Menu Plan Monday – December 23

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Two Days. Two Days! Two days until Christmas! Every year it seems to go faster and faster and I wish I had done more with my children to prepare us all. This month is a whirlwind of birthdays on top of holiday festivities. C’s birthday was this past weekend and we had a bowling party for him. It was a blast to watch all of the children bowling, many for the first time.

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My menu plan definitely helps keep me sane, even if I don’t always follow it to a “T”. This past week, I made my Slow Cooker Chicken Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo, which was delicious. I haven’t made it in forever and I forgot how easy it is. E loved it and couldn’t get enough. This recipe does make a lot and I ate it quite a few days. The Roasted Salmon with Cider Apple Glaze was good though the glaze was probably a little too sweet for my taste. And I finally tried freekeh! It is an ancient grain that is packed with fiber and protein. It is a wonderful alternative to couscous and even quinoa, which I’ve grown tired of recently. Now to experiment more with it!

Here is what is on tap this week:

Monday: Black-eyed Pea and Collard Stew (playing with a new recipe in the slow cooker) with Whole Grain Bread and a Spinach and Pomegranate Salad

Tuesday: Family Dinner (I’m bringing my Rosemary Bread)

Wednesday: Family Dinner (I’m bringing my Roasted Carrot Souffle and a Mixed Green Salad)

Thursday: Cheesy Meatloaf Minis with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans (bumped from last week)

Friday: Evening Out

Saturday: Szechuan Green Beans and Ground Turkey and Hot and Sour Chinese Eggplant over Basmati Rice

Sunday: Simple Supper

Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it!