Inside Kelly’s Kitchen Coffee Chat

Grab your coffee and settle in for our Sunday chat about food, family, and getting ready for a new week of meals.  Easter food and weekly meal planning.

What Are You Making for Easter?

Let’s kick things off with Easter planning. I’d love to hear from you in the comments—what are you planning to make for Easter this year? Is there a dish you serve every year that your family expects on the table? Whether it’s a cherished family recipe, something new you want to try, or even a brunch spread, I’d love to hear your ideas.

This year, I wasn’t sure what direction to go in at first. My kids’ schedules weren’t finalized, and I didn’t know if we’d be doing a midday meal or something later in the evening. And to be honest—I just didn’t feel like cooking a turkey this time. Do you ever feel that way? Like you need to switch things up a bit?

So I picked up two hams and a roast beef, and now that my son confirmed when he’ll be home, I’ve decided to go with roast beef for Easter dinner. I might also make one of the hams, just to have extra food in the house for the weekend. After all, with a full house, leftovers are a lifesaver!

Let’s Talk Menu Planning with ChatGPT

I have to share something that’s made my life so much easier: using ChatGPT for meal planning! I popped in and told it I had a roast beef and a ham, and it gave me a delicious menu idea featuring flavors, side dishes, and even a timeline for prepping and cooking.

For the roast beef, it suggested a garlic and herb rub, paired with Yorkshire pudding—a British tradition I grew up with and absolutely love. I’ll also serve garlic mashed potatoes, maple-glazed carrots, Parmesan asparagus with sliced almonds, and of course, Brussels sprouts, which are a favorite in my house (and a favorite of my son’s girlfriend, too!).

I’ll also glaze one of the hams with a maple mustard glaze—a blend that’s one of my new spices! 

If you’re ever stuck on what to make, I highly recommend trying this tool. Just type in what you have—like “a frozen 5-pound roast beef and 6 guests for Easter dinner at 2 PM”—and it will give you a full prep schedule and cooking instructions. It even tells you when to thaw, peel, roast, and rest your meats. Honestly, it’s a game-changer for big holidays or when you’re hosting and want to stay organized.

Don’t Forget Brunch (and Dessert!)

Depending on everyone’s schedule, we might end up having both an Easter dinner and a brunch. If I cook ham on Saturday, I plan to dice some of it up for a quiche on Sunday. I even found a gluten-free pie shell at the store, which is perfect for my future daughter-in-law, who eats gluten-free. It’s really important to me that everyone feels welcome and included at my table.

As for dessert—what are your go-to Easter treats? I’m torn between making an Easter egg cheesecake (which looks simple and delicious) and a classic carrot cake. Maybe I’ll make both—because why not? Please share in the comments what you’re baking or buying for dessert this year!

A Peek at My Weekly Meal Plan

In addition to planning for Easter, I always like to plan out our regular weeknight meals. It takes the stress out of the week and ensures I use up what’s in my fridge and freezer.

Here’s a look at what we’re eating this week:

Sunday:

It’s gloomy and rainy today, so I’m leaning into comfort food. I have fish cakes, baked beans, and sweet potato fries planned. The fish cakes are frozen and easy to prepare, and I can either use a bag of fries or make them from scratch.

Monday:

We’re hosting a big Easter party for the nine daycare kiddos I care for, so I’m planning something easy for supper: probably sausages and sauerkraut, with sweet potato fries again. I love Johnsonville smoked sausages—they’re pre-cooked, but I like to give them a quick fry for extra flavor.

Tuesday:

My husband will be home, and I’m making a lasagna skillet. This is one of my favorite one-pan meals: simple, hearty, and satisfying. I’m thinking of featuring this in one of my upcoming cooking classes. I’ll serve it with a big green salad.

Wednesday:

On the menu: chicken burgers made from ground chicken, seasoned with a Tuscan spice blend. I’ll fry them in a pan and serve them on fresh bakery buns, topped with lettuce, tomato, and a homemade maple bacon aioli. ( one of my great new spices ). I’ll toast the buns for that extra touch, and serve with another salad.

Thursday:

I plan to use a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables and pre-cooked chicken strips for a quick stir-fry. It’s a simple but flavorful meal that comes together fast—perfect for a busy evening.

Friday:

Not sure yet—maybe leftovers, or I’ll whip up something creative with whatever’s still in the fridge.

Easter Dinner Tips & Tricks

Here are a few of my favorite tips for making Easter dinner stress-free and special:

• Prep ahead: Peel veggies, mix sauces, and thaw your meats a day or two early.

• Use your slow cooker: It’s a lifesaver when oven space is tight.

• Roast smarter: I love using baby potatoes, halved or quartered, tossed in olive oil and seasoning, then roasted until golden.

• Add flavor layers: Instead of plain mashed potatoes, try garlic or herb-infused versions. Add maple syrup to carrots or Parmesan to asparagus for that gourmet touch.

• Plan for dietary needs: Whether it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian, thinking ahead helps everyone feel included.

Final Thoughts and a Quick Reminder

I’m so excited for Easter this year, especially now that I have a plan in place. Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, flavorful sides, delicious desserts, and best of all—time spent with family.

If you need help figuring out your Easter menu or planning meals for the week, just ask! I’d be happy to help walk you through how to use ChatGPT for meal planning or share recipe ideas tailored to your pantry.

And don’t forget to check out my new Free E-Book : https://kelly-s-kitchen.kit.com/chatgptmeals

Struggle with:

• What to serve

• How much to make

• When to prep

This eBook covers it ALL—with a little AI magic.

Thanks so much for being here. I hope you have a relaxing Sunday and a joyful Easter weekend. I may or may not go live next week since it’s Easter Sunday, but I might record something ahead of time.

Happy Easter planning and happy cooking,

Kelly