Category Archives: menu plan Monday

Every week should be bookended by chili

Menu Plan Monday logoI’m trying to get as much as possible prepped before Thursday, when we’ll have 19 people in our house for the Eating of the Food. Fortunately, I’m only in charge of side dishes. I’m making sweet potatoes today and most everything else — spinach gratin, corn cobbler and a pie — on Wednesday. Which is why we’re not having work-intensive meals the rest of the week.

Monday: Chili and grilled cheese
Our friends our going out of town for Thanksgiving, and they have a large pot of leftover chili to use up before then. So they’re bringing it over tonight. I’d planned to have grilled cheese and tomato soup; I’m going to forge ahead on the grilled cheese.

Tuesday: Sandwiches
I’m not sure what kind yet. Maybe PB&J.

Wednesday: Pizza

Thursday: Thanksgiving

Friday: Chili
We’re going to go pick out a Christmas tree on Friday, and we’re having a little tree-trimming party with the fam when we get it set up. I’m guessing it’ll be cold out there Friday, so the chili will probably be a warm and welcome treat.

I still can't believe she likes the ravioli

Menu Plan Monday logoMonday: Butternut squash ravioli
Poppy has been asking for “butter and cheese ravioli” every day since we first tried it. It’s on the pricey side, but she’s eating a vegetable. I’m willing to shell out a few extra quarters for that.

Tuesday: Mushroom chicken
Rockford’s grandmother has this one labeled “Favorite Chicken” on her recipe card. It’s one of my favorite comfort foods, and it’s very easy. You wrap bacon around chicken breast halves, then mix sour cream and cream of mushroom soup and pour it over the chicken. It bakes at a pretty low temperature for a good long time (300 for 2 hours? I don’t remember; I usually use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s done). I think it’s best over rice.

Wednesday: Pizza

Thursday: ?
We have friends coming into town on Thursday, and I’m not sure yet what we’re doing for dinner.

Friday: In-laws’ house

Getting Krafty with dinner

Menu Plan Monday logoI don’t often make “branded” recipes, but a few of the dishes in the last Food & Family magazine from Kraft looked pretty good. We’re giving their chili and a baked chicken recipe a try this week.

Monday: Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Chili

Tuesday: Bruschetta Chicken Bake

Wednesday: Fish stick po’ boys
We were originally going to have ravioli on Wednesday, but we had it yesterday instead.

Thursday: Meatloaf
My friend Heather rode to the rescue with baking soda last week when I was trying to make cupcakes. She also brought half a meatloaf, which I stuck in the freezer. On Thursday, we’ll be saying “Hooray for Heather!” once again.

Friday: White pizza
I’m not sure exactly how I’ll be making the sauce, but there will be artichoke hearts and chicken on top of the pizza.