Hello there. I know it's been some time. As I head into the final weeks (!) of my pregnancy, not only am I super tired, but I find myself super busy getting ready for baby boy's arrival. My parents were so amazing and generous and got us a chest freezer so we could stock up some things, pre-baby. So far, it has a great deal of assorted meats/poultry and some beautiful, fresh chicken stock for making the base of a variety of soups, including a super wonderful, healing postpartum chicken "noodle" soup recommended by my midwives. What else are we trying to stock up on, you might ask? Great question! I know that my hands will be quite busy once little man makes his appearance and making elaborate meals will be one of the last things on my mind. BUT! I also know what a vital time it will be for me to be eating at my prime, much like during pregnancy, to ensure I'm healing well, able to produce adequate milk to feed our baby boy, and supplying little one with the nutrients he needs. Here's a peak into what I've been and will be making so that both momma and baby are healthy, happy, and well-fed (and husband too, I suppose!). I'll be adding the chicken stock recipe soon so you can all benefit from its amazing nutrition and healing powers.
Breakfast and Snacks
Along with a plethora of smoothies, which will be easy to make, drink while nursing baby, and full of nutrients, I'll also be stocking up on granola, and probably some of these tasty treats for quick, easy, snacking.
Lunches & Dinners
Gnocchi for this lovely dish.
This galette can be made into a freezer-friendly meal. Simply prepare the filling, place into an air-tight container, and freeze. You can also make the crust ahead of time and freeze it, or make the pastry fresh. In either case, when you want to make the galette, simply thaw the filling and add to the crust. Bake as usual.
Pizza dough and sauce for pizza bites or a nice little pizza.
I've been making TONS of various pestos and sauces, which will be great for an easy, quick pasta dish, over gnocchi, or, our newest favorite, in place of a traditional tomato sauce for a pizza or flatbread! We've used this awesome arugula pesto several times in the past few weeks for just this purpose.
And finally, especially since we're having a winter baby, soups are a great way to go. Tomato-based, quinoa and lentil, or sweet potato deliciousness - you decide (or a different one each night!)
Whether you're pregnant, new parents, or just want to have a dinner plan that doesn't involve scrambling each evening, give these recipes a try! With any luck, my freezer will be stocked and ready before baby boy makes his quickly approaching debut!
Along with a plethora of smoothies, which will be easy to make, drink while nursing baby, and full of nutrients, I'll also be stocking up on granola, and probably some of these tasty treats for quick, easy, snacking.
Lunches & Dinners
Gnocchi for this lovely dish.
This galette can be made into a freezer-friendly meal. Simply prepare the filling, place into an air-tight container, and freeze. You can also make the crust ahead of time and freeze it, or make the pastry fresh. In either case, when you want to make the galette, simply thaw the filling and add to the crust. Bake as usual.
Pizza dough and sauce for pizza bites or a nice little pizza.
I've been making TONS of various pestos and sauces, which will be great for an easy, quick pasta dish, over gnocchi, or, our newest favorite, in place of a traditional tomato sauce for a pizza or flatbread! We've used this awesome arugula pesto several times in the past few weeks for just this purpose.
And finally, especially since we're having a winter baby, soups are a great way to go. Tomato-based, quinoa and lentil, or sweet potato deliciousness - you decide (or a different one each night!)
Whether you're pregnant, new parents, or just want to have a dinner plan that doesn't involve scrambling each evening, give these recipes a try! With any luck, my freezer will be stocked and ready before baby boy makes his quickly approaching debut!