This month I’ve been talking about all things SIMPLY COZY and I can’t really do that without talking about some meal planning. Having meals prepped and ready or in the slow cooker is probably my #1 trick to keeping things simple and easy. Throw a delicious home-cooked meal on the table and that’s the definition of cozy. Not to mention, it’s just plain really helpful during this busy time of the year. Here are some of my tried and true favorites – I love cookbooks that offer some strategies and tips for keeping dinner easy. Need a quick gift or a little inspiration for the meal times after the new year? These are sure to help!

Dinner Made Easy with Six Sisters’ Stuff : Time Saving Recipes for Busy Moms – this cookbook has some great recipes that simplify cooking for weeknights

The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook : Simple Family-Friendly Recipes for Everyday Home Cooking – I love the strategies and options for adjustments to meals.

The Make-Ahead Cook – Cook’s Illustrated/America’s Test Kitchen never lets me down – great ideas and ways to prep and make ahead meals

Dinner Solved!: 100 Ingenious Recipes That Make the Whole Family Happy, Including You! – Fun dinnertime ideas that everyone loves

Upscale Downhome : Family Recipes All Gussied Up – Great ways to fancy-up traditional recipes while keeping things simple and tasty too!

Weeknights with Giada – I always love Giada’s take on meals – these are simple and delicious.

Quick Slow Cooking – this is a beautiful cookbook with lots of quick and easy crockpot or simmer on the stove recipes

Meals Made Simple: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Paleo Recipes to Make Anytime – one of my favorites – I use this cookbook a lot – I love the adaptations provided!

A New Way to Dinner – a fresh look at dinner – Food52 has some great ideas.

Skinnytaste Fast and Slow : Knockout Quick-Fix and Slow Cooker Recipes – I absolutely LOVE this cookbook – it’s brand new and I’ve already cooked a handful of delicious recipes.

Pioneer Woman’s Dinnertime:Dinnertime – Comfort Classics, Freezer Food, 16-minute Meals, and Other Delicious Ways to Solve Supper – Great ideas and strategies – I especially love the 16 minute meals (they really are!)

The Best Make-Ahead Recipe – this cookbook is hard to find but it’s one of my absolute favorite cookbooks in the history of ever – it’s a staple in my meal planning!

HAVE A FAVORITE TO SHARE? TELL US ABOUT IT IN THE COMMENTS!

Curious about some other books? Check out this book stack post about my favorite homekeeping books.

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