Sunday, January 1, 2012

Weekly Meal Planning, Week of 1.2.12


HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone! Oh, man, I am so happy New Year's Day is finally here. I know it's just another day, but this year, it definitely feels like a new beginning. I absolutely believe that 2012 is going to be an amazing year for all of us!

I hope you're all recovering from last night, those of you that actually celebrated. As for me? I took a bath and was in bed by 11:00. That's just how exciting I am. Later today we're headed to my grandparents-in-laws' house for our traditional New Years lunch of pork and sauerkraut, so at least I have that to look forward to.

Which brings me to this question: What is traditionally eaten on New Year's Day where you live? I know in the South it's black-eyed peas and collard greens, and Rachel mentioned the other day on Twitter that a lot of people eat Chinese food where she lives. Around here? We have pork roast, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes. Anyway, I'm just curious.

On to the meal plan! The plan this week is composed of a few things I didn't get to make in the last couple of weeks (I've been on vacation, and I've been taking a break from the kitchen too!), a couple of our favorites, and even a few new recipes.

Monday: Roasted garlic chicken pasta in white wine white cheddar sauce. What a mouthful, right? I've had this recipe bookmarked to try for ages, and I happen to have all of these ingredients on hand.

Tuesday: Mom's "good-for-you" casserole. I grew up with this, and since this is the time of year I miss my mom the most, this dose of her comfort food is just what I need.

Wednesday: Chicken noodle soup -- without the cream, and with homemade egg noodles. A commenter on my post about the egg noodles shared the way she cuts them, so I'm going to try her way this time. I'll make the noodles on Monday and give them a couple of days to dry. Also, this soup will be the first thing I make in my new Dutch oven!

Thursday: Roasted garlic mac and cheese. I put this on my last meal plan but didn't get to make it. I've made it once and we loved it, so I'm really eager to have it again. I know this has a very similar flavor profile to Monday's meal, but, um, I'm pretty sure that's totally okay with me.

Friday: Baked sour cream chicken, rice pilaf, green beans. We love this chicken dish.

Saturday: Foil-baked Southwestern chicken, Mexican rice, steamed broccoli. I love a good stuffed chicken, and this one may just make me die from deliciousness. I'll be subbing queso fresco for the goat cheese, since my store just started carrying it and I've become sort of obsessed with it.

Sunday: The sweet little boy pictured over there to the left has a birthday on this day (He's TWO. HOW???), so we'll be celebrating with pizza and some other things that I haven't finalized yet. Probably Elmo cupcakes...or maybe Buzz Lightyear ones (Buzz is his absolute favorite!), if I can figure out how to make them. Off to check Pinterest!

5 comments:

Angie said...

Your meal plan looks great! I have a 2 1/2 year old son - he loves Toy Story too! I think Christmas exploded Toy Story presents all over our house:)

Unknown said...

I think black eyed peas is tradition here but I cant say that we do it. I think 2012 is going to be a great year for you also! I cant wait to follow along with it.

Also cant believe that Will is going to be 2! So crazy how fast the kiddos have grown

Megan said...

Sounds like some good eating this week! Happy birthday to your little guy on Sunday, what a cutie!

Keri said...

Happy Birthday to Will on Sunday! I cannot believe he is already 2-- time has just flown.

I'm rooting for 2012 to be your year. You guys so deserve it!

Hope you have a Happy New Year. Oh, and we eat black-eyed peas around here on New Years for luck (we're Southerners):-). Pork roast sounds delish, too.

Trisha said...

Great Meal!!

My little man will be 3 on sunday also. We are having a Toy Story
(Buzz Lightyear) party 2.

For his cake I'm making a kit kat cake & putting a buzz toy on top.

One like this: http://www.madeinmelskitchen.com/2009/09/kit-kat-cake/

Cupcakes for everyone else. The Disney website has some great toy story theme ideas.