Master Meals List

I've heard recently from a couple people about their "master meals list," where they record the meals they make regularly and pull from the list to create a meal plan and grocery list. I considered making one a couple months ago, but as I thought about it, I realized I already have a Pinterest board for that.

It's a smallish board, but I don't put anything on there unless I'm guaranteed to make it again and again. It grows by 5-8 recipes a year. If I'm at the store and an ingredient for one of these well-loved recipes is on a great sale, I can easily ensure that I have the other ingredients by running to my Pinterest board real quick. If I'm just feeling blah about meal planning, I can usually make at least a few of these meals from ingredients I just always have on hand. And because I'm familiar with these recipes, I can sometimes concoct a version of one even with substitutions galore because I've made it enough times already.

I agree with the "master meals list" people that it's a game-changer to have this list.

Here are a few super notable ones from this "Success Stories" board. If you're in a slump and you want some meal ideas, these are my ultimate go-to's.

:: The "meat and potatoes" winners: this balsamic chicken (do not skip the fresh rosemary) or a crock pot roast

:: (If you have mushrooms instead of potatoes: THIS balsamic chicken with double the mushrooms)

:: The "fewest ingredients" winner: this pasta dish (but don't underestimate how good it is)

:: The "Panda Express fake-out" winner: sweet and sour chicken (one of Joe's faves)

:: The "ones I make just for me to enjoy and don't share with Joseph" winners: fart veggies and rainbow salad

:: The "delicious homemade junk food" winners: pizza loaf or chicken nuggets or mac 'n' cheese (OMG that macaroni will kill you dead of goodness...don't have the heat up too high while you stir in the cheese or it might seize a bit)

But truly, every recipe on that board is just yum and you should try it out if it looks like your jam.

And now a question: Should I or should I not repeat this post with links to all my favorite treats??? I'll pray about it.