Weekly meals Dec. 18 – Dec. 23

Meal updates from last week:
We loved both of the soups and the chicken taquitos.  The noodle salad was good, but I found it a little salty.  We liked the tofu bowls, but I have made better recipes.  This weekend was quiet, I still had a sick kid at home so we didn’t end up doing much.  Friday night we ordered food from Cactus Club, Saturday I made a simple tomato sauce pasta with salad and Sunday we had family Christmas.  My mom made the majority of the food: turkey, stuffing with Italian sausage, turnips and gravy.  I took a broccoli and cauliflower bake and there were also mashed and baked sweet potatoes as well as salad.  If you are looking for any Christmas dinner recipes just use the search engine.

This week we are eating at home Monday-Thursday, Friday we will order in, Saturday night we are going to a party and then we are hosting Christmas Eve.

• Creamy cauliflower soup from @nytcooking, you need a subscription for this site but I found a similar recipe here.
• Baked salmon from @cremedelacrumb I will serve it with some steamed rice and a green veggie.
• BBQ sausage with fries and a fall salad from @dianemorrisey.  You can find all of her recipes on her IG account.
• Pork stir fry from @theendlessmeal I will serve this with some steamed rice.
• Taking sausage stuffed dates to the party on Saturday night
• Christmas Eve: wine-braised short ribs, mashed potatoes and harvest salad.  Cookie tray for dessert.  I am thinking of serving a winter Aperol spritz, I found this recipe and this one.
• Christmas morning: cinnamon french toast muffins with fresh fruit and coffee.
• Christmas dinner: pesto stuffed shells with vodka sauce, fresh bread and house salad.

Today I baked Swiss Mountain Shortbread, the entire tray will go to my husband’s office with coffee for his staff to enjoy.  I think that means that I am finished baking for the season!  You never know if I will make another recipe, but as of today I feel like I’m done.  My grocery shop today was a huge one!  I shopped for my entire week, and then also tried to buy for the weekend including Christmas Eve and Day.  It took me a long time to make my list, and I only missed a few things that I will pick up tomorrow.  The grocery list 31 23 is really long, but includes all meals up till Christmas Day.  This will be my last post of 2023 as I am going to take a break and spend time with my family during the holiday season.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Sara

Weekly meals Nov. 22 – Nov. 26

Meal updates from last week:
The soup and satay bowls were the best recipes from last week.  My husband, son and I really liked the cheeseburger helper, but my daughter didn’t care for it at all.  I didn’t end up making the BLAT sandwiches or BLT salad, instead I made my boys grilled cheese for the road and we ate with my parents.  Friday night we ordered tacos from A1 Cantina, Saturday night my daughter and I went to friends for dinner.  Tonight I had my parents for dinner, I will share the recipe below.  

This week we will be eating at home Sunday-Thursday, Friday we have a work function and then Saturday we have plans with friends.  

• Beef burritos from @bestofbridge this is one of my favourite recipes from Best of Bridge.  It makes 
  a large amount of burritos, so bake off half and freeze the other unbaked.  
• BBQ drumsticks, fries or tots and kale salad with maple vinaigrette from @littlebrokenblog I cannot believe that I am still grilling the third week in November!  
• Minestrone with kale and turkey sausage from @foodnetwork I usually swap the kale for spinach and the chickpeas for white beans.
• Spicy Thai chicken and brown rice bowls from @thekitchn these looks so good!
• Portobello, red pepper and broccoli melts from @marthastewart this is an oldie but a goodie!  I make the veggie ones for the adults and then create a pizza version for the kids.

I don’t have any baking plans this week as I was so busy baking and getting packages organized last week.  I have started to compile my holiday baking list: ginger molasses cookies, snickerdoodle kiss cookies, white chocolate peppermint popcorn and Swiss Mountain Shortbread or sugar cookies.  I also found a recipe for this gorgeous holiday tart, this might be a great Christmas dessert.  Shop with ease using grocery list 21 35

Stay healthy,
Sara