg Bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 Avocado, sliced

1 pkg Blue cheese crumbles

2 cups Homemade croutons (made from stale bread.  Use the fire bread on sale this week!)

*For croutons: preheat oven to 350 F, toss cubed stale bread in 1 tsp each cumin, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder and bake until crunchy and dry.

Process:

 

  • Combine red onion and kale.
  • Top with hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, blue cheese crumbles and croutons and drizzle with green goddess dressing to serve.

 

 

SOUP  Corn & White Bean Chowder

8 ears corn, your choice S

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 tsp olive oil

1 can white beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups milk or unflavored, unsweetened nutmilk

1-2 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

Process:

 

  • Prepare two stock pots side by side.  
  • Slice corn kernels off of all of the ears of corn and reserve kernels in a bowl.
  • Add corn cobs to one of the stock pots, fill with 1 quart water, and place on medium heat.  Continue adding the trimmings from the onion to this pot (this will be your stock, and by using shucked corn cobs, you’ll get a nice creaminess as an end result).
  • In the other stock pot, cook onions, garlic, carrots and celery over medium heat in oil for 10 minutes.
  • Add white beans and drain stock to add to the soup pot or add using a ladle, making sure to keep stock trimmings out of soup.
  • Bring soup to a boil then reduce to a simmer and add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add nutmilk (or regular milk) just before serving.

 

 

BREAKFAST

 

 

LUNCH

 

 

SNACK

 

 


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods

May 17th – 23rd

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of May 17th – 23rd, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Wegmans App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

MAINS

MAIN 1 Beef Stroganoff with Roasted Red Pepper Broccoli

2 lbs USA beef top round, sliced thinly ($5 off $25 spent at the Meat Department) S

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pkg sliced mushrooms

1 pkg sour cream

1/2 cup dijon mustard

1-2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp black pepper

1 pkg egg noodles

1 crown broccoli, cut into florets

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 tsp salt

Pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp olive oil, divided

An easy version of this classic dish, this is one that the whole family will love!  Typically a hearty dish, we changed things up a bit by adding the broccoli and roasted red pepper as a mini-side that adds a ton of versatility.

MAIN 2 Chicken Bruschetta with Shaved Asparagus, Cannellini & Parmesan Salad

2-3 lbs chicken breasts ($5 off $25 spent at the Meat Department) S

1/2 cup flour

4 tsp salt, divided

1 tsp black pepper

4 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 pkg cherry tomatoes, quartered

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bunch basil, cut into chiffonade

Pinch red pepper flakes

1/2 cup grated parmesan

1-2 bunches asparagus, trimmed and shaved into thin strips with  vegetable peeler

2 lemons, zested and juiced

1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 chunk parmesan  shaved into strips to garnish

The bruschetta plays two roles in this dish in two very different ways.  First, it is used to season and braise the chicken and second, its vibrant ingredients top the chicken as it is served to really create a layered flavor combination.  You will make this dish again and again.

MAIN 3 Stuffed Burgers with Olives, Feta & Spinach

2 lbs ground turkey or chicken ($5 off $25 spent at the Meat Department) S

1 jar green olives

1 jar roasted red peppers

1 block feta

1 bunch fresh oregano, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

1 pkg frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

1 pkg whole wheat burger buns

1 pkg Italian salad mix

The secret’s in the stuffing?  Maybe with these burgers it’s true!  A Greek-inspired mixture is stuffed into each burger to create a surprising twist on an old favorite.

MAIN 4 Creole Blackened Fish with Green Bean Saute

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, sliced into slivers

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 lb green beans, trimmed

1 red bell pepper

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1-2 lbs Wild Caught, USA Turbot fillet S

2 Tbsp creole seasoning S

Creole spices gives this blackened fish the perfect amount of spice!  You’ll the ease of this one-pan main!

MAIN 5 Cauliflower Steaks with Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce

2 heads cauliflower, sliced into thick “steaks”

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed and chopped

4 cloves garlic, sliced

2 tsp salt

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

2 cups smoked gouda, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

A great vegetarian dish, if you haven’t made cauliflower steaks before you don’t know what you’re missing!  They absorb a great amount of flavor and come out crisp and, dare I say it, meaty!  And of course, there’s the cheese sauce.  Need I say more?

SIDES

SIDE 1 Roasted Pepper & Arugula Salad

3 bell peppers, multicolored

1 dozen eggs

1 cup almonds, toasted

1 pkg arugula

1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled

2 Tbsp basil, leaves torn

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp soy sauce

Light, healthy and easy to make, leave off the eggs and blue cheese if you want a plant-based spin.

SIDE 2 Sweet Tart Cucumber Quinoa Salad

3 cucumbers, sliced thinly

1 cup quinoa, cooked

1/2 cup rice vinegar

2 Tbsp honey or agave

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

Pinch red pepper flakes

This side has a surprising pop with the sweet tart cucumber salad.  You’ll love playing around with how much quinoa to mix in.  Great for leftover grain bowls, too!

SIDE 3 Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu

1 pkg spaghetti noodles

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

2 tsp mirin, toasted sesame oil

1-2 tsp soy sauce, to taste

1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½-1 cup crunchy peanut butter, as needed

1 block tofu, cubed

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Vegans celebrate!  This is an awesome plant-based dish that gets better as it sits in the fridge.  Use almond or cashew butter for something different.

SOUP

Parmesan-Zucchini Soup

2 yellow onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp olive oil

2 large zucchini, sliced into rounds

4 stalks celery, chopped

1-2 quarts vegetable stock or water

1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

1 cup parmesan, divided

This soup reminds me of warm summer nights.  It is simple and nutritious and the zucchini real adds a nice subtlety to the flavors!

BREAKFAST

Banana Spinach Smoothies with frozen fruit: strawberries, mixed berries, blueberries (your choice)

Coffee

LUNCH

Sandwich bread

Deli Ham and Turkey

Sliced Cheese

Salads+Leftovers for toppings

SNACK

Fresh fruit (bananas, apples, oranges, grapes)

_____________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Dijon Mustard

Soy Sauce

Black Pepper

Salt

Red Pepper Flakes

Olive Oil

Flour

Green Olives

Roasted Red Peppers

White Vinegar

Garlic Powder

Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Sunflower Seeds

Dried Cranberries

Apple Cider Vinegar

Unsalted Butter

Milk (2 cups)

Almonds

Balsamic Vinegar

Honey or Agave

Rice Vinegar

Mirin

Crunchy Peanut Butter

Vegetable Oil

Sesame Seeds

White Wine

Shopping List by Department

Produce

1 bag yellow onions

1 bag whole peeled garlic

1 pkg sliced mushrooms

2 crowns broccoli S

1 red bell pepper

2 pkg cherry tomatoes

2 bunches basil

1-2 bunches asparagus

3 lemons

1 bunch fresh oregano

1 pkg Italian salad mix S

1 red onion

2 heads cauliflower

1 bunch fresh rosemary

3 bell peppers, assorted colors

1 pkg arugula

1 large English cucumber

1 jalapeno

1 hand fresh ginger

1 1-lb bag carrots

1 bunch celery

1 head green cabbage

Meat/Protein

2 lbs USA beef top round, sliced thinly ($5 off $25 spent at the Meat Department) S

2-3 lbs chicken breasts  ($5 off $25 spent at the Meat Department) S

1-2 pkg (2 lbs) ground turkey or chicken S  ($5 off $25 spent at the Meat Department) S

1 block extra-firm tofu

Dairy/Eggs

1 pkg sour cream (1 cup needed)

1 pkg grated parmesan

1 small block parmesan

1 block feta

1 pint Greek yogurt

1 block smoked gouda (to equal 2 cups grated)

1 dozen eggs S

Blue cheese crumbles (to equal a ¼ cup)

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 pkg egg noodles

1 pkg whole wheat hamburger buns

1 pkg quinoa

1 pkg spaghetti Noodles

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 can cannellini beans

1 jar green olives

1 jar roasted red pepper

1 bottle Bourbon BBQ sauce

1-2 quarts vegetable stock

1 can black beans

1 can garbanzo beans

Frozen Items

1 bag frozen peas

1 bag frozen spinach

1 bag frozen green beans

________________________________________________________________

MAINS

MAIN 1 Beef Stroganoff with Roasted Red Pepper Broccoli

2 lbs USA beef top round, sliced thinly ($5 off $25 spent at the Meat Department) S

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pkg sliced mushrooms

½ tsp olive oil

1 pkg sour cream

1/2 cup dijon mustard

1-2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp black pepper

1 pkg egg noodles

1 crown broccoli, cut into florets

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 tsp salt

Pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp olive oil, divided

Process:

 

  • Bring to a boil a large pot of salted water to cook the egg noodles.  Cook them according to package directions until al dente (just cooked and not overcooked and mushy).
  • Preheat oven to a low broil and line a baking sheet with foil to prep the broccoli and red pepper.
  • While water is boiling, make the stroganoff: In a large skillet brown beef with onions, garlic, mushrooms and oil.  Drain off any extra fat (reserve for another time if desired).
  • After about 10 minutes, meat should be browned.  Turn off heat and add sour cream, dijon mustard, soy sauce and black pepper.  Cover until noodles and broccoli-red pepper are ready.
  • On the foil-lined baking sheet, combine broccoli, red bell pepper, salt and red pepper flakes in half the oil.
  • Place under the broiler until broccoli turns bright green and red pepper is softened, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Once noodles are cooked, drain and toss with the other half of the oil and gently reheat stroganoff sauce.  Serve noodles and sauce together with broccoli.

 

MAIN 2 Chicken Bruschetta with Shaved Asparagus, Cannellini & Parmesan Salad

2-3 lbs chicken breasts  ($5 off $25 spent at the Meat Department) S

1/2 cup flour

4 tsp salt, divided

1 tsp black pepper

4 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 pkg cherry tomatoes, quartered

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bunch basil, cut into chiffonade

Pinch red pepper flakes

1 lemon, sliced into 6-8 wedges

2 cups white wine or chicken stock

1/2 cup grated parmesan

1-2 bunches asparagus, trimmed and shaved into thin strips with  vegetable peeler

1 lemon, zested and juiced

½ red onion, sliced

1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 chunk parmesan  shaved into strips to garnish

Process:

 

  • Make bruschetta first to allow flavors to marinate.  Combine in a bowl the tomatoes, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes and 1 tsp salt.  Drizzle with olive oil and slice up lemon wedges.
  • Slice each breast in half and place between two pieces of plastic or parchment.  Pound thin and evenly with a rolling pin.  Remove top layer or plastic or parchment and sprinkle 2 tsp salt and pepper on both sides of each cutlet.
  • Dredge (or coat) chicken cutlets in flour, tapping off any excess.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil until shimmering, add chicken and brown 3-4 minutes per side.  Add 1 cup of bruschetta and white wine and bring to a simmer, making sure to cover skillet with a lid to keep in liquid.  Once mixture has come to a simmer, remove lid and turn heat to low.  Cook until sauce is reduced and thickened.
  • While chicken is cooking, make asparagus salad: In a separate bowl, toss half of grated parmesan, asparagus, lemon zest and juice, red onion, cannellini beans and 1 tsp salt.  Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.  Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
  • To serve, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of grated parmesan over chicken and place under broiler for 2 minutes to brown slightly.  Serve chicken with a side of salad, topped with bruschetta and a lemon wedge.

 

MAIN 3 Stuffed Turkey Burgers with Olives, Feta & Spinach

1-2 pkg (2 lbs) ground turkey or chicken S  ($5 off $25 spent at the Meat Department) S

¼ cup green olives, chopped

¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped

1 cup feta, crumbled and divided

3 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped, divided

2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

1 pkg frozen spinach, thawed and drained (use 1 cup first and more if needed)

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

1 pkg whole wheat burger buns

1 pkg Italian salad mix

Salad dressing of choice (Greek dressing would be perfect)

Process:

 

  • Form turkey into small thin patties, keeping in mind that two thin patties will be filled and pressed together to equal one burger.
  • Set patties aside and combine in a bowl the following: green olives, red peppers, half the feta, half the oregano, basil, spinach (1 cup to start), and salt and pepper.
  • Once ingredients are combined and hold together when squeezed (add more feta/spinach if needed), place a spoonful of filling in between two thin turkey patties.  Press around the sides to seal and repeat as needed, making sure to keep the filling separate from hands or tools that have raw turkey on them.
  • Cook burgers on the stove or grill until cooked throughout (you will want to cook longer than normal to ensure that filling is hot, about 7-8 minutes per side.
  • Serve burgers on toasted buns, sprinkle tops of burgers with the remaining feta and oregano, and serve with a side of salad and your favorite dressing.

 

MAIN 4 Creole Blackened Fish with Green Bean Saute

4 Yukon gold potatoes, sliced into wedges

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

1 tsp creole seasoning S

3 Tbsp olive oil, divided into Tbsp

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 sweet onion S, sliced into slivers

1 lb green beans, trimmed

1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1-2 lbs Wild Caught, USA Turbot fillet S

2 Tbsp creole seasoning S

Process:

 

  • In a large skillet, cook garlic and onion for 5 minutes in oil.  
  • Add green beans and red bell pepper and saute for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and pour into a warmed serving dish (heat ovenproof dish in oven for 15 minutes at 350 F before using).  Cover with foil and cook fish:
  • Add the other half of oil to the pan that you cooked the green beans in,

 

MAIN 5 Cauliflower Steaks with Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce

2 heads cauliflower, sliced into thick “steaks”

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed and chopped

4 cloves garlic, sliced

2 tsp salt

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk, or more as needed

2 cups smoked gouda, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Slice cauliflower into “steaks” crosswise and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Combine rosemary, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes and sprinkle evenly over both sides of cauliflower.
  • Coat both sides with oil and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
  • While cauliflower is cooking, make smoked gouda sauce: Saute onion in butter for 5 minutes.  Add flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
  • Slowly add milk little by little and whisk often to prevent thumps.  Add as much milk as needed to create a thick, but pourable sauce.
  • Add grated smoked gouda and stir to melt and combine evenly.  Season with salt and pepper and taste.
  • Serve gouda sauce over cauliflower steaks.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1 Roasted Pepper & Arugula Salad

3 bell peppers, multicolored

3-6 eggs

1 cup almonds, toasted

1 pkg arugula

1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled *optional

2 Tbsp basil, leaves torn

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp soy sauce

Process:

 

  • Heat oven to a low broil and line a baking sheet with foil.  Wash bell peppers and place on baking sheet.
  • Add to the oven in the lowest third of the oven and broil peppers for 15 minutes or until blackened slightly and soft.
  • Remove once done and allow to cool.  Once cooled, pull out stems and seeds and slice into strips.
  • While bell peppers are roasting, soft boil eggs: In a saucepan filled with salted water, add eggs before heating.  Bring water to a boil with eggs, and keep an eye on them.  Once the water begins to boil, set a timer for 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat after 3 minutes and drain off hot water in the sink.  Add cool running water to pan and keep draining and adding cool water until eggs are fairly cool to the touch.  Crack shells and peel under running water.  Slice eggs in half.
  • On a serving platter, arrange arugula with roasted red peppers, soft-boiled eggs and toasted almonds.  Sprinkle with blue cheese (if desired) and basil and quickly whisk (or shake in a jar) the vinaigrette: balsamic, honey, olive oil and soy sauce.
  • Pour over salad to serve.

 

SIDE 2 Sweet Tart Cucumber Quinoa Salad

3 cucumbers, sliced thinly

1 cup quinoa, cooked

1/2 cup rice vinegar

2 Tbsp honey or agave

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

Pinch red pepper flakes

1 tsp soy sauce

Process:

 

  • Cook quinoa in 2 cups water in advance and cool in the fridge.
  • Toss sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, honey or agave, jalapeno, red pepper flakes and soy sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, serve over quinoa.

 

SIDE 3 Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu

1 pkg spaghetti noodles

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

2 tsp mirin, toasted sesame oil

1-2 tsp soy sauce, to taste

1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½-1 cup crunchy peanut butter, as needed

1 block tofu, cubed

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Process:

 

  • Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.  Drain and cool in cold water, then toss with peanut sauce.
  • To make peanut sauce, combine rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and peanut butter.  Thin with water to desired consistency.
  • Toss with noodles and refrigerate.
  • To fry tofu: cut tofu into 1 inch cubes, drain on a paper towel, making sure to press tofu to pull away any excess moisture.
  • Heat a large skillet with oil and add tofu, frying 5 minutes on each side for a total cooking time of 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, drain on a dry paper towel and toss with toasted sesame seeds.  Serve over noodles.

 

SOUP

Parmesan-Zucchini Soup

2 yellow onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp olive oil

2 large zucchini, sliced into rounds

4 stalks celery, chopped

1-2 quarts vegetable stock or water

1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

1 cup parmesan, divided

Process:

 

  • In a soup pot, saute onions and garlic in oil for 5 minutes.  
  • Add zucchini + celery and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Add stock and cannellini beans and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Add half of parmesan and salt & pepper just before serving and adjust seasonings as necessary after tasting.
  • Top soup with the rest of parmesan to serve.

 


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

May 10th – 16th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of May 10th – 16th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

MAINS

MAIN 1 Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with Mushrooms & Artichokes

1-2 pkg Bell & Evans USA chicken drumsticks S

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

1 cup honey

1 cup dijon mustard

1 Tbsp apple cider or white vinegar

1 tsp soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, cut into slivers

1-2 pkg mushrooms, quartered

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed and chopped

1 tsp olive oil

1 can artichoke hearts, quarters or bottoms

2 cups rice, quinoa or barley (whatever you have on hand)

This is a delicious and healthy one dish meal!  Simply toss chicken in honey mustard sauce surrounded by mushrooms, rosemary and artichokes and bake away.

MAIN 2 Pork & Peppers over Spaetzle

 

1-2 lbs WFM pork sausage S

1 each yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, sliced

2 yellow onions, sliced

1 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

1 can/bottle beer, your choice

1 pkg spaetzle (gf substitution can be yukon gold potatoes or rice)

A great meal for rainy, cool spring nights: this one will fill up the whole family with leftovers to spare!  If you’re going gluten-free, simply serve over a bed of boiled potatoes for a satisfying and hearty dish.

MAIN 3 Broiled Barramundi with Sweet Pepper Relish

1-2 pkg Responsibly Farmed frozen barramundi fish, thawed S

2 Tbsp creole seasoning

1 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided

1 jar pickle relish

1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped or diced

1 yellow bell pepper, roughly chopped or diced

1 small shallot, roughly chopped or minced

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp honey, sugar or agave

1 tsp soy sauce

Barramundi fish is so popular right now and no wonder!  It’s white flesh and firm texture make it perfect for broiling and the simple, yet complex, pepper relish served on top gives it a nice depth of flavor.

MAIN 4 Garlicky Beans & Crispy Kale with Crostini

1 bag white beans, cooked and divided (half used for soup)

8 cloves garlic, sliced

1 yellow onion, diced

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth

2 tsp salt, divided

2 pinches red pepper flakes, divided

2 bunch kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika (regular is fine)

1 bag crostini or 1 baguette to make your own

1 bunch basil, leaves torn

Perfect for the vegetarian or vegan in your life, this simple dish is packed with subtle garlic flavor.  The creaminess of the white beans and the crunchiness of the baked kale makes this dish a true winner.  Eat it as a light stew with the crostini.

MAIN 5 Tofu Fries with Sugar Snap Sauté

 

1-2 blocks extra firm tofu, sliced into “fries” or cubes

2 Tbsp rice seasoning (found in the Asian section)

1 Tbsp ground ginger

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried mustard

2 Tbsp oil

1 lb sugar snap peas, sliced in half

1 shallot, sliced thinly

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 Tbsp mirin

2 tsp agave

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp soy sauce

At Vie tofu is never boring!  Slice the tofu into “fries” and bake for a healthy meal that pairs nicely with the crunch of the lightly sauteed sugar snaps.  This is plant-based eating at its best!

SIDES

SIDE 1 Goat Cheese-Stuffed Brioche with Lemon Shallot Butter & Dill

1 shallot, minced

2 lemons, zested and juiced

2 sticks unsalted butter

2 tsp salt

1 bunch dill, rinsed and chopped finely

1 Euro Classic braided French brioche, sliced along the slits of the braids 2/3rd through S

1 log goat cheese, frozen for 30 minutes then sliced into thin rounds

We love stuffing bread and this side is great because you’ll learn how to make compound butter (every chef’s secret) in the process.  

SIDE 2 Fruit Salad

2 pints blueberries, rinsed

1 Mexico organic cantaloupe S, peeled and cubed

1 Mexico organic honeydew S, peeled and cubed

2 pkg organic strawberries S, hulled and sliced in half

2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped

Every now and then, a good fruit salad is the perfect accompaniment to a dinner.  We love that there are so many different kinds of fruit on sale, so take advantage of what’s available and make enough to use for breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the week.

SIDE 3 Spring Vegetable Mashup

1 bunch spring onions, sliced

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 Tbsp olive oil or butter

1 bunch asparagus

2 cups sugar snaps peas

2 cups snow peas

1 bag carrots, peeled and left whole

1 bag frozen peas

1 cup white wine

1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock)

An easy and fantastic way to get your veggies, this vegetable mashup is flexible and super yummy.  Use any veggie you like!  This side also benefits from a light braising so that you’ll be able to use up leftovers while still eating vegetables that have retained their amazing nutrients.

SOUP

Pesto White Bean

1 large pkg basil

1 cup pine nuts, toasted

1 cup grated parmesan *optional

2 cloves garlic, left whole

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 tsp olive oil

1 pinch salt

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

½ bag white beans, cooked (2 cups reserved)

2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

1-2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock

2 tsp salt and pepper (or to taste)

Go vegan with this soup or add chicken stock and parm for added flavor–either way you’ll love the simplicity of this soup!

BREAKFAST

20 % off $10 or more purchase from the Bakery Department C

Bacon from the Meat Counter C

Back to Nature Cereals & Juices C

Cut cantaloupe or honeydew C

Mexico organic cantaloupes and honeydew melons S

Organic Valley grassmilk yogurt C

Harmless Harvest organic coconut water C

Euro Classic braided French brioche 2 for $10 S

Mexico/California organic strawberries S

Wellshire dry-rubbed bacon S

Mexico raspberries S

Siggi’s Icelandic style skyr yogurt S

LUNCH

Back to Nature Soups C

Modern Table Meal Kit or Bean Pasta Meal Starter C

Lundberg Organic Sprouted Rice Entree C

Organic Valley shredded cheese C

Imagine Soups C

WFM Sonoma chicken salad S

SNACK

Back to Nature Snacks C

Doctor Kracker whole grain snacks C

Ella’s Kitchen organic meals and snacks C

Organic Prairie beef mighty bars C

Garden of Eatin’ chips C

________________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Salt

Pepper

Honey

Sugar

Agave

Dijon Mustard

Apple Cider or White Vinegar

Soy Sauce

Olive Oil

1 Bottle Beer

Creole Seasoning

Vegetable Oil

Garlic Powder

Smoked or Regular Paprika

Ground Ginger

Dried Mustard

Rice Vinegar

Mirin

Toasted Sesame Oil

Unsalted Butter

White Wine

Pine Nuts

Red Pepper Flakes

Shopping List by Department

Produce

1 bag whole peeled garlic

1 bag yellow onions

1-2 pkg mushrooms (white or cremini)

1 pkg rosemary

2 yellow bell peppers

2 red bell peppers

1 green bell pepper

3 shallots

2 bunches kale

1 large pkg basil

1 lb sugar snap peas

4 lemons

1 bunch dill

4 Yukon gold potatoes

2 pints blueberries

1 Mexico organic cantaloupe S

1 Mexico organic honeydew S

2 pkg organic strawberries S

1 bunch fresh mint

1 bunch spring onions

1 bunch asparagus

2 cups sugar snap peas

2 cups snow peas

1 1-lb bag carrots

Meat/Protein

1-2 pkg Bell & Evans USA chicken drumsticks S

1-2 lbs WFM pork sausages S

1-2 blocks extra firm tofu

Dairy/Eggs

1 log goat cheese

1 cup grated parmesan *optional

Grains/Dried Fruit/Nuts/Beans

1 pkg rice

1 pkg spaetzle

1 bag white beans, your choice

1 bag WFM crostini or 1 baguette (made into crostini at home)

1 loaf Euro Classic braided French bread S

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 can artichoke hearts, quarters or bottoms

1 jar pickle relish

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 quart chicken or vegetable stock

1 pkg rice seasoning (found in the Asian section)

Frozen Items

1-2 pkg Responsibly Farmed frozen barramundi fish

1 bag frozen peas

________________________________________________________________

Recipes

MAINS

MAIN 1 Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with Mushrooms & Artichokes

1-2 pkg Bell & Evans USA chicken drumsticks S

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

1 cup honey

1 cup dijon mustard

1 Tbsp apple cider or white vinegar

1 tsp soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, cut into slivers

1-2 pkg mushrooms, quartered

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed and chopped

1 tsp olive oil

1 can artichoke hearts, quarters or bottoms

2 cups rice, quinoa or barley (whatever you have on hand)

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In a large, deep baking dish, sprinkle chicken into a lightly oiled bottom and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Mix together in a small bowl the honey, mustard, vinegar and soy sauce.
  • Pour mixture over chicken and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, add garlic, onion, mushrooms, rosemary and artichokes and return to the oven until chicken is done, about 20-30 more minutes.
  • While chicken is cooking make rice and serve altogether.

 

MAIN 2 Pork & Peppers over Spaetzle

1-2 lbs WFM pork sausage S

1 each yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, sliced

2 yellow onions, sliced

1 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

1 can/bottle beer, your choice

1 pkg spaetzle (gf substitution can be yukon gold potatoes or rice)

Process:

 

  • In a large skillet, saute sausages in a small drizzle of oil.  Brown on all sides and remove to a plate.  
  • Add bell peppers, onions and salt and pepper.  Saute for 5 minutes.
  • Add sausages back to the pan and pour beer over top everything.
  • Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
  • While sausage is braising, make spaetzle according to package instructions or boil potatoes in salted water.
  • Serve sausage and peppers over spaetzle or potatoes with a side of good grainy mustard.

 

MAIN 3 Broiled Barramundi with Sweet Pepper Relish

1-2 pkg Responsibly Farmed frozen barramundi fish, thawed S

2 Tbsp creole seasoning

1 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided

1 cup pickle relish

1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped or diced

1 yellow bell pepper, roughly chopped or diced

1 small shallot, roughly chopped or minced

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp honey, sugar or agave

1 tsp soy sauce

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to low broil.
  • Coat fish evenly in Creole seasoning and drizzle half of oil in bottom of a baking dish.  Layer fish evenly then drizzle remaining oil on top.
  • Broil for 20 minutes, or until fish is flaky and cooked through.
  • While fish is broiling, combine pickle relish with bell peppers, shallot, vinegar, honey and soy sauce and pulse in a blender until chunky.
  • Serve fish with relish on top.

 

MAIN 4 Garlicky Beans & Crispy Kale with Crostini

1 bag white beans, cooked and divided (half used for soup)

8 cloves garlic, sliced

1 yellow onion, diced

1 tsp olive oil

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth

2 tsp salt, divided

2 pinches red pepper flakes, divided

2 bunch kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika (regular is fine)

1 bag crostini or 1 baguette to make your own

1 bunch basil, leaves torn

Process:

 

  • Cook beans using this method: add 1 bag beans to a large pot of water, making sure beans are covered completely.  Bring to a boil on the stovetop and boil for 15 minutes.  Place (with an ovenproof lid) in a preheated 250 F oven and cook for 60-90 minutes.  Reserve half of beans for soup.
  • In a large high-sided skillet or stock pot, saute garlic and onions in olive oil for 5 minutes.
  • Add fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth and half of salt.  Add cooked white beans and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Heat oven to low broil and in a foil-lined baking sheet, toss together the rest of the salt with red pepper flakes, kale, olive oil, garlic powder and paprika.
  • Broil for 10-15 minutes until kale is crispy and slightly browned around the edges.
  • To serve: plate beans and liquid in a bowl and top with crispy kale, basil leaves and crostini on the side.

 

MAIN 5 Tofu Fries with Sugar Snap Sauté

1-2 blocks extra firm tofu, sliced into “fries”

2 Tbsp rice seasoning (found in the Asian section)

1 Tbsp ground ginger

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried mustard

2 Tbsp oil

1 lb sugar snap peas, sliced in half

1 shallot, sliced thinly

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 Tbsp mirin

2 tsp agave

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp soy sauce

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F and slice tofu by make ⅛” slices crosswise.  Flip tofu on its side and repeat until you have “fries”.
  • On a foil-lined baking sheet toss tofu, rice seasoning, ginger, garlic powder and mustard powder with oil.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.  Resist the urge to move the tofu around too much.  If it sticks to the foil, wait 10 minutes then remove easily by peeling tofu back from foil as you lift it off of the pan.
  • While tofu is baking, saute sugar snaps in a large skillet with shallot, rice vinegar, mirin, agave, toasted sesame oil and soy sauce over high heat for five minutes, or until bright green and still crisp.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1 Goat Cheese-Stuffed Brioche with Lemon Shallot Butter & Dill

1 shallot, minced

2 lemons, zested and juiced

2 sticks unsalted butter @ room temperature

2 tsp salt

1 bunch dill, rinsed and chopped finely

1 Euro Classic braided French brioche, sliced along the slits of the braids 2/3rd through S

1 log goat cheese, frozen for 30 minutes then sliced into thin rounds

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • While oven is preheating, combine shallot with lemon zest and juice, butter, salt and dill.
  • Push goat cheese rounds into the slits of the brioche that you made and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, top with slices of shallot butter and return to the oven to further melt cheese and butter.
  • Serve with slices of shallot butter if desired.

 

SIDE 2 Fruit Salad

2 pints blueberries, rinsed

1 Mexico organic cantaloupe S, peeled and cubed

1 Mexico organic honeydew S, peeled and cubed

2 pkg organic strawberries S, hulled and sliced in half

¼ cup sugar if desired

2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped

Process:

 

  • In a large serving or salad bowl, gently toss fruit with sugar.  Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
  • Stir again then top with chopped mint and serve.

 

SIDE 3 Spring Vegetable Mashup

1 bunch spring onions, sliced

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 Tbsp olive oil or butter

1 bunch asparagus

2 cups sugar snaps peas

2 cups snow peas

1 bag carrots, peeled and left whole

1 bag frozen peas

1 cup white wine

1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock)

Process:

 

  • Saute spring onions with garlic and olive oil or butter in a large skillet with high sides for 5 minutes.
  • Add asparagus, peas, carrots, white wine and stock.  Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until vegetables are bright green.
  • Serve immediately.

 

SOUP

Pesto White Bean

1 large pkg basil

1 cup pine nuts, toasted

1 cup grated parmesan *optional

2 cloves garlic, left whole

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp olive oil

1 pinch salt

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

½ bag white beans, cooked (2 cups reserved)

2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

1-2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock

2 tsp salt and pepper (or to taste)

Process:

 

  • Make pesto first by combining basil, pine nuts, parmesan*, garlic, red pepper flakes, half of olive oil, pinch of salt and lemon zest and juice in a food processor or blender.  Set aside.
  • Saute onion and garlic in the rest of the olive oil for 5 minutes.  Add beans (minus 2 cups), potatoes and chicken or vegetable stock.  Cook for 20 minutes.
  • Puree soup in a blender, add the rest of the beans and add salt.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  Cook until heated through and top with pesto to serve.

 

___________________________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

May 3rd – May 9th

 

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of May 3rd – 9th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

 

MAINS

 

MAIN 1 Chimichurri Chicken with Yellow Rice

1-2 lbs 365 Everyday Value USA boneless skinless chicken breasts S

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp olive oil, divided

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cups white rice

Pinch salt

Pinch saffron (or 1 tsp turmeric)

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

1 bunch cilantro, rinsed

2 lemons, zested and juiced

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 garlic cloves, left whole

 

The spices that coat the chicken in this dish help to keep it moist.  It will not disappoint!  Plus, even better: use leftover chicken for later in the week!

 

MAIN 2 Ancho Marinated Skirt Steaks with Honey Lime Mango Salad

1 lb animal welfare rated USA skirt steaks S

1 pkg dried Ancho peppers

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp honey, divided

1 tsp soy sauce

4 limes, zested and juiced, divided

1/2 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

5 mangos, cubed S

1/2 red onion, sliced into slivers

1 head romaine, shredded

 

This is a great recipe for turning an inexpensive cut of meat into a buttery, tender steak with every bite!  The mango salad really helps to balance the tangy flavors from the marinade, too.  It’s a win-win.

 

MAIN 3 Blackened Cod with Pineapple Mango Salsa over Massaged Kale

1 lb cod S

2 tsp each of cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne

2 tsp olive oil

1 bunch kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce or amino acids

1 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 can cubed pineapple

2 mangos, cubed S

1/2 bunch cilantro

1/2 red onion, diced

1 lime, zested and juiced

 

New Orleans meets Baja.  This cod is packed with flavor and gets a nice crunch to the outside thanks to the awesome spice rub.  This is also a great follow up from the Skirt Steak recipe because you can take leftover mango salad and turn it into salsa for this recipe!  Let’s use leftovers wisely, people.

 

MAIN 4 Shrimp over Strawberry Spinach Salad

1 lb Responsibly Farmed Thailand cooked tail-on shrimp S (buy the Chesapeake seasoned shrimp and leave off the seasonings below if you’re in a hurry!)

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 pkg baby spinach

1 pkg Mexico organic strawberries S

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp soy sauce

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 cup almonds, toasted

 

With this recipe all the work is practically done for you!  Save this dish for a busy night and buy the pre-seasoned shrimp.  Enjoy it cold, or reheat the shrimp if desired.  The strawberry and balsamic pairing add a nice tart surprise to this healthy salad!

 

MAIN 5 Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Mint-Cucumber Relish

2-3 lbs New Zealand semi-boneless lamb S

2 Tbsp each cumin, curry powder and garlic powder

2 tsp salt and pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups quinoa

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 bunch mint

1 English cucumber, chopped

1 Tbsp sherry vinegar

Pinch salt

Pinch sugar

 

Lamb done right!  We love the low and slow method for lamb and we love even more the twist of using a mint-cucumber relish in place of traditional mint jelly.  Let’s make lamb modern!

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1 Black Bean & Grilled Corn Salad

1 cup dried black beans, cooked

4-6 ears corn, grilled or roasted S

1/2 red onion, chopped

1/2  bunch cilantro, rinsed

1 cup queso fresco

1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 limes, zested and juiced

 

This is refreshing and makes a lot, so use the leftovers to throw on top of a grain bowl or soup for lunch this week.

 

SIDE 2 Smoky Roasted Tomatoes Stuffed with Spiced Rice

2 lbs tomatoes on the vine, sliced in half S

6 garlic cloves, left whole

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

1 cup rice

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

1 tsp liquid smoked *optional

1 tsp smoked sea salt

1/2 cup queso fresco

 

This recipe was a huge hit at a recent dinner party I attended!  It is so simple and quick to make yet it works so well.  You’ll be saving this recipe for your next dinner party or potluck.

 

SIDE 3 Plantain Salad with Roasted Red Peppers & Cilantro Salsa Verde

2 plantains, ripe

2 tsp each cumin, chili powder

1 red bell pepper, roasted

1 poblano pepper (or cubanelle)

3 tomatillos, leaves removed and chopped

1/2 bunch cilantro

1 can hatch or green chiles, chopped

1 tsp each salt and pepper

 

Heaven on a plate!  If you are never sure of what to do with plantains, this meal is for you.  The healthy salsa verde turns it into a fun, dippable side dish that the kids will love.

 

SOUP

 

Cuban Black Bean

2 cups dried black beans, cooked

2 yellow onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

2 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

1 quart vegetable stock

1 chipotle in adobo sauce

Sour cream or tofutti sour cream to garnish

Shredded cheese or daiya cheese to garnish

1 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced

 

Who doesn’t love the comfort of a rich and healthy black bean soup?  Add fire roasted tomatoes to jazz it up, or leave as is.  Puree later in the week for a fantastic black bean dip to go along with those tortilla chips that are on sale!

 

BREAKFAST

Back to Nature Snacks, Cereals, Juices or Soups C

Cut cantaloupe or honeydew melon C

Organic cantaloupe and honeydew melons S

Heavenly Organics organic raw honey C

Organic Valley grassmilk yogurt C

Harmless Harvest organic harmless coconut water C

Organic strawberries S

Organic autumn bartlett pears S

 

LUNCH

Back to Nature Snacks, Cereals, Juices or Soups C

Modern Table meal kit or bean pasta meal starter C

Lundberg organic sprouted rice entree C

Organic Valley shredded cheese C

Imagine Soups C

Organic tomatoes on the vine S

WFM organic Tuscan bread S

Wellshire black forest ham S

Principe mortadella S

Emmi Roth 3 chile pepper gouda S

EVOL burritos and breakfast burritos S

Siete Farms amazing grain-free tortillas S

 

SNACK

Back to Nature Snacks, Cereals, Juices or Soups C

Doctor Kracker whole grain snacks C

Ella’s Kitchen organic meals and snacks C

Organic Prairie organic beef mighty bars C

Garden of eatin’ chips C

Late July restaurant style tortilla chips S

Frontera salsa S

La Panzanella mini croccantini S

Marin French Cheese traditional brie S

 

_______________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Salt

Pepper

Garlic Powder

Olive Oil

Saffron or Turmeric

Red Pepper Flakes

Dried Ancho Peppers (in package by bulk goods)

Honey

Soy Sauce

Cumin

Chili Powder

Dried Oregano

Dried Basil

Onion Powder

Cayenne

Apple Cider Vinegar

Paprika (smoked or regular)

Balsamic Vinegar

Almonds

Sherry Vinegar

Sugar

Liquid Smoke *optional

Smoked Sea Salt

 

Shopping List by Department

 

Produce

1 bag yellow onions

3 bunches cilantro

2 lemons

7 limes

1 bag whole peeled garlic

7 mangos

1 red onion

1 pkg romaine lettuce

1 pkg spinach

1 bunch kale

1 bunch mint

1 English cucumber

4-6 ears fresh corn

2 lbs tomatoes on the vine S

2 plantains, ripe

1 red bell pepper

1 poblano pepper (or cubanelle)

3 tomatillos

 

Meat & Protein

1-2 lbs 365 Everyday Value USA boneless skinless chicken breasts S

1 lb animal welfare rated USA skirt steak S

1 lb cod S

1 lb responsible farmed Thailand cooked tail-on shrimp S (flavored with Chesapeake seasoning if desired)

2-3 lbs New Zealand semi-boneless lamb S

 

Dairy & Eggs

1 block queso fresco

1 pkg sour cream or tofutti sour cream

1 pkg shredded cheese or daiya non-dairy shredded cheese

 

Grains/Dried Fruit/Nuts

1 pkg white rice

1 pkg quinoa

1 bag dried black beans

 

Canned Goods & Non Perishables

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

1 can cubed pineapple

1 can hatch or green chiles

1 can chipotles in adobo sauce

1 quart vegetable stock (or make our own)

1 avocado

 

Frozen Items

None this week

_______________________________________________________________

 

Recipes

 

MAINS

 

MAIN 1 Chimichurri Chicken with Yellow Rice

1-2 lbs 365 Everyday Value USA boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2 tsp garlic powder, cumin

2 tsp olive oil, divided

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cups white rice

Pinch salt

Pinch saffron (or 1 tsp turmeric)

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

1 bunch cilantro, rinsed

2 lemons, zested and juiced

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 garlic cloves, left whole

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In an oiled baking dish, coat chicken evenly with half of salt, pepper, garlic powder and cumin.  Drizzle with half of the oil and place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes, or until chicken is done.  Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • While chicken is cooking, make rice: saute yellow onion in the rest of the oil and add remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder and cumin.  Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add rice, saffron (or turmeric), tomatoes and water and cook until rice is done and water is absorbed.  Fluff with a fork to release steam and add cilantro, lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes and garlic.
  • Serve chicken over rice and enjoy!

 

 

MAIN 2 Ancho Marinated Skirt Steaks with Honey Lime Mango Salad

1 lb animal welfare rated USA skirt steaks S

1 pkg dried Ancho peppers

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp honey, divided

1 tsp soy sauce

4 limes, zested and juiced, divided

1/2 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

5 mangos, cubed S

1/2 red onion, sliced into slivers

1 head romaine, shredded

Process:

 

  • Up to 24 hours in advance and as little as 30 minutes in advance, combine skirt steak, ancho peppers (about 3), garlic, honey, soy sauce and half of the lime zest and juice in a bag.  Seal tightly, turn to coat evenly and marinate.
  • While steak is marinating, make mango salad by combining the rest of the honey, lime zest and juice, cilantro, mangos and red onion.
  • Remove steak from marinade (and reserve for a later use if desired–can be frozen).  Place steak in a hot pan with 1 tsp oil and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or more, depending on desired doneness.
  • Let steak rest 10 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve with mango salad over a bed of romaine.

 

 

MAIN 3 Blackened Cod with Pineapple Mango Salsa over Massaged kale

1 lb cod S

2 tsp each of cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne

2 tsp olive oil

1 bunch kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce or amino acids

1 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 can cubed pineapple

2 mangos, cubed S

1/2 bunch cilantro

1/2 red onion, diced

1 lime, zested and juiced

Process:

 

  • Coat cod in spices and sear on each side in a skillet with olive oil until blackened and crusty, about 5 minutes each side.
  • While cod is cooking, combine pineapple, cubed mangos, cilantro, red onion and lime zest and juice.
  • Serve blackened cod with pineapple-mango salsa on top.

 

 

MAIN 4 Shrimp over Strawberry Spinach Salad

1 lb Responsibly Farmed Thailand cooked tail-on shrimp, flavored with Chesapeake seasoning S

Or flavor plain shrimp with the following: 1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 pkg baby spinach

1 pkg Mexico organic strawberries S, hulled and sliced in half

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp soy sauce

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 cup almonds, toasted

Process:

 

  • Arrange baby spinach on a large platter.  Top with strawberries, balsamic, olive oil, soy sauce, red onion and almonds.
  • Add shrimp and toss to combine just before serving.

 

 

MAIN 5 Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Mint-Cucumber Relish

2-3 lbs New Zealand semi-boneless

2 Tbsp each cumin, curry powder and garlic powder

2 tsp salt and pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups quinoa

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 Tbsp curry powder

1 bunch mint, rinsed and chopped finely

1 English cucumber, chopped

1 Tbsp sherry vinegar

Pinch salt

Pinch sugar

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 325 F.
  • Coat lamb in spices and brown in a skillet with oil on all sides.
  • Place in a baking dish and roast until cooked to medium rare.
  • While lamb is roasting, make quinoa by cooking with 4 cups water, yellow onion and curry powder.
  • In another bowl, combine mint, cucumber, sherry vinegar, salt and sugar and let sit at room temperature so that flavors can mingle.

 

 

SIDES

 

SIDE 1 Black Bean & Grilled Corn Salad

1 cup dried black beans, cooked

4-6 ears corn, grilled or roasted

1/2 red onion, chopped

1/2  bunch cilantro, rinsed

1 cup queso blanco

1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 limes, zested and juiced

Process:

 

  • Cook black beans (or used canned if needed).  To cook, simply preheat oven to 250 F and place the entire bag of beans in a large pot of water fitted with an ovenproof lid.  Rinse beans, then cover with water to 2 inches above beans.  Do not add salt!.  Cover and bring to a boil.  Boil for 15 minutes.
  • Check water level and add more to cover beans by 2 inches.
  • Place in oven and set a timer for 90 minutes.  Beans will be done anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes, so feel free to check on them.
  • While beans are cooking, “grill” corn by placing it under a broiler until blackened slightly on all sides.
  • Cut corn from stalk, toss with cooked black beans and add onion, cilantro, queso blanco, salt, pepper and lime zest and juice.  Serve and save leftovers for busy days!

 

 

SIDE 2 Smoky Roasted Tomatoes Stuffed with Spiced Rice

2 lbs tomatoes on the vine, sliced in half

6 garlic cloves, left whole

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

1 cup rice

2 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, divided

1 tsp liquid smoked *optional

1 tsp smoked sea salt

1/2 cup queso blanco

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.  
  • On a foil-lined baking sheet, sprinkle tomatoes with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and half the salt and pepper.  Add garlic cloves and drizzle everything with olive oil.  Sprinkle with liquid smoke and sea salt and place them in the oven.
  • Roast for 20-30 minutes or until they are browned on top, ready to burst and softened only slightly.
  • While tomatoes are roasting either use leftover yellow rice or make the rice in this recipe: cook rice with 2 cup water, adding cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and 1 tsp salt.  Spoon cooked rice in mounds on top of roasted tomatoes and sprinkle on the queso!

 

 

SIDE 3 Plantain Salad with Roasted Red Peppers & Cilantro Salsa Verde

2 plantains, ripe and sliced

2 tsp each cumin, chili powder

1 red bell pepper, roasted

1 poblano pepper (or cubanelle)

2 tsp each cumin, chili powder, garlic powder

3 green tomatillos, leaves removed and chopped

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1/2 bunch cilantro

1 can hatch or green chilies, chopped

½ tsp each salt and pepper

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • On a foil-lined baking sheet, toss sliced plantains with red bell pepper, poblano and tomatillos.  Sprinkle with oil and spice mixture.
  • Roast until softened and plantains are slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and serve with leftover chimichurri or the salsa verde: to make the salsa verde combine in a blender cilantro, hatch or green chilies and salt and pepper.

 

 

SOUP

 

Cuban Black Bean

2 cups dried black beans, cooked

2 yellow onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Tbsp each cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder

2 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

1 quart vegetable stock

1 chipotle in adobo sauce

Sour cream or tofutti sour cream to garnish

Shredded cheese or daiya cheese to garnish

1 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced

Process:

 

  • Follow the process above for cooking black beans or use your leftovers.
  • In a large soup pot, saute in oil onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika and garlic powder with salt and pepper for 5 minutes.
  • Add vegetable stock, chipotle and bring to a boil.. Reduce to a simmer and add more water when necessary.
  • Use a potato masher to mash up some of the beans in the pot to increase thickness of the soup, taste seasonings and adjust if needed.
  • Serve hot and garnish with sour cream of tofutti, shredded cheese and sliced avocado.

 

 


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

April 26th – May 2nd

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of April 26th – May 2nd, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

MAIN 1 Vietnamese Meatballs with Vermicelli & Fruit Salad

1 lb Fresh Ground Dark Turkey Meat S

½ lb 85% Lean Ground Beef S

½ cup hoisin

2 Tbsp fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp soy sauce

1 pkg vermicelli rice noodles

1 head bibb lettuce

1/2 red onion

2 tomatoes

1 bag sprouted greens

1 pkg blackberries S

1 watermelon S

The addition of turkey makes these meatballs nice and light, plus the flavors of fresh ginger and garlic will really wow!  Skip the noodles and serve over a salad or eat cold for a week’s worth of healthy leftovers and lunches.  The simple fruit salad on the side gives this dish really nice balance.

MAIN 2 Scallops/Shrimp in White Wine & Shallot Butter

1 stick unsalted butter

1 shallot

2 cloves garlic

1 bunch parsley

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 bottle dry white table wine

1 lemon

½ lb scallops S

½ lb shrimp S

1 loaf crusty bread (ciabatta)

This is what we like to call indulgence on a budget!  Use scallops or shrimp (or both) and whip this restaurant-quality meal up in 20 minutes flat.

MAIN 3 Green Curry Split Chicken Breasts with Rice

1 pkg Thai green curry paste

1 can coconut milk

1 tsp soy sauce

2-3 lbs split chicken breasts S

1 pkg Lundberg rice S

2 lime leaves *optional

Again, we are offering up this week a new take on chicken that is quick, easy to throw together and really flavorful!  Try grilling the chicken for that added smokiness, or just roast in the oven (or make in the crockpot) and dinner will be ready before you know it!

MAIN 4 Black Bean & Quinoa Tacos (or Taco Bowls) with Spiced Jackfruit + Tofu

2 cans black beans

½ red onion

1 pkg quinoa

2 pkgs taco seasoning

1 pkg extra firm tofu

1 pkg Mexican-spiced jackfruit (in the tofu case)

1 avocado

1 pkg salsa

½ bunch cilantro

Any leftover lettuce and tomatoes from burgers

1 bag Late July clasico tortilla chips S

1 bag corn tortillas

It’s taco season and who doesn’t love a good taco or taco bowl?  We love this dish because it’s so versatile and is aimed to please even the pickiest of eaters.  Do as the vegans do and try something new!  Jackfruit is the new meatless protein that tastes as good (if not better) than the real thing and with the flavoring already added, this dish is practically going to make itself.

MAIN 5 Fish Bouillabaisse with Turbot, Scallops & Shrimp

2 potatoes

1 red bell pepper

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

1 yellow onion

4 cloves garlic

1 tsp olive oil

1 pinch Saffron *optional

1 orange, zested

1 bottle clam juice

1 quart water

1 bunch tarragon

1/2 lb turbot S

Leftover scallops and shrimp S

½ bunch basil

1 lemon, juiced

Bouillabaisse is the perfect dish to make when there’s a lot of seafood on sale.  Normally thought to be overwhelming both in preparation and cost of ingredients, try this one out!  It will not disappoint and might even make a bouillabaisse-believer out of you and your family.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Zucchini “Fries”

3 zucchini

2 eggs

2 Tbsp water

1 pkg grated parmesan

1 cup panko

4 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt and pepper

2 Tbsp mayo

1 cup Greek yogurt

½ bunch basil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 lemon, zested and juiced

You’ll make this once and want to make it again and again!  Who knew that zucchini “fries” could be so easy and delicious?  They are oven-baked so less oil is used to “fry” them and the accompanying dipping sauce is out of this world.

SIDE 2 Southwestern Baked Grains Salad

1 pkg grains

1 sweet potato

1 can black beans

1 pkg salsa

1 pkg grated jack cheese or daiya

1 bunch Cilantro

What’s one step easier than a grain salad?  A baked grain salad!  All you have to do is throw these ingredients together and let them hang out in a baking dish in the oven for awhile.  This dish also reheats really well so use it for leftovers throughout the week.

SIDE 3 Roasted Eggplant with Lemongrass & Ginger

2 eggplants

1 bottle lemongrass puree

1 hand fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp salt

The flavors here are light and refreshing with just a little zing.  And the best part is that it gets you cooking with lemongrass whereas you never may have before.

SOUP

Coconut Curry with Mushrooms

1 yellow onion

2 cloves garlic

2 cans coconut milk

2 cups water

3 limes

2 Tbsp green curry paste

1 tsp soy sauce

1 pkg fresh shiitakes

1 lime leaf *optional

Are you sensing a theme?  This soup takes no time to make but is so packed with flavor that it will hardly stay around in the fridge for long.  Make a double batch and enjoy with many of the main dishes and sides this week!

BREAKFAST

Cut organic watermelon C

Stonyfield organic smoothie C

Organic Valley eggs C

Harmless Harvest organic coconut water C

R.W. Knudsen Juice C

Driscoll’s, Mexico Season’s Finest Blackberries 2 for $5 S

Mexico organic blackberries 2 for $6 S

Organic mini watermelons S

Organic Valley organic fuel protein shakes S

Organic Valley organic fuel whey protein powder S

LUNCH

MaraNatha nut butter C

Santa Cruz organic peanut butter C

SNACK

Organic Valley cheese C

Health Warrior Mexican chocolate chia bar C

Celestial Seasonings Tea C

Argentina organic bosc pears S

WFM Angel Food Cake S

Late July clasico tortilla chips 2 for $5 S

________________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

Hoisin Sauce

Soy Sauce

Organic Valley Unsalted Butter C

Salt

Pepper

Dry White Table Wine

Saffron

Paprika

Bragg Olive Oil C

Mayo

Garlic Powder

Coconut Oil

Shopping List by Department

Produce

1 hand fresh ginger

1 bag peeled garlic

1 head bibb lettuce

1 red onion

2 tomatoes

1 pkg sprouted greens

1 pkg blackberries S

1 watermelon S

1 shallot

1 bunch parsley

3 lemons

3 limes

1 orange

3 lime leaves

1 avocado

2 bunches cilantro

2 russet potatoes

1 red bell pepper

1 bag yellow onions

1 bunch tarragon

1 bunch basil

3 zucchini

1 sweet potato

2 eggplants

1 bottle lemongrass puree

1 pkg shiitakes (fresh or dried and rehydrated)

Meat/Protein

1 lb fresh ground dark turkey meat S

½ lb 85% lean ground beef S

1 lb scallops S

1 lb shrimp S

2-3 lbs (1 pkg) split chicken breasts S

1 pkg extra-firm tofu

1 pkg Tex-Mex jackfruit

½ lb turbot

Dairy & Eggs

1 pkg shredded jack cheese or 1 pkg daiya vegan cheese

1 container WFM brand Greek yogurt

1 container grated parmesan

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit

1 pkg Lundberg rice S, your choice

1 pkg Lundberg quinoa C (or 1-2 boxes flavored boxed Lundberg quinoa 2 for $5 S)

1 container panko bread crumbs

1 bag corn tortillas

1 bag Late July clasico tortilla chips S

1 loaf crusty bread

1 pkg vermicelli noodles

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

3 cans black beans

2 pkg salsa

3 cans coconut milk

1 container Thai green curry paste

1 bottle clam juice

2 pkg taco seasoning

Frozen Foods

None this week

________________________________________________________________

MAINS

MAIN 1 Vietnamese Meatballs with Vermicelli & Fruit Salad

1 lb Fresh Ground Dark Turkey Meat S

½ lb 85% Lean Ground Beef S

½ cup hoisin

2 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp soy sauce

1 can water chestnuts, drained

1 pkg vermicelli rice noodles

1 head bibb lettuce, washed and leaves left whole

1/2 red onion, diced

2 tomatoes, chopped

1 bag sprouted greens

1 cup rice vinegar

1 tsp agave or honey

1 pinch red pepper flakes

½ tsp soy sauce

1 pkg blackberries S

1 watermelon S, cut into quarter-sized pieces

Process:

 

  • Begin by combining beef, turkey with hoisin, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and water chestnuts.  Let sit for 20 minutes in the fridge or overnight to marry ingredients.
  • Cook vermicelli noodles until al dente (pouring boiling water over them in a bowl and soaking until tender often does the trick).
  • Cook meatballs by pan frying them and serve over vermicelli noodles overtop bibb lettuce and sprinkle with red onion, tomatoes and sprouts.
  • Pour over rice vinegar sauce and serve with a side of fruit salad (combine blackberries and watermelon).

 

MAIN 2 Scallops/Shrimp in White Wine & Shallot Butter

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

1 shallot, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bunch parsley, rinsed and chopped

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 bottle dry white table wine

1 lemon, cut into wedges

½ lb scallops S, divided or

½ lb shrimp S,  divided

1 loaf crusty bread (ciabatta), sliced and toasted

Process:

 

  • Mix 6 Tbsp butter with the shallot, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.  Set aside until ready to use.
  • Dry scallops and shrimp using a paper towel
  • Add 2 Tbsp butter to the pan set over medium heat and when melted and the foam has subsided, add the scallops or shrimp or both and saute on all sides until browned.
  • Remove fish, add wine and deglaze pan, cooking down over low heat.
  • Pour liquid, once reduced, over fish and serve with a loaf of bread and lemon wedges.

 

MAIN 3 Green Curry Split Chicken Breasts with Rice

1 pkg Thai green curry paste

2-3 lbs split chicken breasts S

1 can coconut milk

1 tsp soy sauce

2 cups Lundberg rice S, your choice

2 lime leaves *optional

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Coat chicken in green curry paste and place on an oiled baking dish.
  • Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked and meat pulls away from the bone.
  • While chicken is baking, cook rice with 4 cups water, coconut milk and soy sauce.  Add lime leaves to the top of the saucepan and cover.  Remove from heat when rice is done and fluff with a fork.
  • Serve chicken on top of rice.

 

MAIN 4 Black Bean & Quinoa Tacos (or Taco Bowls) with Spiced Jackfruit + Tofu

2 cans black beans

½ red onion, diced

1 pkg salsa

2 cups quinoa

2 pkgs taco seasoning

1 pkg extra firm tofu, sliced in matchstick-sized lengths

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pkg Mexican-spiced jackfruit (in the tofu case)

1 avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and roughly chopped

Any leftover lettuce and tomatoes from burgers

1 bag Late July clasico tortilla chips S

1 bag corn tortillas

Process:

 

  • Cook black beans, red onion and half of salsa together until warmed through.
  • Make quinoa with 1 pkg taco seasoning and 4 cups water, cover and cook until softened.  Fluff with a fork and remove from heat.
  • While black beans and quinoa are cooking, preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Toss tofu sticks with the other package of taco seasoning and oil and bake on a foil-lined baking sheet until crispy.  If they stick to the foil, let them sit for 10 minutes to cool then peel off.
  • To make tacos: place jackfruit or tofu on tortillas, making sure to layer them flat on a baking sheet.  Bake in the oven until tortillas are warmed through and slightly crunchy.
  • Remove from oven, add black beans and quinoa and top with avocado, cilantro, and lettuce + tomato if desired.
  • To make taco bowls, skip the tortillas and add beans and grains to bowls, top with jackfruit or tofu and top with desired toppings.  Serve with tortilla chips.

 

MAIN 5 Fish Bouillabaisse with Turbot, Scallops & Shrimp

2 potatoes, peeled and quartered

1 red pepper, seeded and stem removed

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp salt, divided

2 tsp olive oil, divided

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 pinch Saffron *optional

1 tsp paprika

1 orange, zested

1 bottle clam juice

1 quart water

2 Tbsp tarragon, chopped

½ lb turbot S

½ lb scallops S

½ lb shrimp S

½ bunch basil, leaves torn

1 lemon, juiced

Process:

 

  • Make rouille first by boiling potatoes, red bell pepper and red pepper flakes plus half the salt in a small saucepan.
  • Mash with a fork and add half the olive oil.  Reserve.
  • For the soup, saute onion and garlic in the rest of the olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add saffron if using, and paprika.  Mix to combine then add orange zest, clam juice and water and bring to a boil.
  • Add tarragon and fish and cook seafood for 7 minutes.
  • Serve soup in bowls with rouille in the center (adjusting amount based on desire for spiciness).
  • Add torn basil to the top and spritz with lemon juice.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1 Zucchini “Fries”

3 zucchini, sliced into finger-length pieces or “fries”

1 pkg grated parmesan

1 cup panko

4 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt and pepper, divided

2 Tbsp mayo

1 cup Greek yogurt

½ bunch basil, chopped finely

1 tsp garlic powder

1 lemon, zested and juiced

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Toss zucchini in parmesan and panko mixed together.
  • Layer evenly on a foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes or until outsides are crunchy and zucchini is cooked but not mushy.
  • While zucchini is baking, make aioli: combine the rest of the salt and pepper with mayo, Greek yogurt, basil, garlic powder and lemon zest and juice.
  • Serve zucchini hot with aioli as dipping sauce on the side.

 

SIDE 2 Southwestern Baked Grains Salad

2 cups grains of your choice

1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup salsa

1 pkg grated jack cheese or daiya vegan cheese

1 bunch Cilantro, rinsed and chopped

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Combine grains, 4 cups water, sweet potato, black beans and salsa in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until grains are done and sweet potato is soft.
  • Top with cheese and place under broiler for 5 minutes.
  • Serve with cilantro.

 

SIDE 3 Roasted Eggplant with Lemongrass & Ginger

2 eggplants, sliced into long strips

3 Tbsp lemongrass puree

2 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and julienned

2 Tbsp coconut oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

Process:

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Toss eggplant with lemongrass, ginger, coconut oil and garlic.

Sprinkle with salt.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Serve hot.

SOUP

Coconut Curry with Mushrooms

1 yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp coconut oil

2 cans coconut milk

2 cups water

3 limes, juiced

2 Tbsp green curry paste

1 tsp soy sauce

1 pkg fresh shiitakes, sliced thinly, stems removed and reserved for stock if desired

1 lime leaf *optional

Process:

Saute onion and garlic in coconut oil until softened, 5 minutes.

Add coconut milk, water, lime juice and green curry paste.

Mix to combine, then add soy sauce, shiitakes and lime leaf if using.

Cook on low heat until shiitakes are softened, about 10 minutes.

Taste, adjust seasonings and serve hot.


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

April 17th – 25th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of April 17th – 25th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

MAIN 1 Chicken & Roasted Fennel

1 365 Everyday Value organic whole chicken

2 tsp salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups farro

3 carrots, sliced into rounds on the bias

4 stalks celery, sliced into rounds on the bias

2 bulbs fennel, sliced into slivers

1 quart chicken stock

MAIN 2 Browned Pork Chops with Maple-Roasted Pears

2 lbs USA/Canada bone-in pork chops S

4 Organic d’Anjou pears S, sliced in half

1 Large sweet potato, peeled and sliced into strips (like french fries)

2 Tbsp maple syrup

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp mustard

1 tsp soy sauce

1 pkg arugula

MAIN 3 Poached Cod in Smoky Tomato Broth & Moroccan Couscous

1 28 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

4 cloves garlic

1 tsp salt (smoked or regular)

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1-2 lbs Wild Caught, USA Cod Fillets S

1 pkg pearl or regular couscous, whatever you like/already have on hand

1 yellow onion, diced

1 Tbsp paprika

1 Tbsp cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup golden raisins

1 can cannellini beans

1 quart chicken stock

1 cup toasted almonds or pinenuts

MAIN 4 Chicken Sausage & Lentil Ragout *vegan sausages can be substituted

2 pkg Brat Hans chicken sausage S

1 yellow onion, sliced

1 Tbsp olive oil

½ bag French lentils

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 carrots, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

2 cups broth

MAIN 5 Rainbow Hash

1 sweet potato, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch rounds

1 plantain, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch rounds on the bias

1 butternut squash, peeled and sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 yellow onion, sliced

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

4 eggs *optional

SIDES

SIDE 1 Fruit Salad

4 Organic d’anjou pears S, seeds and stems removed and sliced in half

4 Mexico organic peaches S, pitted and chopped

2 pkg Driscoll’s blackberries S, rinsed and left whole

1 Tbsp honey

Juice of 1 orange

SIDE 2 Sweet Corn & Avocado Salad

1 can sweet corn, drained

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and cubed

½ bunch cilantro

2 tomatoes, seeds and pulp removed, chopped

3 limes, juiced

1 tsp smoked or regular sea salt

1 chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped *optional

SIDE 3 Citrus Sugar Snap Salad

1 lb sugar snaps, sliced in half lengthwise

2 oranges, 1 zested & juiced, 1 peeled and cut into segments

1 lemon, juiced

1 shallot, minced

1 Tbsp honey

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp soy sauce

1 pkg bibb lettuce or baby bibb lettuce

SOUP

Moroccan Lentil

1 yellow onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

4 stalks celery, chopped

1 28-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 Tbsp each cumin & paprika

½ bag French lentils (or leftover lentils from last week, already cooked)

1 chipotle in adobo sauce, left whole

1 quart water or vegetable broth

1 tsp soy sauce, or to taste

*Leftover chicken sausage to top

BREAKFAST

Blackberries C

Season’s Finest Blackberries S

Mexico Organic Peaches S

Mexico Organic Mini Watermelons S

Stonyfield Organic Smoothie C

Organic Valley Eggs C

Harmless Harvest Organic Harmless Coconut Water C

Nature’s Path Organic Eco Pac Cereal S

Vega All In One Nutritional Shake Mix S

LUNCH

MaraNatha Nut Butter C

Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter C

365 Everyday Value Pollinator Friendly Almond Butter S

Whole Foods Market Salad Bar C

Lundberg Organic Quinoa C

Made by Us Ravioletti Pasta Salad S

Kite Hill Almond Milk Yogurt S

Annie’s Organic Macaroni & Cheese S

SNACK

Cut Organic Watermelon C

Organic Valley Cheese C

Health Warrior Mexican Chocolate Chia Bar C

R.W. Knudsen Juice C

Celestial Seasonings Tea C

Washington Organic D’Anjou Pears S

Barnana Chewy Banana Bites S

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil C

Organic Valley Butter C

Maple Syrup

Apple Cider Vinegar

Dijon Mustard

Soy Sauce

Paprika

Cumin

Garlic Powder

Chili Powder

Honey

Smoked or Regular Sea Salt

Pepper

Red Pepper Flakes

Toasted Sesame Oil

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

1 bag carrots

1 bunch celery

2 bulbs fennel

8 organic d’anjou pears S

2 large sweet potatoes

1 pkg arugula

1 bag peeled garlic

1 bag yellow onions

1 zucchini

1 butternut squash

1 red bell pepper

1 yellow bell pepper

3 oranges

2 pkg Driscoll’s blackberries S/C

4 Mexico organic peaches

2 avocados

1 bunch cilantro

2 tomatoes

3 limes

1 lemon

1 lb sugar snaps

1 shallot

1 pkg bibb lettuce

Meat/Protein

1 365 Everyday Value organic whole chicken S

2 lbs USA/Canada bone-in pork chops S

1-2 lbs Wild Caught, USA cod fillets S

2 pkgs Brat Hans chicken sausage S or vegan sausage

Dairy/Eggs

1 dozen Organic Valley eggs C

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

2 cups farro

1 pkg pearl or regular couscous

1 pkg raisins

1 cup almonds or pine nuts

1 bag French lentils (or leftover from last week)

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

3 quarts chicken stock

1 quart vegetable broth (or just use water)

2 28-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 can cannellini beans

1 can sweet corn

1 can spicy black beans

1 can chipotles in adobo sauce

Frozen Items

None this week

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

MAIN 1 Chicken & Roasted Fennel

1 365 Everyday Value organic whole chicken

2 tsp salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups farro

3 carrots, sliced into rounds on the bias

4 stalks celery, sliced into rounds on the bias

2 bulbs fennel, sliced into slivers

1 quart chicken stock

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper and olive oil and place in a baking dish breast-side down.
  • Place in the oven for 20 minutes, reduce heat and flip bird to breast-side up.
  • Scatter farros, carrots, celery and fennel around chicken in dish and pour in stock.
  • Cook until chicken is golden brown and fennel is soft and caramelized slightly.  Farro should be al dente.

 

MAIN 2 Browned Pork Chops with Maple-Roasted Pears

2 lbs USA/Canada bone-in pork chops S

1 tsp salt and pepper

½ tsp sugar

1 tsp olive oil

4 Organic d’anjou pears S, sliced in half

1 Large sweet potato, peeled and sliced into strips (like french fries)

1 onion, peeled and sliced in half from top to bottom

2 Tbsp maple syrup

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp mustard

1 tsp soy sauce

1 pkg arugula

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to a low broil.
  • Sprinkle pork with salt, pepper and sugar and place in a skillet set over medium heat with olive oil coating the bottom of the pan.  Cook 4-6 minutes each side, according the thickness of chops.  Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Place pears in the oven tossed in syrup, vinegar, mustard and soy for 10 minutes while the pork is cooking and resting.
  • Serve everything over arugula.

 

MAIN 3 Poached Cod in Smoky Tomato Broth & Moroccan Couscous

1 28 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

4 cloves garlic

1 tsp salt (smoked or regular)

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1-2 lbs Wild Caught, USA Cod Fillets S

2 cups pearl or regular couscous, whatever you like/already have on hand

1 yellow onion, diced

1 Tbsp paprika

1 Tbsp cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup golden raisins

1 can cannellini beans

1 quart chicken stock

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup toasted almonds or pinenuts

Process:

 

  • Bring tomatoes and garlic to a boil in a large saucepan.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine couscous, onion, paprika, cumin, garlic powder and oil and saute for 5 minutes or until couscous is toasted slightly, but not burned.
  • Add raisins, chickpeas and stock and bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat.
  • While couscous is cooking, add cod fillets to tomato and garlic and season with a sprinkling of salt and pepper.
  • Poach fish until opaque and flaky when inserted with a fork.
  • Fluff couscous with a fork.
  • Serve fish and tomato sauce over couscous and top with toasted almonds or pinenuts.

 

MAIN 4 Chicken Sausage & Lentil Ragout *vegan sausages can be substituted

2 pkg Brat Hans chicken sausage S

1 yellow onion, sliced

1 Tbsp olive oil

½ bag French lentils, picked over and washed

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 carrots, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

2 cups broth

1 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

1 bunch basil, torn

Process:

 

  • Brown the chicken sausages in a large high-edged skillet or stock pot with onion and oil.
  • Add lentils, tomatoes, carrots, celery, zucchini and broth.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce liquid until thickened.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve over rice or alone with torn basil on top.  Have any leftover greens?  Throw them in just before serving to wilt and add a little extra green to you plate!

 

MAIN 5 Rainbow Hash

1 sweet potato, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch rounds

4 Tbsp olive oil, divided into 1 Tbsp portions

1 plantain, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch rounds on the bias

1 butternut squash, peeled and sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 yellow onion, sliced

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

4 eggs *optional

1 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

Process:

 

  • Begin by browning the sweet potato in 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet.  Make sure that the flat parts of the sweet potato are coming into contact with the pan to ensure even browning.
  • Once browned, remove to a plate and begin browning the plantains, then work in order repeating with the butternut squash.
  • Finally, saute the bell peppers and onion together with the chili powder and cumin.
  • Add everything back to the pan, layering each ingredient so that it is evenly distributed and crack some eggs on top.
  • Place in the lower third of an oven heated to a low broil and cook eggs (and reheat everything else) until yolks are opaque but still jiggly.
  • Sprinkle everything with salt and pepper and serve hot.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1 Fruit Salad

4 Organic d’anjou pears S, seeds and stems removed and sliced in half

4 Mexico organic peaches S, pitted and chopped

2 pkg Driscoll’s blackberries S, rinsed and left whole

1 Tbsp honey

Juice of 1 orange

Process:

 

  • Toss all fruit carefully with orange juice and honey and serve cold.

 

SIDE 2 Sweet Corn & Avocado Salad

1 can sweet corn, drained

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and cubed

½ bunch cilantro

2 tomatoes, seeds and pulp removed, chopped

3 limes, juiced

1 tsp smoked or regular sea salt

1 chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped *optional

Process:

 

  • Combine corn, black beans, avocados, cilantro, tomatoes, lime juice, salt and chopped chipotle if using.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  • Serve cold.

 

SIDE 3 Citrus Sugar Snap Salad

1 lb sugar snaps, sliced in half lengthwise

2 oranges, 1 zested & juiced, 1 peeled and cut into segments

1 lemon, juiced

1 shallot, minced

1 Tbsp honey

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp soy sauce

1 pkg bibb lettuce or baby bibb lettuce

Process:

 

  • Toss sliced sugar snaps with cucumber, orange juice and orange segments, lemon juice, shallot, honey, sesame oil and soy sauce.
  • Serve over a bed of bibb lettuce.

 

SOUP

Moroccan Lentil

1 yellow onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

4 stalks celery, chopped

1 tsp olive oil

1 Tbsp each cumin & paprika

1 28-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

½ bag French lentils (or leftover lentils from last week, already cooked)

1 chipotle in adobo sauce, left whole

1 quart water or vegetable broth

1 tsp soy sauce, or to taste

*Leftover chicken sausage to top

Process:

 

  • In a large stock pot saute onion, garlic, carrots and celery in olive oil for 5 minutes.  
  • Add spices and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, rinsing out the can with water and adding that, too.
  • Add lentils, chipotle, water or broth and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer and cook until the consistency of chili.
  • Taste and add soy sauce as needed.
  • Serve with leftover chicken sausage on top if desired.

 

________________________________________________________________________


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

April 12th – 18th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of April 12th – 18th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

MAIN 1 Baked Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze, Crispy Smashed Potatoes

1 Wellshire bone-in spiral sliced ham S

2 Whole Trade Pineapples 2 for $5 S (use second for Pineapple Upside Down Cake below)

1 cup Brown sugar

2 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Salt

4 Tbsp unsalted Butter

3 Yukon gold potatoes

This dish is great for Easter, any weekend brunch or regular ol’ feast!  Making your own crunchy salty/sweet topping makes this dish shine.

MAIN 2 Chilled Shrimp Salad with Cucumber Cilantro Relish

1 pkg Responsibly Farmed cooked shrimp ring S

1 slightly underripe Avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed

2 Tbsp Mayonnaise

1 Green bell pepper, stem & seeds removed, chopped

2 stalks Celery, chopped

½ red onion, diced

1 English Cucumber, peeled and diced

1 bunch Cilantro, rinsed and chopped finely

1 Jalapeño, stem & seeds removed, diced

I love this because it’s a spin off of a Southern dish that you might find lining a potluck table or picnic spread.  The hard work is already done since the shrimp are peeled and cooked, so throw this together at the beginning of the week and enjoy both for dinner and lunch!  The cucumber relish really helps the flavors of the dish to burst.

MAIN 3 California Chicken Clubs with Fig Jam, Potato Wedges

1-2 lb USA Boneless Skinless Chicken breast S

1 pkg Bacon, baked in the oven until crisp @ 350 for 30-40 minutes

1 Avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced, then mashed

1 pkg Monterey jack cheese, sliced

1 head Bibb lettuce

1 pkg fresh Figs (or pkg dried, rehydrated)

4 Yukon gold potatoes, washed, dried and sliced into wedges lengthwise

1 pkg Buns, your choice

I’ve been dreaming of making this and now the weather is finally perfect for it.  Whether you grill out or in, just remember that this make-your-own style of California burger helps you to keep it light and healthy or get a little saucy.  In either case, it’s delicious and a very easy dinner!

MAIN 4 WFM Large Quiche + Green Salad

1 WFM Large quiche S, flavor is your choice

1 pkg Salad mix, your choice

½ Shallot, minced

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

4 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp good quality olive oil

1-2 Tbsp Soy sauce, to taste

1 Tbsp Honey

I’m teaching a French cooking class this week with a good friend and on the menu is quiche!  Whole Foods quiches are known to be delicious and cost-effective, so go ahead and go a little semi-homemade.  All you need to do is make the dressing for the bright green salad!

MAIN 5 French Lentil Salad with Smoked Fish

1 bag WFM French lentils, rinsed and picked over

1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Smoked sea salt

1 tsp Garlic powder

2 Tbsp good quality olive oil*

1-2 cans favorite smoked fish (sardines, trout, oysters)

Dijon mustard, to taste

1 loaf or box of your Favorite bread or cracker (if using bread, sliced into rounds and toast into crostini)

* Combine the sea salt and garlic powder with olive oil or use the rest of the vinaigrette

Sensing a theme?  Not really except that French lentils prepared simply with some excellent Dijon mustard and smoked fish reminds me so much of my time spent in France.  There I learned to enjoy complex flavors without spending a lot of money, and now I’m bringing this simple dish (and one of my favorites) to you.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Apple Jicama Salad

4 Washington honeycrisp apples S, sliced into rounds (seeds & stem discarded)

1 Jicama, sliced into rounds

½ bunch Cilantro, rinsed and chopped

2 Tbsp Honey

1 tsp Soy sauce

½ Red bell pepper, julienned

Tiny pinch red pepper flakes

For something a little different than usual, try this crunchy salad that allows for a pretty vibrant play on sweet and spicy.  If you’ve never tried Jicama, you are in for a real treat:  a mix of a radish, apple and watermelon–this vegetable stays crunchy for a long time and adds the perfect balance to the sweetness of the apple.

SIDE 2 Soy & Sesame Cucumber Salad

2 English Cucumbers, sliced into pencil-sized lengths

2 Tbsp Soy sauce

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 Tbsp Honey/agave

½ cup fresh Seaweed salad (located at salad bar and/or sushi counter)

½ Red bell pepper, julienned

Sometimes I just like to throw in a nice and easy cucumber salad.  What makes this salad unique is the addition of seaweed, which adds a nutty pop to the mellow cucumber strips.  This is a side dish perfect for warm days and nights.

SIDE 3 Tomato Basil Napoleons with Goat Cheese

2 lb Pennsylvania organic tomatoes on the vine S

1 cup Basil, leaves left whole

1 log Goat cheese

2 Tbsp Balsamic reduction

1-2 tsp Coarse salt

1 Tbsp Honey

1 Tbsp olive oil

With or without the goat cheese, these petit stacks of tomato and basil are always fun to make (especially for kids) and are the perfect lunch or side.

SOUP

Soupe au Pistou

1 yellow onion, diced

4 stalks celery, diced

3 carrots, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 zucchini, diced

1 yellow squash, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

1 quart vegetable stock (or chicken broth S)

2 cups diced green beans (about 1 lb) or sugar snap peas (1 lb)

1 bag frozen lima beans (or any bean you prefer)

For Pistou

1 bunch basil (2 unpacked cups)

½ bunch cilantro

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

2 cloves garlic

1/2 -1 cup parmesan

2 Tbsp olive oil

1-2 tsp salt (to taste)

2 Tbsp tomato paste

One of my favorite spring-time soups to make, you can play around and use any vegetables that you have on hand.  I love throwing in butter (lima) beans because they offer a slightly different texture to the soup and also taste pretty meaty.  The pistou that gets added on top after the soup is served is by far the reason why this soup is always such a huge hit!  Bon appetit!!

BREAKFAST

Wellshire breakfast sausages S

Inner Eco Probiotic coconut waters S

Cascadian Farm Organic granola and cereals S

Cut cantaloupe C

Stonyfield whole milk peach/strawberry yogurt C

Stonyfield YoKids organic yogurt C

Harmless Harvest organic Harmless coconut water C (smoothies)

Organic Valley eggs C

Erewhorn organic cereal C

Celestial Seasonings tea C

LUNCH

Dr. Praeger’s Frozen Foods C

Lundberg organic quinoa C

Santa Cruz peanut butter C

R.W. Knudsen juice C

Kedem biodynamic grape juice C

Washington organic abate fetel pears S

SNACK

Washington organic abate fetel pears S

Washington honeycrisp apples S

Alta Langa La Tur Cheese S

Fresh fruit or veggie platter C

Organic Valley Cheese C

Health Warrior chia bar C

BONUS DESSERT

Immaculate Baking Cake Mixes S

1 fresh pineapple S

Dalmatia organic sour cherry spread S

Follow your favorite recipe for a Pineapple Upside Down Cake and use these ingredients!

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Olive Oil

Salt and Smoked Sea Salt

Pepper

Red Pepper Flakes

Balsamic Reduction

Honey/Agave

Rice Vinegar

Toasted Sesame Oil

Soy Sauce

Dijon Mustard

Garlic Powder

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mayonnaise

Brown Sugar

Organic Valley Unsalted Butter C

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

2 Whole Trade Pineapples 2 for $5 (or 2 cans)

1 bag Yukon gold potatoes

2 avocados (1 slightly underripe, 1 ripe)

2 lemons

1 green bell pepper

3 red bell peppers (get the bulk bag)

1 jalapeno

1 bunch celery

1 red onion

3 English cucumbers

2 bunches cilantro

1 head bibb lettuce

1 pkg fresh figs (optional-see recipe)

1 pkg baby lettuces

1 shallot

4 Washington Honeycrisp apples S (excludes organic)

1 jicama

1 pkg seaweed salad (near the sushi/deli)

1 lime

2 lbs Pennsylvania organic tomatoes on the vine S

1 pkg basil leaves (the big one)

1 yellow onion

1 bag carrots

1 bag peeled garlic

1 large zucchini

1 large yellow squash

1 bunch asparagus

1 lb fresh green beans, pre-trimmed

Meat/Protein

1 Wellshire bone-in spiral sliced ham S

1 pkg responsibly farmed cooked shrimp ring S

1-2 lbs USA boneless skinless chicken breast S

1 pkg bacon

Dairy/Eggs

1 pkg sliced monterey jack cheese

1 WFM large quiche, your choice

1 cup ricotta or goat cheese

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 pkg hamburger buns, your choice

1 bag WFM brand French lentils

1 loaf of bread or box of crackers

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1-2 cans smoked fish (sardines, trout, oysters-your choice

1 quart vegetable stock

1 small can tomato paste

Frozen Items

1 bag frozen lima beans

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

MAIN 1 Baked Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze, Crispy Smashed Potatoes

1 Wellshire bone-in spiral sliced ham S

2 Whole Trade Pineapples 2 for $5 S (use second for Pineapple Upside Down Cake below)

1 cup Brown sugar

2 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Salt

4 Tbsp unsalted Butter at room temperature

3 Yukon gold potatoes

2-4 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp coarse salt

Process:

 

  • Remove the ham from its packaging and preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • In a glass baking dish, arrange the ham with the sliced-side up.
  • In a small bowl, combine chopped pineapple, brown sugar, cider vinegar, salt and butter and mix with your fingers.
  • Add mixture to the top of the ham and place in oven.
  • While ham is cooking, heat a pot of water to a boil with potatoes.  Cook until potatoes are soft.
  • Remove potatoes, pat dry if needed and slice in half.
  • Place cut-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.  Using the bottom of a heavy sauce pan (or your hands), press each half until the skin breaks and it gets sufficiently smashed.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and salt and place in the oven to bake and crisp up as the ham is finishing.
  • Since the ham is already cooked, you’re only waiting until the topping becomes caramelized and crunchy.  The whole dinner should be ready in 30-45 minutes.

 

MAIN 2 Chilled Shrimp Salad with Cucumber Cilantro Relish

1 pkg Responsibly Farmed cooked shrimp ring S

1 slightly underripe Avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed

2 Tbsp Mayonnaise

1 Tbsp lemon juice (half a lemon)

1 Green bell pepper, stem & seeds removed, chopped

2 stalks Celery, chopped

1-2 tsp salt

½ red onion, diced

1 English Cucumber, peeled and diced

½ bunch Cilantro, rinsed and chopped finely

1 Jalapeño, stem & seeds removed, diced

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp soy sauce

Process:

 

  • Chop up cooked shrimp into dime-sized pieces.
  • Toss with avocado, mayo, green bell pepper and celery and add salt to taste.*
  • Combine red onion, cucumber, cilantro and jalapeno and add rice vinegar and soy sauce.
  • Serve shrimp cold over a bed of greens, in a roll or alone with a side of cucumber relish.

 

*Make sure to taste shrimp plain before adding any salt.  Some shrimp may have been cooked in salt water and are already slightly salted.

MAIN 3 California Chicken Clubs with Fig Jam, Potato Wedges

4 Yukon gold potatoes, washed, dried and sliced into wedges lengthwise

4 Tbsp olive oil, divided into 3 Tbsp and 1 Tbsp

2 Tbsp salt and pepper, divided

1-2 lb USA Boneless Skinless Chicken breast S

1 pkg Bacon, baked in the oven until crisp @ 350 for 30-40 minutes

1 Avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced, then mashed

1 pkg Monterey jack cheese, sliced

1 head Bibb lettuce

1 pkg fresh Figs (or pkg dried, rehydrated) *You can skip this step by purchasing fig jam

Water as needed

1 pkg Buns, your choice

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Toss potato wedges with 3 Tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper and place on a foiled baking sheet.  Add to oven and cook until browned and crispy.
  • While potatoes are roasting, make the chicken and bacon:
  • Drizzle chicken breasts  (slice them in half if they are thick) with 1 Tbsp olive oil and sprinkle on salt and pepper.  Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through and slightly golden in color.
  • While chicken is baking, line a baking sheet with foil and layer bacon strips evenly in pan.  Bake with chicken until crispy (or done to your liking).
  • While chicken and bacon are working, prep avocado and make fig jam by pureeing fresh figs in 2 Tbsp water, then cooking in a small saucepan until thick and jam-like.  Alternatively, you can add 1 cup boiling water to dehydrated figs, let sit for 20 minutes, then puree OR just use fig jam!
  • Toast buns if desired and assemble burgers, layering with lettuce, chicken topped with cheese, bacon, avocado and fig jam.
  • Serve with potato wedges.

 

MAIN 4 WFM Large Quiche + Green Salad

1 WFM Large quiche S, flavor is your choice

1 pkg Salad mix, your choice

½ Shallot, minced

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

4 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp good quality olive oil

1-2 Tbsp Soy sauce, to taste

1 Tbsp Honey

Process:

 

  • Reheat quiche in a preheated oven set to 350 F for 30 minutes if desired.
  • In a jam jar, add shallot, mustard, cider vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce and honey.  Shake vigorously and pour a small amount over salad greens just before serving with hot, cold, or room temperature quiche.

 

MAIN 5 French Lentil Salad with Smoked Fish (optional)

2 cups WFM French lentils, rinsed and picked over

1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Smoked sea salt

1 tsp Garlic powder

2 Tbsp good quality olive oil*

1-2 cans favorite smoked fish (sardines, trout, oysters)

Dijon mustard, to taste

1 loaf or box of your Favorite bread or cracker (if using bread, sliced into rounds and toast into crostini)

* Combine the sea salt and garlic powder with olive oil or use the rest of the vinaigrette

Process:

 

  • In a medium saucepan filled with water, bring to a boil and add lentils and cider vinegar.  Cook for under 20 minutes or until al dente and not splitting apart.
  • Drain beans, toss with sea salt, garlic powder and olive oil.
  • Prepare crackers or bread and serve by smearing a small amount of mustard on crackers, then top with lentils and smoked fish.  This dish would go well with any leftover greens and vinaigrette.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1 Apple Jicama Salad

4 Washington honeycrisp apples S, sliced into rounds (seeds & stem discarded)

1 Jicama, sliced into rounds

½ bunch Cilantro, rinsed and chopped

2 Tbsp Honey

1 tsp Soy sauce

½ Red bell pepper, julienned

Tiny pinch red pepper flakes

Process:

 

  • In a large bowl, toss apples, jicama, cilantro, honey, soy sauce, bell pepper and red pepper flakes together gently.  Serve immediately or place in the fridge to keep cold and allow flavors to marry a bit.

 

SIDE 2 Soy & Sesame Cucumber Salad

2 English Cucumbers, sliced into pencil-sized lengths

2 Tbsp Soy sauce

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 Tbsp Honey/agave

Juice of 1 lime or 2 Tbsp rice vinegar

½ cup fresh Seaweed salad (located at salad bar and/or sushi counter)

½ Red bell pepper, julienned

Process:

 

  • Toss gently to combine: cucumbers, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey.agave, lime juice/rice vinegar, seaweed salad and red bell pepper.
  • Serve room temp or refrigerate.  Keep in mind that ingredients will loose their crispness over time as they absorb the marinade.

 

SIDE 3 Tomato Basil Napoleons with Goat Cheese

2 lb Pennsylvania organic tomatoes on the vine S

1 red bell pepper, stem removed, seeded and sliced into ¼ inch rounds

1 cup Basil, leaves left whole

1 log Goat cheese or ricotta

2 Tbsp Balsamic reduction

1-2 tsp Coarse salt

1 Tbsp Honey

1 Tbsp olive oil

Process:

 

  • On a large serving platter or individual plates, layer tomatoes, bell pepper, basil and cheese.*
  • Repeat twice and sprinkle with salt.  Add a drizzle of balsamic, honey and olive oil just before serving.

 

*Omit the cheese if you’re Vegan or use your favorite substitute

SOUP

Soupe au Pistou

1 yellow onion, diced

4 stalks celery, diced

3 carrots, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 zucchini, diced & divided

1 yellow squash, diced & divided

1 quart vegetable stock (or chicken broth S)

1 bunch asparagus

2 cups diced green beans (about 1 lb) or sugar snap peas (1 lb)

1 bag frozen lima beans (or any bean you prefer)

Process:

 

  • Add yellow onion, celery, carrots and garlic to a soup pot with olive oil and saute over medium heat.
  • Once softened, add half of the zucchini and yellow squash.  Cook for five more minutes.
  • Add broth, stir and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Cook for 20 minutes.
  • Add the rest of the squash, asparagus, green beans and lima beans and cook for 15-20 minutes more.*
  • Serve hot topped with pistou and parmesan if desired.

 

Adding half the squash and the quick-cooking vegetables at the end helps layer the texture and creates a soup that is both cooking down and has a slight crunch.  Plus it keeps the colors vibrant, which is fun and enticing for young eaters!

For Pistou

1 bunch basil (2 unpacked cups)

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and roughly chopped

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

2 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp olive oil

1-2 tsp salt (to taste)

2 Tbsp tomato paste

Process:

 

  • In a blender or food processor, combine all of the ingredients except for the tomato paste.  Reserve a few Tablespoons to add to room temperature butter for a delicious compound butter.
  • Add tomato paste, puree until smooth and place on the table with a spoon so diners can serve themselves as needed.

 

________________________________________________________________________


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

Spring Break

 

Happy Spring Break!  The Vie Team is taking some much-needed R&R so this week’s plan is recycled from a previous publication. Make sure to substitute sale items when needed, as sales do change and the items listed below may no longer be on sale.  We are sure you’ll find comparable items and if you need help, get in touch!

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of Spring Break, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

MAIN 1: Sausage Hoagies

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 yellow onion, chopped C

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced C

1 green bell pepper, sliced C

1 Tbsp cajun seasoning

1-2 pkg Nature’s Ranch chicken chorizo sausage S or Made Fresh Daily pork sausages S

1 pkg sliced provolone or jack cheese (vegan version available)

2 Tbsp mayonnaise

1 chipotle

1-2 Whole Foods Market take & bake garlic bread (in bakery) S

1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded C

1 avocado, sliced C

Who doesn’t love a good hoagie?  Try these!  The best part is that they are healthy and packed with flavor.  Oh yeah, and really quick to assemble.  Everything can be made in advance for a quick dinner that is big on flavor and not on clean.  You’re welcome.

MAIN 2: Quick Pasta Bolognese

1 yellow onion, diced C

4 cloves garlic, minced C

2 stalks celery, diced C

4 carrots, diced C

1 lb USA 90% lean ground beef S

2 28 oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes (or regular if you prefer)

Water as needed to thin sauce

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta C

1 bunch fresh basil, torn C

Yes, nonna’s bolognese takes 8 hours, but who has that kind of time?  Throw this one together in your crock pot or instant pot and let the magic happen.  All you have to do is cook the pasta.

MAIN 3: Ponzu-Marinated Yellowtail with Garlic Bok Choy

¼ cup ponzu or soy sauce

1 Tbsp agave or sugar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

½ red onion, thinly sliced C

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided C

1 lb wild Canada fresh pacific yellowtail rockfish fillets S

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 bunches bok choy, rinsed and sliced in half if large C

1 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand), crumbled

Tip: use extra brown rice from the recipe below if desired

Now that we’ve got the decadent meals for the week out of the way, how about some that are a little lighter and healthier but still bursting with flavor?  Our next few fit that bill.  This marinated yellowtail will have you wondering if you’re at home or actually in a Japanese kitchen.

MAIN 4: Detoxifying Teriyaki Mushroom Grain Bowl

1 pkg shiitake mushrooms

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 cups brown rice, cooked (can be made in advance)

½ red cabbage, shredded C

½ red onion, thinly sliced C

1 bunch green onions, sliced into 1 inch pieces on the bias C

1 avocado, sliced thinly C

½ bunch cilantro, chopped C

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 pkg Nature’s ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs or cubed extra firm tofu (optional)

Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

Detox: the magic word.  Did you know that shiitakes are incredibly detoxifying? Even better, this grain bowl is fantastic because it’s filling and very kid-friendly.  Let everyone build their own for a hands-on and unique experience.

MAIN 5: Tangy Shrimp with Bright Red Pepper Sauce

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked, Shell-On shrimp

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 red bell peppers, chopped C

½ bunch cilantro, chopped C

1 small can fire roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle (optional)

Juice of 2 limes

½ pkg baby kale C

We love this one because the sauce can be made in advance (and is actually better after the flavors merry for a few days in the fridge).  Roasting the shrimp in the oven brings out their flavor and makes them easier to peel and don’t forget that burst of bright green veg with the baby kale as a bed for warm shrimp and punchy sauce.

SIDES

SIDE 1: Lemon Asparagus Salad with Shaved Parmesan Crisps

2 lemons, zested & juiced C

1 bunch asparagus, cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler S/C

2 garlic cloves, minced C

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 block Mitica parmigiano reggiano, shaved S

½ pkg baby kale C

Learn how to create ribbons out of the asparagus and make parm crisps all in one night!

SIDE 2: French Onion Couscous

2 yellow onions, chopped C

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 Tbsp thyme

1 container pearled couscous

1 quart chicken stock S

1 tsp each salt & pepper

This was a hit at our Team meeting this week and the depth of flavor is outrageous.  You’ll want to throw leftovers into soup or on top of salad.

SIDE 3: Fresh Fruit Salad with Mint Yogurt Drizzle

5 Cara Cara oranges S/C

3 Washington organic pinova or pinata apples S/C

2 Peru organic kent mangoes S/C

1 box strawberries, sliced C

½ lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pkg mint, cut into ribbons C

1 pkg Brown Cow vanilla greek yogurt C

2 Tbsp milk

It’s like oranges & apples, and mangoes, strawberries and more!  A fresh fruit salad with mint yogurt sauce is refreshing and perfect for this first few hints of spring.  This can be made vegan by replacing regular milk and yogurt with dairy-free.

SOUP: Miso, Rice & Mushroom Soup

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced C

1 pkg mushrooms, thinly sliced C

1 bunch chard, sliced into chiffonade C

1 quart mushroom or chicken stock S

1 tsp soy sauce (or to taste)

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice C

3 Tbsp miso paste

1 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand)

Breath in, breath out.  This soup is comforting and healthy but also rich in nutrients and helps give your body what it needs to fight off those nasty end-of-winter bugs.

BREAKFAST

Celestial Seasonings tea C

Peace cold cereals C

Fresh fruit C

Brown cow Greek yogurt C

Siggis skyr yogurt C

365 whey protein powder C

Bob’s red mill flaxseed meal C

Organic Valley eggs C

LUNCH

Santa Cruz pb C

Modern Table meal kit or pasta C

Follow your heart pepper jack style slices C

Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers $5 off on any one purchase of $20 C

Air-filled chicken wings C

faux pastrami sandwiches, Turkey

SNACK

Saffron Road chickbean crisps C

San pellegrino sparkling beverage C

Plum organics eat your colors pouches C

Lumdberg Rice chips S

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Spectrum naturals organic olive oil or coconut oil C

Organic Valley butter C *Breakfast

Brown Rice

Salt

Pepper

Sugar

Olive Oil

Red Pepper Flakes

Soy Sauce

Ponzu

Cajun Seasoning

Maple Syrup or Agave

Milk

Mayonnaise

Toasted Sesame Oil

Toasted Sesame Seeds

Dried Thyme

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

All produce $5 off when you spend $20 or more, use your Whole Foods App and scan the coupon code at the top for this deal!

1 bag peeled garlic C

1 bag yellow onions C

3 red bell peppers C

1 green bell pepper C

1 head iceberg lettuce C

2 avocados C

1 bunch organic celery S/C

1 1-lb bag carrots C

1 bunch fresh basil C

1 red onion C

2 bunches bok choy C

2 pkg shiitake mushrooms C

1 red cabbage C

1 bunch green onions C

1 bunch cilantro C

2 limes C

3 lemons C

1 bunch asparagus S/C

1 pkg baby kale C

5 Cara Cara oranges S/C

3 Washington organic pinova or pinata apples S/C

1 Peru organic kent mangoes S/C

1 box strawberries C

1 pkg mint C

1 bunch chard S/C

Meat/Protein

1-2 pkg Nature’s Ranch chicken sausage or Made Fresh Daily pork sausage S

1 lb USA 90 % lean ground beef S

1 lb wild caught fresh pacific yellowtail rockfish S

1 pkg Nature’s Ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs S or extra firm tofu (optional)

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked Shell-On shrimp S

Dairy/Eggs

1 pkg sliced provolone or jack cheese

1 cup milk

1 Brown Cow vanilla Greek yogurt C

1 block Mitica parmigiano reggiano S

1 container white miso

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1-2 Whole Foods Market take & bake garlic bread (in bakery) S

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta C

1 container pearled couscous

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice C

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 can chipotles

2 28 oz cans fire-roasted or regular tomatoes

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand)

1 quart chicken stock S

1 quart mushroom stock

Frozen Items

None

BREAKFAST

Celestial Seasonings tea C

Peace cold cereals C

Fresh fruit C

Brown cow Greek yogurt C

Siggis skyr yogurt C

365 whey protein powder C

Bob’s red mill flaxseed meal C

Organic Valley eggs C

LUNCH

Santa Cruz pb C

Modern Table meal kit or pasta C

Follow your heart pepper jack style slices C

Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers $5 off on any one purchase of $20 C

Air-filled chicken wings C

faux pastrami sandwiches, Turkey

SNACK

Saffron Road chickbean crisps C

San pellegrino sparkling beverage C

Plum organics eat your colors pouches C

Lumdberg Rice chips S

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

MAIN 1: Sausage Hoagies

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 yellow onion, chopped C

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced C

1 green bell pepper, sliced C

1 Tbsp cajun seasoning

1-2 pkg Nature’s Ranch chicken chorizo sausage S or Made Fresh Daily pork sausages S

2 Tbsp mayonnaise

1 chipotle, chopped

1-2 Whole Foods Market take & bake garlic bread (in bakery) S

1 pkg sliced provolone or jack cheese (vegan version available)

1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded C

1 avocado, sliced C

Process:

 

  • Saute onions, garlic and bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until soft but not burned.  Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.
  • Remove from skillet and add whole sausages, browning on all sides, about 15 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F
  • Place garlic bread cut side up in oven to toast.
  • While sausages are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise with the chopped chipotle.
  • Spread chipotle mayo on toasted bread, top with cooked sausages, onions and peppers.  Add cheese to melt, returning to oven if needed.
  • Garnish with shredded lettuce and avocado and enjoy!

 

MAIN 2: Quick Pasta Bolognese

1 yellow onion, diced C

4 cloves garlic, minced C

2 stalks celery, diced C

4 carrots, diced C

1 lb USA 90% lean ground beef S

2 28 oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes (or regular if you prefer)

Water as needed to thin sauce

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta C

Process:

 

  • Either combine all ingredients in your crock pot or instant pot and cook OR saute in a alrge pot on the stove the following: onions, garlic, celery and carrot in oil until soft, then add ground beef to brown.
  • Once beef is browned, add tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • While beef is browning, make pasta so that you can serve all at once.
  • Garnish with some leftover parmesan and torn basil leaves.

 

MAIN 3: Ponzu-Marinated Yellowtail with Garlic Bok Choy

¼ cup ponzu or soy sauce

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 Tbsp agave or sugar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

½ red onion, thinly sliced C

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided C

1 lb wild Canada fresh pacific yellowtail rockfish fillets S

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 bunches bok choy, rinsed and sliced in half if large C

1 pkg dried seaweed, crumbled

Tip: use extra brown rice from the recipe below if desired

Process:

 

  • In a large bag or bowl, combine ponzu, rice vinegar, agave, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic and red onion and marinate for 20 minutes on the counter.  
  • Preheat oven to high broil.
  • Remove fish from bag, place on an oiled baking sheet and broil for 10 minutes.
  • Add bok choy to bag with marinade and turn to coat.
  • For the last five minutes of broiling, add bok choy and place the rest of marinade in a small pot to heat and reduce.
  • Remove fish and bok choy from oven once cooked (fish should be flaky and bok choy should be bright green and a little crispy around the edges.
  • Let rest for a few minutes, then drizzle with reduction and sprinkle with any leftover sesame seeds to serve.

 

MAIN 4: Detoxifying Teriyaki Mushroom Grain Bowl

2 cups brown rice, cooked (can be made in advance)

1 pkg shiitake mushrooms

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

½ red cabbage, shredded C

½ red onion, thinly sliced C

1 bunch green onions, sliced into 1 inch pieces on the bias C

1 avocado, sliced thinly C

½ bunch cilantro, chopped C

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 pkg Nature’s ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs or cubed extra firm tofu (optional)

Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

Process:

 

  • Begin by cooking rice if you haven’t yet.  Combine 1 part rice with 2 parts water, cover and cook until water is absorbed and rice is done, adding water as necessary.
  • Marinate mushrooms: place shiitakes in a bag with the agave, balsamic and soy.  Allow to marinate at least 20 minutes, but these are great if they marinate overnight.
  • In a single serve bowl, scoop in some rice, add mariated mushrooms, cabbage, onion, green onion, avocado and cilantro and top with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
  • Add cooked meatballs or cold tofu if desired.

 

MAIN 5: Tangy Shrimp with Bright Red Pepper Sauce

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked, Shell-On shrimp

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 red bell peppers, chopped C

½ bunch cilantro, chopped C

1 small can fire roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle (optional)

Juice of 2 limes

½ pkg baby kale C

Process:

 

  • Place shrimp (tossed with olive oil, red pepper flakes and half the salt and pepper) on a foil-lined baking sheet under a broiler set to low.  
  • While shrimp are cooking (should take 15 minutes) make red pepper sauce: in a blender, combine the rest of the salt and pepper, the red bell peppers, cilantro, fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle and lime juice.  Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  • Remove shrimp from oven, peel if desired or allow everyone to peel their own at the table, making sure to provide a shell bowl and some wet cloths for cleaning hands.
  • Serve shrimp over baby kale and top with a generous helping of the red pepper sauce.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1: Lemon Asparagus Salad with Shaved Parmesan Crisps

2 lemons, zested & juiced C

1 bunch asparagus, cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler C

2 garlic cloves, minced C

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 block Mitica parmigiano reggiano, shaved S

½ pkg baby kale C

Process:

 

  • Combine lemon juice, zest, asparagus ribbons, garlic and salt and pepper with the olive oil and set aside to marinate a bit.  (This can be done the day prior.)
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Gather parmesan shavings into flat piles, about 4 shavings per pile.
  • Place them on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake until melted and browned slightly.
  • Remove from the oven, let them cool and test one for doneness.  It should be crisp and crunchy but not burned.  Return to the oven as needed.  Store these in a plastic bag for use throughout the week.  Make as many as you like!
  • Serve the asparagus over a bed of baby kale and top with parmesan crisps.  Serve immediately.

 

SIDE 2: French Onion Couscous

2 yellow onions, chopped C

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 Tbsp thyme

1 container pearled couscous

1 quart chicken stock S

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Process:

 

  • In a large saucepan, heat onions, garlic and olive oil over medium-high heat until slightly charred.
  • Add thyme, couscous and brown for a few minute more to toast the couscous.
  • Add stock, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until couscous is soft.
  • Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

 

Tip: to reheat, simply add more stock or water for use throughout the week.

SIDE 3: Fresh Fruit Salad with Mint Yogurt Drizzle

5 Cara Cara oranges, peeled and cut into segments S/C

3 Washington organic pinova or pinata apples, cubed S/C

2 Peru organic kent mangoes, peeled, pitted and cubed S/C

1 box strawberries, sliced C

½ lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pkg mint, cut into ribbons C

1 pkg Brown Cow vanilla greek yogurt C

2 Tbsp milk

Process:

 

  • Combine all fruit with sugar and toss to coat sugar evenly.  Set aside in the fridge to chill and macerate.  The sugar will draw out the natural juices of the fruit, making a nice sauce to coat the salad.
  • While fruit is chilling, combine mint, yogurt and milk until you reach your desired “drizzle” consistency.
  • Serve cold with drizzle and a mint leaf for garnish.

 

SOUP: Miso, Rice & Mushroom Soup

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced C

1 pkg mushrooms, thinly sliced C

1 Tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

1 quart mushroom or chicken stock S

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice C

1 bunch chard, sliced into chiffonade C

3 Tbsp miso paste

Soy sauce to taste

Process:

 

  • Saute onion and mushrooms in oil until wilted, about 10 minutes.
  • Add stock and rice and cook until rice is al dente.
  • Add chard ribbons and allow them to steep for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add miso just before serving, making sure to mix well enough to break up any clumps.  Taste before serving and add soy sauce if needed.

 

BREAKFAST

Celestial Seasonings tea C

Peace cold cereals C

Fresh fruit C

Brown cow Greek yogurt C

Siggis skyr yogurt C

365 whey protein powder C

Bob’s red mill flaxseed meal C

Organic Valley eggs C

LUNCH

Santa Cruz pb C

Modern Table meal kit or pasta C

Follow your heart pepper jack style slices C

Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers $5 off on any one purchase of $20 C

Air-filled chicken wings C

faux pastrami sandwiches, Turkey

SNACK

Saffron Road chickbean crisps C

San pellegrino sparkling beverage C

Plum organics eat your colors pouches C

Lumdberg Rice chips S

________________________________________________________________________


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods

March 29th – April 4th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of March 29th – April 4th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

 

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

 

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

 

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

News: We are currently working on an app that will streamline this process and make it even more efficient and easier to use, both for in-store shopping and online shopping.  Stay tuned for our launch in the late spring of 2017.

 

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

MAIN 1 Smoked Salmon and Crėme Fraîche Pasta

1 pkg pipe rigate Pasta (or any small-shaped pasta of your choice)

½ Onion, diced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

2 Tbsp Butter

1 carrot, diced

1 Lemon, juiced

½ pkg frozen peas

1 small package Changing Sea brand Smoked salmon S

½ bunch Dill, washed and chopped

½-1 cup Crėme fraîche

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Grated swiss or parmesan cheese to garnish

Nothing says spring like this dish!  Tender carrots and peas, a light cream-dressed pasta.  Use the Whole Foods Market brand pipe rigate (or similar shaped pasta) to really hold in the flavor of this dish!  You’ll see how the peas just nest nicely with the shape of the pasta!

MAIN 2 Onion Burgers with Sauteed Mushrooms, BBQ and Cheddar

2 Tbsp Dried onion, ½ fresh onion, diced or 2 tsp powdered onion

1-2 lbs 90 % lean Ground beef S

1-2  Tbsp Worcestershire

1 pkg Mushrooms, sliced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1 tsp Olive oil

1 pkg Barbers sweet red grass fed Cheddar cheese, sliced S

1 pkg brioche buns (located in the bakery)

BBQ Sauce

1 Avocado, sliced (optional)

1 head Bibb Lettuce, washed and leaves separated

All you need to know is that we made these in the test kitchen this week and WOW!  You will not want to miss this delectable warm-weather favorite.  Better than the best burger joint in town, for sure!

MAIN 3 Beef Bulgogi

1-2 lbs USA beef London broil, placed in the freezer and then thawed for 30 minutes S

⅓ cup soy sauce or amino acids

3 Tbsp agave, honey or regular ol’ sugar

1 Tbsp sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, sliced

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 hand fresh Ginger

1 yellow Onion, sliced thinly

4 cloves Garlic, sliced thinly

1 bunch scallions/green onions, sliced

2 Tbsp coconut oil

3 tsp toasted sesame oil (so good and really adds a fantastic flavor)

A few cilantro leaves for garnish

Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

2 cups jasmine rice, cooked

Always a fantastic standby and my favorite way to dress up London Broil and keep it tender.  Everyone loves this dish because the flavors are so out of the ordinary, yet delicious.  Follow the instructions carefully so that you give yourself enough time to have it ready for dinner, or make it in advance for a quick feast with little clean up.

MAIN 4 Curry Hot Pot with Shrimp (optional)

1 Eggplant, sliced into two inch pencil-sized pieces

1 Tbsp salt

4 stalks Celery, sliced into two inch matchstick-sized pieces

1 Red bell pepper, sliced into two inch matchstick-sized pieces

1 yellow Onion, sliced thinly in slivers

3 Carrots, sliced into two inch matchstick-sized pieces

1 Tbsp coconut oil

2 Tbsp Chili paste (your choice)

1 Tbsp soy sauce

2-4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups Snow peas

2 cups jasmine rice, cooked

1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined S (optional)

We served this dish for a catered event and everyone loved it!  It’s great because it comes together quickly and gives you some new ways to use vegetables and exotic flavors in your own kitchen.

MAIN 5 Salade Niçoise

1 head Bibb lettuce

1 can White beans

2 tsp dried Italian Herbs or Herbes de Provence

1 pinch Red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp Olive oil

2 Tbsp Red wine vinegar

1 tsp each salt & pepper

½ lb Green beans, trimmed

1 small container Marcona almonds (near the cheese and olives case)

1 can Tuna or Salmon (optional)

2-4 hard-boiled Eggs (optional)

Honey mustard or shallot vinaigrette

A vibrant and healthy entree salad, this one is great because everyone can pick and choose what they like.  It’s a win-win for everyone.

SIDES

SIDE 1 Fruit Salad

5 Ataulfo mangos S

1 bag Chile red seedless grapes S

3-5 California golden nugget mandarins S

1 plain Brown cow yogurt S

2 Tbsp Fresh mint, chopped

1 Tbsp Honey

Why not give yourself a little break and make a fruit salad as a side that is so easy to throw together and can also double for breakfast or a healthy snack?  The mint-yogurt drizzle brings it all together and makes it not-your-garden-variety fruit salad.

SIDE 2 Butternut Grains

1 Shallot, minced

1 Tbsp Oil or butter

2 stalks Celery, diced

1 Carrot, diced

1 bag frozen Butternut squash

1 bag Whole Foods 365 brand quick-cooking Grains. your choice

1 tsp each salt & pepper

This side is great for folks who shy away from butternut squash because it’s, well, sometimes tricky to add into meals.  Am I right?  Sneak it into the grains and you’ll have a creamy and bright grain salad that can be served warm or cold.

SIDE 3 Kale Cobb

½ Red onion. Sliced thinly

2 bunches Kale, ribs removed and chopped finely

2-4 hard-boiled Eggs

1 pkg Bacon, cooked

1 Avocado, sliced

1 pkg Blue cheese crumbles

2 cups Homemade croutons (made from stale bread.  Use the fire bread on sale this week!)

What a winner!  A nice change up in the Cobb Salad department.  Enjoy this one with any of your favorite toppings, but keep in mind that our suggestion really compliment each other well.

SOUP  Lemongrass Coconut Basil

1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled & minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, sliced thinly

2 Tbsp lemongrass paste

4 cups vegetable broth

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 pkg mushrooms, sliced very thinly

1 can coconut milk

1 bunch basil leaves, torn

Light, bright and vegan.  How can you go wrong?  Try your hand at making this Thai restaurant favorite at home!

BREAKFAST

Brown Cow Yogurt S

Cut Cantaloupe C

Garden of Life Supplements Protein Powder C

Stonyfield Whole Milk Peach/Strawberry Yogurt, YoKids Organic Yogurt C

Erewhon Organic Cereal C

R.W. Knudsen Juice C

Celestial Seasonings Tea C

LUNCH

Roasted in house sliced Roast beef S

Barbers sweet red grass fed Cheddar cheese S

Baked right here Mt. Athos fire bread S

Lundberg Organic Quinoa C

Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter C

Baked Right Here Fire Bread S

SNACK

House-Made Guacamole C

Fresh Fruit & Veggie Platter C

Harmless Harvest Organic Harmless Coconut Water C

Back to Nature Snacks C

Organic Valley Cheese C

Health Warrior Chia Bar C

_________________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Olive Oil

Butter C

Salt

Pepper

Parmesan or Swiss Cheese (just a bit for garnish)

Dried Onion or Onion Powder

Worcestershire Sauce

BBQ Sauce

Soy Sauce or Amino Acids

Agave, Honey or Sugar

Sesame Oil

Toasted Sesame Oil

Red Pepper Flakes

Garlic Powder

Coconut Oil

Sesame Seeds

Jasmine Rice (4 cups total)

Red Chili Paste

Dried Italian Herbs or Herbes de Provence

Honey Mustard or Shallot Vinaigrette Dressing

Stale Bread (or see the next shopping list for sale bread)

 

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

1 bag yellow onions

1 bag peeled garlic

1 1-lb bag carrots

2 lemons

1 lime

1 bunch dill

2 pkg mushrooms, your choice

2 avocados C

2 heads bibb lettuce

1 hand fresh ginger

1 bunch scallions

1 bunch cilantro

1 eggplant

1 bunch celery

1 red bell pepper

2 cups snow peas

1/2 lb green beans

5 ataulfo mangos S

1 bag red seedless grapes S

3-5 California golden nugget mandarins S

1 bunch fresh mint

1 shallot

2 bunches kale

1 tube lemongrass paste

1 bunch basil leaves

Meat/Protein

1 small pkg Changing Sea bran smoked salmon S

1-2 lbs 90% lean ground beef S

1-2 lb USA beef London broil (placed in the freezer overnight then thawed 30 minutes before slicing)

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined S

1 pkg bacon

Dairy/Eggs

1 pkg creme fraiche

1 dozen eggs

1 pkg (or 1/2 lb) Barbers sweet red grass fed cheddar cheese, sliced S

1 plain Brown Cow yogurt S

1 pkg blue cheese crumbles

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 pkg brioche buns (located in the bakery)

1 small container Marcona almonds (located near the cheese and olives case)

1 loaf Baked Right Here Fire Bread S

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 can white beans

1 can tuna or salmon

1 quart vegetable broth

1 can coconut milk

Frozen Items

1 pkg frozen peas

_________________________________________________________

MAINS

MAIN 1 Smoked Salmon and Crėme Fraîche Pasta

1 pkg pipe rigate Pasta (or any small-shaped pasta of your choice)

½ Onion, diced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

2 Tbsp Butter

1 carrot, diced

1 Lemon, juiced

½ pkg frozen peas

1 small package Changing Sea brand Smoked salmon, sliced into thin strips S

½ bunch Dill, washed and chopped

½-1 cup Crėme fraîche

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Grated swiss or parmesan cheese to garnish

Process:

 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add pasta once the water is boiling and cook to al dente.
  • While water is heating and pasta is cooking, prepare the rest of the dish: Add onion, garlic, butter and carrot to a large skillet.  Cook over low heat until softened and bright in color.
  • Add lemon juice, peas, cooked & drained pasta, smoked salmon and heat through.
  • Remove from heat, add the creme fraiche, salt and pepper and stir to coat and sprinkle with cheese.

 

MAIN 2 Onion Burgers with Sauteed Mushrooms, BBQ and Cheddar

2 Tbsp Dried onion, ½ fresh onion, diced or 2 tsp powdered onion

1-2 lbs 90 % lean Ground beef S

1-2  Tbsp Worcestershire

1 pkg Mushrooms, sliced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1 tsp Olive oil

1 pkg Barbers sweet red grass fed Cheddar cheese, sliced S

1 pkg brioche buns (located in the bakery)

BBQ Sauce

1 Avocado, sliced (optional)

1 head Bibb Lettuce, washed and leaves separated

Process:

 

  • Mix onion with ground beef, worcestershire sauce and set aside for flavors to merry at room temp (if cooking straight away).
  • In a skillet, cook mushrooms and garlic in olive oil until softened.
  • Cook burgers to desired doneness, top with cheddar to cheese to melt and serve on toasted brioche buns with mushrooms, BBQ sauce, avocado and lettuce.

 

MAIN 3 Beef Bulgogi

1-2 lbs USA beef London broil, placed in the freezer and then thawed for 30 minutes S

⅓ cup soy sauce or amino acids

3 Tbsp agave, honey or regular ol’ sugar

1 Tbsp sesame oil

4 cloves Garlic, sliced thinly

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 hand fresh Ginger

1 yellow Onion, sliced thinly

1 bunch scallions/green onions, sliced

2 Tbsp coconut oil

3 tsp toasted sesame oil (so good and really adds a fantastic flavor)

A few cilantro leaves for garnish

Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

2 cups jasmine rice, cooked

Process:

 

  • You’ll need to start an hour early (30 minutes to defrost london broil and 20 minutes to marinate the beef), so plan ahead.
  • Begin by removing london broil from freezer (this makes for easier slicing) and slice thinly into a large container with a lid.  Add soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, ginger and onion.  Allow to marinate for 20 minutes.
  • Make the rice at this time!
  • In a large wok or saute pan, heat coconut oil and add beef in its marinade.
  • Cook until beef is just browned around the edges but still pink in places (this will help to keep its tenderness).
  • Serve over rice with green onions, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds and cilantro.

 

MAIN 4 Curry Hot Pot with Shrimp (optional)

1 Eggplant, sliced into two inch pencil-sized pieces

1 Tbsp salt

4 stalks Celery, sliced into two inch matchstick-sized pieces

1 Red bell pepper, sliced into two inch matchstick-sized pieces

1 yellow Onion, sliced thinly in slivers

3 Carrots, sliced into two inch matchstick-sized pieces

1 Tbsp coconut oil

2 Tbsp Chili paste (your choice)

1 Tbsp soy sauce

2-4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups Snow peas

2 cups jasmine rice, cooked

1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined S (optional)

Process:

 

  • Begin by tossing eggplant in salt and allow to sit for 15 minutes in a large bowl.
  • Heat coconut oil in a large wok or skillet until melted and hot, then add celery, red bell pepper, onion and carrots and saute for 5 minutes on high heat.
  • Add chili paste and saute 5 minutes more.  Drain eggplant and add to wok/skillet.
  • Add soy sauce, vegetable broth and bring to a boil.  Once at a boil, remove from heat, taste and adjust seasonings and add snow peas and cover.  Serve after five minutes once snow peas are bright green and tender over rice, with sauteed shrimp if desired.*

 

*To saute shrimp, simply saute with the same flavorings as above (1 tsp of each) in a small amount of coconut oil in a skillet until cooked and slightly opaque.

MAIN 5 Salade Niçoise

1 head Bibb lettuce

1 can White beans

2 tsp dried Italian Herbs or Herbes de Provence

1 pinch Red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp Olive oil

2 Tbsp Red wine vinegar

1 tsp each salt & pepper

½ lb Green beans, trimmed

1 small container Marcona almonds (near the cheese and olives case)

1 can Tuna or Salmon (optional)

2-4 hard-boiled Eggs (optional)

Honey mustard or shallot vinaigrette

Process:

 

  • Tear washed lettuce leaves and arrange on a platter.
  • Toss rinsed and drained white beans with the herbs, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar and salt + pepper.
  • Blanch green beans by adding them to a pot filled with 1 inch of boiling water, cover with a tight fitting lid and set a timer for four minutes.  Once timer goes off, remove the beans, drain and submerge in ice water to arrest cooking.  Allow to sit in ice water until ready to serve.
  • Slice hard-boiled eggs in half, drain tuna or salmon and green beans and arrange everything on a platter.  Sprinkle with your favorite honey mustard dressing or shallot vinaigrette.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1 Fruit Salad

5 Ataulfo mangos, peeled, pitted and cubed S

1 bag Chile red seedless grapes, sliced in half S

3-5 California golden nugget mandarins, peeled and sliced S

1 plain Brown cow yogurt S

2 Tbsp Fresh mint, chopped

1 Tbsp Honey

Process:

 

  • Combine fruit, toss and set aside.
  • Mix yogurt with mint and honey and reserve for drzzling over fruit when serving.

 

SIDE 2 Butternut Grains

1 Shallot, minced

1 Tbsp Oil or butter

2 stalks Celery, diced

1 Carrot, diced

1 bag frozen Butternut squash

1 bag Whole Foods 365 brand quick-cooking Grains. your choice

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Process:

 

  • In a medium saucepan, saute shallot in butter or oil for 5 minutes, add celery and carrot and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add butternut squash, grains and water to cover.
  • Cook until grains are soft,add water as needed and salt and pepper to taste.

 

SIDE 3 Kale Cobb

½ Red onion. Sliced thinly

2 bunches Kale, ribs removed and chopped finely

2-4 hard-boiled Eggs, peeled and halved

1 pkg Bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 Avocado, sliced

1 pkg Blue cheese crumbles

2 cups Homemade croutons (made from stale bread.  Use the fire bread on sale this week!)

*For croutons: preheat oven to 350 F, toss cubed stale bread in 1 tsp each cumin, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder and bake until crunchy and dry.

Process:

 

  • Combine red onion and kale.
  • Top with hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, blue cheese crumbles and croutons and drizzle with green goddess dressing to serve.

 

SOUP  Lemongrass Coconut Basil

1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled & minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, sliced thinly

2 Tbsp lemongrass paste

2 Tbsp coconut oil

4 cups vegetable broth

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 pkg mushrooms, sliced very thinly

1 can coconut milk

1 bunch basil leaves, torn

2 limes, juiced

Process:

 

  • Saute ginger, garlic, onion and lemongrass paste in a large soup pot with coconut oil for 5 minutes.
  • Add broth, soy sauce, and mushrooms and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat, add coconut milk, basil leaves and lime juice and serve immediately.

 

BREAKFAST

Yogurt

Fruit

LUNCH

Roasted in house sliced Roast beef S

Barbers sweet red grass fed Cheddar cheese S

Baked right here Mt. Athos fire bread S

SNACK


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

March 22nd – 28th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of March 22nd – 28th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

This week’s focus is on making big batches of sauces and mixing them into different dishes to make your flavor bucks stretch far!  As always the soup is vegan, but you can use the leftovers chicken bones from main 1 to make chicken stock for the soup if you like.

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

Main 1 Green Goddess Chicken Salad over Massaged Kale

1 Rotisserie chicken, meat removed & chopped

1 pkg Arugula

2 Lemons, juiced

½ bunch Cilantro, washed

1 bunch Basil (about 1 cup)

1 8 oz container Greek yogurt

4 cloves Garlic

3 tsp salt, divided

Water as needed

3 bunches Kale, ribs removed and chopped*

½ Red onion, sliced thinly

1 cucumber, sliced into finger-length/width pieces

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp sugar

1 pinch red pepper flakes

This one is a no brainer because the rotisserie chicken is a healthy, inexpensive and efficient way to get dinner on the table in 20 minutes flat!  Make the Green Goddess Dressing ahead of time and use throughout the week in other recipes and as a dressing or dip.

Main 2 Rosemary Shrimp Skewers with Grilled Lemon Asparagus & Romesco Sauce

 

1 lb Shrimp, peeled & deveined

2 pkg Rosemary

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 Lemon, zested and juiced, used lemon reserved

1 cup red sauce (from Gnocchi recipe, Main 5)

2 cloves Garlic, roughly chopped

2 cups Almonds, toasted & skins left intact

1 bunch Asparagus, woody ends removed

This was a huge hit at the Steele house this week!  It’s healthy and light and the romesco sauce lends a rich depth of flavor while also packing some extra punch in the protein department.  It’s grilling season!

Main 3 Pork & Peppers with Herbed Ricotta & White Beans

1 lb Pork sausage, browned

2 red bell peppers, sliced

½ cup Green Goddess Dressing (from Main 1)

1 cup ricotta

1 can white beans, drained & rinsed

½ Red onion, diced

½ pkg arugula

A quick dish to throw together, this one is great because it uses many of the same ingredients used throughout the week, but in new ways that will certainly help invigorate your already varied menu.

Main 4 Beef Short Rib Ragout

1 yellow onion, diced

2 cloves Garlic, diced

4 carrots, diced

3 stalks celery, diced*

1 bulb fennel, diced

1 parsnip, diced

2 lbs Short ribs

1 can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 cups Polenta, cooked

*Instead of dicing everything, you can pulse in a food processor to expedite the process.

A rich and hearty braised beef short rib dish, this one will taste better even after a few days in the fridge if that’s possible!  Freeze leftover bones in a plastic bag to use for stock later.

Main 5 Baked Spring Gnocchi with Red Sauce

6 cloves garlic, sliced

1 big pinch red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 28-oz can whole, peeled San Marzano tomatoes

½-1 lb fresh gnocchi (from the fresh pasta case)

½ cup Green Goddess Dressing

1 cup ricotta

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Parmesan cheese for garnish

This is the kind of dish that you might happen upon in a small Italian village off the beaten path.  I would know!  I loved in a small Italian village and had a dish like this almost everyday for lunch.  That daily plate of gnocchi has always inspired me to recreate the flavors of that particular dish, so here it is for all of you this week!

SIDES

Side 1 Fruit Salad with Blue Cheese, Pecans, Arugula

½ pkg arugula

2 Asian pears, cored and cubed

4 apples, cored and cubed

1 cup dried cranberries

½ cup blue cheese

1 cup pecans, toasted

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp honey/agave/sugar

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp soy sauce

I often serve this salad in the winter as a great way to add seasonal fruit to my salad repertoire.  The Asian pears and apples lend a nice crunch and help to compliment the pungent flavor of the blue cheese.

Side 2 Avocado Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing

2-4 avocados

4 carrots, roughly chopped

1 Tbsp honey/agave/sugar

1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

¼ yellow onion, chopped into chunks

¼ cup toasted sesame oil

½ cup rice vinegar

½ cup water

1 Tbsp soy sauce

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

This salad is decadence at its healthiest.  The carrot ginger dressing used is truly a favorite at our house and tastes so perfect atop fresh avocados.  Get creative and use it on anything this week!

Side 3 Cucumber Tabouleh

1 small pkg Quick Cooking WFM grains bulgar wheat

2 English cucumbers, sliced into 1” rounds then quartered

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 bunch Italian leaf parsley, chopped finely

1 bunch basil, torn

¼-½ cup Green Goddess Dressing

3 lemons, zested & juiced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup Feta, crumbled (feta is optional)

Reminiscent of my lunches, this time in Paris, I get inspiration for this recipe from a delicious Middle Eastern food stand that I would often frequent on the way out of my neighborhood in the Latin Quarter.  Different from typical tabouleh, this is very heavy on the parsley, which is great because we don’t often have enough excuses to eat a lot of parsley.  Dig in!

SOUP

Smoky Tomato Seitan with Mixed Grains

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 carrots, chopped into uniform pieces

2 stalks celery, chopped into uniform pieces

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 28-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle in adobo sauce

1-2 quarts water, as needed

1 small bag Quick-Cooking WFM mixed grains (barley, peas & lentils) –about 1 ½ cups worth

1 pkg regular seitan, cubed

Vegan-approved!  We tested this recipe this week on our close friend who eats a plant-based diet.  He loved the seitan and the smokiness from the tomatoes!

 

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Olive Oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

Soy Sauce

Dijon Mustard

Agave/Honey/Sugar

Salt

Pepper

Red Pepper Flakes

Toasted Sesame Oil

Rice Vinegar

Garlic Powder

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

2 pkg arugula

1-2 bags lemons (need 6 total)

1 bunch cilantro

2 bunches basil (or large container)

1 bag peeled garlic

3 bunches kale

1 red onion

1 bag yellow onions

3 English cucumbers

1 pkg rosemary

1 bunch asparagus

2 red bell peppers

1 1-lb bag carrots

1 bunch celery

1 bulb fennel

1 parsnip

2 Asian pears

4 apples

2-4 avocados

Fresh ginger

1 bunch parsley

Meat/Protein

1 rotisserie chicken

1 lb shrimp

1 lb pork sausage

2 lbs beef short ribs

1 pkg regular seitan (boxed by the rice)

Dairy/Eggs

1 16 oz container whole milk ricotta

Grated parmesan (for garnishing-so not a lot–this could already be in your fridge)

1 pkg crumbled feta (optional)

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

2 cups raw almonds, whole and skin on

2 cups polenta

½-1 lb fresh gnocchi (located at the fresh pasta case)

1 cup pecans, whatever is the least expensive (usually raw pieces in bulk)

1 pkg dried cranberries

1 package Quick-Cooking WFM grains (bulgur wheat)

1 package Quick-Cooking WFM grains (barley, peas and lentils)

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 can white beans

2 28-oz cans fire-roasted tomatoes

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 28-oz can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes

1 can chipotles in adobo sauce (if not in your staples)

Frozen Items

none this week

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

Main 1 Green Goddess Chicken Salad over Massaged Kale

1 Rotisserie chicken, meat removed & chopped

1 pkg Arugula

2 Lemons, juiced

1 bunch Cilantro, washed

1 bunch Basil (about 1 cup)

1 8 oz container Greek yogurt

4 cloves Garlic

3 tsp salt, divided

Water as needed

3 bunches Kale, ribs removed and chopped*

½ Red onion, sliced thinly

1 cucumber, sliced into finger-length/width pieces

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp sugar

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Process:

 

  • Pull apart chicken and cool until ready to use.
  • Make Green Goddess Dressing by combining arugula, lemons, cilantro, basil, Greek yogurt, garlic and half of salt.  Puree and add water as needed to thin to the consistency of a smoothie.  Use ½-1 cup for this recipe and reserve the rest for use throughout the week.
  • Make kale salad: chop kale into 1-inch pieces and toss in a large bowl with red onion, cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, sugar and red pepper flakes.  Massage until wilted.
  • Add cucumbers and serve with chicken tossed in Green Goddess Dressing over top.*

 

*Make sure to only use enough Green Goddess Dressing to lightly dress the chicken.  The rest will be used throughout the week in other recipes.

Main 2 Rosemary Shrimp Skewers with Grilled Lemon Asparagus & Romesco Sauce

1 lb Shrimp, peeled & deveined

1 pkg Rosemary

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 tsp garlic powder

1 Lemon, zested and juiced, used lemon reserved

1 cup red sauce (from Gnocchi recipe, Main 5)

2 cloves Garlic, roughly chopped

2 cups Almonds, toasted & skins left intact

1 bunch Asparagus, woody ends removed

Process:

 

  • Prepare grill and toast your almonds in a 350 F oven for 7 minutes if necessary.
  • Take rosemary sprigs, reserving one for another recipe, and remove leaves from 1 inch from the top down to the base, making sure that the strongest part of the woody sprigs is bare.
  • Prepare shrimp by cleaning and skewering carefully onto the woody lengths of the rosemary sprigs.
  • Season shrimp with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil to coat.  Place on a plate and marinate in the lemon juice.
  • While grill is heating up and shrimp is marinating, make the romesco: in a blender or food processor, puree the red sauce, garlic and almonds.  Set aside.
  • Grill shrimp, reserving plate with marinade and place asparagus on the plate now, turning to coat.  Add the rest of the olive oil, salt and pepper and grill for the last four minutes while the shrimp are finishing up.
  • Serve hot shrimp and asparagus over a small amount of romesco sauce.

 

Main 3 Pork & Peppers with Herbed Ricotta & White Beans

1 lb Pork sausage, browned

2 red bell peppers, sliced

½ cup Green Goddess Dressing (from Main 1)

1 cup ricotta

1 can white beans, drained & rinsed

½ Red onion, diced

½ pkg arugula

Process:

 

  • Brown sausages in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through.  
  • Add bell peppers and cook five minutes more.
  • While peppers are cooking, combine Green Goddess Dressing, ricotta, white beans and red onion.  Heat mixture in a saucepan very gently until warmed through but not overcooked.
  • Serve over a bed of arugula and top with sausages and peppers.

 

Main 4 Beef Short Rib Ragout

1 yellow onion, diced

2 cloves Garlic, diced

4 carrots, diced

3 stalks celery, diced*

1 bulb fennel, diced

1 parsnip, diced

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp butter

2 lbs Short ribs

1 28 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 sprig rosemary, left intact

2 cups Polenta, cooked

*Instead of dicing everything, you can pulse in a food processor to expedite the process.

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 325 F.
  • In a dutch oven or other ovenproof dish with a lid, saute onion, garlic, carrots, celery, fennel and parsnip for 10 minutes, or until softened.  Remove from heat.
  • Add short ribs, arranging them evenly in the pot.
  • Cover with tomatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper and add the sprig of rosemary.
  • Place lid on top and bake in the oven for 45 minutes., or until meat is falling off the bone.
  • While short ribs are cooking, make polenta following package instructions.
  • Serve short ribs over polenta in bowls with a spoonful of ragout over top.

 

Main 5 Baked Spring Gnocchi with Red Sauce

6 cloves garlic, sliced

1 big pinch red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 28-oz can whole, peeled San Marzano tomatoes

½-1 lb fresh gnocchi (from the fresh pasta case)

½ cup Green Goddess Dressing

1 cup ricotta

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Parmesan cheese for garnish

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • In a medium saucepan over low, saute garlic with red pepper flakes and oil for 3 minutes or until lightly browned but not burned.
  • Add canned tomatoes, fill can with water ¼ of the way to gather any leftover pulp and pour into saucepan.
  • Remove from heat, puree in a blender and reserve.
  • Bring a pot of water to boil, add gnocchi and cook 5-7 minutes or until floating and softened but not falling apart.
  • Drain gnocchi and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • While gnocchi is cooking, prepare “filling”: combine Green Goddess Dressing with ricotta.  Toss mixture with gnocchi.
  • In a baking dish, pour 2 cups red sauce to cover the bottom of the dish, add gnocchi mixture to the center, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and parmesan and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbling.

 

SIDES

Side 1 Fruit Salad with Blue Cheese, Pecans, Arugula

½ pkg arugula

2 Asian pears, cored and cubed

4 apples, cored and cubed

1 cup dried cranberries

½ cup blue cheese

1 cup pecans, toasted

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp honey/agave/sugar

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp soy sauce

Process:

 

  • Toss the arugula, Asian pears, apples and cranberries together with the apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon and soy sauce until well-combined.
  • Top with blue cheese and pecans and serve.

 

Side 2 Avocado Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing

4 carrots, roughly chopped

1 Tbsp honey/agave/sugar

1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

¼ yellow onion, chopped into chunks

¼ cup toasted sesame oil

½ cup rice vinegar

½ cup water

1 Tbsp soy sauce

2-4 avocados

½ bunch cilantro, chopped

Process:

 

  • In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the carrots, sugar, ginger, onion, sesame oil, rice vinegar, water and soy sauce.  Puree, taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Peel and pit avocados as needed (if you prep too many in advance and don’t eat them they will brown).  Slice thinly or keep whole and pour dressing over to serve.  Sprinkle chopped cilantro as a garnish.

 

Side 3 Cucumber Tabouleh

1 small pkg Quick Cooking WFM grains bulgar wheat

2 English cucumbers, sliced into 1” rounds then quartered

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 bunch Italian leaf parsley, chopped finely

1 bunch basil, torn

¼-½ cup Green Goddess Dressing

3 lemons, zested & juiced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 Tsp salt, divided

1 cup Feta, crumbled (feta is optional)

Process:

 

  • Cook bulgar wheat per package instructions, drain and chill until ready to use.
  • In a large bowl, toss gently the cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, basil, Green Goddess Dressing, lemons, and garlic.  Add half salt, taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  • Top with feta cheese if desired and serve chilled.

 

SOUP

Smoky Tomato Seitan with Mixed Grains

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 carrots, chopped into uniform pieces

2 stalks celery, chopped into uniform pieces

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 28-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle in adobo sauce

1 tsp dried thyme

1-2 quarts water, as needed

1 small bag Quick-Cooking WFM mixed grains (barley, peas & lentils) –about 1 ½ cups worth

1 pkg regular seitan, cubed

2 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

Parmesan for garnish (optional)

Process:

 

  • In a large soup pot, saute onion, garlic, carrots and celery in olive oil for 10 minutes or until bright and slightly cooked.
  • Add tomatoes, chipotle (whole for less spice), water* as needed and grains.
  • Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are soft and grains are done.
  • Add seitan, heat through and add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese if desired.

 

*Don’t forget to make your own chicken stock for this soup if you like using the leftover bones from your rotisserie chicken.

________________________________________________________________________


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

March 15th – 21st

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

The menu this week is inspired by Irish Cuisine with a few extras thrown in for good measure

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of March 15th – 21st, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the bar code in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

 

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

Main 1: Guinness Pie

1/2 lb Nature’s Rancher organic 85% lean grass-fed ground beef S

1/2 lb pork sausage, from the meat case and casings removed S/C

1 cup leek greens, sliced thinly C

3 cloves garlic, minced C

½ pkg Butternut, frozen

½ pkg colorful corn, frozen

½ pkg sweet potatoes, frozen

½ pkg peas, frozen

1 bottle Guinness

1 pie crust

2 cups ale-whipped potatoes & peas C

We had this once in a delightful and thoroughly traditional pub in Cork, Ireland.  I still remember the Guinness Pie that I had there fondly.  It was warm, filling and had a deep and rich flavor brought on by the meats used and the reduced Guinness.  Enjoy!

Main 2: Brown Butter Cod with Cress Purée

1 stick unsalted Butter S

2 cloves garlic, crushed C

1 bunch watercress C

½ cup sour cream

1 can pumpkin puree

½ yellow onion, diced C

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1-2 lbs wild caught USA fresh Atlantic cod fillets S

A nice light dish that is a perfect alternative to this Irish-heavy weekly menu!  Imagine fish at its simplest…this is it!  And FYI: any idea that watercress has one of the highest levels of alkaline?  It is SO good for you!  So go ahead and enjoy it with some Guinness, because we already know that ‘Guinness Is Good For You!’

Main 3: Corned Beef & Cabbage

Use this WFM made package of cabbage, celery, carrots, potatoes and bay leaves in place of the ingredients listed below if you want to shorten this recipe! *Located next to the corned beef.

1 3-5 lb pkg Wellshire corned beef or 3-5 lb corned beef from the meat counter S

3 onions, peeled & quartered C

4 cloves garlic, left whole C

3 organic russet potatoes, left whole C

3 California organic carrots, left whole S/C

1 head green cabbage, quartered S/C

½ cup Dijon mustard, for serving

How could we write this week’s plan and NOT include this?  Make it the night before and reheat or make it in the crockpot during the day.  Use leftovers in the choucroute below as well as to make a delicious corned beef hash.  I know that’s what I’ll be eating on Saturday morning!

Main 4: Choucroute Garnie

1 lb pork sausage S/C

Leftover corned beef S

1 pkg sauerkraut S

2 yellow onions, sliced thinly C

1 bag baby potatoes (or regular sized) C

This is not an Irish dish but rather an Alsatian one, however the flavors will go beautifully along with the rest of the week’s meals.  It’s healthy and very quick to put together.  

Main 5: Ale Stew

1 3 lb USA bottom round beef roast S

1 pkg pearl onions, frozen

½ pkg butternut, frozen

½ pkg corn, frozen

½ pkg sweet potatoes, frozen

This meal is a great candidate for your slow cooker, crock pot or dutch oven!  Low and slow is the name of the game.  Add color and flavor with the addition of these unusual frozen veggies!

SIDES

Side 1: Ale-Whipped Potatoes & Peas*

5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes S/C

1 bottle ale

2 cloves garlic, minced C

½ cup sour cream

½ pkg peas, frozen

*Reserve two cups of this for the Guinness Pie

Adding ale to this whipped potatoes gives this dish a really nice depth of flavor while still being light and airy.  Sour cream helps to give it its richness and peas lend a gorgeous color to the whole shebang.

Side 2: Braised Onions & Leeks with Gravy

1 bunch baby vidalia onions, trimmed & halved C

2 yellow onions, peeled & halved C

1 leek, trimmed, halved and rinsed thoroughly C

1 bottle ale

1 quart vegetable broth or beef broth

This sounds so simple but sometimes the simplest of sides are the best!  Three different kinds of onions all prepared in the same way.  Make it vegan by using vegetable stock.

Side 3: Slaw & Soda Bread

1 head Savoy cabbage, shredded C

1 tsp fresh horseradish

2 lemons, juiced C

2-4 Tbsp mayo (vegan or regular)

1 tsp fennel seed (optional)

½ yellow onion, sliced thinly C

2 cups flour

5 Tbsp sugar/agave/honey + 1 Tbsp sugar (reserved for garnish)

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

¾ tsp baking soda

3 Tbsp unsalted butter, chilled & cubed S

1 cup Fage Greek yogurt + 2 Tbsp water, mixed S

⅔ cup raisins (or any other dried fruit, chopped finely)

1 pkg KerryGold Pure Grass-Fed Irish salted butter S

If you don’t feel like making your own soda bread (even though it is so easy!), buy it at the store.  Otherwise take the plunge!  This is a bonus side and can pair with anything for the week, including breakfast!  The slaw is just an inexpensive way to add some extra veg to your mains.

SOUP Creamy Cress Soup

4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped C

1 yellow onion, roughly chopped C

4 stalks celery, roughly chopped C

1 potato, peeled and cubed into 2” cubes C

1 quart vegetable broth

2 bunches watercress, rinsed C

1 cup cream (optional, if omitting, add an extra potato)

½ bunch parsley, to garnish C

Watercress is such an underappreciated green.  Not only is it full of health, but it has tons of flavor, too!

BREAKFAST
Fage Greek yogurt S
Amazing grass organic wheat grass powder S
Vega protein smoothie powders S
Fresh pork breakfast sausage S/C
Organic Valley grassmilk yogurts C
Barbaras bakery Puffins cereal C
Harmless harvest coconut water C
Health warrior supercool protein bar C
Rw knudsen juice or nectar C
Dream non dairy beverage C


LUNCH
WFM Organic seeduction bread S
Kerrygold Kilauea grass-fed Irish cheddar
365 everyday value organic sliced turkey breast S
Koch at deli counter oven Roasted turkey breast S
Rudis bakery organic bread C
Evol frozen entree, burritos C
TruRoots organic grains, beans & seeds C
Daiya frozen pizzas C

SNACK
Mexico ataulfo mangoes S
Chile red, green, black seedless grapes S
Mary’s gone crackers organic super seed crackers S
Terrace root vegetable chips sweets S
Wild kratts organic scuba snacks white cheddar S
Back to nature trail mixes S
Dr Kracker crisps, crispbreads or snickers C
Earth balance Mac n cheese or snack C
Lundberg rice chips C
Kettle chips C
San pellegrino sparkling beverage C

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Olive Oil C

Dijon Mustard

Jarred Horseradish

Mayo

Fennel Seed

Flour

Sugar/Agave/Honey

Baking Powder

Salt/Pepper

Baking Soda

Raisins (or other dried fruit)

Cornichons (for garnish)

 

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

1 large leek C *All produce $5 when you spend $20 or more!

1 bag peeled garlic C

3 bunches watercress C

1 bag yellow onions C

2 bags organic potatoes (russets or Yukon gold) S/C

1 bunch California organic carrots S/C

1 head green cabbage S/C

1 head savoy cabbage S/C

1 bag baby potatoes C

1 bunch baby vidalia onions C

2 lemons C

1 bunch celery C

1 bunch parsley C

Meat/Protein

½ lb Nature’s Rancher organic 85% lean grass-fed ground beef S

1-2 lbs wild caught USA fresh atlantic cod fillets S

1 3-5 lb pkg Wellshire corned beef or 3-5 lb corned beef from the meat counter S

1 ½ lb pork sausage S

1 3lb USA bottom round beef roast S

Dairy/Eggs

1 lb unsalted butter S

1 lb salted butter S

1 pint sour cream

1 pkg sauerkraut (in the refrigerated case by the corned beef) S

1 8 oz container Fage Greek yogurt S

1 cup cream

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 Immaculate Baking Co. pie crust

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 bottle Guinness

3 bottles Irish Ale

1 can pumpkin puree

2 quarts vegetable or beef broth

Frozen Items

1 pkg butternut, frozen S

1 pkg colorful corn, frozen S

1 pkg sweet potato medley, frozen S

1 pkg peas, frozen S

1 pkg pearl onions, frozen

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

Main 1: Guinness Pie

1 pie crust

1/2 lb Nature’s Rancher organic 85% lean grass-fed ground beef

1/2 lb pork sausage, from the meat case and casings removed

1 cup leek greens, sliced thinly & soaked in water to remove sand/dirt*

2 Tbsp flour

1 bottle Guinness

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ pkg Butternut, frozen

½ pkg colorful corn, frozen

½ pkg sweet potatoes, frozen

½ pkg peas, frozen

1-2 tsp each salt & pepper

2 cups ale-whipped potatoes & peas

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.  
  • Pat pie crust into an oiled pie dish and prick all over with a fork.  Make sure to allow ends of crust to hang over dish and pinch slightly to ensure they stay put.
  • Add pie crust to oven for 15-20 minutes or until browned slightly.
  • Remove from oven and press inside flat if it has puffed up.  While pie crust is browning…
  • Brown meat (beef and sausage) in a large saucepan set over medium heat.
  • Add washed leeks (*make sure to lift them out of their bowl of water, don’t pour them out because the sand will re-integrate with the cleaned slices) and saute for another 5 minutes.
  • Add flour and stir to coat.  Cook 2 minutes more.
  • Add Guinness and stir briskly to form a thick paste without lumps, making sure to scrape up cooked on bits.  Add more water as necessary if paste is too thick.  You want a gravy consistency.
  • Remove from heat, add the rest of the ingredients and pour into browned pie crust shell, reserving potatoes and peas for the topping.
  • Lower oven temperature to 350 and bake until gravy is bubbling and potato topping is slightly browned.  Place under a low broil for 2 minutes if desired for a crispier potato crust.
  • Serve hot.

 

Main 2: Brown Butter Cod with Cress Purée

1 stick unsalted Butter

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 bunch watercress

½ cup sour cream

2 tsp salt & pepper, divided

1 can pumpkin puree

½ yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 lbs wild caught USA fresh Atlantic cod fillets S

Process:

 

  • Heat butter over low heat until melted then watch carefully, allowing it to brown but not burn.  It should be light brown and smell nutty.  This is brown butter and it is delicious!!
  • While butter is browning, quickly add the garlic, watercress, sour cream and half the salt + pepper to a blender and puree.  Remove from blender and set aside until ready to use.
  • Without rinsing blender out, add pumpkin puree, onion and garlic + other half of salt and pepper.  Puree then place in a saucepan to warm through and cook the onion & garlic slightly.
  • To the browned butter, add the fish with a pinch of salt on each side, increase heat to medium and cook 4 minutes on each side until browned and flaky when tested with a fork.
  • Serve fish over a spoonful of pumpkin puree and drizzle with cress sauce.

 

Main 3: Corned Beef & Cabbage

1 3-5 lb pkg corned beef or 3-5 lb corned beef from the meat counter S

3 onions, peeled & quartered

4 cloves garlic, left whole

3 organic russet potatoes, left whole

3 organic carrots, left whole S

1 head green cabbage, quartered S

½ cup Dijon mustard, for serving

Process:

 

  • By far the easiest recipe of the week, it’s Boiled Dinner!  To a large pot of water add: corned beef with its seasonings, onions & garlic.  Cook for 4-6 hours over low heat, making sure to add water as necessary so that meat is always submerged.
  • For the final hour of cooking, add potatoes, carrots & cabbage.  Cook until tender and test meat by removing and slicing.  It should fall apart easily.
  • Serve on a platter seasoned with salt & pepper (to taste) and eat with a smear of dijon mustard if desired.*

 

*This makes fantastic corned beef hash leftovers, so reserve all ingredients, making sure to discard any leftover liquid as it can be quite fatty.

Main 4: Choucroute Garnie

1 lb pork sausage S

Leftover corned beef S

2 yellow onions, sliced thinly

1 pkg sauerkraut S

½ tsp caraway seed*

2 cloves, whole*

5 juniper berries, whole*

1 tsp black peppercorns, whole*

2 bay leaves*

2-4 cups water or broth

1 bag baby potatoes

Dijon mustard for garnish

Cornichon pickles

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • In a large ovenproof skillet, brown sausage on all sides.
  • Remove from heat, remove sausages briefly and add sauerkraut, caraway seed*, cloves*, juniper berries*, peppercorns* and bay leaves*.  *Reserve your corned beef seasoning packet and use here if needed!
  • Add liquid and potatoes, then place sausages and corned beef on top.
  • Place in an oven for 30-45 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked.
  • Serve with mustard & pickles to  garnish.

 

Main 5: Ale Stew

1 3 lb USA bottom round beef roast

2 Tbsp flour

1 Tbsp salt & pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 pkg pearl onions, frozen

½ pkg butternut, frozen

½ pkg corn, frozen

½ pkg sweet potatoes, frozen

2 carrots, sliced

Water to cover halfway

1 bay leaf

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 300 F.
  • Coat beef roast in flour, salt & pepper.
  • In a large dutch oven or ovenproof pot with a lid, add oil and heat over medium-high heat.  Add beef and brown for a few minutes on each side.
  • Add ale to deglaze pan.
  • Remove from heat, add pearl onions, plus water to cover halfway.
  • Place in oven overnight for 8 hours covered or during the day for the same amount of time.
  • An hour before serving, add butternut, corn, sweet potatoes and carrots and cook until softened but not mushy.

 

*  A crock pot can be used here!  Just make sure in all cases to replenish with water as needed so that the roast does not dry out.

SIDES

Side 1: Ale-Whipped Potatoes & Peas*

5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes S, quartered

½-1 bottle ale

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup sour cream

2 tsp each salt & pepper

½ pkg peas, frozen

*Reserve two cups of this for the Guinness Pie

Process:

 

  • In a large pot of water, boil potatoes until soft.
  • Drain and in a large bowl of an electric mixer (or a blender), add half the ale, garlic, sour cream & salt + pepper and whip with a whisk until fluffy and completely smooth.  If too thick, add more ale as needed, remembering that you can always add but you can’t take away!
  • Add peas to hot potatoes and let sit five minutes before serving.

 

Side 2: Braised Onions & Leeks with Gravy

1 bunch baby vidalia onions, trimmed & halved

2 yellow onions, peeled & halved

1 leek, trimmed, halved and rinsed thoroughly

1 tsp each salt & pepper

2 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp flour

1 bottle ale

1 quart vegetable broth or beef broth

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • In a dutch oven or other ovenproof pot with a lid, saute onions and leek in butter, salt and pepper for five minutes or until browned slightly.  Add flour and stir to coat.  Cook an additional 2 minutes.
  • Add ale + broth and cover.
  • Place in the oven to braise for 30 minutes, or until onions are softened and slightly caramelized.
  • Remove from oven and serve hot.

 

Side 3: Slaw & Soda Bread

1 head Savoy cabbage, shredded

1 tsp fresh horseradish

2 lemons, juiced

2-4 Tbsp mayo (vegan or regular)

1 tsp fennel seed (optional)

½ yellow onion, sliced thinly

2 cups flour

5 Tbsp sugar/agave/honey + 1 Tbsp sugar (reserved for garnish)

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

¾ tsp baking soda

3 Tbsp unsalted butter, chilled & cubed

1 cup Fage Greek yogurt + 2 Tbsp water, mixed S

⅔ cup raisins (or any other dried fruit, chopped finely)

1 pkg KerryGold Pure Grass-Fed Irish salted butter S

Process:

For Slaw:

 

  • Toss shredded cabbage with the horseradish, lemon,may, fennel seed and onion.  Set aside (this can be done in advance).

 

For Soda Bread:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Combine dry ingredients.
  • Add butter cubes and break apart in the flour mix with your fingers until mixture resembles coarse sand.
  • Mix in yogurt + water and raisins.  Add more water if dough resists coming together.
  • Oil a pie/cake tin, and on a floured surface form loaf into a circle by place dough on a floured surface, patting into a circle and folding in top and bottom like an envelope, then repeating with sides.  Repeat this process once more.
  • Turn over so seams are facing down in pan, use kitchen shears (for flourish) to snip four lines in the top of the loaf at equal spacing pointing inward toward the center and sprinkle with reserved sugar.  Bake for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.  Toothpick inserted in center should come out almost clean with only dry crumbs sticking to it.

 

SOUP Creamy Cress Soup

4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

1 yellow onion, roughly chopped

4 stalks celery, trimmed, rinsed and roughly chopped

2 Tbsp butter or oil

1-2 potato, peeled and cubed into 2” cubes

1 quart vegetable broth

2 bunches watercress, rinsed

1 cup cream (optional. If omitting, add an extra potato)

½ bunch parsley, to garnish

Process:

 

  • Saute garlic, onion and celery in butter or oil over medium heat in a stock pot until softened.
  • Add potato and broth and bring to a boil.  Cook until potatoes are soft.
  • Transfer to a blender and puree carefully.
  • Add watercress and cream, blend further and serve hot with chopped parsley as a garnish.

 

________________________________________________________________________

 ______________________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

March 8th – 14th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of March 8th – 14th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

MAIN 1 Red, Hot & Blue BBQ Plate with Rotisserie Chicken

1 yellow onion, grated

3 stalks celery, grated

3 carrots, grated

1 bottle blue cheese or ranch dressing

½ head napa cabbage, shredded

1 bottle hot sauce, your choice

1-2 rotisserie chickens S

½ container blue cheese crumbles

1 bag blue tortilla chips

MAIN 2 Pork Loin Chops with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

2 lbs USA/Canada Bone-In pork loin chops S

2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bag Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced in half

1 tsp each salt & pepper

MAIN 3 Baked Dover Sole with Mustard Herb Sauce

2 lb Dover sole fillets S

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided

2 Tbsp capers

Pinch salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed

¼ cup Dijon mustard

Zest and juice  of 1 lemon

½ cup cream or half n half

½ bunch dill, rinsed and chopped

MAIN 4 Power Greens Miso Grain Bowl with Korean BBQ Seitan

½ bag 365 brand organic super grains

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

1 yellow onion, sliced

1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and julienned

½ bag shredded carrots

3 stalks celery, sliced into 1-inch pieces on the bias

2 cups snow peas

1 crown broccoli

1 box Korean BBQ seitan, cubed

⅓ cup each balsamic vinegar and agave/honey/sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 pkg mushroom mix

1 Tbsp miso

1-2 tsp chili paste (optional)

OR Maya Kaimal Sauce or Marinade C

½ pkg baby kale

MAIN 5 Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Mushrooms, Scorched Peppers & Peanuts

1 pkg vermicelli rice noodles

1 bag sweet peppers

1 pkg mixed mushrooms

1 tsp red chili paste

2 limes, zested & juiced

1 Tbsp fish sauce

1 quart beef stock or vegetable stock

½ pkg baby kale S

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1-2 cups peanuts, roasted and unsalted

SIDES

SIDE 1 Roasted Pear Salad with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Arugula with Spiced Balsamic Honey Drizzle

3 anjou pears, sliced in half, stems intact S

1 cup walnut pieces (from bulk section)

1-2 tsp cayenne

1 cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup honey/agave/sugar

2 tsp soy sauce

1 pkg arugula S

½ container blue cheese crumbles

SIDE 2 Roasted Vegetable Medley with Toasted Grains

1 bunch carrots, trimmed

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed asparagus

1 pkg Brussels sprouts

2 tsp salt & pepper, divided

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 yellow onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ bag 365 brand organic super grains

SIDE 3 Strawberry & Mandarin Salad with Cabbage, Cashews & Sweet + Sour Soy Ginger Dressing

½ napa cabbage, shredded

1 pkg strawberries, topped and halved S

3 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented S

½ red onion, sliced thinly

½ bag shredded carrots

1 2-inch piece ginger, grated

1 tsp miso

1 tsp soy sauce

Zest & juice of 2 limes

2 tsp sugar/agave/honey

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1 cup cashew pieces, roasted and unsalted

SOUP

Creamy Shrimp Etouffee Soup

4 Tbsp unsalted butter or oil

4 Tbsp flour

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 quart seafood stock

1/2 -1 quart water (as needed)

BREAKFAST

Smoothies:

Mexico Organic Strawberries $1 off 3 pkg C/S

1 pkg Organic Valley organic fuel whey protein C

Amazing Grass organic wheat grass C

Stonyfield Organic Greek yogurt C

Wallaby organic yogurts S

Back to Nature Cereals C

Organic Valley organic neufchatel or cream cheese C

Barbara’s Bakery Puffins Cereal C

LoveGrown cereals S

Dream non-dairy beverage C

Health Warrior chia bars 5 for $5 S

LUNCH

Imagine Soups, any variety S

Back to Nature Soups C

TruRoots organic grains, beans and seeds C

Kettle chips C

San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages C

Daiya frozen pizza C/S

Bell & Evans regular and gluten free chicken nuggets S

365 brand organic sliced turkey breast (prepacked) S

SNACKS

Back to Nature juices and snacks C/S

Wilde Slow Roasted Meat Bars C

Ella’s Kitchen organic pouches & drink C

R.W. Knudsen juice or nectar C

Lundberg rice chips C

Ito En unsweetened tea C

Santa Cruz organic 100% lemon or lime juice C

Late July classico tortilla chips C

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Spectrum Naturals Organic Olive Oil or Coconut Oil C

Cajun Seasoning

Salt

Pepper

Unsalted Butter

Dijon Mustard

Balsamic Vinegar

Honey/Agave/Sugar

Soy Sauce

Chili Paste

White Miso Paste

Fish Sauce

Cayenne

Flour

Vegetable Oil

Sesame Oil

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

2 bunches Mexico asparagus S

3 pkg Mexico organic strawberries C/S

3 Argentina organic bartlett pears S

1 3-lb bag California/Morocco mandarins S

1 bag yellow onions

1 bunch celery

1 1-lb bag carrots

1-2 bags shredded carrots

1 head napa cabbage

1 bag peeled garlic

2 bags Brussels sprouts

2 bunches asparagus

3 lemons

3 limes

1 bunch dill

1 hand fresh ginger

2 cups snow peas (about 2 ½ handfuls)

1 crown broccoli

2 pkg mushroom mix

1 pkg baby kale

1 bag sweet peppers

1 bunch cilantro

1 3-lb bag California/Morocca mandarins

1 green bell pepper

Meat/Protein

2 lb USA Wild Caught fresh Dover sole fillets S

1-2 Whole Foods Market rotisserie chickens S

1 lb USA Wild Caught uncooked shell-on shrimp S or 1 bag frozen shrimp C

2 lbs USA/Canada bone-in pork loin chops S

1 box Korean BBQ-flavored seitan (located on the bottom level next to rice and grains)

Dairy/Eggs

1 container blue cheese crumbles

1 pint cream or half n half

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 bag blue tortilla chips C

1 bag 365 brand organic super grains

2 cups peanuts, roasted and unsalted

1 cup walnut pieces, raw

1 cup cashew pieces, roasted and unsalted

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

2 Imagine Soups (seafood if available- to use in etoufee) S

1 bottle blue cheese or ranch dressing

1 bottle hot sauce

1 jar capers

1 quart beef or vegetable stock

1 quart seafood stock

Frozen Items

None this week

BREAKFAST

Smoothies:

Mexico Organic Strawberries $1 off and 3 pkg C/S

1 pkg Organic Valley organic fuel whey protein C

Amazing Grass organic wheat grass C

Stonyfield Organic Greek yogurt C

Wallaby organic yogurts S

Back to Nature Cereals C

Organic Valley organic neufchatel or cream cheese C

Barbara’s Bakery Puffins Cereal C

LoveGrown cereals S

Dream non-dairy beverage C

Health Warrior chia bars 5 for $5 S

LUNCH

Imagine Soups, any variety S

Back to Nature Soups C

TruRoots organic grains, beans and seeds C

Kettle chips C

San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages C

Daiya frozen pizza C/S

Bell & Evans regular and gluten free chicken nuggets S

365 brand organic sliced turkey breast (prepacked) S

SNACKS

Back to Nature juices and snacks C/S

Wilde Slow Roasted Meat Bars C

Ella’s Kitchen organic pouches & drink C

R.W. Knudsen juice or nectar C

Lundberg rice chips C

Ito En unsweetened tea C

Santa Cruz organic 100% lemon or lime juice C

Late July classico tortilla chips C

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

MAIN 1 Red, Hot & Blue BBQ Plate with Rotisserie Chicken

1 yellow onion, grated

3 stalks celery, grated

3 carrots, grated

1 bottle blue cheese or ranch dressing

½ head napa cabbage, shredded

1 bottle hot sauce, your choice

1-2 rotisserie chickens S

½ container blue cheese crumbles

1 bag blue tortilla chips

Process:

 

  1. Reheat rotisserie chicken by placing it in the oven at 350 F covered with foil for 25-30 minutes.
  2. Begin by shredded onion, celery and carrots (if needed) and toss together in a bowl with salad dressing.  Make ahead and set in the fridge to chill if needed.
  3. Shred the napa cabbage and set aside.
  4. Remove chicken, pull chicken off and chop.
  5. Drizzle chicken with hot sauce and toss.
  6. Place on a bed of cabbage and onion/celery/carrot mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles and blue tortilla chips.

 

MAIN 2 Pork Loin Chops with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

2 lbs USA/Canada Bone-In pork loin chops S

2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bag Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced in half

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F
  2. Use half of seasoning and sprinkle on pork chops.  Sear in a pan in oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes each side.
  3. Place pork chops in a baking dish, surround with Brussels sprouts and sprinkle the remaining seasoning and oil over, plus garlic, salt & pepper.
  4. Cook in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until sprouts are bright green and crispy around the edges.

 

MAIN 3 Baked Dover Sole with Mustard Herb Sauce

2 lb Dover sole fillets S

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided

2 Tbsp capers

2 tsp salt, divided

1 tsp black pepper

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed

¼ cup Dijon mustard

Zest and juice  of 1 lemon

½ cup cream or half n half

½ bunch dill, rinsed and chopped

Process:

 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. In a baking dish, add half the butter and place in oven to melt slightly.
  3. Remove baking dish once butter is melted, about 5 minutes, and place fish on top of melted butter.  Scatter minced garlic on top of fish and add the rest of the butter, capers, half of salt and pepper.
  4. Return dish to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove, add asparagus around fish, and return to oven to bake 10 minutes more.
  6. While asparagus is roasting, mix sauce: combine Dijon, lemon, cream, dill and the rest of the salt.
  7. Once asparagus is bright green and cooked slightly, remove from oven, pour sauce over and serve immediately.

 

MAIN 4 Power Greens Miso Grain Bowl with Korean BBQ Seitan

½ bag 365 brand organic super grains

1 tsp sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

1 yellow onion, sliced

1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and julienned

½ bag shredded carrots

3 stalks celery, sliced into 1-inch pieces on the bias

2 cups snow peas

1 crown broccoli

1 box Korean BBQ seitan, cubed

⅓ cup each balsamic vinegar and agave/honey/sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 pkg mushroom mix

1 Tbsp miso

1-2 tsp chili paste (optional)

OR Maya Kaimal Sauce or Marinade C

½ pkg baby kale

Process:

 

  1. Using a rice cooker or medium-large stovetop saucepan, cook half of the bag of super grains following this method: use 2 parts water for every 1 part grain, meaning 2 cups grain cook with 4 cups water.  Add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp oil.  Cook until soft and water is absorbed, then fluff with a fork and leave lid ajar to release steam.
  2. In a large wok or skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat and add garlic & onions, sauteeing for five minutes.  Add carrots, celery, snow peas and broccoli and saute for five more minutes.  Remove from heat and add more oil if necessary.  Reduce heat to low and add cubed seitan.  Cook until browned, about 5-10 minutes, then add vinegar, sugar, soy sauce* and mushroom mix.  Continue to cook until mushrooms are softened, another 5 minutes.   *If you don’t want to make your own sauce, you can purchase the Maya Kaimal Sauce or Marinade that is teriyaki-flavored.
  3. Add miso, stir to combine and remove from heat.
  4. Place a small amount of super grains in each individual bowl for diners, add baby kale and stir to combine.  Add the rest of the toppings and serve!
  5. BONUS: add broth to make this into a delicious soup for leftovers.

 

MAIN 5 Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Mushrooms, Scorched Peppers & Peanuts

1 pkg vermicelli rice noodles

1 bag sweet peppers

1 pkg mixed mushrooms

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 yellow onion, sliced in slivers

1 tsp coconut oil

1 tsp red chili paste

2 limes, zested & juiced

1 Tbsp fish sauce

1 quart beef stock or vegetable stock

½ pkg baby kale S

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1-2 cups peanuts, roasted and unsalted

Process:

 

  1. Heat a pot of water to boiling.  Remove from heat, add noodles, and let sit 3-4 minutes, or until softened but not mushy or falling apart.
  2. While water is coming to a boil, preheat oven to a high broil.
  3. Cover a baking sheet in aluminum foil and scatter peppers evenly on it.
  4. Place sheet pan under the broiler in the lowest part of the oven.  Allow the broiler to scorch the peppers for 10 minutes.  Remove when the peppers are browned or even a bit charred.
  5. In a large pot, heat coconut oil, chili paste, mushrooms, garlic and onion for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat, add lime zest and juice, fish sauce and beef or veggie stock.  Bring to a boil remove from heat, add baby kale, pour over noodles individual bowls, and top with cilantro, scorched peppers and peanuts.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1 Roasted Pear Salad with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Arugula with Spiced Balsamic Honey Drizzle

3 anjou pears, sliced in half, stems intact S

1 cup walnut pieces (from bulk section)

1-2 tsp cayenne

1cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup honey/agave/sugar

2 tsp soy sauce

1 pkg arugula S

½ container blue cheese crumbles

Process:

 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil and oil slightly.
  3. Place pears cut-side up on pan and drizzle with a bit more oil.
  4. Roast until softened, 15 minutes.  Add walnuts around pears for the last 5 minutes of roasting.
  5. In the meantime, mix cayenne with balsamic vinegar, sugar and soy sauce.  Heat in a small saucepan and reduce by half, or until thickened and syrupy.  (Once cooled this will be more apparent.)
  6. In a large serving bowl, add arugula, place pears and walnuts over top and drizzle balsamic reduction and crumbled blue cheese.

 

SIDE 2 Roasted Vegetable Medley with Toasted Grains

1 bunch carrots, trimmed

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed asparagus

1 pkg Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

2 tsp salt & pepper, divided

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 yellow onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ bag 365 brand organic super grains

Process:

 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. Cover a baking sheet with foil and add carrots, asparagus and Brussels sprouts.  Toss in half of oil, salt and pepper and place in oven to roast for about 20 minutes.
  3. While veggies are roasting, heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat with the rest of the oil, salt and pepper and saute onions and garlic for 5 minutes.  Add 1 part grains and 2 parts water, cover and cook until grains are soft.  Fluff with a fork and leave lid ajar to release steam.
  4. Serve with roasted veggies.

 

SIDE 3 Strawberry & Mandarin Salad with Cabbage, Cashews & Sweet + Sour Soy Ginger Dressing

½ napa cabbage, shredded

1 pkg strawberries, topped and halved S

3 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented S

½ red onion, sliced thinly

½ bag shredded carrots

1 2-inch piece ginger, grated

1 tsp miso

1 tsp soy sauce

Zest & juice of 2 limes

2 tsp sugar/agave/honey

½ bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1 cup cashew pieces, roasted and unsalted

Process:

 

  1. Place shredded cabbage in a large serving bowl and top with strawberries, mandarins, red onion and carrots.
  2. Make dressing by combining ginger, miso, soy sauce, lime zest and juice, sugar together.
  3. Pour over salad, add cilantro and cashews and serve.*
  4. *Make sure to make in batches that you’ll eat in one sitting, as cashews will get soggy if left overnight in the fridge with the other ingredients.

 

SOUP

Creamy Shrimp Etouffee Soup

4 Tbsp unsalted butter or oil

4 Tbsp flour

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 quart seafood stock

1/2 -1 quart water (as needed)

1 lb uncooked shell-on shrimp S or 1 bag frozen shrimp C

Process:

 

  1. In a large soup pot, saute butter and flour together over low heat until nutty smelling and light brown.
  2. Add celery, onion, green pepper and garlic and saute for 10 minutes, making sure not to burn flour.
  3. Add Cajun seasoning and stock and as much water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  4. Add shrimp and cook until opaque and chewy.  Serve hot with hot sauce and over rice if desired.

BREAKFAST

Smoothies:

Mexico Organic Strawberries $1 off and 3 pkg C/S

1 pkg Organic Valley organic fuel whey protein C

Amazing Grass organic wheat grass C

Stonyfield Organic Greek yogurt C

Wallaby organic yogurts S

Back to Nature Cereals C

Organic Valley organic neufchatel or cream cheese C

Barbara’s Bakery Puffins Cereal C

LoveGrown cereals S

Dream non-dairy beverage C

Health Warrior chia bars 5 for $5 S

LUNCH

Imagine Soups, any variety S

Back to Nature Soups C

TruRoots organic grains, beans and seeds C

Kettle chips C

San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages C

Daiya frozen pizza C/S

Bell & Evans regular and gluten free chicken nuggets S

365 brand organic sliced turkey breast (prepacked) S

SNACKS

Back to Nature juices and snacks C/S

Wilde Slow Roasted Meat Bars C

Ella’s Kitchen organic pouches & drink C

R.W. Knudsen juice or nectar C

Lundberg rice chips C

Ito En unsweetened tea C

Santa Cruz organic 100% lemon or lime juice C

Late July classico tortilla chips C

________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________

Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

March 1st – 7th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of March 1st – 7th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

Main 1: Traditional Scandinavian Baked Sole with Butter Potatoes

1 cup beets, cooked & chopped

4 eggs, hard boiled, peeled & chopped

½ pkg bacon, browned & chopped

½ cup fresh horseradish

1-2 lb sole fillets C/S

2 stalks celery, diced

3 carrots, sliced into thick pieces on the bias

1 bag baby potatoes

1 bunch dill

4 Tbsp unsalted butter

Something perfect for the crossover between harsh winter and warm spring, this dish is light but comforting, warm and filling.  Take advantage of this great deal on sole fillets!

Main 2: Nashville Hot Chicken with Pickled Green Beans

2-3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or 2-3 lb pkg USA Bell&Evans air-chilled split chicken breasts

2 Tbsp paprika (smoked or regular)

1 Tbsp salt

1 pinch-1 Tbsp cayenne pepper

¼ cup white vinegar

1 tsp chili powder

1 yellow bell pepper, seeded & chopped

½ sweet onion, chopped

2 cans organic green beans S

½ pkg bacon, sliced

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pinch red pepper flakes

We love Nashville’s own hot chicken and it could not get any easier to bring this into your home!  The sweet and sour flavors from the pickled green beans salad go perfectly with the heat from the hot pepper rub.

Main 3: BBQ Tofu with Preserved Veggies & German Potato Salad

2 lbs yukon gold potatoes

1 bag carrot chips

1 cucumber, sliced thinly

1 bunch radishes, sliced thinly

1 yellow onion, sliced thinly

1 jicama, peeled and cut into matchsticks

½  bunch dill

4 eggs, hard boiled, peeled & chopped

½ cup sour cream

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

1-2 block(s) extra firm tofu

1 tsp olive oil

1 bottle BBQ sauce

A great vegetarian dish, this one comes together quickly and can all be made in advance!

Main 4: Sweet & Spicy Mustard Sausage with Maple Beans & Sauerkraut

1 bag pinto beans, dried (or 2 cans)

1 piece kombu (dried seaweed)

1 sweet onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeded & chopped

½ cup maple syrup

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup soy sauce

1 cup dijon mustard

1 lb sausage (sweet, maple, garlic)

1 jar sauerkraut

I like this one because it stretches your skill set juuuust a bit.  Learn how to cook dried beans from scratch and make something amazing!  Plus, bonus: this dish makes leftovers for use throughout the week!

Main 5: Roasted Tomatoes, Zucchini & Onion Pasta

Whole Foods Market pizza dough S

1 Tbsp garlic powder

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

2 pkg cherry tomatoes

2 zucchini, diced

1 onion, diced

2 tsp garlic powder

1-2 pkg gnocchi or other pasta of your choice

1 cup fresh ricotta

1 bunch mint

1 bunch basil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

½ bag frozen peas

1-2 lbs USA sirloin steaks (optional) S

Another vegetarian dish that can easily be made vegan (or beefed up with some steak).  I love that you can buy whole wheat pizza dough to make your own breadsticks that take no time but are a fantastic “homemade” addition to this meal.  Plus, pssst, the kids love them!  We used thin spaghetti in our photo but gnocchi, bowtie or penne pastas would all be great.

Side 1: Asian Avocado Slaw

1 head red cabbage, cored and shredded

1 bunch green onions

½ red onion, chopped

1 bunch cilantro

3 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted

3 Tbsp agave

1-2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sriracha sauce (optional)

2 avocados

1 cup cashews or almonds, toasted

This is my go-to picnic/bbq side when I know I’m making food for guests who are health conscious.  The avocado at the end lends a refreshing creaminess to the dish and pairs well with the agave and toasted sesame oil to give it some true authentic flavor.

Side 2: White Wine-Braised Spring Vegetables

2 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp butter

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends removed

½ bag frozen peas

1 bunch spring onion bulbs

1 bunch thin carrots

2 cloves garlic

½ bunch dill

2 cups Paul Valmer sauvignon blanc S

2 cups heavy cream

½ bunch dill, chopped

Again, a simple side that will taste not only complex but different than what you’re used to.  Gently braising spring vegetables in white wine and cream is oh-so-French and will look like a chef made dinner!

Side 3: Tangy Sweet Pepper Salad

1 bag sweet peppers, sliced into thin circles, stems & seeds removed or 3 Mexico, Whole Trade organic orange, red and yellow bell peppers S

1 spicy pepper of your choice, sliced into thin circles, stems & seeds removed

½ sweet onion, sliced thinly S

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp agave

1 pinch-tsp cayenne

A big punch of flavor is what you’ll get with this one!  Sometimes we have themes within a plan, and it would seem that there’s a big play this week on sweet & sour.  Maybe we’re just in a mood…but in any case, try this salad for a quick last-minute side that will only get better and better as it marinates in the fridge throughout the week.

Soup: Red Split Pea Soup

1 small Wellshire Farms ham, cubed

2 yellow onions, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bag red lentils

2 quarts water

I make this often for my family and I love the twist of using red lentils in place of green split peas.  Why not change up an old favorite without really changing much at all?  That’s what I call a win!

Breakfast:

Back to Nature Cereals C

Smoothies: Organic Valley organic fuel whey protein powder C

Amazing Grass organic wheat grass C

Stonyfield organic Greek yogurt C

R.W. Knudsen juice or nectar C

Dream non-dairy beverage C

Forager organic cashewmilk yogurts S

Organic Valley organic neufchatel or cream cheese C

Barbara’s Bakery puffins cereal C

Wellshire classic or peppered turkey bacon S

Lunch:

Back to Nature Soups C

Santa Cruz organic 100% lemon or lime juice C

TruRoots organic grains, beans and seeds C

San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages C

Maya Kaimal sauce or marinade C

Daiya frozen pizza C

Ciabatta loaf S

Applegate family-sized sliced smoked or roasted turkey breast S

Chile red, green or black seedless grapes C

Washington organic gala apples S

Modern Table pasta meals S

Snacks:

Back to Nature Snacks C

Late July classico tortilla chips C

Kettle Chips C/S

Popcorn Indiana popcorn S

Lundberg rice chips C

Ella’s Kitchen organic pouches (for kids) C

Ella’s Kitchen organic drink (for kids) C

Whole Foods meat jerky (in the meat case) C

Wilde slow roasted meat bars C

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Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Spectrum Naturals organic olive oil or coconut oil C

Sugar

Salt

Pepper

Apple Cider Vinegar

Unsalted Butter

Paprika

Cayenne Pepper

White Vinegar

Chili Powder

Red Pepper Flakes

Juniper Berries

Black Peppercorns

BBQ Sauce

Maple Syrup

Soy Sauce

Dijon Mustard

Garlic Powder

Toasted Sesame Oil

Sesame Seeds

Agave

Sriracha

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

1 bunch beets

1 bunch celery

1 1-lb bag carrots

2 bunches dill

1 bag baby potatoes

1 yellow bell pepper

2 sweet onions S

2 lbs yukon gold potatoes

1 bag carrot chips

1 cucumber

1 bunch radishes

1 bag yellow onions

1 jicama

1 red bell pepper

1 bunch mint

1 bunch basil

1 head red cabbage

1 bunch green onions

1 red onion

1 bunch cilantro

2 avocados

1 bag peeled garlic

1 bunch asparagus

1 bunch spring onion bulbs

1 bunch thin bunch carrots with tops

1 bag sweet peppers or 3 Mexico, Whole Trade organic orange, red and yellow bell peppers S

Meat/Protein

1-2 lb sole fillets C/S

1 pkg bacon

2-3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or USA air-chilled Bell&Evans split chicken breasts

1-2 blocks extra firm tofu

1 lb sausage (sweet, maple, garlic)

1-2 lbs sirloin steaks (optional) S

1 small Wellshire Farms ham

Dairy/Eggs

1-2 dozen eggs

1 jar grated, fresh horseradish

1 small container sour cream

1 small block parmesan cheese

1 small container ricotta

1 pint 365 Brand heavy cream or half n half

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 bag dried pinto beans or 2 cans pinto beans

1 bag kombu

1 cup cashews or almonds

1 bag red lentils

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

2 cans organic green beans S

1 jar sauerkraut

1 bottle Paul Valmer or Three Wishes white wine (sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio) S

Frozen Items

1 bag peas

Breakfast:

Back to Nature Cereals C

Smoothies: Organic Valley organic fuel whey protein powder C

Amazing Grass organic wheat grass C

Stonyfield organic Greek yogurt C

R.W. Knudsen juice or nectar C

Dream non-dairy beverage C

Forager organic cashewmilk yogurts S

Organic Valley organic neufchatel or cream cheese C

Barbara’s Bakery puffins cereal C

Wellshire classic or peppered turkey bacon S

Lunch:

Back to Nature Soups C

Santa Cruz organic 100% lemon or lime juice C

TruRoots organic grains, beans and seeds C

San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages C

Maya Kaimal sauce or marinade C

Daiya frozen pizza C

Ciabatta loaf S

Applegate family-sized sliced smoked or roasted turkey breast S

Chile red, green or black seedless grapes C

Washington organic gala apples S

Modern Table pasta meals S

Snacks:

Back to Nature Snacks C

Late July classico tortilla chips C

Kettle Chips C/S

Popcorn Indiana popcorn S

Lundberg rice chips C

Ella’s Kitchen organic pouches (for kids) C

Ella’s Kitchen organic drink (for kids) C

Whole Foods meat jerky (in the meat case) C

Wilde slow roasted meat bars C

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Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

Main 1: Traditional Scandinavian Baked Sole with Butter Potatoes

1 cup beets, cooked & chopped

1 Tbsp sugar

Pinch salt

1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 Tbsp water

4 eggs, hard boiled, peeled & chopped

½ pkg bacon, browned & chopped

½ cup fresh horseradish

2 Tbsp olive oil

1-2 lb sole fillets C/S

2 stalks celery, diced

3 carrots, sliced into thick pieces on the bias

2 tsp each salt and pepper

1 bag baby potatoes

1 bunch dill

4 Tbsp unsalted butter

Pinch salt

Process:

 

  • Begin by cooking the beets in boiling water for 15-20 minutes.  Remove once cooked, cool, dice and toss with 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 pinch of salt and ½ cup apple cider vinegar mixed with equal parts water.
  • Hard boil eggs.  Bake bacon on sheet tray at 350 F for 30 minutes or until crisp.  Grate horseradish, if needed, or just use jarred. *All of the above are traditional garnishes for this dish and can be omitted if needed.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F and in a baking dish drizzle half the olive oil and place fish on top.
  • Scatter celery & carrots around the fish (not on top) and sprinkle everything with salt and pepper.  Use the rest of the olive oil to drizzle on top of the veggies.
  • Place in the oven and bake until fish is flaky and veggies are softened (but not mushy), roughly 20 minutes.
  • While fish is baking, use the time to heat a pot of water to boiling.  Add baby potatoes and cook until done.
  • Drain, toss in dill and butter and a pinch of salt and serve with fish and veggies.

 

Suggested Side: White-Wine Braised Spring Vegetables

Main 2: Nashville Hot Chicken with Pickled Green Beans

2-3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or USA air-chilled split chicken breasts

2 Tbsp paprika (smoked or regular)

1 Tbsp salt

1 pinch-1 Tbsp cayenne pepper

¼ cup white vinegar

1 tsp chili powder

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 yellow bell pepper, seeded & chopped

½ sweet onion, chopped

2 cans organic green beans S

½ pkg bacon, sliced

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F (or use a crock pot set to low).  
  • Toss chicken with paprika, salt, cayenne (use as much or as little as you like), white vinegar and chili powder.
  • Drizzle a baking dish with olive oil, add chicken and spread out evenly.  Bake for 30 minutes, or until chicken is done and juices run clear.
  • While chicken is cooking, make pickled wax beans:
  • In a saute pan, brown sliced bacon until cooked but not crispy.  Add wax beans, cider vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes and yellow bell pepper.  Cover with water and simmer until chicken is done.  Taste before serving and add salt if desired.

 

Suggested Side: Tangy Sweet Pepper Salad

Main 3: BBQ Tofu with Preserved Veggies & German Potato Salad

2 lbs yukon gold potatoes

1 bag carrot chips

1 cucumber, sliced thinly

1 bunch radishes, sliced thinly

1 yellow onion, sliced thinly

1 jicama, peeled and cut into matchsticks

½  bunch dill, chopped and divided

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup water

1 Tbsp juniper berries

1 Tbsp black peppercorns

2 tsp salt

2 tsp sugar

4 eggs, hard boiled, peeled & chopped

½ cup sour cream

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

1-2 block(s) extra firm tofu

1 tsp olive oil

1 bottle BBQ sauce

Process:

 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add whole yukon gold potatoes and boil until cooked (a knife inserted should go in and out easily).
  • While potatoes are cooking, make preserved veggies:
  • In a bowl, toss carrot chips, cucumber, radishes, onion, jicama and half of dill.  Add vinegar, water, juniper berries, peppercorns, salt and sugar and let sit at room temp.  Stir every 10 minutes or so.
  • Next, make the tofu.  In a small baking dish, drizzle oil in the bottom to coat lightly, add the entire block of tofu and pour bbq sauce over to coat.
  • Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes.  (This step can be done at the beginning of this recipe if you would like to eat your potato salad warm.  If you’d like to eat it cold, then follow this recipe as detailed.)
  • Before serving, drain potatoes, slice into rough quarters and toss with the chopped eggs, cider vinegar, sour cream, sugar and salt  listed below the vegetables in the ingredient list.
  • Serve potato salad hot or cold sprinkled with the rest of the dill.  Slice hot bbq tofu into “steaks” and top with a side of preserved veggies.

 

Suggested Side: Asian Avocado Slaw

Main 4: Sweet & Spicy Mustard Sausage with Maple Beans & Sauerkraut

2 cups pinto beans, dried (or 2 cans)

1 piece kombu (dried seaweed)

1 sweet onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeded & chopped

½ cup maple syrup

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup soy sauce

1 cup dijon mustard

1 lb sausage (sweet, maple, garlic)

1 tsp olive oil

1 jar sauerkraut

Process:

 

  • Begin by rinsing dried beans (if using) and placing in a large ovenproof vessel, such as a dutch oven.  Cover with water to two inches above beans and add kombu.  Bring to a boil for 15 minutes, then place in a preheated oven set to 250 F.  Bake for at least one hour and up to 90 minutes.  
  • When beans are done, or if using canned, remove from oven or place in a saucepan for canned, and add onion, red bell pepper, maple syrup, and cider vinegar.  Bring to a boil and reduce until thickened.  Taste for flavor, check beans for doneness and if soft, add ¼ cup soy sauce and dijon.
  • *All of the above can also be done in a crock pot overnight, just make sure to add enough water.
  • While beans are cooking, saute sausage in a skillet to brown.
  • Slice and serve with beans and a heap of warmed sauerkraut.

 

Suggested Side: Tangy Sweet Pepper Salad

Main 5: Roasted Tomatoes, Zucchini & Onion Gnocchi

Whole Foods Market pizza dough S

1 Tbsp garlic powder

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

2 tsp salt

2 pkg cherry tomatoes

2 zucchini, diced

1 onion, diced

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1-2 pkg gnocchi or other pasta of your choice

1 cup fresh ricotta

1 Tbsp mint, chopped

1 Tbsp basil, chopped

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1/2 bag frozen peas

1-2 lbs USA sirloin steaks (optional) S

Process:

 

  • On a lightly oiled surface, roll out pizza dough into a rectangle.  Sprinkle with garlic powder, parmesan cheese and salt.  Slice into strips ¼ inch wide, twist and place on a baking sheet.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F and bake breadsticks until parmesan is browned.
  • Toss cherry tomatoes, zucchini and onion together in olive oil and salt & pepper and place on a roasting pan.  Roast with the breadsticks until tomatoes are blistering, about 15 minutes.
  • While breadsticks are baking and vegetables are roasting, cook gnocchi: bring a large pot of water to boil, add a pinch of salt and add gnocchi, cooking until they are soft and floating at the top.  Check one for doneness before draining all of them.  Toss in a bit of oil to keep them from sticking together.
  • Toss hot gnocchi with ricotta, mint, basil, red pepper flakes, peas and roasted vegetables and serve with breadsticks.
  • *If you’d like some extra protein, sear some sirloin steaks (on sale) for 4-6 minutes each side, sprinkle with salt and pepper, rest for 10 minutes and slice to serve atop gnocchi.

 

Suggested Side: White Wine-Braised Spring Vegetables

Side 1: Asian Avocado Slaw

1 head red cabbage, cored and shredded

1 bunch green onions, sliced

½ red onion, chopped

1 bunch cilantro

3 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted

3 Tbsp agave

1-2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sriracha sauce (optional)

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and cubed

1 cup cashews or almonds, toasted

Process:

 

  • In a large bowl, combine red cabbage, green onions, red onion and cilantro.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, agave, soy sauce and sriracha.
  • Just before serving, toss with avocados and top with toasted nuts, making sure to only use enough for dinner that night, as avocados do not keep well in the fridge.  You can add to your salad as needed throughout the week.

 

Side 2: White Wine-Braised Spring Vegetables

2 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp butter

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends removed

1/2 bag frozen peas

1 bunch spring onion bulbs

1 bunch thin carrots, tops removed with 1 inch of green stem attached

2 cups Paul Valmer sauvignon blanc S

2 cups heavy cream

1 tsp each salt & pepper

½ bunch dill, chopped

Process:

 

  • Heat a pan over medium heat and add butter and garlic.  Saute until softened, five minutes.
  • Add asparagus, peas, spring onion bulbs and carrots.
  • Pour in white wine and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and add heavy cream.
  • Serve when asparagus is cooked but still bright green and sprinkle with salt, pepper & dill.

 

Side 3: Tangy Sweet Pepper Salad

1 bag sweet peppers, sliced into thin circles, stems & seeds removed or 3 Mexico, Whole Trade organic orange, red and yellow bell peppers S

1 spicy pepper of your choice, sliced into thin circles, stems & seeds removed

1/2  sweet onion, sliced thinly S

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp agave

1 pinch-tsp cayenne

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Process:

 

  • Toss sliced peppers (sweet or bell, your choice) with the spicy pepper, sweet onion, cider vinegar, agave and cayenne.
  • Add salt & pepper, taste and adjust if needed.

 

Soup: Red Split Pea Soup

½ small Wellshire Farms ham, cubed

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 yellow onions, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bag red lentils

2 quarts water

2 tsp each salt & pepper, or to taste

Process:

 

  • Saute ham in olive oil in a large soup pot.
  • Add onions, celery, carrots and garlic.  Cook until soft, about 10 minutes.
  • Add red split peas and water, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

 

Breakfast:

Back to Nature Cereals C

Smoothies: Organic Valley organic fuel whey protein powder C

Amazing Grass organic wheat grass C

Stonyfield organic Greek yogurt C

R.W. Knudsen juice or nectar C

Dream non-dairy beverage C

Forager organic cashewmilk yogurts S

Organic Valley organic neufchatel or cream cheese C

Barbara’s Bakery puffins cereal C

Wellshire classic or peppered turkey bacon S

Lunch:

Back to Nature Soups C

Santa Cruz organic 100% lemon or lime juice C

TruRoots organic grains, beans and seeds C

San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages C

Maya Kaimal sauce or marinade C

Daiya frozen pizza C

Ciabatta loaf S

Applegate family-sized sliced smoked or roasted turkey breast S

Chile red, green or black seedless grapes C

Washington organic gala apples S

Modern Table pasta meals S

Snacks:

Back to Nature Snacks C

Late July classico tortilla chips C

Kettle Chips C/S

Popcorn Indiana popcorn S

Lundberg rice chips C

Ella’s Kitchen organic pouches (for kids) C

Ella’s Kitchen organic drink (for kids) C

Whole Foods meat jerky (in the meat case) C

Wilde slow roasted meat bars C

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Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

February 22nd – 28th

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of February 22nd – 28th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

MAIN 1: Sausage Hoagies

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 yellow onion, chopped C

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced C

1 green bell pepper, sliced C

1 Tbsp cajun seasoning

1-2 pkg Nature’s Ranch chicken chorizo sausage S or Made Fresh Daily pork sausages S

1 pkg sliced provolone or jack cheese (vegan version available)

2 Tbsp mayonnaise

1 chipotle

1-2 Whole Foods Market take & bake garlic bread (in bakery) S

1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded C

1 avocado, sliced C

Who doesn’t love a good hoagie?  Try these!  The best part is that they are healthy and packed with flavor.  Oh yeah, and really quick to assemble.  Everything can be made in advance for a quick dinner that is big on flavor and not on clean up. You’re welcome.

MAIN 2: Quick Pasta Bolognese

1 yellow onion, diced C

4 cloves garlic, minced C

2 stalks celery, diced C

4 carrots, diced C

1 lb USA 90% lean ground beef S

2 28 oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes (or regular if you prefer)

Water as needed to thin sauce

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta C

1 bunch fresh basil, torn C

Yes, nonna’s bolognese takes 8 hours, but who has that kind of time?  Throw this one together in your crock pot or instant pot and let the magic happen.  All you have to do is cook the pasta.

MAIN 3: Ponzu-Marinated Yellowtail with Garlic Bok Choy

¼ cup ponzu or soy sauce

1 Tbsp agave or sugar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

½ red onion, thinly sliced C

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided C

1 lb wild Canada fresh pacific yellowtail rockfish fillets S

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 bunches bok choy, rinsed and sliced in half if large C

1 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand), crumbled

Tip: use extra brown rice from the recipe below if desired

Now that we’ve got the decadent meals for the week out of the way, how about some that are a little lighter and healthier but still bursting with flavor?  Our next few fit that bill.  This marinated yellowtail will have you wondering if you’re at home or actually in a Japanese kitchen.

MAIN 4: Detoxifying Teriyaki Mushroom Grain Bowl

1 pkg shiitake mushrooms

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 cups brown rice, cooked (can be made in advance)

½ red cabbage, shredded C

½ red onion, thinly sliced C

1 bunch green onions, sliced into 1 inch pieces on the bias C

1 avocado, sliced thinly C

½ bunch cilantro, chopped C

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 pkg Nature’s ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs or cubed extra firm tofu (optional)

Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

Detox: the magic word.  Did you know that shiitakes are incredibly detoxifying? Even better, this grain bowl is fantastic because it’s filling and very kid-friendly.  Let everyone build their own for a hands-on and unique experience.

MAIN 5: Tangy Shrimp with Bright Red Pepper Sauce

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked, Shell-On shrimp

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 red bell peppers, chopped C

½ bunch cilantro, chopped C

1 small can fire roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle (optional)

Juice of 2 limes

½ pkg baby kale C

We love this one because the sauce can be made in advance (and is actually better after the flavors merry for a few days in the fridge).  Roasting the shrimp in the oven brings out their flavor and makes them easier to peel and don’t forget that burst of bright green veg with the baby kale as a bed for warm shrimp and punchy sauce.

SIDES

SIDE 1: Lemon Asparagus Salad with Shaved Parmesan Crisps

2 lemons, zested & juiced C

1 bunch asparagus, cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler S/C

2 garlic cloves, minced C

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 block Mitica parmigiano reggiano, shaved S

½ pkg baby kale C

Learn how to create ribbons out of the asparagus and make parm crisps all in one night!

SIDE 2: French Onion Couscous

2 yellow onions, chopped C

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 Tbsp thyme

1 container pearled couscous

1 quart chicken stock S

1 tsp each salt & pepper

This was a hit at our Team meeting this week and the depth of flavor is outrageous.  You’ll want to throw leftovers into soup or on top of salad.

SIDE 3: Fresh Fruit Salad with Mint Yogurt Drizzle

5 Cara Cara oranges S/C

3 Washington organic pinova or pinata apples S/C

2 Peru organic kent mangoes S/C

1 box strawberries, sliced C

½ lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pkg mint, cut into ribbons C

1 pkg Brown Cow vanilla greek yogurt C

2 Tbsp milk

It’s like oranges & apples, and mangoes, strawberries and more!  A fresh fruit salad with mint yogurt sauce is refreshing and perfect for this first few hints of spring.  This can be made vegan by replacing regular milk and yogurt with dairy-free.

SOUP: Miso, Rice & Mushroom Soup

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced C

1 pkg mushrooms, thinly sliced C

1 bunch chard, sliced into chiffonade C

1 quart mushroom or chicken stock S

1 tsp soy sauce (or to taste)

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice C

3 Tbsp miso paste

1 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand)

Breath in, breath out.  This soup is comforting and healthy but also rich in nutrients and helps give your body what it needs to fight off those nasty end-of-winter bugs.

BREAKFAST

Celestial Seasonings tea C

Peace cold cereals C

Fresh fruit C

Brown cow Greek yogurt C

Siggis skyr yogurt C

365 whey protein powder C

Bob’s red mill flaxseed meal C

Organic Valley eggs C

LUNCH

Santa Cruz pb C

Modern Table meal kit or pasta C

Follow your heart pepper jack style slices C

Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers $5 off on any one purchase of $20 C

Air-filled chicken wings C

faux pastrami sandwiches, Turkey

SNACK

Saffron Road chickbean crisps C

San pellegrino sparkling beverage C

Plum organics eat your colors pouches C

Lumdberg Rice chips S

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Spectrum naturals organic olive oil or coconut oil C

Organic Valley butter C *Breakfast

Brown Rice

Salt

Pepper

Sugar

Olive Oil

Red Pepper Flakes

Soy Sauce

Ponzu

Cajun Seasoning

Maple Syrup or Agave

Milk

Mayonnaise

Toasted Sesame Oil

Toasted Sesame Seeds

Dried Thyme

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

All produce $5 off when you spend $20 or more, use your Whole Foods App and scan the coupon code at the top for this deal!

1 bag peeled garlic C

1 bag yellow onions C

3 red bell peppers C

1 green bell pepper C

1 head iceberg lettuce C

2 avocados C

1 bunch organic celery S/C

1 1-lb bag carrots C

1 bunch fresh basil C

1 red onion C

2 bunches bok choy C

2 pkg shiitake mushrooms C

1 red cabbage C

1 bunch green onions C

1 bunch cilantro C

2 limes C

3 lemons C

1 bunch asparagus S/C

1 pkg baby kale C

5 Cara Cara oranges S/C

3 Washington organic pinova or pinata apples S/C

1 Peru organic kent mangoes S/C

1 box strawberries C

1 pkg mint C

1 bunch chard S/C

Meat/Protein

1-2 pkg Nature’s Ranch chicken sausage or Made Fresh Daily pork sausage S

1 lb USA 90 % lean ground beef S

1 lb wild caught fresh pacific yellowtail rockfish S

1 pkg Nature’s Ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs S or extra firm tofu (optional)

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked Shell-On shrimp S

Dairy/Eggs

1 pkg sliced provolone or jack cheese

1 cup milk

1 Brown Cow vanilla Greek yogurt C

1 block Mitica parmigiano reggiano S

1 container white miso

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1-2 Whole Foods Market take & bake garlic bread (in bakery) S

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta C

1 container pearled couscous

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice C

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

1 can chipotles

2 28 oz cans fire-roasted or regular tomatoes

1 small can fire-roasted tomatoes

2 pkg dried seaweed (SeaSnacks brand)

1 quart chicken stock S

1 quart mushroom stock

Frozen Items

None

BREAKFAST

Celestial Seasonings tea C

Peace cold cereals C

Fresh fruit C

Brown cow Greek yogurt C

Siggis skyr yogurt C

365 whey protein powder C

Bob’s red mill flaxseed meal C

Organic Valley eggs C

LUNCH

Santa Cruz pb C

Modern Table meal kit or pasta C

Follow your heart pepper jack style slices C

Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers $5 off on any one purchase of $20 C

Air-filled chicken wings C

faux pastrami sandwiches, Turkey

SNACK

Saffron Road chickbean crisps C

San pellegrino sparkling beverage C

Plum organics eat your colors pouches C

Lumdberg Rice chips S

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

MAIN 1: Sausage Hoagies

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 yellow onion, chopped C

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced C

1 green bell pepper, sliced C

1 Tbsp cajun seasoning

1-2 pkg Nature’s Ranch chicken chorizo sausage S or Made Fresh Daily pork sausages S

2 Tbsp mayonnaise

1 chipotle, chopped

1-2 Whole Foods Market take & bake garlic bread (in bakery) S

1 pkg sliced provolone or jack cheese (vegan version available)

1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded C

1 avocado, sliced C

Process:

 

  • Saute onions, garlic and bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until soft but not burned.  Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.
  • Remove from skillet and add whole sausages, browning on all sides, about 15 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F
  • Place garlic bread cut side up in oven to toast.
  • While sausages are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise with the chopped chipotle.
  • Spread chipotle mayo on toasted bread, top with cooked sausages, onions and peppers.  Add cheese to melt, returning to oven if needed.
  • Garnish with shredded lettuce and avocado and enjoy!

 

MAIN 2: Quick Pasta Bolognese

1 yellow onion, diced C

4 cloves garlic, minced C

2 stalks celery, diced C

4 carrots, diced C

1 lb USA 90% lean ground beef S

2 28 oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes (or regular if you prefer)

Water as needed to thin sauce

1 box angel hair pasta or TruRoots pasta C

Process:

 

  • Either combine all ingredients in your crock pot or instant pot and cook OR saute in a alrge pot on the stove the following: onions, garlic, celery and carrot in oil until soft, then add ground beef to brown.
  • Once beef is browned, add tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • While beef is browning, make pasta so that you can serve all at once.
  • Garnish with some leftover parmesan and torn basil leaves.

 

MAIN 3: Ponzu-Marinated Yellowtail with Garlic Bok Choy

¼ cup ponzu or soy sauce

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 Tbsp agave or sugar

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

½ red onion, thinly sliced C

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, divided C

1 lb wild Canada fresh pacific yellowtail rockfish fillets S

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 bunches bok choy, rinsed and sliced in half if large C

1 pkg dried seaweed, crumbled

Tip: use extra brown rice from the recipe below if desired

Process:

 

  • In a large bag or bowl, combine ponzu, rice vinegar, agave, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic and red onion and marinate for 20 minutes on the counter.  
  • Preheat oven to high broil.
  • Remove fish from bag, place on an oiled baking sheet and broil for 10 minutes.
  • Add bok choy to bag with marinade and turn to coat.
  • For the last five minutes of broiling, add bok choy and place the rest of marinade in a small pot to heat and reduce.
  • Remove fish and bok choy from oven once cooked (fish should be flaky and bok choy should be bright green and a little crispy around the edges.
  • Let rest for a few minutes, then drizzle with reduction and sprinkle with any leftover sesame seeds to serve.

 

MAIN 4: Detoxifying Teriyaki Mushroom Grain Bowl

2 cups brown rice, cooked (can be made in advance)

1 pkg shiitake mushrooms

⅓ cup agave

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

½ red cabbage, shredded C

½ red onion, thinly sliced C

1 bunch green onions, sliced into 1 inch pieces on the bias C

1 avocado, sliced thinly C

½ bunch cilantro, chopped C

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 pkg Nature’s ranch teriyaki-flavored meatballs or cubed extra firm tofu (optional)

Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

Process:

 

  • Begin by cooking rice if you haven’t yet.  Combine 1 part rice with 2 parts water, cover and cook until water is absorbed and rice is done, adding water as necessary.
  • Marinate mushrooms: place shiitakes in a bag with the agave, balsamic and soy.  Allow to marinate at least 20 minutes, but these are great if they marinate overnight.
  • In a single serve bowl, scoop in some rice, add mariated mushrooms, cabbage, onion, green onion, avocado and cilantro and top with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
  • Add cooked meatballs or cold tofu if desired.

 

MAIN 5: Tangy Shrimp with Bright Red Pepper Sauce

1 lb Responsibly Farmed USA Uncooked, Shell-On shrimp

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 tsp each salt & pepper, divided

2 red bell peppers, chopped C

½ bunch cilantro, chopped C

1 small can fire roasted tomatoes

1 chipotle (optional)

Juice of 2 limes

½ pkg baby kale C

Process:

 

  • Place shrimp (tossed with olive oil, red pepper flakes and half the salt and pepper) on a foil-lined baking sheet under a broiler set to low.  
  • While shrimp are cooking (should take 15 minutes) make red pepper sauce: in a blender, combine the rest of the salt and pepper, the red bell peppers, cilantro, fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle and lime juice.  Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  • Remove shrimp from oven, peel if desired or allow everyone to peel their own at the table, making sure to provide a shell bowl and some wet cloths for cleaning hands.
  • Serve shrimp over baby kale and top with a generous helping of the red pepper sauce.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1: Lemon Asparagus Salad with Shaved Parmesan Crisps

2 lemons, zested & juiced C

1 bunch asparagus, cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler C

2 garlic cloves, minced C

1 tsp each salt & pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 block Mitica parmigiano reggiano, shaved S

½ pkg baby kale C

Process:

 

  • Combine lemon juice, zest, asparagus ribbons, garlic and salt and pepper with the olive oil and set aside to marinate a bit.  (This can be done the day prior.)
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Gather parmesan shavings into flat piles, about 4 shavings per pile.
  • Place them on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake until melted and browned slightly.
  • Remove from the oven, let them cool and test one for doneness.  It should be crisp and crunchy but not burned.  Return to the oven as needed.  Store these in a plastic bag for use throughout the week.  Make as many as you like!
  • Serve the asparagus over a bed of baby kale and top with parmesan crisps.  Serve immediately.

 

SIDE 2: French Onion Couscous

2 yellow onions, chopped C

2 cloves garlic, minced C

1 Tbsp thyme

1 container pearled couscous

1 quart chicken stock S

1 tsp each salt & pepper

Process:

 

  • In a large saucepan, heat onions, garlic and olive oil over medium-high heat until slightly charred.
  • Add thyme, couscous and brown for a few minute more to toast the couscous.
  • Add stock, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until couscous is soft.
  • Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

 

Tip: to reheat, simply add more stock or water for use throughout the week.

SIDE 3: Fresh Fruit Salad with Mint Yogurt Drizzle

5 Cara Cara oranges, peeled and cut into segments S/C

3 Washington organic pinova or pinata apples, cubed S/C

2 Peru organic kent mangoes, peeled, pitted and cubed S/C

1 box strawberries, sliced C

½ lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp sugar

1 pkg mint, cut into ribbons C

1 pkg Brown Cow vanilla greek yogurt C

2 Tbsp milk

Process:

 

  • Combine all fruit with sugar and toss to coat sugar evenly.  Set aside in the fridge to chill and macerate.  The sugar will draw out the natural juices of the fruit, making a nice sauce to coat the salad.
  • While fruit is chilling, combine mint, yogurt and milk until you reach your desired “drizzle” consistency.
  • Serve cold with drizzle and a mint leaf for garnish.

 

SOUP: Miso, Rice & Mushroom Soup

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced C

1 pkg mushrooms, thinly sliced C

1 Tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

1 quart mushroom or chicken stock S

1 pkg Lundberg organic Thai Hom Ali rice C

1 bunch chard, sliced into chiffonade C

3 Tbsp miso paste

Soy sauce to taste

Process:

 

  • Saute onion and mushrooms in oil until wilted, about 10 minutes.
  • Add stock and rice and cook until rice is al dente.
  • Add chard ribbons and allow them to steep for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add miso just before serving, making sure to mix well enough to break up any clumps.  Taste before serving and add soy sauce if needed.

 

BREAKFAST

Celestial Seasonings tea C

Peace cold cereals C

Fresh fruit C

Brown cow Greek yogurt C

Siggis skyr yogurt C

365 whey protein powder C

Bob’s red mill flaxseed meal C

Organic Valley eggs C

LUNCH

Santa Cruz pb C

Modern Table meal kit or pasta C

Follow your heart pepper jack style slices C

Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers $5 off on any one purchase of $20 C

Air-filled chicken wings C

faux pastrami sandwiches, Turkey

SNACK

Saffron Road chickbean crisps C

San pellegrino sparkling beverage C

Plum organics eat your colors pouches C

Lumdberg Rice chips S

________________________________________________________________________


Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

February 15th – 21st

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of February 15th – 21st, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

MAINS

MAIN 1:  Chicken and Rice with Tangy Rainbow Chard

4 quarts water

1 USA organic fresh whole chicken S

1 pkg poultry herb mix (thyme, rosemary, sage)

1 Tbsp salt and pepper

1 ½ cups white rice**

½ bunch rainbow chard, cut into chiffonade

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Chicken and rice is so easy to make and also classically southern!  Save the bones for stock if you like (highly encouraged) and add more liquid later in the week to these leftovers to make a nice homemade chicken and rice soup.  Add the tangy chard, too, for a twist to the soup!

MAIN 2: Bruschetta-Stuffed Pepperoni Bread

1 loaf ciabatta from the bakery, sliced crosswise into 1-inch increments but not cut all the way through

1 lb Mexico, whole trade organic tomatoes on the vine S, seeded and chopped

1 red bell pepper S, seeded and chopped

1 yellow bell pepper S, seeded and chopped

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 pkg pepperoni

1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced thinly into rounds

1 pkg basil, torn (about 1 cup)

1 pinch red pepper flakes, if desired

2 cups arugula

This little bit of food heaven, inspired by an appetizer at the popular Vivace, is filling and best served with a side of greens!  Think of it as pizza in a new form!

MAIN 3: Baked Salmon over Pickled Red Onion & Arugula Salad

½ red onion, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp sugar

1 cup water

1 lb Wild caught USA coho salmon fillets S *You can buy the pre-cut 6 oz fillets but keep in mind they are slightly more expensive

1 tsp salt and pepper

1 tsp olive oil

1 lemon, juiced

2 tsp truffle oil

Arugula salad

Sometimes in the heart of winter I crave a nice light salad with some healthy protein.  This is my favorite combo: the tang from the pickled red onions, the simplicity of the baked salmon and the arugula that meets its perfect matches: lemon juice and truffle oil.

MAIN 4: White Bean Cassoulet with Sausage and Fennel

2 cups white beans, dried and cooked or 3 cans white beans, rinsed

1 lb sausage of your choice S (I chose the chicken bratwurst)

2 onions, sliced into slivers

2 carrots, sliced thinly on the bias

1 bulb fennel, chopped

1 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

2 cups Imagine organic chicken broth s

Classically French but made in half the time, especially if you’re using canned beans.  Do keep in mind that cooking dried beans is a snap and can leave you with a nice, plump bean instead of a mushy one from a can (oh and it’s less expensive, too!).  Use any sausage you like and remember, buy extra to stock up on and save money following the sale guidelines listed in the meat case.

MAIN 5: Shakshuka

1 yellow onion, diced

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 Tbsp paprika (smoked or regular)**

2 tsp sugar**

1 tsp chili powder**

2 cans Muir glen organic canned tomatoes S

Eggs (as many as you like) C

½ bunch dill, rinsed and chopped

½ bunch parsley, rinsed and chopped

A Middle Eastern dish, the smoky tomatoes and sweetness from the sugar work together to create a dish that is part sauce, part stew.  Feel free to play around and add more greens, extra beans, or even tofu in place of eggs to make this dish vegan.

SIDES

SIDE 1:  Cauliflower-Broccoli Cheddar Bake

4 Tbsp oil or butter

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 Tbsp flour or cornstarch

2 tsp salt and pepper

4 cups milk

1 bag grated cheddar

1 head cauliflower, cored and chopped

1 head broccoli, chopped (stems included)

For vegan: use oil, nut milk and daiya cheese

Such a comforting side dish that can be turned into a soup at the end of the week!  Just add more stock and don’t forget to make this one vegan if you need.

SIDE 2:  Wild Rice Salad with Sweet Onions, Apples and Rainbow Chard

2 cups wild rice S

1 quart Imagine organic chicken broth or water

1 sweet onion, diced

3 Gala apples S, diced

½ bunch rainbow chard, cut into chiffonade strips

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp agave or maple syrup

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp soy sauce

½ cup almonds (or any other nut), toasted

One of my favorite things in the winter, a wild rice salad holds up well in the fridge throughout the week and offers a nice play on sweet, salty and tangy.  Add dried fruit or some greens to this if you want something new later in the week!

SIDE 3: Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash with a Sweet Mustard Sauce

1 bag Brussels sprouts S, trimmed and halved

1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed

1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

½ cup dijon mustard

2 Tbsp sugar or agave (or honey or maple syrup)

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp salt or soy sauce

Roasted winter veggies are always my go-to.  They are quick to throw together and really characterize the feeling of being hunkered down in the winter.  Enjoy the leftovers as a main over your favorite grain.

SOUP Fisherman’s Chowder

1 bag frozen corn

3 stalks celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

2 yellow onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 bag organic Oregon rainbow fingerling potatoes S, chopped into bite-size pieces

2 quarts Imagine organic chicken broth or water

2 tsp salt and pepper

1/2 -1 lb Wild caught USA fresh pacific cod fillets S, cut into pieces

2-4 cups milk or nut milk

Who doesn’t love a good chowder on a winter night?  Fresh cod will make this soup so flavorful however if you’d like to make it vegan, make sure to leave out the fish and substitute nut milk in place of dairy.

BREAKFAST

Chile organic blueberries S

Koch’s organic turkey bacon S

California organic navel oranges stony field organic grass-fed Greek yogurt S

LUNCH

Bell & Evans organic chicken nuggets or tenders S

365 everyday value organic sliced turkey breast S

Wells hire sliced VA baked ham S

Roth organic original havarti cheese S

WFM organic rosemary bread S

SNACK

Naked juice organic coconut water S

Tiny trapeze dark chocolate and macadamia nut butter  cookies S

Theodore organic chocolate bars S

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Spectrum organic extra virgin olive oil S

Jasmine Rice (or any white rice will do)

Paprika (smoked or regular)

Salt

Pepper

Paprika

Chili Powder

Flour or Cornstarch

Sugar

Olive Oil

Red Pepper Flakes

Apple Cider Vinegar

Soy Sauce

Truffle Oil

Maple Syrup or Agave

Dijon Mustard

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

1 pkg poultry herb mix (thyme, rosemary, sage)

1 bunch rainbow chard S

1 lb Mexico whole trade organic tomatoes on the vine S

1 red bell pepper S

1 yellow bell pepper

1 pkg basil

1 bunch dill

1 bunch parsley

1 pkg arugula

1 red onion

4 lemons (or a bag)

1 bag yellow onions

1 1-lb bag carrots

1 bunch celery

1 bulb fennel

1 bag peeled garlic

1 head cauliflower S

1 head broccoli S

1 sweet onion

3 Gala apples S

1 bag Brussels sprouts S

1 sweet potato

1 butternut squash

1 bag Oregon rainbow fingerling potatoes

Meat/Protein

1 USA organic fresh whole chicken S

1 pkg pepperoni

1 lb wild caught USA coho salmon fillets S *You can buy the pre-cut 6 oz fillets but keep in mind they are more expensive than buying the whole fillet

1 lb sausage (chicken bratwurst) S

½ lb wild caught USA fresh pacific cod

Dairy/Eggs

1 ball mozzarella

1 dozen eggs C

½ gallon milk C (or nut milk)

1 bag grated cheddar (or daiya vegan cheese)

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 loaf ciabatta

1 bag white beans (or 3 cans white beans)

1 bag wild rice S

½ cup almonds

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

4 cans Muir Glen fire roasted tomatoes S *Stock Up

4 quarts stock

Frozen Items

1 bag frozen corn

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

MAINS

MAIN 1:  Chicken and Rice with Tangy Rainbow Chard

4 quarts water

1 USA organic fresh whole chicken S

1 pkg poultry herb mix (thyme, rosemary, sage)

1 Tbsp salt and pepper

1 ½ cups white rice

½ bunch rainbow chard, cut into chiffonade

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

Process:

  • Heat water in a large soup pot.
  • Add whole chicken (with gizzards removed from the cavity if necessary), herbs and salt + pepper.
  • Bring water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking chicken until meat is falling off the bone, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove chicken carefully from water, making sure that if it’s falling apart to not leave any bones behind.  Place chicken in a large bowl to cool.
  • Take an inventory of the water (now chicken stock): How much is left?  You’ll want about 2 quarts, so pour off any extra and store as stock for use in future recipes.
  • Add rice to the remaining stock and cook until soft.
  • While rice is cooking, use your fingers to pick the meat off of the chicken, chop it up into bite-sized pieces if necessary and set aside.  Reserve carcasse in a plastic bag and place in the freezer: next time you need stock, just boil this in water and voila!, more stock for free.
  • Next, make tangy chard: combine chard with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, soy and red pepper flakes.  Massage into chard until evenly coated and slightly wilted.
  • Once rice is cooked, stock is reduced by enough to resemble a soup that is evenly balanced with rice and liquid, add chicken back to pot and reheat.  Add carrots and celery at this time and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Serve topped with tangy chard.

 

MAIN 2: Bruschetta-Stuffed Pepperoni Bread

1 loaf ciabatta from the bakery, sliced crosswise into 1-inch increments but not cut all the way through

1 lb Mexico, whole trade organic tomatoes on the vine S, seeded and chopped

1 red bell pepper S, seeded and chopped

1 yellow bell pepper S, seeded and chopped

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 lemon, juiced

1 pkg pepperoni

1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced thinly into rounds, then cut into half moons and divided

1 pkg basil, torn (about 1 cup)

1 pinch red pepper flakes, if desired

2 cups arugula

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Place bread on your work surface on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Toss tomatoes & bell pepper with olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice.
  • Stuff slits of ciabatta with pepperoni, half the mozzarella and tomato mixture (bruschetta).
  • Top with torn basil, red pepper flakes and the rest of the mozzarella.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until everything is heated through and melted.
  • Slice a portion for each diner and serve over a handful each of fresh arugula.

 

MAIN 3: Baked Salmon over Pickled Red Onion & Arugula Salad

½ red onion, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp sugar

1 cup water

1 lb Wild caught USA coho salmon fillets S *You can buy the pre-cut 6 oz fillets but keep in mind they are slightly more expensive

1 tsp salt and pepper

1 tsp olive oil

1 lemon, juiced

2 tsp truffle oil

Arugula salad

Pinch salt

Process:

  • Begin by pickling the red onion: toss sliced red onion in a small bowl with vinegar, sugar and water to cover.
  • Preheat oven to low broil and coat a baking dish with a drizzle of oil.
  • Place salmon skin-side down and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake for 10 minutes, or until fish is flaky.
  • While salmon is baking, toss arugula with the olive oil, lemon juice, truffle oil and a pinch of salt.
  • Serve salmon over salad and top with pickled red onion to serve.

 

MAIN 4: White Bean Cassoulet with Sausage and Fennel

2 cups white beans, dried and cooked or 3 cans white beans, rinsed

1 lb sausage of your choice S (I chose the chicken bratwurst)

2 onions, sliced into slivers

2 carrots, sliced thinly on the bias

1 bulb fennel, chopped

1 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

2 cups Imagine organic chicken broth s

Process:

  • Rinse dried white beans, if using, and place in an oven proof soup pot or dutch oven with a matching lid.  Add water to cover beans by 2 inches and bring to a boil.  DO NOT ADD SALT.
  • Once water is boiling, set a timer for 15 minutes and preheat your oven to 250 F.
  • Remove beans after 15 minutes, place the lid on the pot and transfer to the oven.  Set a timer for 60 minutes.  Remember, do not add salt until after beans are done cooking.  *This can be done overnight in a slow cooker or in an Instant Pot.
  • Once beans are cooked and softened, but still retain their shape, begin the rest of the recipe.  If you are using canned beans, start here.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • While beans are cooking, saute sausage over medium heat in a skillet.  After browned on both sides, add onions, carrots, fennel and salt and pepper and cook for five more minutes.
  • Place beans in an oiled baking dish, add sauteed vegetable and top with sausage, left whole.
  • Add stock and place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes, or until liquid is evaporated a little and the beans are creamy.
  • Serve hot with sliced sausage.

 

MAIN 5: Shakshuka

1 yellow onion, diced

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 Tbsp paprika (smoked or regular)

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp chili powder

2 cans Muir glen organic canned tomatoes S

Eggs (as many as you like) C

½ bunch dill, rinsed and chopped

½ bunch parsley, rinsed and chopped

Rice (optional–make a big batch at the beginning of the week and use throughout)

Process:

  • In a large ovenproof skillet set over medium heat, saute onions, garlic, celery and carrots in oil for 10 minutes.
  • Add salt, pepper, paprika, sugar, chili powder and canned tomatoes.  Simmer for 10 minutes.  Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Crack as many eggs as you’d like carefully into the bubbling tomato mixture and cook five minutes until whites are set.
  • Place skillet in the oven under a low broil and cook eggs for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until yolks are cooked to your liking (I prefer medium, which takes about 3 minutes).
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle with dill and parsley.  Serve hot with some tomato sauce over rice topped with an egg.

 

SIDES

SIDE 1:  Cauliflower-Broccoli Cheddar Bake

4 Tbsp oil or butter

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 Tbsp flour or cornstarch

2 tsp salt and pepper

4 cups milk

1 bag grated cheddar

1 head cauliflower, cored and chopped

1 head broccoli, chopped (stems included)

For vegan: use oil, nut milk and daiya cheese

Process:

  • Preheat oven t0 350 F.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil or butter until hot or melted over medium heat.
  • Add onion and cook for five minutes.
  • Add flour or cornstarch (for GF) and evenly coat onion.  Cook for two minutes.
  • Add salt, pepper and milk slowly, whisking from the middle to the outside (to prevent spills) often so you have as few lumps as possible.
  • Add half the cheese.
  • In a large baking dish, oil lightly and evenly disperse cauliflower and broccoli, making sure to mix both together so there’s an even distribution.
  • Pour sauce over top and gently stir in dish to coat.  If it looks too dry, add more milk & stir.
  • Place in the oven, covered with foil, for 25 minutes.
  • Remove dish, uncover foil and test doneness.  Top with remaining cheese and return to oven, placing on the lowest rack.
  • Adjust oven temp to a low broil and set a timer for five minutes.  Once cheese is melted and beginning to brown slightly remove and serve hot.

 

SIDE 2:  Wild Rice Salad with Sweet Onions, Apples and Rainbow Chard

2 cups wild rice S

Drizzle of olive oil

1 quart Imagine organic chicken broth or water

1 sweet onion, diced

3 Gala apples S, diced

½ bunch rainbow chard, cut into chiffonade strips

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp agave or maple syrup

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp soy sauce

½ cup almonds (or any other nut), toasted

Process:

  • Cook rice in 4 cups broth or water.  Toss rice with a drizzle olive oil & place in fridge to cool.  
  • To rice, add diced sweet onion, apples and rainbow chard.
  • Serve with dressing drizzled everywhere and top with nuts.

 

SIDE 3: Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash with a Sweet Mustard Sauce

1 bag Brussels sprouts S, trimmed and halved

1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed

1 tsp each salt and pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

½ cup dijon mustard

2 Tbsp sugar or agave (or honey or maple syrup)

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp salt or soy sauce

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • On a roasting pan, toss Brussels sprout, sweet potato and butternut squash in olive oil and salt and pepper and cook for 25 minutes.
  • While vegetables are in the oven, make sauce by whisking together sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce and dijon mustard.

 

SOUP Fisherman’s Chowder

3 stalks celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

2 yellow onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 bag frozen corn

1 bag organic Oregon rainbow fingerling potatoes S, chopped into bite-size pieces

2 quarts Imagine organic chicken broth or water

2 tsp salt and pepper

1/2 -1 lb Wild caught USA fresh pacific cod fillets S, cut into pieces

2-4 cups milk or nut milk

Process:

  • In a large pot over medium heat saute celery, carrots, onions and garlic in olive oil for five minutes.
  • Add corn, fingerlings and broth or water plus salt and pepper.
  • Once potatoes are done, bring soup to a boil and add cod.
  • After 10 minutes, remove pot from heat and add milk.
  • Serve with a small few sprigs of parsley.

 

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Mega Meal Plan

Whole Foods Market

February 8th – 14th

Happy Valentine’s Everyone!

This list is based on Sale & Coupon items for the week of February 8th – 14th, 2017, so make sure to pick up the items on sale, for example: tomatoes should be the SALE tomatoes.  Sale items will have an S next to them, while coupon items will be differentiated by having a C next to them.  

It is necessary that you download the Whole Foods Market App and install it in order to use coupons (and double check what’s on sale)!  Each store is different, so make sure you choose your proper location.  Simply have your cashier scan the barcode in the coupons section of the App in order to apply all coupons.  All other items are normal price.

Here is what your Meal Plan entails: 5 Main Dishes come with a vegetable/grain & the 3 Large Sides can be dispersed accordingly throughout the week to go along with.  We also suggest 1 Soup for use for lunches or as an accompaniment to dinner!

Below we offer two ways of looking at the Shopping List ingredients: 1) By meal and 2) Altogether in order of department.  Please use whichever works for you!

Weekly Meal Plan

(Shopping List by Meal)

Main 1: Bone-In Pork Loin Chops with Pepper Jam

3 bell peppers, sliced thinly S

1 sweet onion, sliced thinly

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp agave or brown sugar

1 ½-2 lbs USA or Canada bone-in pork loin chops S

1 Tbsp olive oil C

1 tsp each salt and pepper

Simple and fast to prepare, this dish will be on the table in 30 minutes or less with very little clean-up to boot!  We like that, don’t we??

Main 2: Surf and Turf with Butter Chive Potatoes

2-4 lobster tails S or 1-2 lbs ribeye steaks S/C

1 bag creamer baby potatoes

4 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 garlic cloves, minced

1 shallot, minced

1 bunch chives, chopped

Choose to get fancy or to just pick one of the other, you can’t go wrong!  For Valentine’s Day make something special for the one(s) you love.

Main 3: Massaman Curry

2 tbsp coconut oil C

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 teaspoons  each salt, cumin, turmeric, ginger (may want to adjust seasoning to taste before serving)

3 medium-sized white potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 bunch small carrots, greens removed but tops intact

4 cups chicken/vegetable stock

¼ cup unsweetened crunchy peanut butter

1-2 cans coconut milk

½ cup lime juice (about 4-6 limes)

¼ cup fish sauce

2 Tbsp sugar or agave

1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts for garnish

One of my comfort food go-to’s!  Massaman curry is so fresh and vibrant tasting and makes great leftovers.  Plus it is a fantastic vegetarian dish and can be made vegan by omitting chicken stock and fish sauce.

Main 4: Cilantro Tofu Fries with Green Rice and Black Beans

1 bunch cilantro, washed

2 cups vegetable oil

2 cups rice, cooked

1 block extra-firm tofu, sliced into large matchsticks, resembling fries

1-2 Tbsp olive oil

1 can black beans, rinsed S

Making cilantro oil is a great secret weapon to have in the kitchen.  It livens up any meal and stays preserved for a long time.  Drizzling it over the tofu and rice gives it such an eye-catching appearance!

Main 5: Sausage with Garlicky Greens

1-2 lbs Whole Foods house-made garlic sausage

6 cloves garlic

2 bunches kale (or other green of your choice)

1 quart chicken stock

¼ cup nutritional yeast (optional)

1-2 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

Sausage and greens is such a healthy way to go when you want a quick dinner that is also satisfying and gives you a big chunk of your daily dose of leafy greens!

Side 1: Baked Rosemary White Beans

1 bunch rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped (about 4-6 sprigs)

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

4 cans Westbrook Natural organic canned white beans S

2-4 cups chicken stock

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

One of my favorite things to make because it’s so easy, plus bonus: throw some chopped celery and carrots in there, add more stock and you have a soup!

Side 2: Corn & Pepper Salad

2 bags frozen corn

2 bell peppers, chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 tsp olive oil

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

This one takes ten minutes and gets better in the fridge as the flavors merry during the week.  Use any leftovers as an ingredients for  veggie burgers!

Side 3: Roasted Broccoli with Heart-Shaped Ravioli

2 crowns broccoli

1 tsp each salt, pepper and garlic powder

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 lb heart-shaped ravioli (fresh pasta counter) S

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Why not get a little cheesy and do something fun for V-Day??  It’s safe to say that heart-shaped ravioli might save the day and at the very least it will be delicious, especially with the crispy broccoli!

Soup: Split Pea

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, mince

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 ham hock (in the freezer section next to burgers/chicken tenders/fowl)

1 cup ham (buy the Wellshire Farms mini bone-less ham), diced

1 bag split peas, rinsed and picked through

1-2 quarts stock

2 tsp salt and pepper

Our family’s absolute favorite winter soup!  Make it vegan by excluding the ham.

These are your Breakfast, Lunch and Snacking items to be purchased at your discretion.  They are not listed in your Shopping List by Department below.

Breakfast:

Organic Lady Alice apples S/C

Whole Foods Market super greens C

Ancient Nutrition bone broth protein C

Traditional Medicinals Tea S

Celestial Seasonings Tea C

Bulk bacon $2 off $10

Light life bacon or gimme lean sausage C

Organic Valley half and half C

Kashi cold cereals C

Arrowhead pancake and waffle mix C

Lunch:

Santa Cruz peanut butter C

Jam

Sandwich bread

Follow Your Heart soy-free veganaise C

TruRoots pasta C

Modern Table Meal Kit or pasta C

Snacks:

Talenti gelato S

Cellars At Jasper Hill brie S

Suja organic juices S

Bearings corn chips S

Saffron road chickbean chips C

Garden of eatin’ tortilla chips C

Chocolove chocolate bars S

______________________________________________________

Pantry Staples

(Check your pantry first and stock up at the store as needed)

Olive Oil C

Soy Sauce

Agave or Brown Sugar

Salt

Pepper

Unsalted Butter

Coconut Oil C

Cumin

Turmeric

Ginger

Crunchy Peanut Butter C

Fish Sauce

Vegetable Oil

Nutritional Yeast

Red Pepper Flakes

Shopping List by Department

(full list here by department)

Produce

5 bell peppers, color choice is yours S

2 bunches carrots with tops still on

1 bunch celery

8 limes

1 sweet onion

1 bag yellow onions

1 bag creamer baby potatoes

3 medium-sized yukon gold potatoes

1 sweet potato (large)

1 bag peeled garlic

1 shallot

1 bunch chives

1 bunch cilantro

1 bunch rosemary

2 bunches kale

2 crowns broccoli

Meat/Protein

1 ½ – 2 lbs USA/Canada bone-in pork loin chops S

2-4 lobster tails or 1-2 lbs ribeye steaks S/C (choose one of the other unless you are making a special Valentine’s Day dinner)

1 block extra firm tofu

1-2 lbs Whole Foods house-made garlic sausage

1 ham hock (optional)

1 small ham steak (Wellshire Farms)

Dairy/Eggs

1 lb heart-shaped ravioli

1 cup grated parmesan

Grains/Nuts/Dried Fruit/Pasta

1 cup peanuts, roasted and unsalted

2 cups jasmine rice

1 bag split peas

Canned Goods & Non-Perishables

5 quarts stock (either chicken or vegetarian can be used)

1-2 canc coconut milk

1 can black beans S

4 cans white beans S

Frozen Items

2 bags frozen corn

________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

Main 1: Bone-In Pork Loin Chops with Pepper Jam

3 bell peppers, sliced thinly S

1 sweet onion, sliced thinly

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp agave or brown sugar

1 ½-2 lbs USA or Canada bone-in pork loin chops S

1 Tbsp olive oil C

1 tsp each salt and pepper

Process:

  • Begin by making relish: over medium heat in a skillet saute the peppers, onion, soy sauce and agave/brown sugar.  After five minutes, reduce flame to low and cook slowly until caramelized and a little sticky.
  • Remove pepper jam from pan and set aside to cool.  Wipe out pan quickly with a paper towel and add oil.
  • Reheat skillet over medium heat, salt and pepper pork chops and place in pan, searing on each side for 4-6 minutes or until cooked through.  You’ll know they are done when they feel firm when pressed.  Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with the pepper jam.

Main 2: Surf and Turf with Butter Chive Potatoes

1 bag creamer baby potatoes

2-4 lobster tails S or 1-2 lbs ribeye steaks S/C

4 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

1 tsp salt

1 garlic cloves, minced

1 shallot, minced

1 bunch chives, chopped

Process:

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of water to boil.  Add potatoes and cook until soft in the middle, using a knife to poke one or two throughout cooking.  Drain and keep warm.
  • While potatoes are cooking, you can add the lobster (if using) by putting the tails straight into the same pot as the potatoes.  Boil the lobsters until the flesh is pink, opaque and firm.
  • If making steaks, salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat in a skillet, cooking 4 minutes per side.
  • While everything is cooking, quickly assemble the chive butter (this can be done in advance):
  • Mix together the butter with salt, garlic, shallot and chives.
  • Use the butter to top on potatoes, lobster and steak.

Main 3: Massaman Curry

2 tbsp coconut oil C

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 teaspoons  each salt, cumin, turmeric, ginger (may want to adjust seasoning to taste before serving)

3 medium-sized white potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 bunch small carrots, greens removed but tops intact

4 cups chicken/vegetable stock

¼ cup unsweetened crunchy peanut butter

1-2 cans coconut milk

½ cup lime juice (about 4-6 limes)

¼ cup fish sauce

2 Tbsp sugar or agave

1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts for garnish

Process:

  1. Heat coconut oil until melted in big dutch oven or stock pot.  Add garlic, onions and spices and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent spice mixture from scorching.
  2. Add potatoes, stock & peanut butter.  Stir to combine all ingredients.  (You may need to add water if potatoes are not covered.)  Place carrots gently on top (I like this method because the carrots get nicely steamed without overcooking and falling apart) and put a lid on.
  3. Cook at a low boil for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender but not breaking apart.
  4. Once potatoes are tender, remove from the heat, add coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, agave and mix to combine.  Taste, adjust seasonings as necessary and serve alone or over rice.

Main 4: Cilantro Tofu Fries with Green Rice and Black Beans

1 bunch cilantro, washed

2 cups vegetable oil

2 cups rice, cooked

1 block extra-firm tofu, sliced into large matchsticks, resembling fries

1-2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt and pepper

1 can black beans, rinsed S

Process:

  • Make cilantro oil: in a blender, combine the cilantro and oil.  Place in a jar for use throughout the coming weeks.
  • Cook rice with 4 cups liquid, a pinch of salt and a dash of oil.  Keep warm until ready to use.
  • While rice is cooking, Preheat oven to 425 F and slice tofu to resemble large matchsticks.
  • Toss tofu in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven until crisp, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove, toss rice with black beans and 2 Tbsp cilantro oil.
  • Serve tofu on top of rice with a bit more cilantro oil drizzled on top and remember to reserve the rest of the cilantro oil in the fridge for later in the month.

Main 5: Sausage with Garlicky Greens

1-2 lbs Whole Foods house-made garlic sausage

6 cloves garlic

2 bunches kale (or other green of your choice), shredded

1 quart chicken stock

¼ cup nutritional yeast (optional)

1-2 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste

Process:

  • Brown sausage in a large skillet and move to the outsides of the pan edges.
  • Add oil and garlic and brown slightly, five minutes.
  • Add kale, chicken stock nutritional yeast and salt and pepper.
  • Cover and cook until kale is bright green and only slightly wilted.

Side 1: Baked Rosemary White Beans

1 bunch rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped (about 4-6 sprigs)

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

4 cans Westbrook Natural organic canned white beans S

2-4 cups chicken stock

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

Process:

  • Saute rosemary, onion, garlic and olive oil together until softened, five minutes.  
  • Add beans, stock and salt and pepper and cook gently until thickened and heated through, adding more stock as needed.

Side 2: Corn & Pepper Salad

2 bags frozen corn

2 bell peppers, chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 tsp olive oil

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 tsp salt and pepper, to taste

Process:

  • Combine everything in a pot and heat through.

Side 3: Roasted Broccoli with Heart-Shaped Ravioli

2 crowns broccoli, cut into florets

1 tsp each salt, pepper and garlic powder

1 pinch red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 lb heart-shaped ravioli (fresh pasta counter) S

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • On a foil-lined baking sheet, toss florets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and half the oil.
  • Roast for 25 minute or until done.
  • While broccoli is cooking, heat a large pot of water and when boiling, add ravioli to only cook for 2 minutes. Or until heated through.
  • Halfway through roasting time, drain cooked ravioli and add to broccoli pan and bake until crisp.
  • Serve hot covered in parmesan.

Soup: Split Pea

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 ham hock (in the freezer section next to burgers/chicken tenders/fowl)

1 cup ham (buy the Wellshire Farms mini boneless ham), diced

1 bag split peas, rinsed and picked through

1-2 quarts stock

2 tsp salt and pepper

Process:

  • In a large soup pot, heat oil and add onion, garlic, celery and carrots.  
  • After five minutes, add ham hock, chopped ham and mix.
  • Add split peas and stock, plus salt and pepper.
  • Cook for thirty minutes, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

________________________________________________________________________

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