The 2024 week 45 menu plan is complete. You might wonder why the menu plans for weeks 43 and 44 are missing. We left for a football weekend during week 43 with plans to return at the conclusion of the weekend. Due to a death in the family we extended our stay in Ohio for an additional week. After returning late Sunday evening and working to restock our refrigerator and pantry i have speedily worked to develop the menu for the week ahead. I was left with very little time for menu planning. Luckily prior to our trip I was able to stash some leftovers in the freezer and that got us through the first few days upon arriving home. I certainly didn’t plan it that way, but that is how it has worked out.
Breakfast
With overripe bananas I plan to make the BAM cake. It is delicious as well as filling and packed with protein…plus it is a favorite of the “Ole Buckeye. The rest of the morning offerings will be the ready to eat overnight oats, 2 baked meals the egg bake and pancake bake that will service several meals and a new recipe for pancakes.
Breakfast
LUNCH
The lunches planned include easily prepared favorites as well as 2 new recipes…the black bean burger and the soup.
Zucchini, Tomato, Italian Sausage Soup *
DINNER
I have planned lots of new entrees for dinner. I am hoping that several will prove to be cook once/eat again meals. I am also hoping that I find delicata squash somewhere. I normally find it this time of year. It is a favorite and I can use it as a side several evenings.
Farro Risotto with Mushrooms and Peas
Hits and Misses
I am reviewing meals prepared during week 42 because there were good new ones as well as those I keep on the rotation.
This soup is packed with chicken and has great flavor. I used cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joe’s. Filling and flavorful.
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
This is such a quick and easy one dish oven baked meal…no fuss and great flavor. Luckily I had made this in the afternoon and family stopped by for Happy Hour…they stayed and we all shared this with a leafy green salad. It wasn’t fancy but it kept us together.
Dump and Bake Vegan Tuscan Orzo
Gosh, I haven’t made this recipe in a very long time…big mistake. Mushrooms…walnuts…so healthy. I definitely need to keep this on the rotation.
Caramelized Onion Florentine Rotini
This chicken is a family favorite…the flavor is great and the preparation so quick and easy, it makes it hard to believe that it is so tasty. I always keep the ingredients on hand so that I can prepare an easy, delicious dinner at any time. This is also company worthy and a great time share option.
Good enough for a family dinner…good enough for guests…this is a great one pan meal. A true family favorite!
Rachael Ray’s Roasted Sausages and Grapes
Recap
After an unexpected trip we have returned home to recuperate from many meals although very good…not necessarily good for us. I have come to realize that when I eat out I am much more tempted by unhealthy items featured on the menu and I rationalize by telling myself that if I am paying for it I might as well enjoy it. Now I am back to reality. Going forward I am planning to return to more healthy eating. The journey continues. Bon Appetit!
