I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was a nice day filled with family, some that you don’t always see as frequently, but mostly a time to share a meal, and good conversation. The handful of days after Thanksgiving I’m always tired from numerous days of cooking, and cleanup from the holiday, which I’m sure so many of you can relate. This week I’ll be taking down pumpkin decor and replacing it with a bit of Christmas cheer. Christmas is less than a month away, so this weekend was a perfect time to get the house lights up, so the other weeks are free for indoor tree trimming, and gift wrapping. I did do a little shopping yesterday in town at the Palisades Village, and I picked up some small gifts for friends and family, and hit the See’s Candy store for boxes of chocolates and holiday marshmallow trees, before they get picked over. I do find myself shopping less and less in person these days, and buying most gifts online. I can’t remember how we all used to do it when working from an office, and making holiday food, including Christmas cookies, and getting the shopping done before the big day. There is definitely an advantage in being able to get most things delivered to your door. Hanukkah starts today for those of you that light the menorah, so at sundown the festivities begin for eight nights in a row with gift giving, and celebratory fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot, or jelly filled doughnuts. Holidays are so much fun.
This week’s meals are foods that are made easy, yet still satisfy those fall-like cravings. In my house, the turkey and sides are almost gone, so it’s time to create some new dinners from scratch. Monday I’m making my Tomato Beef & Greens Soup because I just can’t eat another bite of turkey, and it’s so good. On Tuesday, I’m spicing things up with some Cauliflower and Caramelized Onion Tacos. Yes, that’s right, vegetarian tacos that will make you not miss the meat. It’s pasta night on Wednesday and my Lemony Bow Ties are one of my most popular recipes on my blog. It’s slow-cooker Thursday this week and my Pork Brisket is not to be missed. The apples and onions give it perfect fall flavor. Friday night it’s all about simplicity and so, we’re using our leftover pork from the previous night to make Shredded Pork Penne in Calabrian Chili Tomato Sauce. It’s slightly spicy, yet not too hot, and each and every bite will keep you coming back for more. Saturday’s are for baking and this weekend it’s time to make a little chocolate and peanut dessert that will set this holiday month into a spin. Have a great week and don’t forget to get that shopping done ahead of time.
Monday – Hardy beef soup in a tomato broth with winter greens wilted beautifully. It makes the perfect one-pot meal.
Tomatoey Beef & Greens Soup – Recipe!
Tuesday – These rustic tacos are so flavorful and stuffed full of good-for-you-food. I promise, you won’t miss the meat!
Cauliflower & Caramelized Onion Tacos with Avocado Mash – Recipe!
Wednesday – It’s pasta night and these creamy lemon bow tie are so tasty, and easy to put together in just a few minutes. Your whole family will enjoy them.
Lemony Ricotta Bow-Tie Pasta – Recipe!
Thursday – This pork brisket is so flavorful and pairs nicely with the luscious apples and onions. If you can’t find pork brisket, you can always substitute beef.
Slow-Roasted Pork Brisket with Onions & Apples – Recipe!
Friday – We’re using our leftover pork to make this slightly spicy pasta dish. You’ll just love how easy it is to prepare, and the flavors are mildly zesty and full of fun flavor.
Leftover Shredded Pork Penne in Calabrian Chile Tomato Sauce – Recipe!
Saturday – Chocolate and peanut butter are so good together and these little bites make the nicest treat to serve for dessert or to enjoy as a snack in the afternoon.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bites – Recipe!
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