A Week At A Time – Meal Ideas!

Yesterday we attended our good friends’ son’s wedding, which had been postponed a year due to Covid 19. The ceremony was under a gorgeous olive tree in Malibu California at Calamigos Ranch. The branches were hung with white strands of lights and gently flickered at dust when the exchanging of vows began. I haven’t been to a wedding in so long, that I forgot how special they can actually be. Both the bride and groom read their own vows to each other and the bridesmaids, and groomspeople (yes, one was female) wiped their cheeks with gentle celebratory tears. The reception was indoors on the same property and all attendees must have been vaccinated and taken a Covid test within 72 hours of the wedding.

The festive event had a band that played hits of my past and present, and if you know me, I love to dance. After dinner, me and my husband mostly stayed on the dancefloor, while greeting those around us who were not afraid to show their best moves. There’s something about dancing that lifts all our spirits and makes us feel alive, and unified as one. I think we all should dance more often, even if it’s just in your own kitchen when a good song comes on, while your stirring a pot of sauce or soup.

This week is all about the foods that make us feel warm and cozy, things that are not difficult to make, but make us whole. Monday my Dodgers are playing against the San Francisco Giants (my husband’s team), so a simple chili is on the menu so we can watch the game. Tuesday is baked pasta night to satisfy those Italian food cravings, and Wednesday is all about a simple fall stew made with butternut squash and chunks of pork. Thursday is hot dog night, but were not making just any hot dog. These are wrapped in bacon and grilled on the stovetop. A squeeze of sriracha brings some heat, and tangy pleasure to the whole experience. Potato soup Friday ends the week like a warm blanket on a cold fall evening. Feel free to top your bowl with yummy ingredients like cheddar cheese, scallions and bacon, get creative. Saturday were making toasts with crispy bacon, seared cherry tomatoes and eggs cooked just right. Have a good week and don’t forget to dance while your making some great meals.

Monday – This chili is perfect on baseball night because you can serve it in a bowl sprinkled with cheese, or over hot dogs on a soft bun. It’s light, yet flavor and really fills you up.

Instant Pot Chipotle Turkey Chili – Recipe!

Tuesday – This hardy dish of pasta is layered with red sauce flecked with sausage and cheeses to make it over the top comfort food. The leftovers are nice to enjoy for nights to come, or at lunchtime during the week.

Baked Italian Sausage Mostaccioli – Recipe!

Wednesday – This simple stew with fall flavors is just what you need when it’s chilly during the evenings. It’s a simple mix of winter squash, chunks of pork, and creamy beans in a tomato based sauce.

Pork & Butternut Squash Stew – Recipe!

Thursday – It’s dog night, the closest thing to Dodger Dog night I can prepare right in my own kitchen. These dogs are wrapped in bacon, unlike the ones at the stadium, and grilled on the stove top. Perfect game night food.

Bacon Wrapped Sriracha Dogs – Recipe!

Friday – It’s definitely soup night and this is my Poppy’s potato soup recipe. The chunky potatoes are cooked in milk, and a splash of cream for decadent flavor. The fun part is to top this soup with your favorite things like cheese, chives or even bacon crumbles.

Potato Soup with Cheddar & Chives – Recipe!

Saturday – Breakfast toasts are on the menu this weekend and these are easy enough that almost anyone can put them together in a moments notice. Crispy bacon is layered with pan seared tomatoes and over easy eggs. They definitely require a fork.