Hi Reader,

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who meal prep like it’s a spiritual practice and those who panic-eat hummus straight from the tub at 9 p.m. on a Tuesday. I regret to inform you I’ve been both. There was the year I decided I was “a meal prep person” and bought twelve matching glass containers for the express purpose of getting my life together, stacked them like a shrine, and announced to The One, “We’re going to live like adults.” Three days later, I was eating leftover takeout Chinese out of one of those same pristine containers—because irony pairs beautifully with lo mein.
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That’s when it finally clicked: meal prep doesn’t need a system, a spreadsheet, or a personality overhaul. It just needs to be easy. A little chopping when you’re calm. A pot of something forgiving on the stove. A few quiet decisions made ahead of time so weeknights don’t feel like a pop quiz you forgot to study for.
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Meal prep, at its best, is less about control and more about kindness. It’s setting yourself up so future-you—running late, slightly frazzled, and wondering why dinner comes every night—opens the fridge and finds help instead of judgment. No sad lettuce. No frantic rummaging. Just food that’s ready when you are.

My Meal Prep Commandments

• I. Start with one meal. Don’t go full-on “Sunday in Tupperware Land.” Master breakfast or lunch first, then expand.
• II. Batch the basics. Roast a sheet pan of veggies, grill some chicken, cook a pot of grains. Mix, match, repeat.
• III. Flavor is everything. Keep sauces, dressings, and spice rubs ready—because no one deserves a bland Tuesday.
• IV. Think modular, not monotonous. Prep components, not entire meals. Variety keeps you from revolting by Thursday.
• V. Honor the chaos. Something will spill, burn, or vanish into the fridge abyss. Laugh, refill your wine, and move on.

It's Almost Super Bowl Time

The Sport Bowl thingamajig is this coming Sunday. As most of you know I live for the half-time shows not football (quelle surprise), but alas man cannot live by sparkles, spangles, and fireworks alone. So, in honor of those of you who will watch and eat (and eat and eat!)...

​Our 11 Most Popular Super Bowl Recipes​

​☞ ​Try These Recipes

And if that's not enough, here's the whole kit and kaboodle of Super Bowl good eats.

​☞ ​Get 'em All

WHAT'S INSIDE...Hearty slow-cooked meal + friend chicken (just because)

• ​Slow Cooked Lamb & Cannellini Beans​
• ​Batter-Fried Chicken (Easy & Extra-Crispy)​
• ​Appalachian Cider Baked Beans​
• ​Star Anise and Ginger-Braised Chicken​
• ​Jamie Oliver’s Beef Bourguignon​
• ​Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew​

​Slow Cooked Lamb & Cannellini Beans​

This slow cooked lamb and cannellini beans is an oh-so-comforting stew made with tender braised boneless lamb, white beans, vegetables and topped with parsley and lemon gremolata. The perfect thing for winter.

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​Batter-Fried Chicken (Easy & Extra-Crispy)​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.75 from 175 votes

In case you're interested, this recipe has been consistently held the top one, two, and three spot on LC for years.

It calls for the pieces to be quickly brined and then dipped in a seasoned batter for a crisp Southern-style crust. Simple as can be. This is the real deal. Includes secrets for that crunchy crust.

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​Appalachian Cider Baked Beans​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 from 12 votes

This dish takes plain ole pinto beans, adds salt pork, molasses, mustard, and apple cider, making them into something magical. Hearty, flavorful, and traditional, this recipe is everything you want for dinner.

Great for those of you who got MORE snow this past weekend.

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​Star Anise and Ginger-Braised Chicken​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.93 from 14 votes

This little ditty is a healthy meal that will fill your kitchen with exotic aromas and can be made in a single pot on the stove-top or in the slow cooker.

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​Jamie Oliver’s Beef Bourguignon​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.63 from 40 votes

My sumptuous beef bourguignon is cozy and indulgent. If you can find beef cheeks, they are ideal for this tender beef stew that braises all afternoon.

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​Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew​

This hearty Irish-inspired beef stew is loaded with tender beef, vegetables, stout beer and is conveniently made in the slow cooker. Make it for St. Patrick's day or to warm up with a bowl of cold weather comfort food.

​☞ ​Try This Recipe​