My daughter Anna is home for a week and she said, “I just want to come home and open the fridge and see all the food.” LOL I will not let her be disappointed. For most people, kids are out of school and summer is in full swing.  I am shifting from warm soups to chilled soups, more entree salads, and using my grill more.  

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!  If you are missing your father like I am, I am holding space for you in my heart.  ❤️ Here’s your dinner planner for the week:

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Happy weekend, friends! I’m transitioning dinner planners to summer right about now.  In Southern California, we’re starting to see the beginnings of stone fruit and tomatoes which always makes me giddy.  I also start to cook a little more simply and lighter.  I have noticed more people cooking at home lately because restaurant prices are really high.  That said, so are grocery prices! I will do an upcoming newsletter on saving money at the grocery store. It will always be less expensive to cook at home and in general, better for your health.  That’s why I started teaching cooking classes 15 years ago!  Here’s your dinner planner for the week:

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Arugula Salad with Pasta, Zucchini and Pepperoncini Dressing

Eggplant “Milanese” with Basil-Jalapeño Sauce

No-Lettuce Italian Chopped Salad

Sbrisolona (an Italian crumble tart)

Sheet Pan Chicken Piccata

As always, here’s your dinner planner for the week:

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Happy Mother’s Day to everyone! If you are a mom, I hope you give yourself the gift of love, grace and self-compassion. It is the hardest job and doing our best with the resources we have is all we can strive for. If you need to nudge your loved ones to make you something special, check out last week’s dinner planner for some lovely and healthy-ish brunch ideas. Also, don’t be afraid to tell your partner and/or children how you want to spend your day.  Not everyone can read minds, if you know what I mean. If you are missing your mom this weekend, I am holding space in my heart for you.  When a parent leaves us, it is a void that is impossible to fill. 

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Happy Weekend!  If you take my monthly cooking class, the May class has been uploaded and it is a brunch theme!  I love the menu! 

Almond Croissant French Toast Casserole

Market Salad with Parmesan Ranch Dressing

Quiche with Breadcrumb “Crust”

Rice Pudding Parfait

Walnut Streusel Baked Oatmeal

Check last week’s dinner planner for Cinco de Mayo ideas and this week I have some delicious inspiration for Mother’s Day.  Tip: Tell your family early what you’d like.  For those of you who will be without your moms on Mother’s Day, I am holding space in my heart for you.  I know it can be a tough day.   Here’s your dinner planner for the week:

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May gives December a run for its money as far as being a very busy month.  Everyone is trying to cram stuff in before summer, and there’s Mother’s Day and graduations and making sure summer plans get finalized.  It’s all exciting but it can feel overwhelming.  I have a great Mother’s Day gift guide in my newsletter this coming Monday which will give you a lot of excuses to treat yourself!  Also, this week, my annual breakfast/brunch-themed cooking class will be uploaded on May 1.  This a fantastic class!  Here’s your dinner planner for the week:

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