Good morning, friends. Today’s coffee chat feels a little different. My house is buzzing with emotions, the kind that only food and family can help settle. My daughter’s due past—yes, I might be a Gigi by the time you read this!—and in the meantime, my brain is scattered, my heart is restless, and my hands… well, they’re busy cooking.

When life feels uncertain, I fall back on what grounds me most: meal prep. I’ve been up since four in the morning, making sure this week has some order and comfort no matter what surprises come our way. So, grab your cup of coffee and come into my kitchen. Let’s talk about meal planning, cooking through big life transitions, and a few dishes that will carry you through busy weeks.

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Easy Hamburger Night: A Comfort Classic

Let’s start with the burgers. I had a pound of ground beef in the fridge, so I mixed in some leftover French onion seasoning, garlic, onions, and an egg to bind it all together. Simple, hearty, and quick—everything I need right now.

I cooked the patties ahead of time because I don’t know what evenings this week will look like. All I’ll have to do later is toast some buns in the air fryer, add lettuce, tomato, a little sauce, and serve them with a Caesar salad (my son’s favorite). Done.

That’s my first easy win of the week—homemade burgers, cooked ahead, waiting in the fridge.

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Chicken Shawarma Wraps: Flavor on Repeat

Next up: chicken. I’ve been marinating it in a shawarma seasoning, and I’ll fry it up, slice it thin, and tuck it into wraps. Around here, wraps are a hit—they’re portable, quick, and customizable. Add a little garlic sauce, cucumber, or pickled turnip if you have it, and you’ve got a meal that feels like takeout without the cost or wait.

This is meal number two, and I know it’ll be a crowd-pleaser.

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Fish with Lime and Chipotle Aioli

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love fish. My husband’s away, so I’ve stocked up on haddock for myself. I seasoned it with ancho lime spice—just the right balance of heat and tang.

To make it extra delicious, I’ll whip up an aioli. Normally, that’s mayo mixed with seasoning, but this time I might try sour cream to keep it lighter. Chipotle aioli adds a smoky kick that pairs beautifully with white fish. Like the shawarma, this can go straight into wraps with a crunchy slaw.

That’s meal number three. Three dinners, all prepped before the week even begins.

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Brunch with Family: Cooking for Love and Leftovers

On top of meal prep, today I’m hosting brunch. My aunt is visiting from Great Britain, and my son and daughter-in-law are here too. I wanted everyone to gather around the table for a big meal that stretches into the week with leftovers.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

• Sausage patties – fried and ready.

• Potatoes with bacon, onions, and peppers – a pre-made mix from the store, crisped in the air fryer (no oven in this heat!).

• Eggs Benedict – my son’s on poached-egg duty, and I’ve already whisked together hollandaise sauce.

• Mac and cheese – my aunt’s favorite comfort dish. I couldn’t let her visit without making it.

• Salad – ChatGPT suggested a spinach, strawberry, and feta salad with almonds and balsamic dressing. Perfect since strawberries are on sale.

• Fruit platter – light, refreshing, and great for balance.

• Brownies – gluten-free so my daughter-in-law can enjoy them too.

Brunch meals like this are my favorite because they pull family together, give me space to be creative, and leave behind plenty of leftovers.

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Pancakes for the Freezer

Now, let’s talk pancakes. I pulled out my old, handwritten recipe book—the kind stuffed with magazine clippings and family favorites. My daughter Arriel once wrote out her pancake recipe, and it’s still the best.

I always make pancakes in bulk. Three cups of milk soured with vinegar for fluffiness, a quarter cup of melted butter, eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I ladle them onto the griddle with a muffin scoop for even size.

The best part? I make enough for two to three weeks. They freeze beautifully, and the kids downstairs love them. Add fruit or a quick compote made from frozen berries and a little maple syrup, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels special without extra effort.

I even make a gluten-free batch so everyone in the family is included.

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Why Meal Prep Matters (Especially in Emotional Seasons)

Some people meal prep just for convenience. For me, it’s also emotional. With a new grandbaby on the horizon and my house shifting toward empty nest, cooking gives me focus. It’s my way of pouring love into my family and grounding myself when things feel uncertain.

Meal prep saves time, reduces stress, and helps you avoid the dreaded “what’s for supper?” panic at 5 p.m. But more than that, it’s a ritual. It’s a way to create comfort and connection, even in seasons of change.

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Tips for Your Own Weekly Meal Planning

If you’re inspired to start prepping this week, here are some practical tips:

1. Use your grocery flyers. Look at what’s on sale (like strawberries this week) and build meals around those items.

2. Double up. If you’re cooking burgers or pancakes, make extra. Freeze what you don’t need right away.

3. Mix proteins. Rotate between beef, chicken, and fish so you don’t get bored.

4. Keep salads simple. Caesar, garden, or spinach with fruit—no need to overthink it.

5. Prep breakfast, too. Pancakes, waffles, or omelets made ahead can make mornings so much easier.

6. Plan for leftovers. A big brunch, roast, or stir-fry can feed you for more than one meal.

7. Use your freezer. It’s your best friend for batch cooking and future you will thank you.

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What’s on My Menu This Week

So here’s my plan going into this week:

• Hamburgers with Caesar salad

• Chicken shawarma wraps

• Ancho lime haddock with chipotle aioli

• Beef stir-fry with frozen veggies

• Brunch leftovers – pancakes, potatoes, mac & cheese, and fruit

That’s five meals ready to go, plus breakfasts prepped for the kids and myself.

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Your Turn

Now I’d love to know: what two meals are you planning this week? Did something in your grocery flyer inspire you? Maybe zucchini from your garden, or squash on sale at your store? Share it with me in the comments—I promise, your ideas inspire me just as much as I hope mine inspire you.

Meal prep isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding small ways to make your week easier, feed your family well, and create space for what matters most—whether that’s welcoming a new baby, visiting with family, or simply taking a breath in the middle of busy days.

So, here’s to another week of real food, real life, and meals that bring us home.

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Kelly’s Kitchen – Meals that bring you home.

#mealplanning #familymeals