in the kitchen-a weekly plan

Why is it so hard to get dinner on the table the last few weeks of the school year?  I managed to get my act together last week! I hope these meal ideas and my notes help you with at least one dinner this week. 

Meal 1::
Best-Ever Barbecued Ribs and Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

I have posted about these ribs before, but this time we were able to throw them on the grill.  Seriously, the BEST ever [the title does not lie!].  The macaroni salad was excellent as the side.  Great for cookouts or potlucks. 

Meal 2::
PF Changs "healthier" Lettuce Wraps

I used San-J Gluten Free Thai Peanut Marinade and Dipping sauce instead of the Hoisin and Bragg Liquid Aminos instead of soy sauce. [Two easy swaps and this is gluten free.]  I doubled the sauce portion of the recipe but didn't mix it in with the turkey.  I simply put it in a bowl so we could put a little sauce on each wrap.  These wraps are packed with flavor-you won't miss any of the fat!

Meal 3::
Spicy Fish and Potato Soup

A light and easy to make soup.  Don't skip the celery leaves, chives and bacon on top.  They make the soup go from good to fantastic!

Meal 4::
Chipotle Short Ribs and Tangy Cabbage Slaw

My grocery story did not have boneless short ribs.  The butcher suggested flat iron steak cut into 2-inch pieces instead.  He did not steer me wrong!  Throw this in the slow cooker and dinner is ready when you are.  Full of flavor, and great when paired with the tang of the slaw. 

{Images 1 and 2 by Where is June?}
{Images 3 and 4 by Raymond Hom for Real Simple}