Week 8: Tall Mommy's Menu Plan

Can you believe we have been menu planning for two months already?! Nice. Honestly, some weeks I can credit this blog for us having a semblance of a balanced meal on our table...nothing terribly inspirational admittedly, but hey, don't judge.

This week I have our first Sunday of Primary behind me-lots of work ahead of me, but I need to find balance and know it will be ok now if everything isn't perfect. I'm hoping this week's menu plan reflects that quest for balance...a few easy meals for days I may not feel well *like today* or have a TON to accomplish, and a few meals or treats that inspire the senses and make me actually like to be in the kitchen.

Monday: LEFT OVERS. Pulled pork is so yummy (even Yasmeen loves it) and we have enough for a second dinner, so that is what we are having. Don't want it? Find your own fare.

Tuesday: If the weather is still cold and crappy I'll try this Chicken Chili with Hominy slow cooker recipe; if it is nice I'll probably opt for a fresh spring primavera pasta served with bruschetta.

Wednesday: This Shitake and Pea Risotto though I'll adapt with Ina Garten's secret and add 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese before serving, stirring until creamy and melted for the ultimate consistency. I may also add asparagus. Serve with Romaine-Tomato Salad.

Thursday: Pan grilled fish (likely Halibut) with this rice: from Cooking Light: Cook 1 cup long-grain white rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ½ cup thawed frozen whole-kernel corn and ½ cup chopped zucchini to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until vegetables are charred. Stir in ½ cup halved grape tomatoes and 1⁄3 cup chopped green onions; sauté 1 minute or ­until tomatoes almost wilt. Combine vegetable mixture, rice, and ¾ teaspoon salt. I may add either feta or blue cheese crumbles to the rice too.

Friday: I'm hoping for take out-burgers or our traditional Friday night pizza run.

Saturday: These Chipotle Chili Burritos from Cooking Light

Sunday: Fillet Mignon with broiled vine tomatoes stuffed with pine nut cous cous, crumbled blue cheese and basil

Sweet Treat: I'm going to try these Brown Butter Sea Salt cookies from Yummy Mummy