Meal Options and Trader Joe’s

     On route home, my daughter and I were close enough that we did a Trader Joe’s stop. For those who have been reading my posts for a while, you know Trader Joe's has lured me into their retail clutches with a few only found there items and a fee quality staples that have become family and personal favorites. I spent $35 on a mix of frozen and pantry items. I also got a package of their naan, some clementines, and bananas as their bakery and produce is reasonably priced and good quality. I have a standing list for DD1 who makes a stop about one time per month, usually when she is in the area for w ork. Yesterday though there were holes in my list that I couldn't find-their vanilla almond granola, another frozen palak paneer, and vegetable fried rice. It was late on Saturday though. Besides these items below, I also got a jar of olive tapenade and fresh butternut squash ravioli. Occasionally Aldi has a version of these items, but hit or miss. These are my treats. I think if I lived in New York, I would make occasional outings to Zabar's, which I only know through movie, or if in London, Fortnum and Mason's. Yes, I know TJ's are all over and nothing special, but the foods are an affordable unique treat. 

 Anyway, with my medical drama earlier in the week, meals were once again all over the place. 
These were meals we had as planned:
Burrito bowls with rice and refried beans
Ravioli in mushroom white tomato sauce
Frozen Domino's Pizza
Homemade chicken tenders, homemade potato wedges
Plus:
Chicken patties and sweet potato fries
A couple nights of leftovers.

     DD2 had requested next weekend off, but was number four and they only allow three to request. She has been working seven days a week since June 8th and really wanted next weekend to go camping with friends. She ended up swapping a shift with someone that wanted yesterday off, but was scheduled and worked a double, so from 8:00 until after midnight. She works at 4:00 today, so I'll be happy to make her any nice mid day meal she would like. I just hope the girl she changed with doesn't flake out an decide she can't work a double next weekend. Beyond what DD2 decides, today is going to be a clean out the refrigerator day. I have eggs that need using up and bits of other items. The rest of the week may look like this:

Chow mein, rice, and egg rolls
Chicken patties, homemade french fries
Cottage pie with hamburger and mixed vegetables
Butternut Squash in mushrooms and roasted vegetables
Penne Pasta with roasted vegetables
Tuna Tettrazini with mixed vegetables
Egg bake with cheese and onions, diced potatoes
Homemade pizza with cheese and vegetables
Curry and rice with naan

     These all can be made with items in the house, though likely we'll do another shop of some sort. The weekly pops into the grocery store are the height of my excitement. There also could be a leftover or fend for yourself night. My sister turns 60 this week and we have an outdoor  party planned next Saturday, though I'm not sure how food will be done yet. I'm leery of eating buffet style anything. Covid19 makes celebrating a challenge for all of us; I'd like to see my siblings all stay healthy. What are you thinking of cooking this week? Do you have any shops that you only shop at occasionally, but have specialty items you just love to buy? Has anyone shopped at  Zabar's or Fortnum and Mason's. I'd love to know what you bought.