Wow! I can't believe I haven't written a post since my last monthly menu! That's awful of me. So sorry! I guess I didn't feel like I made anything very interesting last month...but I will try to do better.
It's already December! It's not hard to believe, as I sit here and type, watching more flakes fall onto the already deep piles of snow outside my window. Winter has landed in full force on the Inland Northwest! Last week she showed her full strength when we came back from our Thanksgiving trip to Oregon to water all over our kitchen floor due to a broken pipe during extreme winter temperatures. But even with all that mess to clean up, fans still blaring in the background, trying to dry the carpet (which is buckling up in spots), I have to admit that it's beautiful. I have never lived in a place that gets as much snow as this place does, so I'm not quite acclimated, but even so, I have to succumb to the charm of this white-blanketed rural valley. It is lovely, and it feels like Christmas every day!
In respect to the following list, I was very glad that Travis and I ventured out yesterday, as tired as we were, to get our month's shopping done. The snow has been falling steadily all day, and we seem to be in for another storm tonight. It feels good to have full cupboards and a stocked fridge and freezer!!
Monthly Menu- December
Week 1 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6)
Tuesday
Turkey Pot Pie
Looks like a great use for leftover turkey! This is an easy version of a pot pie, which has a Bisquick biscuit crust and carrots and broccoli tucked inside.
Wednesday
Golden Mushroom Pork and Apples with a Green Salad
In the tradition of "crock-pot Wednesday" I'm trying a new recipe out of my Rival Crock-Pot book. It looks easy and pork chops are always nice and tender in the slow cooker.
Thursday
Lemon-Herb Chicken with Brown Rice and Roasted Asparagus
Another winner from Allrecipes.com, this skillet chicken is easy and simply flavorful. Asparagus was on sale, so it will make a delicious side!
Friday
Whole Wheat Pepperoni Pizza with Fresh Veggies
Saturday
Turkey Chowder with Corn Muffins
I discovered this leftover turkey soup recipe last year, and it will be the perfect thing to come home to after a friend and I go to Spokane to Christmas/birthday shop for our husbands!
Week 2 (Dec. 7-13)
Tuesday
Beef Rib Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Wednesday
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice with Asparagus
Another Rival Crock-Pot recipe. Looks like a comfort food. Mmm.
Thursday
Lime and Pepper Tilapia with Roasted Potatoes
Must be the simplest way to prepare tilapia. But it's so tasty too!
Friday
I think I may be doing something for hubby's birthday...
Saturday
Beef and Cabbage Soup with Rolls
Since these soups always make a lot, the leftovers will be great to share at our Christmas Cantata Sunday night!
Week 3 (Dec. 14-20)
Tuesday
Chicken Tacos with Fresh Fruit
Wednesday
Slow Cooker Tamale Pie with a Green Salad
Allrecipes.com. :) We'll see if this is better than the slow-cooker lasagna! I think I might try making it with ground turkey instead of beef...
Thursday
No-Meat Spaghetti with Green Beans
Friday
Whole Wheat Pepperoni and Olive Pizza
Saturday
I think we might be having our "2nd Annual" open house Christmas party this day, so if that's the case, we'll just eat leftovers.
Week 4 (Dec. 21-27)
Tuesday
Shepherd's Pie with Mixed Veggies
I'm not sure yet which day we are leaving to go to Trav's parent's for Christmas, but in case we don't leave till Wednesday, I've got a backup! :) The following week after we get home, I have canned soups and frozen tacquitos on hand, as well as frozen leftover soup.
Odds and ends: Today I made some cookies for the church board meeting tonight. Later on this week, I will be taking dinner to a lady in our church. This weekend is our monthly church potluck, which I will likely bring soup to...and maybe rolls. Next weekend we have a Christmas Cantata which all the ladies bring food for, and then the weekend after that, I will be hosting a Christmas party which will likely feature my cheese ball, my pumpkin gingerbread, and some new festive cookies I want to try! :)
