This time of year is all about making the most of your surroundings. Whether it is snowy and below 0F or 60F and rainy, chances are, you could use a night in… or two… or four!

Monday –

Let’s kick-off this week of comfort foods with roasted pork with balsamic gravy. Serve with steamed Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots, and either potatoes or a simple roasted butternut squash,for a colorful and cozy meal! Remember: fill half your plate with veggies, and split the other half between your protein and starches.

Tori’s Tips

• Upgrade from potatoes – Squash counts as a starch here, but a delicious one; and thanks to fiber and lots of vitamins, it’s a fantastic way to upgrade your nutrition!
• Use frozen veg if fresh is not in season – the nutrients are locked in, and it can be healthier even than fresh!
• Remember that gravy can add a ton of calories (especially if you make it with a roux), so treat it as you would any other fat

Tuesday –

A turkey-twist on an All-American meal, Chef John’s turkey sloppy joes on our Italian or Kaiser rolls are a winning combination! Finish this dish with a simple side of sautéed zucchini.

Tori’s Tips

• Dairy Free? We recommend Earth Balance and Daiya or So Delicious subs.

• Vegetarian or Vegan? Swap the dairy (above) and then use lentils instead of meat!

• If you can’t find a gf bouillion cube, leave it out of the zucchini

• Add a side of fresh fruit if you really feel like you need a ‘third’ thing on your plate

Wednesday –

This next dynamic duo tastes just like walking into your grandmother’s house on a cool day. Pair with our perfect Pillsbury crescent roll clone for a satiating dish that will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Tori’s Tips

• Garbanzo beans supply most of the protein in this hearty vegetable soup, but beef roast or rotisserie chicken could easily be added.

• Allergic to soy? Use coconut aminos instead!

• In our roll recipe, all dairy free subs will do (we use Earth Balance and So delicious in almost everything)

• A fresh green salad is a great third accompaniment to add for company!

Thursday –

Growing up, this was the meal that was always waiting in the pantry. Now, I crave Grandma’s famous salmon cakes year-round! This real-life meal deserves a modest partner-in-crime. Use any bag of frozen mixed vegetables to make this a balanced meal. End this weeknight with chocolate cherry fudge cake to savor into the weekend!

Tori’s Tips

• Vegan or Vegetarian? Use grated zucchini and a generous tsp of Old Bay seasoning

• Allergic to or don’t eat eggs? Chia gel, Flax gel, or aquafaba all work here – use 1/2 c

Friday –

Something cheesy always sounds delicious on a Friday night. Let’s give the pizza a break this week and try cheesy baked orzo with bacon and peas. Add a side salad with your favorite dressing and toppings.

Tori’s Tips

• Vegan or Vegetarian?

  • Omit the bacon. Use a dash of liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or smoked salt instead

  • Use grated zucchini and a generous tsp of Old Bay seasoning

• Dairy free? Swap the milk and cheese for your favorite dairy free (we use So Delicious milk and Follow Your Heart Gouda Style Cheese) and use nutritional yeast and/or helpseed in place of the parmesan (we like a 50/50 mix of the two)

• You can find gf Orzo on Amazon!