The Sunday Setup: Week 3

Tools Used This Week:

• Mixing Bowls
• Food Processor
• Snack Box
• Cheese Grater
• Pans

A Peaceful Sunday Starts on Saturday

There's something about walking into Sunday already prepared that changes everything. The pace feels slower, the decisions feel lighter, and instead of scrambling between church and lunch, you're actually present.

I am three weeks into The Sunday Setup, a simple rhythm where I prep just enough on Saturday to make Sunday feel effortless (without spending the entire day in the kitchen).

Here's what we prepped this week 👇

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Saturday Night Prep: Breakfast Ready to Grab

This week's breakfast was simple, fresh, and something everyone would actually eat:

Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches

• Buttery croissants
• Lunch meat
• Fresh cucumber slices

Paired with:

• An assortment of fresh berries

This is one of my favorite "Sunday wins" because it feels elevated, but takes almost no effort. Everything is pre-assembled, so in the morning it's just grab, serve, and go.

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Post-Service Car Snack Box

This is non-negotiable in our house.

If you've ever left church with hungry kids… you already know why 😅

This week's snack tray included:

• Cucumbers
• Mini tomatoes
• Ithaca Hummus
• Bagel crisps
• Strawberries
• Bologna

Everything is prepped and packed into a divided container so the kids can snack immediately—no stops, no meltdowns.

👉 I used this exact snack box (it's been a game changer for Sundays).

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Sunday Lunch: Comfort Food, Simplified

I always aim for one comforting, make-ahead meal—and this week we leaned into something nostalgic and hearty.

Easy Shortcut Borscht (Family Style)

This version gives you all the rich, traditional flavor—but in a way that actually fits real life.

How I made it:

1. Start with bone-in beef
   • Simmer to create a rich homemade stock
   • Strain and season with Vegeta
2. Add to the pot:
   • ~2 cups peeled, chopped russet potatoes
3. In a skillet, sauté:
   • 1 large diced onion
   • 2 shredded carrots
   • 2 shredded raw beets
   • Season with garlic salt
   • Cook until tender
4. Shortcut step (game changer):
   • Add a bag of angel hair coleslaw mix
   • Stir everything together
5. Add:
   • ~2 tbsp tomato paste (or ketchup if you're out—works perfectly)
6. Combine:
   • Dump skillet mixture into the soup pot
7. Finish with:
   • 1 bay leaf
   • Simmer another 10 minutes

Done.

👉 And like any good borscht… it's even better the next day when the flavors fully marry.

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Philly Cheesesteak Pie Bake (Leftover Makeover)

This is how you take leftover steak and turn it into something that feels completely new.

What I did:

• Finely chopped leftover steak using this food processor (saves SO much time and cleanup)
• Chopped 1 whole onion (same processor = less cleanup)
• Mixed with ~3 tbsp mayo + garlic salt
• Handful of Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheese of choice (I used a Mexican blend)

Assembly:

1. Roll out pie crust on parchment
2. Spread steak mixture evenly
3. Add second crust on top and seal edges
4. Brush with egg wash
5. Sprinkle garlic salt + shredded parmesan

Bake:

• 400°F for ~25 minutes until golden

If making ahead:

• Reheat in oven for 10 minutes before serving

This one disappears fast.

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Creamy Garlic Tomato & Cucumber Salad

A quick fresh side that balances everything:

• Halved mini tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers

Mix with:

• ~2 tbsp mayo
• Lots of garlic
• Salt to taste

Simple, creamy, and so good.

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Simple Dessert Board

Nothing complicated here—just something sweet to round it out:

• Fresh whipped cream
• Siete chocolate chip cookies
• Fresh berries

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Snack Cart System (My Secret Weapon)

This is what keeps the rest of the day running smoothly.

Top Shelf:

• PopCorners chips
• Bobo's bars

Bottom Shelf:

• GoGo Squeez pouches
• Kirkland fruit sauce packets
• Individual Ziploc bags with each child's daily vitamins
  • Ottos
  • SmartyPants

Everything is visible, accessible, and ready—so I'm not constantly being asked for snacks all day.

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Why This Works

The goal isn't to prep everything.
It's to prep the right things:

• Breakfast = zero decision-making
• Snacks = no hunger emergencies
• Lunch = already done
• Dessert = simple, but special

That's it.

This is how you walk into Sunday feeling calm instead of behind.

Link to Video- https://www.instagram.com/p/DX4VeA3KrTu/?hl=en