Real Life Dinners

As promised, here is our lineup of dinners this week!  Usually I am choosing newer recipes from my December magazine issues--something festive for the holiday, but I'm running behind this year, so I just chose from what I had in my recipe binder.  

Breakfasts: Smoothies made with frozen bananas + Aldi's organic baby spinach + whatever frozen fruit is in stock/on sale this week.

Lunches: My daughter is on a chicken salad kick, so I'll be picking up a container of Aldi's chicken salad to eat on sandwiches.

Here's what's for dinner:

MONDAY: BLT Pasta w/ Corn & Fresh Ricotta

TUESDAY: Leeky, Creamy Chicken-&-Dumpling Soup
(I'm saving money/health by omitting the actual chicken tenders--the gnocchi fills out the soup enough for us.  My fave chicken stock/broth is Costco's Kirkland Brand Organic Chicken Stock.)

WEDNESDAY: Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas

THURSDAY: Leftovers!

FRIDAY: PW's Favorite Pizza

SATURDAY: Gingerbread Pancakes (Aldi mix) for brunch; Leftovers for dinner

SUNDAY: Leftovers or boxed Mac-n-Cheese for lunch; Popcorn for dinner

If you want to get super "real life," I have had most of the ingredients for BLT Pasta & Chicken & Dumpling Soup for awhile--I was going to make them two weeks ago, and then something unexpected came up and we ended up going out of town.  When that happens, I freeze the fresh ingredients if possible, and "reschedule" the meal for a later time...like this week!  (Luckily, I had not yet purchased leeks, which are in both recipes, so one of the main fresh ingredients was spared from spoiling.)

Thanksgiving Menu Planner

Good gravy, I am ready for this meal:

This is a fantastic menu for seasoned & beginner cooks alike.  And more importantly, it is a collection of recipes that are delicious and EASY, without so much as whispering "My First Attempt at Thanksgiving Dinner."  Now, I know that many people have their tried & true dishes they make year after year.  If you fall into this category, it is likely that your Turkey Day guests will be incensed that you try anything else.  But if you're in the mood for a change or the type that likes to keep people on their toes or the type that would make any of these recipes for a non-Thanksgiving meal (heeeey, NOW we're talkin!)...download & enjoy!

Click on the image of the menu above or the following link below
& add this week's FREE Menu Planner to your gratitude list!
November Week Three - Thanksgiving Menu Planner

Happy Thanksgiving!