Menu Plan Week of 11/28

We enjoyed a week of lots of downtime, some shopping, and lots more downtime!  i think we all needed it.  I walked a 5k on Thanksgiving morning, which felt really good.  My son got lots of lego time, I did a lot of reading and some baking.  I also tried making cheesecake for the first time.  My husband, who doesn't like pumpkin pie devoured the cheesecake and he's asking me when I'm making another one!  Now its back to work and finishing up report cards.  I have 3 weeks, then 2 more weeks off.  Its hard to believe that in a couple short months, I'll be on maternity leave, getting ready for our new baby boy to join our family!

Here's our menu plan for our week:

Monday: Ginger Beef Stir-Fry from Eating Well When You're Expecting
Tuesday: Ham, Swiss and Spinach Paninis
Wednesday: Chicken Chilaquiles
Thursday: Jerk  Turkey Burgers
Friday: Pesto Pizza
Saturday: I'm hoping my hubby will take me out to dinner!

Menu Plan Week of 11/20

Happy Thanksgiving!  We are off all week.  Although I need to find some time to work on report cards, we plan to spend a lot of time hanging out, cooking, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.  On Thursday, before the big feast at my in-laws, I am walking a 5k with another friend who's pregnant.  I could run a 5k in around 30 minutes when I was running.  We'll see how long it takes to get this pregnant belly across the finish line!

With the rain, and the promise of leftovers at the end of the week, here's our menu:

Sunday: Pancetta and Leek Soup
Monday: Chicken Caesar Wraps
Tuesday: Baked Chicken Chimichangas
          *Make Pie Crusts
Wednesday: Pasta with Sausage and Swiss Chard
           *Bake Pies
Thursday: Thanksgiving
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Pizza and movie night

Menu Plan Week of 11/13

It's hard to believe that our week off for Thanksgiving is only a week away!  I have a couple appointments next week, and I'm hopefully meeting a friend for a walk.  Other than that, there's not much going on.  Soccer season is over, so we are in slow down mode.  Oh, wait, there's report cards.  Oh yes, report cards.  Yes, I will have report cards hanging over my head during vacation.  I want to get a good start on them so I can enjoy my week off.  Since this week, my little guy is at his dad's house, its just my husband and me.  Menus tend to be simpler.

I've had a couple friends in the last few weeks who have been sharing recipes from MarthaStewart.com with me.  this week, I thought I'd try a few I've discovered on that site.

Sunday: Dinner out with my dad
Monday: Sesame chicken with Broccoli
Tuesday: Spaghetti Squash with garlic, herbs and parmesan
Wednesday: leftovers

Thursday: Chicken with Artichokes and Angel Hair (I'm going to use turkey cutlets instead)
Friday: pizza and movie night (Little man comes home for a whole week and a half!)

Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup

Cauliflower is one of my husband's favorite vegetables.  With fall finally here, I am excited to make soups and heartier recipes!  What could be better on a chilly evening than a creamy, cheesy soup?  I can't think of anything right now.

Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup

modified from King Arthur Flour

3 Tbsp butter

1/2 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 large head cauliflower, cut into pieces

3 cups chicken broth ( I used unsalted chicken stock)

1/4 cup white wine

dash hot sauce

2 cups sharp cheddar, grated

salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in large soup pot.  Add garlic and onions and cook about 3-5 minuted, until softened.  Add chicken stock and cauliflower to pot, bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes.  Add wine and hot sauce and simmer about 5 more minutes.  Using an immersion blender, puree until smooth (you can also do this in a blender or food processor)  When the soup is smooth, add cheese, 1/2 cup at a time and mix until melted.   Add pepper.  Taste, add salt as needed.  

I served this with homemade pop overs and cinnamon honey butter.  It's definitely a do over for our family!

Announcement!

My little man is finally getting his biggest wish ever.  He's going to be a big brother!  He's so excited because he's getting a little brother.  I'm due 4/5.  This little guy is healthy and growing fast!  Thought I'd share our news with my wonderful readers :)

Menu Plan 11/7

I'm sick.  I woke up this morning with a stuffy nose and a headache :(  Being sick and being pregnant is NOT fun.  I don't sleep well anyway and a stuffy nose on top of it is not fun.  UGH!!  My husband is making me some steel cut oatmeal and some tea.  We're staying home from church so hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow.  The nice thing about the coming week is that we have Friday off!  I'm looking forward to a day with my little man.  I think we'lll go out for sushi lunch together!


Here's the plan for this week...
Sunday: Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup and homemade french bread
Monday: Steak and Peperocini Sandwiches (from last week, we never had it) and sweet potato fries
Tuesday: Szechuan Beef
Wednesday: Navajo Tacos
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: French Bread Pizza and Caesar Salad and homemade dressing

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