Meal Plan // Week of January 13, 2025

While so many of our hearts and prayers are with Southern California as we continue to check on friends and family, we must also feed and comfort those closest to us.

Just days ago we flew home from Hawaii to the Bay Area as the fires were starting, seeing reports coming in live while we were in flight and sitting in disbelief. Coming off so much quality family time, I couldn’t help but think of all the lives that were changing forever—so many families that had just returned from their Christmas holidays. We will continue to look for ways to support those affected in the days, weeks, and months ahead. I am so heartened to see all the helpers… they are absolutely everywhere.

Weekend Highlights

This weekend, we managed to squeeze in some more family time and spent a fun day in San Francisco with my in-laws. Here’s what we did:

• Dandelion Chocolate Factory Tour: We sampled delicious chocolate and learned about the entire chocolate-making process, from sourcing beans to wrapping bars. Such a fun Christmas gift experience! Be sure to book ahead – this is a very popular spot. 
• El Tonayense Taco Truck: This might have been the best taco/quesadilla I’ve ever had! My kids are already brainstorming when we can hire this taco truck to cater a celebration.
• Rainbow Grocery Co-op: I finally visited this iconic spot I’d heard so much about during culinary school. It was a treasure trove of organic, vegetarian, and bulk food items. I brought home maple syrup, raw honey, and fresh almond butter, but my mental list for my next trip is quite lengthy. Thankfully, my husband and I already agreed this will become a regular field trip—and we’ll stop by the taco truck beforehand to avoid shopping hungry!

This Week’s Meal Plan

Here’s what I’ll be making to nourish and comfort my family this week:

1

Braised Beef Roast with Banana Peppers

An easy, make-ahead meal that everyone enjoys. Whenever we have beef as the main dish, I make sure to get the best quality, grass-fed beef available to me and always serve it with several veggie sides: steamed green beans, roasted brussels sprouts, and a green salad with a bright vinaigrette.

Check out this recipe

2

Dairy-free Creamy Tomato Soup

One of my teenagers is having surgery this week (not to worry—he’ll feel much better once he’s all fixed up!), so I want to have comforting soup on hand. I’ll serve this with grilled cheese sandwiches on local sourdough bread for dipping as well as some delicious citrus from the farmer’s market. Doesn’t get much more comforting than this!

Check out this recipe

3

Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs (Whole30, Gluten Free)

I’m trying a new recipe this week from Nom Nom Paleo. Her recipes are always reliable, healthy, and easy to prepare. This dish will bring a bit of our recent vacation vibe to the table. I’ll pair the meatballs with broccoli, sautéed Swiss chard, and coconut rice.

Check out this recipe

4

Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

Another new recipe on the menu! I’ll bulk it up with sautéed mushrooms and chicken. The creaminess comes from raw, unsalted cashews rather than dairy cream—a substitution I make often and my family never notices.

Check out this recipe

5

Maple Almond Butter Granola

We’re out of granola in the house, and while it’s not a dire emergency, our mornings and snacks are so much better with this healthy, crunchy topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls.

Wishing you a week full of comfort and nourishing food. Please let me know if you try any of these recipes! 

Cheers,
Christina