The menu plan for week 14 has been a long time coming. I lost my momentum and let me tell you…it is not easy getting it back into a rhythm. It is a struggle. The meal planning seems to need constant adjustment most of which is due to changes in plans. That being said, I am not only a little late in posting my menu plan for week 14, but I have also made significant changes as I finish this post.
Breakfast
The breakfasts planned for week 14 are all tried and true, based on 99 cent fresh pineapples at Aldi and blueberries on sale as well. The sausage and ricotta breakfast casserole is a carry over from last week and a new top three favorite of ours for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Sausage and Ricotta Breakfast Casserole (First attempt in week 11) I first made this casserole with regular breakfast sausage. This time I made it with Italian sausage as directed. Both are excellent, but the Italian version created a dish that could be used for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Giant Blueberry Pancake (the ‘Ole Buckeye’s favorite…page 261 Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook.
Lunch
I am determined to make lunches much easier. I have found an excellent sprouted bead at Aldi which actually makes it possible to enjoy a sandwich! Unfortunately the bread is not always available so I cannot count on it. I will say that having a sandwich has proven to be a game changer at lunch time. The ‘Ole Buckeye normally has a peppered turkey on hand for sandwiches and I can also make a tuna sandwich. Both would be a filling lunch.
Another lunch favorite has become the Creamy Tomato Soup. I top it with some fresh basil and it is delicious even when it is hot outside. Creamy Tomato Soup
Cheesy Sausage and Cabbage Skillet. I happen to love this for lunch, so much so that I refuse to share it. These lunch days the ‘Ole Buckeye is on his own.
Dinner
I have planned dinners for week 14 that include our favorite repeats. I am not sure who is cooking what for our birthday celebration, but I am certain it will be a fun evening.
Greek Style Turkey BurgersThese burgers have been a favorite of ours ever since my sister Jan first posted the recipe. I simply add fresh Greek oregano and dill. Such a flavorful way to enjoy turkey.
Meatza SupremeWhat can I say…I have a major craving for pizza and all of the ingredients on hand.
For the holiday we will rely on our favorite gourmet burgers from Harris Teeter. I do not plan to create an elaborate holiday feast. Simplicity will be the key.
Over the past weeks when I have not posted my weekly menu plan, I have indeed followed a plan and I would be remiss if I did not report several successful meals.
Hits of the Week
The Creamy Swiss Chicken Bake is not fancy but it is really good, a true comfort food dinner. The very best thing about this entree is how quickly it can be put together. As long as the ingredients are available, it can be assembled in less than 10 minutes. On a busy Friday, this new recipe filled the bill.h
Low Carb Green Chili Chicken Casserole
I will admit that the first night I served this casserole I was not a fan. I think it was because I served it with fajitas. Later in the week we ate it for lunches and agreed that it was actually quite tasty.
Sriracha Marinara Meatballs OK, I made these on several occasions in the past, but totally forgot how very good they are. We were invited for pizza at my son’s and I made these so my daughter and it could eat guilt free. Everyone raved! They were gone. I made them again later in the week. This is yet another extremely healthy protein choice.
Now for the very best recipes from the past few weeks…one coffee cake and one dessert. I could eat them everyday. Actually the coffee cake takes more time and effort, but is definitely worth it. Cinnamon Bundt Sock It To Me Cake
The Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is beyond belief. It is actually a dessert, much too decadent for breakfast (or not). I have made it twice now and it is the best dessert I have made on this plan, bar none. It will be on the menu just as long as I can find fresh raspberries!
So there you have it. I have returned to posting, and continue researching new recipes and creating more exciting meals. Our habits have changed, and we continue the learning process on the THM plan. We look forward to the week ahead filled with celebrations, holidays, and fun in the “Hood”. Bon Appetit!
