A Week At A Time – Meal Ideas!

It’s beginning to feel like fall and it’s official on Saturday of this week. As much as I enjoy summer, I do love fall cooking and baking. In fact, it’s probably my favorite time of the year to be in the kitchen. I love those autumnal spices and ingredients that set the mood for a great season ahead. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom – just to name a few — are all spices I add to baked goods and even ethnic stews. Adding just a pinch to some dishes changes things up a bit and adds an aroma that will make people take notice. If you don’t have a Dutch oven in your kitchen, it’s time to invest in one because they do make the perfect vessel for slow cooking, and many are quite affordable. An Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker is another good option for stew, sauces and soups during the fall and winter months, especially if you’re not one to plan ahead to whip up something tasty during the week.

This week we will walk straight into fall starting with Monday – Fall Turkey Burger Bowls. I enjoy a good bowl and these are loaded with fresh fall foods like squash, Brussels sprouts and turkey. Tuesday is taco night, but I thought a Chicken Fajita Soup sounded even better. The same ingredients as in a taco, except the tortillas are on the side. Wednesday night is time to feel like we are in Thailand and create this easy Thai Ground Pork & Green Beans dish. It’s a simple stir-fry with some spices that perk up basic ingredients. On Thursday night, you’re almost to the end of the week, so let’s make something memorable like this Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff, and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. TGIF and cheers to one last cocktail that reminds us all of summer — California Sunrise Martini. It’s citrusy and fresh — super pretty too. Saturday’s are for baking and happy fall y’all. We’re kicking it off with pumpkin and these Pumpkin Nutella Bars are so delicious and easy to make. Have a great week ahead — get those sweaters out.

Monday