We all have something that keeps us sane. That daily ritual or simple task that we do that just reminds us that the world is continuing to spin. Life is normal.

For some people, that may be making the bed every morning, that gives them a sense of calm, that the day can move forward – this is not my thing.

For me, it’s knowing what’s for dinner each night ahead of time. If I know what the next dinner is going to be, I can relax knowing that I have things under control. If there’s no plan, then I immediately feel like something is off-kilter; my world isn’t right.

And for some of you, this next sentence will sound crazy, but … If I don’t get to cook dinner at least four nights a week, I get stressed. I need to know I’m in my kitchen, my happy place, at least four nights a week.

This week, I need to realize, that my world is crazy and that’s ok. I have school events several nights this week that are going to keep me out of my kitchen. And that is stressful for me. But planning what dinner is for the rest of the family makes it a little better.

What am I thinking about for this week’s meals:

1. As always, what’s on sale. If I can keep the food budget down and still make tasty dinners, it’s a win every week.
2. I am trying to work a bit more turkey into the menu now so there’s a month between our last turkey meal in October and Thanksgiving, but I still have enough bones for stock.
3. What can I make that accommodates 2 nights when my family needs to feed themselves and I’m not home for dinner.

The plan:

Saturday: BBQ Brats and Peaches. This wasn’t used last weekend when I was feeling under the weather one night.

Sunday: Honey Baked Turkey Wings. I just found this recipe to use with Turkey Wings and I am so excited to try it. I’m going to make it alongside some Velveeta mac and cheese, which is a family favorite.

Monday: always leftovers here, we all get home after 7 on Mondays, and it’s easier to just find something and eat it.

Tuesday: Smashburgers. I’ve been craving burgers for a while.

Wednesday: Out at an event, the family will likely eat leftover mac and cheese and brats, and they won’t even be sad about it.

Thursday: Pulled pork tacos. This is the solution. I make a big batch of pulled pork in the slow cooker (pork shoulder is on sale) and season a bit up for pork tacos tonight. That leaves…

Friday: I’m out again, so the family can have bbq pulled pork sandwiches for dinner. Again, they will not be sad at all about this.

And that gets me through my crazy week. Next Saturday I may be out again, but that’s a problem for next week’s menu.