Editing Openai/693436ca-2eec-800b-b3e1-58c7c154b994 (section)

=== What to do instead (simple, stress-saving system) ===

Here’s your best setup without buying anything new:

==== 1. Instant Pot = your base layer machine ====

Pick one big-batch each week:
* Salsa chicken
* Lentil curry
* Turkey chili
* Shredded pork
* Chicken tikka
* Beef stew

This gives you 3–4 nights of protein, enough for everyone including the au pair.

==== 2. Sides that take 10 minutes ====

Have a rotating set of fast sides:
* Microwave broccoli
* Bagged Caesar salad
* Frozen rice
* Couscous
* Roasted potatoes
* Garlic naan

These stretch any meal to feed extra adults with zero effort.

==== 3. Pick 2 “cheat nights” ====

These are nights you expect to be slammed.
Examples:
* Trader Joe’s frozen ravioli + veg
* Rotisserie chicken + microwave sides
* Sheet-pan sausage + veggies

You need 1–2 go-to dinners a week that require no thinking.

==== 4. Keep 3–4 freezer backups ====

For nights everything goes off the rails:
* Frozen dumplings
* Veggie fried rice
* Trader Joe’s orange chicken
* Frozen turkey meatballs

This stops delivery creep and saves money.