☀️ 8/17/25 Weekly Meal Plan: Back to Routine, Back to the Table

Ciao Reader!

As summer winds down and back-to-school season begins, I’m finding comfort in the rhythm of family dinners. Even as schedules get busy, gathering around the table keeps us grounded.

This week’s meal plan is filled with simple, flavorful recipes that make weeknights easier while still feeling special—just the kind of cooking that keeps everyone happy (and well fed) during this transition time. Let’s cook together and make this new season feel a little cozier, one meal at a time. Let me know what you try by leaving a ⭐️comment on the recipe blog post💙, Elena. P.S. Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this email!

✨Let’s start with a recipe you loved this week...

​Best Banana Bars​

"Oh my goodness – these banana cake bars are so darn delicious! I’ve made banana bread many times over the years, and while good, this is at an entirely different level! So, so good – and the frosting, to die for! Thank you, Elena, for another perfect recipe!" - Lina ​Make This Recipe!

📬 Forward this email to someone who LOVES AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RECIPES. ✨Now, let's get to your cooking inspiration for the week...

Monday: Fried Shrimp ​ Better than the restaurant! ​

Tuesday: Broccoli Pasta​ Even picky eaters will love this one!

Wednesday: Italian Stuffed Chicken ​ Everyone wants seconds. Grab some bread for the sauce!

Thursday: Summer Corn Chowder​ I shared this on Instagram this week, and people went crazy over it!

Friday: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina ​ It's like a cheesy baked pasta but with gnocchi!

Weekend: Italian Pear Cake​ ✨The most POPULAR cake on my entire blog!✨

👩🏻‍🍳 My Top Pick This Week: Pickled Italian Peppers. If you have lots of peppers in your garden, this is a great recipe!

I'm happy you made it to the bottom of the email :) ...

📣DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know you can favorite recipes on my site so they’re saved to your own easy-to-find list every time you visit?

Here’s how it works:
Just click the 🔖 “Save” button on any recipe card. (You’ll need to be logged in—if you’re not, it will ask you to log in or sign up- this is FREE.)

Then, any time you click the little magnifying glass—either under the heart icon (on the right-hand side of your screen) or at the top of the page, you’ll see “My Favorites” right at the top of your search results.

It’s like your own little CucinabyElena recipe box, ready whenever you need it. 📖

It will look something like this after you start saving your recipes. You can also organize them! I hope you can use this feature.

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