What to Cook for Dinner this Week

I want you to know, I’m just thrilled to be writing this post! Last week’s meal plan post got so many page views that I’m back for a second round of meal planning with you. Please keep the feedback coming; let me know what you like and what you don’t, what’s helpful and what’s not so helpful.

Here’s what on my menu for the upcoming week. I hope there are some helpful ideas here!

Monday: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup and No-knead Bread. This meal just screams fall to me: it’s warm, it’s cozy, it’s all the flavors of the late harvest rolled into one. It’s also vegetarian, so for those of you who do Meatless Mondays, it fits right in! Remember to start your bread dough the night before, or very early in the morning, so you can bake it in time for dinner.

Tuesday: BBQ Chicken, Roasted Corn and Pineapple Quesadillas. These have become a favorite around here. I probably make them at least once a month. For L’s “dilla” as she calls it (pronounced dee-yah), I’ll do plain cheese. *Tip: Trader Joe’s now sells frozen roasted corn, which is perfect for these! Use only what you need, and the rest goes back in the freezer!

Wednesday: Thai Beef with Basil. This super simple, super quick meal is perfect for nights E is at school. It only keeps me in the kitchen for a short time. I start the rice an hour before we want to eat (I can’t live without my rice cooker – it’s completely hands-off), mix up the beef and basil, and then ten minutes before the rice is done, I throw it all into a pan. Easy peasy! *Tip: make twice the rice you need, and you’ll have rice all ready to go for Thursday’s dinner!

Thursday: Chicken Curry with Apples. Another favorite from Dinner: A Love Story. I make this pretty regularly. I use more peas than Jenny calls for, and I add some golden raisins as well. It’s delicious, and cooks up in one pot. Serve in bowls over rice. Total yum!

Friday: Takeout Night. Question: what’s your favorite takeout? Leave a comment below for me, will you? We need some new ideas around here.

Saturday: Pizza and Salad. It’s kind of a Saturday thing around here. Makes for a relaxing Saturday night. Perfect with a movie on the couch.

Sunday: Quick & Easy Stuffed Shells. The perfect Sunday dinner. Make them ahead of time (on Saturday if you like), refrigerate, then pop them into the oven an hour before dinnertime. Serve with a salad.

Weekend Breakfast: Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Pancakes. Because it’s October, and who in their right mind can resist?

Weekly Treat: Apple Dumplings. Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream to serve alongside!

Have a wonderful week!