I have twenty minutes to write this post. I've got myself on a strict schedule this morning–something we homeschoolers are not used to–because I have been asked to sing at the funeral of a woman from my church who passed away this weekend. I will be bringing the girls, but they'll be playing together in the nursery while I slip in and out to offer what I can to this sweet family and in honor of this sweet woman who was such a strong part of our church community. I feel honored to be able to offer my voice as a gift to the family.
I knew I wanted to write this post first thing in the week for those meal-planners among us. I made the transition to meal planner in the last year and although there have a been a few weeks where I've slacked, the peace and time-saving of knowing what to buy at the grocery store and exactly what I'll be making at the end of each day is so helpful to me.
So I thought I would share a few recipes that we've been enjoying lately. Some are simple classics–but that is what I love. And I love finding a recipe that works. Others are great comfort foods. And of course, I had to throw in a kid-friendly dessert as well…
Enjoy!
Sarah's Chicken and Dumplings : Drop whatever it is that you are doing, and make this recipe tonight! Sarah is my neighbor and friend and an amazing, amazing baker and cook. This recipe is so good, I can't even tell you. We've had it twice in two weeks it is that good. The second time I made it my husband was so happy because he'd been under the weather the first time I made it and "couldn't fully appreciate how good it was." He proclaims it the best dumplings he's ever had. And while you're visiting Sarah for the recipe, check out all her recipes. Amazing, folks. Amazing.
Baked Ravioli : I know most people probably have a version of this in their repertoire, but this one was so simple and delicious. Especially the sauce. Usually my children pick out the chunks of tomato, but I found certain members of the family eating the tomato-y parts straight out of the dish.
Pasta with Turkey Meatballs and Bocconcini : This was is so yummy, too. You'll have to spring for the bocconcini–it's not exactly a pantry staple, but it's worth it.
Pork Tenderloin with Honeyed Butter : I like how simple this recipe is. Although be warned that, in my opinion, in needs to cook longer than the 7-10 minutes recommended in the recipe.
Vegetarian Black-Bean Chili : I'm trying to introduce more vegetarian dishes into our meal plans. It saves money and it's good for us. This one was a hit with everyone. Though I will confess to have a little bit of cheese and bits of bacon on hand to sprinkle over the top.
Buckeyes : And of course, dessert. I had to try this recipe because the last time I made buckeyes, it was a culinary disaster in the kitchen with my big sister–and I was probably in middle school. We had chocolate and buckeyes everywhere. Not to mention the number that completely dropped into the bowl of warm chocolate only to be fished out and plopped onto the waxed paper. It wasn't pretty. In a very weak attempt to redeem this recipe, I added 1/4 cup of wheat germ to the peanut butter balls. And we dumped the eyeball part in favor of a more traditional buckeye look. *My children helped me make the peanut butter balls. They were distracted during the chocolate dipping step. I think it was better that way. 🙂
What recipes are working for you these days? I'm always excited to add some more good things to my recipe box!
Thanks for the buckeye link! I’m new to buckeye country, and in need of a good recipe.
We’ve been loving a warm roasted sweet potato and black bean salad. Vegetarian — though we’re not, and it doesn’t “taste” like it. Meaning it’s chock-a-block with big flavor and just overall yum (recipe’s in my last post).
Happy (belated!) Thanksgiving!
Molly
These are so excellent! Thanks for sharing, I’m making a list right now.
Those look great, thanks for sharing them. Hope the funeral goes well, I know it can be tough to sing at them.
Yum, thanks for sharing. Some of those will definitely be on my meal plan for December.
Two of my current stand-bys are:http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/slow-cooked-tex-mex-chicken-and-beans
and
http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/soups/white-bean-chicken-chili/
WOW! Thanks for the links. I can’t call myself a meal planner, (yet!) but I do feel so much better when I manage to pull it off. Also, we’ll be making your yummy pumpkin bread this week!
Thank you for the links Beth! I’m adding both to my list! I think I’ll even bag my plans and try the white bean chicken chili tonight. I’ve been looking for a good recipe for a white chili.
Gina–thank you for the reminder, I keep forgetting that it’s that time of year again–time to post the recipe!
These look wonderful! I have been doing the meal planning off and on for a few years, and life is always smoother when we do. Thanks for sharing!Here is one of my long time favorite recipes, it is very simple. All you really need is the roast, salt, pepper, and water, but I have added the other ingredients over the years.
Crock-pot Pork Roast
(1)Put one inch of water in the bottom of the crock-pot then add the pork roast, any kind will do.
(2)Drizzle some apple-cider vinegar, about 3-4 tbsp, over the roast.
(3)Coat the top of the roast with salt and pepper or the seasoning mix of your choice.
(4)Drizzle olive oil over the top of the roast and any spots where the roast touches the sides of the pot.
(5)Coat the top of the roast with apple sauce.
(6)Cover and cook 4hr on high or 6-8hr on low.
(7)Push Carrots and halved potatoes in to the cooking juices an hour before cooking is done.
(8)When roast is done serve with carrots and potatoes on the side. Enjoy!
Thank you for these!! I’ve been looking for a scrumptious chicken and dumplings recipe for a while, and the other ones sound tasty too.
I can’t wait to try the chicken and dumplings. Thanks for sharing all these great recipe ideas! We have been in soup mode lately. This is one of my old family favorites:
Carrot Soup
2 T oil1 1/2 lbs sliced carrots1 large onion, chopped1 1/2 c. diced potatoes (peel if they are russet)1 clove garlic, sliced4 whole cloves (the spice, not garlic)1/2 t. sugar1/4 t. ground pepper4 c. chicken or veggie broth
Heat oil in a big pot and add all the veggies. Stir often for 8-10 minutes. Add cloves, sugar and pepper and stir another minute. Add broth. Bring to boil; then reduce and simmer 20 minutes. *Very important: Remove and discard cloves.* Use an immersion blender to puree 3/4 of the soup. Serve with dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt.
This pumpkin soup is also incredible: http://dontstampthebaby.blogspot.com/2008/09/for-love-of-pumpkin.html
this cashew chicken from everyday food is a new favorite around here. serve it with rice and steamed broccoli or green beans and you’ve got an easy and fast meal.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/cashew-chicken-edf
hi molly, i always appreciate your posts about meal planning. what a treat to see some of your favorite recipes this time, also.right now, i am in total comfort food mode. i’ve combined a couple of different beef stew recipes to come up with the best tasting beef stew ever (must get around to writing it down before I forget it). i’ve also ventured into new territory with classic roast beef dinner and yorkshire pudding (thank you martha stewart, for the best yorkie recipe ever!).and jamie oliver’s recipe for classic battered fish is a real treat.i also like making cabbage roll casserole (no rolling involved).i have found a cake recipe that i think everyone should keep handy. it is here:http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/busy-day-chocolate-cakefrom the everyday food november issue.
Molly Thanks so much! We just made the dumplings the other day and we had barely any leftovers. My favorite recipes are the ones that come out of my head! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!!!Sarah
Venison Minestrone
http://ahappylittlefamily.blogspot.com/2008/12/venison-minestrone.html
Of course you can use beef (or no meat at all), but it’s delicious, kid friendly and good for you!
Thank you for the recipes…just had a wonderful pot luck Thanksgiving at work (hospital), then desert at my son’s house. I brought something called “Corn Casserole” or “Spoonbread”…it was a recipe my dtr put together for her in laws Thanksgiving. (When I work I send my children to the in-laws!)Corn Casserole:1 can corn1 can creamed corn1 cube butter (being a cardiac nurse I did substitutebit of olive oil1 cup sour cream…..I used low fat.1 cup Jiffy corn bread mix.Cook till done (?) toasty brown, knife clean etc…about an hour!I added jalepeno’s to one half, went over great. I’ve also seen this with an egg or two added. I’ll try that another time.My dtr. is already telling me she’s making this for Christmas at my house!It was delicious!
The link for the baked raviolis is gone. Bummer, that sounded interesting for us.
It is very best for the health as well as it have no any side effects. I am eating it every breakfast. I am impressed by your a information from this post.