It’s “Nutcracker” week. Poppy and her friends at the ballet studio have been preparing for this week for months, and she is so excited for things to get underway already. Me? ‘ll be putting my head down, chanting “keep it together, keep it together, keep it together” and just trying to get to Saturday. I can’t imagine how much this would all stress me out if I was actually in the show. All I have to do is get my properly attired dancer to the theater on time. And in order to make that happen, I had to do some ultra-simple meals this week. (As if I ever do anything else. But anyway.)

Monday: Chicken and dumplings

I’ve been using Campbell’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe, and it’s dependably tasty. I use a can of cream of mushroom and a can of cream of celery in place of the two cans of cream of chicken soup, because the cream of chicken squigs me out a little.

Tuesday: Tacos

I’m hoping to get the ratio right on my seasoning this week so we don’t burn our taste buds off again. Taco Tuesday!

Wednesday: Tacos redux

I may be surreptitiously eating peanuts in the audience, but those members of the clan who aren’t at “The Nutcracker” will be feasting on leftover tacos.

Thursday: Ham & cheese sandwiches

Another night of “The Nutcracker” = another simple meal.

Friday: Pizza

I’ll either be eating out or ordering in to celebrate Surviving the Week.