Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of January 24, 2011

1 comment

Six days in Las Vegas numbs the brain and takes a toll on the body; I’m living proof that both of these facts are true. I walked off of the plane tonight after a great yet exhausting week of meetings in Sin City and it’s all I could do to pop open my laptop to put together my menu plan. I have to admit I almost skipped the plan (and I will put grocery shopping off until tomorrow) but I know if I do it will just add to my stress as I get back into the swing of things this week.

Yet Another Simplified Plan

Because I’m so tired I can hardly see straight, I’ve focused on dinners for this week’s plan as they are the most important meals for the whole family. I’m confident my freezer stash of muffins and my backup collection of frozen lunches at work will serve their function and get me through the week. I read the January Food & Wine on the plane home today so it’s serving as a significant source of inspiration for this weekend’s dinners and I’m digging back into my freezer stash to help me with a couple of quick weeknight meals.

• Monday: Chicken tenders and fresh fruit
  I have to grocery shop while the kidlet is at her lessons so I’ll have the same quick dinner she does.
• Tuesday: Broccoli and Sausage Sauté with sausage from the freezer stash
  This is one of the family’s favorite dishes and it comes together so very quickly. I may toss some pasta in as well to beef up the dish.
• Wednesday: Mom’s night out, so kidlet and dad are on their own
  A good friend of mine won a special award for her excellent artisanal jams and we’re celebrating! Dad and daughter will have a fun night without me though I’m sure.
• Thursday: Grilled flank steak, oven fries, and tomato & cucumber salad
  The great thing about living in Texas is I can grill almost year round. I’ll rub the steak with one of the various spice rubs I’m hoarding in my pantry. The kidlet can make the fries and the salad, so I’ll have help getting this meal together.
• Friday: Mexican Meatball Soup with meatballs from the freezer stash
  I know by the time Friday comes around I’ll be good and ready for the weekend as well as particularly tempted to opt for dinner out, so I’ve planned a very easy yet healthy soup that will be soul-satisfying.
• Saturday: Cider Vinegar–Braised Chicken Thighs, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, and steamed rice
  I’m looking forward to having some time on Saturday to cook a slightly more involved meal. This recipe makes six servings so I’ll have leftovers to stash in the freeze or use in menus next week.
• Sunday: Pappardelle with Duck Ragù
  I’m planning a somewhat fancy Sunday dinner next week just because. I’m making extra ragu to freeze for later in the month.

Get more great menu ideas from the many participants linked on this week’s Org Junkie post.