In early March 2020, no one really knew how Houstonians would be impacted by the COVID-19 virus that was rapidly spreading around the globe. A practical suggestion in a variety of reliable U.S. news sources was to be prepared for a self-imposed social distancing of 14 days should an immediate family member or roommate experience flu-like symptoms.

It would be easy to stock up on frozen pizzas, cans of soup, and Girl Scout Cookies (yay for March!) but a two week stint indoors is going to produce the same kinds of stir-crazy side effects that people experience when snowed-in or flooded-in. Instead of heating a can of soup or a pizza, break up boredom with kitchen prep tasks and fill the the space with the smells of roasting meat and baking potatoes, and the sizzling sounds of frying up Pad Thai noodles or bacon and eggs.

For two people, a 14-day self-imposed social distancing requires about 28 entree servings. The following meal plan provides in excess of 28 servings for omnivores and is supplemented by lunch and breakfast items. Vegans, you’ve got your own quarantine cooking post.

One Rotisserie Chicken = 8 adult portions

• 2 servings of crispy Chicken Tacos
• 2 servings for salad topping
• 2 entree size servings of Tom Ka Gai (chicken coconut soup)
• 2 servings of Pad Thai

Two pounds of Lean Ground Beef = 8 adult portions

• 2 cheeseburgers (1/4 lb. each)
• 6 servings of Wick Fowler Chili

One package Pork Loin (20 – 24 oz.) = 12 adult portions

• 4 servings Cranberry Pork Loin
• 8 servings pulled pork (rinse cranberry seasonings off, shred remaining meat, and cook with new seasonings in a Crockpot)
  • 4 pulled pork sandwiches
  • 2 pulled pork topped baked potatoes
  • 2 servings pulled pork in soft tacos or taco salad

If you want different options, here are a few more:

One and a half pounds of Italian Sausage = 10 adult portions

• 6 servings Tortellini Soup
• 4 servings – add remaining sausage to a jar of red pasta sauce and serve over spaghetti

One small beef roast (shoulder, rump, etc.) = 8 adult portions

• 4 servings Roast Beef with potatoes and carrots
• 4 servings Hash

Two pounds boneless chicken pieces (tenders and/or thighs) = 8 adult portions

• 4 servings Greek Chicken
• 4 servings Tandoori Chicken or Chicken Yakitori

Keep Lunches Simple:

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
• Hummus and pita bread or chips, carrots and celery
• KIND Bars or other protein bars
• Apples, oranges, bananas
• Leftovers

Alternate simple breakfasts with productions like Fried Eggs and Bacon or Pancakes.

• Oatmeal with dried fruit or frozen blueberries
• Yogurt, fruit, and granola
• Fried Eggs and Bacon
• Pancakes
• Overnight French Toast
• Belgian Waffles

Treats (save for when someone in the group really needs a change of pace)

• Monkey Bread
• Hot Chocolate, Cider, and other fun beverages
• Chocolate Chip Squares
• Grandma’s Yeast Rolls