Meals at a glance...

Now that school is back in session and after school activities are about to begin, organization is key.  For me that means less stress and more time to enjoy my family.  Everyone in this household is busy and it seems like always hungry, (sound familiar in your home?!)  so meal time is important.  I enjoy looking through magazines for new recipes and ideas and found some in the September issue of Real Simple.  There are a month's worth of dinner ideas with detachable grocery lists.  Each night of the week has a theme so you do not have to go crazy coming up with new ideas.  It's a fun way to have your family involved and excited about what's for dinner.  My family has been trying to do Meatless Mondays, and at  least one night a week some form of tacos, and Friday has been my "empty the fridge" night with leftovers.  After seeing this article I may have to add an Italian night and once Fall is in full swing a soup night.  Themes can change and it may be a fun idea to try!


Our theme's for the week:

Meatless Monday:  Baked potato and Sweet potato bar.  Many toppings like broccoli, beans, avocado, sour cream, chives, salsa and cheeses.

Taco Tuesday:  Steak and roasted carrot tacos with avocado- a Real Simple recipe

Wednesday:  The article suggests "Wildcard Wednesday", I haven't come up with a theme yet.  Maybe our Italian night, so making Turkey meatballs with garlic bread and salad.

Thursday:  Bowl Night-Brown rice bowls with roasted veggies and chicken and a lemony dressing.

Friday;  "Clean out the fridge"- a little bit of everything from the week with some pasta.

Saturday:  Easy grill night-Siracha-honey chicken thighs, slaw salad and some rice.

Sunday:  Fish night:  Fish sandwiches with a cucumber salad.

Most nights a big mixed green salad is on the table as well as fruit.  My kids love salad and if they don't want all the roasted veggies I am happy they eat a big bowl of greens.


Please share what themes you and your family have come up with together.  Always nice to have new ideas!  If any of the above meals interest you and you'd like the recipe please contact me.

Best,

Donna

Meals at a glance....

Our care-free days of summer are coming to an end and we are all very sad!  Late night dinners and gathering around the table will have to continue on the weekends.  School begins Thursday here in Newtown.  I  have promised my kids I would make some of their favorite dinners this week.  We are trying to fit in a few more fun activities before homework and the early morning routine begins.

This week's meals:

Monday:  Chipotle inspired Burrito Bowls with cilantro Jasmine rice, beans, shredded lettuce, peppers, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, sour cream & cheese.  Some like vegetarian but there will be some shredded chicken to add as well.

Tuesday:  Thai Noodle Shrimp Stir Fry with Vermicelli Noodles, Veggies, Shrimp and Thai seasoning made with Fish Sauce.

Wednesday:  Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders, Roasted Potatoes, and Caesar Salad

Thursday:  Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce and Corn on the Cob

Friday:  Picnic on the lake--baguette sandwiches with some left overs,  homemade pesto, and salad

Saturday:  Grilled Peach and Pork Tenderloin served in corn tortillas with mixed green salad

Sunday:  Grilled fish--whatever is on sale--and Veggies with Couscous Salad



Here's a great start to the school year!  Hoping all moms, dads, and kids stay healthy, happy and rested.  


Best,

Donna

Meals at a glance....

It doesn't seem possible that there is only a week and a half left of summer before school begins.  We all wish we started after Labor Day, but no such luck!   Returning from Maine makes us wish summer could last forever....no schedules, great food, beautiful surroundings, and special friends.

I loved going to the Farmer's market while in Winter Harbor, and hope to go more here in Connecticut.  I want to begin using my new cookbook, The Plantpower Way, by Rich Roll & Julie Piatt.  I hope to find a balance between eating plant based and some lean meat and fish.

This week we're keeping it lean here and getting back into healthy mode after we indulged during vacation!

Monday:  Heirloom Tomato Soup with tortilla chips and lemon guacamole

Tuesday:  Almond Pesto over Brown Rice Pasta and Mixed Green Salad

Wednesday:  Eggs and Loaded Hash browns (a dish we loved in Maine!  Hash browns with peppers, onions, tomatoes and cheese),

Thursday:  Brown Rice Bowls with Grilled Vegetables and Chicken

Friday:  Pesto & Leftover Chicken Sandwiches for a picnic on the lake.  Other finger foods as well like hummus and veggies, chips and salsa, etc.

Saturday:  Grilled Salmon and Zucchini with a quinoa salad

Sunday:  Pasta with sauteed broccoli, tomatoes, white beans, basil and goat cheese. (Can really use any cheese you like.  I like goat because it's creamy).


Wishing you all a relaxing week ahead.  Take time to enjoy family & friends over a meal. When you enter the state of Maine there is a welcome sign that reads, " Maine...the way life should be."  I could not agree more.  I need to remind myself to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors, embrace the simple things, and slow down!

As always, if you would like a detailed recipe please send me a message.

Best,

Donna