felt so very good to get back into the routine of home-cooked meals last week… (cover image via : www.pinchofyum.com)

FRIDAY //

Chicken Sausage w/ Fennel, Apples + Rice
notes: there was a feature in southern living this past month on one pan dinners, and I saved a bunch of them to try. this was one, and it didn’t disappoint. such a good combo of flavors. Made as-is, except I made regular rice instead of using the instant.

SATURDAY //

Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
notes: apart from the parmesan rind, made this as-is. Such a good cozy pot of comfort.

Crusty Loaf of Bread

SUNDAY //

NEW YEARS BRUNCH

Spinach Artichoke Feta Bake
notes: easy stand-by favorite.

Chicken Breakfast Sausage (our new fav from TJ’s)

Pan-Fried Fingerling Potatoes w/ Bacon
notes: so these were amazing. but honestly, how could potatoes cooked in bacon fat not be?! didn’t have sage, but the fresh rosemary was just fine on its own.

MONDAY //

Chicken & Herbed Dumplings
notes: Did not have cornmeal on hand, so I made the dumplings with whole wheat flour, which worked just fine. Might add a bit more broth next time, as there ended up being not much liquid by the time everything was said and done. This was a good one.

Chunky Applesauce

Skillet Green Beans w/ Bacon
notes: ummm, yes please. these were so so good.

TUESDAY //

Everyday Meatballs
notes: these are a favorite of ours. I make with just ground beef and double so we have plenty. I opted for the garlic bread option she recommends and it was pretty much amaaazing.

Perfect Garlic Bread
notes: made as-is. Perfect indeed.

Kale Salad w/ Pecorino + Walnuts
notes: when smitten kitchen bills something as the “best” you can bet that it is going to be. I used chopped pecans instead of walnuts and it was superb. I could have eaten this for dinner by itself and been perfectly happy.

WEDNESDAY //

date night | pigs n’ blankets/mac n cheese for kids

THURSDAY //

 

Pancetta Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
notes: I couldn’t find pancetta sliced thin, so I used prosciutto and it worked just fine. This recipe was delicious. I used a regular pork tenderloin (not seasoned, and smothered it in the olive oil/herbs she recommends). Rather than roasting everything in a pan, I made the entire recipe in my cast iron skillet (browned the pork, sauteed the veggies, and then popped the whole thing in the oven). The pork was so tender and flavorful and the veggies delicious. This is a keeper.

Baked Sweet Potatoes
notes: coated sweet potatoes in coconut oil, wrapped them in foil and baked at 450 for 60-75 minutes. scooped out the insides and mashed with some butter, brown sugar and a little almond milk. the kids ate it up.

Roasted Broccoli
notes: this blogger touts this as the best broccoli ever, and i’m inclined to agree.

FRIDAY //

Easy Tamale Pie
notes: made this as-is, using a little less enchilada sauce then recommended. It was quick, easy and the kids loved it. Will make again…

Wedge Salad w/ Buttermilk Black Pepper Dressing
notes: made this recipe for the dressing and it was a good one. I didn’t have the salad kit — just used my own candied pecans, feta and dried cranberries over romaine. 

SATURDAY //

Feta Scrambled Eggs + Pesto Veggies
notes: not a fan of goat cheese, but I made this recipe with feta and it was delicious.

Giada’s Chia Seed Pudding
notes: forgot to make this earlier in the day, but 5 hours was plenty of time for it to set. the kids think it’s pretty cool to have pudding for dinner… I like to top with bananas, diced orange slices and a little coconut.

Chicken Breakfast Sausage