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Yes, I have a favorite apron! I know that sounds weird but any home cook knows that a good apron is a must. I’ve had a few different types of aprons over the years but my favorite is the cross back style. Theres no requirement to tie it around the neck or the waist… it just goes over your head and that’s it!

Only care about the weekly menu? Scroll down!

Aprons are a must have in the kitchen because they not only protect your clothes from food, oil, and spills but they also protect your food from dust and debris you might have on your clothes from throughout the day.

Interested in my favorite style apron? Check out out the exact style I have by CLICKING HERE or check out a similar one available on Amazon:

This Week’s Menu

This week’s menu is inspired by the flavors of the southwest United States! When many people think of southwestern US food they think of recipes covered in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Although some of these recipes are heavy on the dairy, I did my best to incorproate a mix of healthy options and comfort foods. I’ve provided you with 6 menu ideas and links to the recipes. All you need to do is write down the ingredients and do the grocery shopping.

Each day includes additional notes, tips, and recommendations to help you prep the meals. Unless noted, all meals are 4 servings.

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[Meatless] Monday

Notes and Recommendations: Although the total time to cook this meal seems long, it’s actually an easy recipe to put together. The majority of the time for this recipe is roasting time for the garlic and the mushrooms.

Meal Prep Tips: Roast the garlic ahead of time. You can roast the garlic the day before or you can roast the garlic in the morning while you’re getting ready for work. The mushroom mix can be made a day ahead as well. Prep your salad while the mushrooms are roasting.

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Tuesday

Notes and Recommendations: You don’t want your meat and veggies to steam. If your sheet pan seems overcrouded, split the ingredients between two sheet pans. Turn on your broiler for a few minutes if you want a little extra char (but make sure you keep your eye on the food because things burn quickly under the broiler).

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Wednesday

Notes and Recommendations: The recipe calls for poblano but can be substituted with a green bell pepper. If you don’t want to make your own tortilla strips just purchase your own or crumble tortilla chips.

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Thursday

Notes and Recommendations: Use your favorite type of rice in this recipe, you can even replace the rice with cauliflower rice.

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Friday

Notes and Recommendations: Buy a bagged salad kit to save time. If you grocery shop once a week I recommend buying premade guacamole (this way you don’t have to worry about your avocados going bad too quickly).

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Saturday [Splurge]

Saturday Splurge is a recipe that uses ingredients that you might not typically keep in your pantry or is more hands on that something you cook during the week. If you don’t want to cook on Saturday, then don’t. Go grab some takeout and support a local small business!