We are approaching the end of summer and the beginning of fall.  Do not despair.  This is the time of year with the best produce.  You still have the end of tomatoes, corn, squash, melons, etc. and the beginnings of apples, pears, pomegranate, winter squashes and more.  It’s a bounty of the best of Mother Nature. Get organized with a plan for the week so you can liberate yourself from the annoying dinner cloud and you’ll also save a ton of money. Here’s your dinner planner for the week: 

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I used to include meal prep tips for the dinner planner but decided to remove them since most people don’t follow the dinner planner exactly.  If you ever have questions about what you can do ahead of time or how to adapt the recipes/dinner planner to fit your lifestyle/dietary preferences, just leave a comment below.  It’s my super power!  😉

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Most of us work very hard and therefore I hope Labor Day is a restful and restorative day for you! Even though we are blessed with a 3-day weekend, it is a little bittersweet since Labor Day represents the end of summer.  Le sigh.  The good news for me is that my daughter Anna and her fiance are coming home for an extended weekend and bringing a few friends for a wedding they are all attending.  I love a full house!

My latest cooking class will be uploaded no later than September 1!  The theme for September is “Fall Family Dinners” and this is the flexible menu: Broccoli, Apple and Quinoa Salad with Honey-mustard Dressing, Chicken Scarpariello , Invisible Apple Cake, Spaghetti Squash alla Norma,  Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Shrimp and Pesto.

I give substitution suggestions for the big allergens and dietary preferences, so even if you’re vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, or grain-free, I have you covered!  Here’s your dinner planner for the week:

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My pasta-pizza-formaggio-vino-gelato vacation is over.  It was the best trip ever and I am so grateful to my mom for bringing us all together for such an amazing time.  I will share details in my newsletter soon.  My Picky is back at college and we are empty nesters once again.  In the meantime, I’m back in the kitchen and trying to be on a regular eating plan again that doesn’t involve fried pizza dough and prosciutto! Here’s your dinner planner for the week:

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Happy Weekend!  My Italian vacation with my whole family is coming to an end shortly but it has been a truly magical trip.  I will share ALL the details in one or two different newsletters soon.  I am headed to my mom’s house on Long Island before returning to California. My son will be going back to college (insert crying emoji) and I will spend a few extra days with him.  I don’t know if I can pull off a Monday Instagram live this week.  My guess is probably not, but I’ll plan on it for August 26!  Here’s your dinner planner for the week:

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Ciao from Italy!  I am on a multi-generational trip with my mother, sisters, their families and my family!  So far, so good!  I have already eaten my weight in pasta, pizza and gelato.  I will be posting a newsletter with all the details and my travel tips in the near future.  In the meantime, you can follow along on Instagram stories.  No IG live this Monday! Here’s your dinner planner for the week:

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