I am admitting that last week I failed at following my pre-determined meal plan. Life happened. Craziness erupted. Responsibilities multiplied. Unexpected events cropped up. And we ate out. Not just once but three times. One evening was already pre-planned with friends that we have been trying to connect with and we finally landed on a night that worked for all, but otherwise, I gave in and we ate out at restaurants multiple nights, despite my plans and intentions for the week!
So, this week, anticipating an even busier week filled with birthdays and basketball games, more deadlines at work, and evenings away from home, I dedicated 5 hours this weekend to prepping and preparing 8 dinners, 2 breakfasts and even a sweet treat or two.
If you read last week's menu, you may notice a few duplications...the meals that I planned on making but didn't execute due to life interruptions and surprises.
Gosh, I sure love this guy, who turns 14 this week!
This week the formerly 13.75 year old guy turns 14 and plays on his middle school's basketball team resulting in a game played an hour and a half north of us on his birthday. Because the game runs 6-7:30 PM and it is the birthday boy's special day (not to mention he will be famished post-game), we will be heading out to celebrate his birth after his game. (I really tried to avoid eating out again this week, but you can detect that my guilt causes me to justify heading to another restaurant!)
Monday - Basketball Game Night
Steamed Spinach
Tuesday-
Korean Beef Bowls
Steamed Rice
Bok Choy, Carrot Ribbons, Bean Sprouts
Fresh Oranges
Wednesday - Away Basketball Game and Birthday
Happy 14th Birthday Mr. C! - Out to Dinner to Celebrate!
Thursday -
Brown Sugar and Spiced Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Foccacia
Steamed Broccoli
Friday - Friend Friday
Pizza - I made a huge batch of Italian Spaghetti Sauce that doubles as Pizza Sauce, Lasagna Sauce, etc.
Saturday - Basketball Tournament
Grilled Smoky Chicken
Cous Cous or Quinoa with dried cherries and pine nuts
Spinach Salad with Dried Cranberries, Mandarin Oranges and Lime Dressing
Sunday - Basketball Tournament and Soccer Practice
Gram's Best Tortellini Italian Sausage Soup - except I'm making it with ground turkey instead of sausage and throwing in a handful of kale.
Homemade French Bread Bowls
Fresh Vegetables and Fresh Fruit
Treats of the Week
O'Henry's a.k.a. Chocolate Scotcharoos
Rice Pudding - The birthday boy's favorite will be ready for his birthday breakfast.
Birthday Cake - I'm certain the birthday boy will request his Gram's Apple Cake (top-secret recipe Gram doesn't share...yet)
Here's to a week filled with serendipity and bliss! Enjoy!
