The 2021 week 17 menu is complete. Let me begin by once again reporting that most of the planned breakfasts and lunches from week 16 never found their way to the table. Once again we had enough left overs from week 15 that we did not need all of the meals I had planned. Actually I have toyed with only planning dinner menus and leaving the rest of the day unstructured. My fear is that I will not have ingredients on hand for what we want when we want it.
Last week I took part in Awakening from Alzheimer’s, a 12 day presentation on how life style changes can prevent cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. Diet was heavily discussed and most of the experts promoted a low carb, no sugar, Keto diet with healthy oils, ie. MCT and coconut along with avocado and olive.
Currently I am involved in listening to The 10th Annual Food Revolution Summit which interviews 3 experts each day on varied health issues essentially promoting a plant based diet. I participated in this summit last year. It has been even more interesting because this year there is discussion on the Covid pandemic offering additional insite into the disease. So far on the whole these experts promote a plant based diet and discourage the Keto diet.
Knowledge is great as we have learned particularly over this past year, but when the experts are not in agreement, it is difficult to make healthy decisions. (That sums up the whole pandemic and climate change science…right?) I will continue the summit and report on my take-aways next week.
Breakfast
The 2021 week 17 breakfast menu includes the ‘Ole Buckeye’s favorite biscuits as well as a repeat of the pineapple upside down oatmeal. I purchased a fresh pineapple and the remainder is waiting to be used.
White Cheddar Sausage Biscuits
Lunch
I have only one new recipe planned for lunch this week which is a nod to the things I have learned in the plant based diet discussions. Ezekiel bread will host my tuna salad and avocado.
Red Bean, Quinoa, and Kale Soup
Dinner
The dinner plan for 2021 week 17 includes only one new recipe passed along by my sister Jan. My daughter returns this weekend and has requested gourmet burgers and on Sunday we attend a meet and greet which may or may not provide enough to pass for a full meal.
Jalapeno, Cheddar Salmon Patties
Hits
May I just say that I have many great breakfast casserole recipes, but this one just went straight to the top. The flavors are spot on and it will be perfect to serve guests for breakfast or brunch. It will also be included in our timeshare menu plans.
This may well be my favorite tuna salad. It has crunch and lots of flavor. It does have more ingredients than I usually use when making tuna for lunch, but the combination is a winner.
Avocado Tuna Salad
I love arugula and this salad is not only easy to put together, but has fresh, vibrant flavor. A big plus is just how healthy arugula is.
Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing
I am always excited when I find a new and company worthy side dish. In fact very often the salad and side can make the meal. I nearly always have brussels sprouts on hand so when I needed a side dish for my pork tenderloin…this sounded perfect. It was exceptional and will be a go to recipe.
House Favorite Brussels Sprouts
Because I try new recipes so often, I only repeat recipes if they are truly family favorites. This lasagna is not only a favorite, but provides a cook once/eat again meal that gets better with each reheat. I have made some changes to the recipe, which I should mention. I use fresh spinach and a lot of it, I also add basil and red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture and I am generous with the other spices. Once again we have enjoyed this several evenings.
Misses
I have loads of great soup recipes, so this will not make the cut. I picked it because it was an Instant Pot preparation. It made enough soup for several lunches, but did not have the heartiness that we enjoy in a soup.
This skillet dinner was relatively quick and easy to prepare. While both the ‘Ole Buckeye and I agreed that it was good, we also agreed that it was rather bland. The next time around I will add more seasoning, possibly some worcestershire sauce (I found a keto recipe for homemade). It will definitely appear once again.
Food for Thought
If you are using turmeric for health benefits, combine it with pepper which enhances its absorption.
Recap
Planning a menu is becoming more and more difficult as I am exposed to more and more science and conflicting information. In fact, it seems to be bringing me back to the Trim Healthy Mama plan since their plan incorporates many of the positive choices presented from all differing opinions. My immediate focus is to incorporate lots more fresh fruits and vegetables, concentrating on vibrant color and organic choices. The season ahead should supply abundantly. The adventure continues. Bon Appetit!
