What's Good This Week

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This was a very exciting mail week in the HNL house because I got a long awaited package from Sarah.

First, some backstory - Back in December 2018 when Sarah and I first met IRL she brought me her favourite planner because we are nerds who plan out our blog content with pencil and paper. But in doing so, she ruined me for all other planners. I cannot function with out that thing. 

So ever since then, Sarah has very kindly mailed me a new planner in October or November of each year, whenever they start appearing in stores. The postage probably costs more than the planner, but she is awesome and does it anyways.

So in November 2020, Sarah sent me a package with the planner and said she'd thrown in a few extra things at the same time. But the world was in a state of chaos in November 2020 to say the least. The pandemmy was in full force. The election was happening. US Postal Service was in chaos. And the Post Nord, the Swedish postal service, is pretty much always awful. 

So I waited. And waited. And waited. And then finally one day I got a final reminder notice to go pick up my package... 10 days beforehand. 

I had never received the first notice, and I knew it was a long shot but I went to the pickup point anyways and the lady there pointed out that the final day to pick up was 10 days ago and said it had likely been sent back. I called Post Nord just to be sure, and yep, since I had never picked it up (BECAUSE THEY NEVER SENT THE NOTICE!!!) they had sent the package back. 

Eventually, some months later, Sarah got the package back in her hands. 

So this year rolls around, and Sarah freshened up the package with a 2022 planner and sent it back. And you guys, IT MADE IT!!! 

This package has been from Seattle to Stockholm to Seattle and back to Stockholm again. But I'm so, so, so happy it finally made it. 

First of all, I've got the best planner ever in my hands and can start mapping out blog content for the year. I've been doing it digitally for now, but my brain really prefers the pencil and paper process. Oh, and speaking of these pencils, she also sent me a package of THESE mechanical pencils, because she has also ruined me for all other mechanical pencils. 

She also included buttermilk powder because we don't have buttermilk in this godforsaken land I live in, and THREE three-packs of Chapstick, because I'm of the opinion that only Chapstick brand Chapstick will do, and we can't get it here. Also Stasher Bags, and a face mask / scarf from Covered Goods which she swears is the best. 

So now, my lips will be moisturized, my life will be organized, and my pancakes will be tangy. At long last. 

ON HEY NUTRITION LADY THIS WEEK

Two new recipes this week! First up, BUFFALO TOFU!!! Crispy, spicy, Buffalo Tofu nuggets that are like vegetarian hot wings. Perfect for game day eats or just whenever you feel like a fun appetizer. 

This week I also gave one of the oldest recipes on HNL a well-deserved glow up. This Spicy Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup was first posted in 2011 and has been languishing in the archives since then. It's been updated with new photos and Instant Pot instructions, but there are of course stovetop instructions as well.

WHAT’S TRENDING ON HNL

Yeah, yeah, we all know that Mung Bean and Coconut Curry and How to Cook Mung Beans are in the top spots. Yes, still! So let’s look at what else is trending.

1. 10-Minute Vegetable Ramen Noodles. Still going strong! 

2. Black Bean and Quinoa Freezer Burritos. Again and again and again. 

3. How to Cook Adzuki Beans. Love these little guys!

4. Red Lentil Dal. So cozy and delicious. 

5. Savory Cottage Cheese Muffins. I love snacking on these!

COMMENT OF THE WEEK

Chris left the following comment and 5-star review on our Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils recipe: 

Love, love, love this! I made my lentils in the instant pot and then pre made this for a no brainer weekday dinner. I loved everything about it. The flavor, the texture, the quick and easiness of it. It will definitely be part of the dinner rotation. Thanks for such a great recipe! The pickled onions were the bomb. I’ve been eating them with everything!

Yes! So glad you enjoy these as much as we do, Chris 🙂

THIS WEEK’S MENU

Trying to get into some more recipe testing this week, so the menu is subject to change. But here's what's on the plan for now.

HERE’S WHAT’S ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:

Monday: Big salad!

Tuesday: Leftover Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry with rice. 

Wednesday: Tortellini with halloumi for me and meatballs for the boys.

Thursday: I'm taking a colleague to Ikea so may grab dinner there.

Friday: Halloumi Carbonara! Been having a craving. 

Saturday: Attempting to go out for dinner for the 3rd weekend in a row. Previous two attempts have been foiled by a sick babysitter. 

Sunday: Pizza night! Going to mix up a double batch of Spelt Pizza Dough and freeze half.