With all the cold weather I have been enjoying a lot of pasta and soups lately. In this month’s weekly meal plan you’ll find a number of our favorite family recipes (gnocchi and shrimp lo mein – yum!). Don’t forget if you would like the complete shopping list to sign up directly below for access to the resource library.

       

Monday – Meatless Monday

   

Gnocchi

   

I usually make this dinner whenever my husband is gone because it’s not his favorite. It’s probably because I used to make it so often that he just got sick of it. I never get sick of it!

Directions:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Microwave a package of frozen green beans.
3. In a large saucepan heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add a package of grape tomatoes (10 oz) to the olive oil and stir often.
5. Once the water in the pot is boiling add the entire package (17.6 oz) of gnocchi.
6. When the gnocchi rises to the surface of the water (3-4 minutes) use a slotted spoon to transfer to the saucepan containing the tomatoes.
7. Add the green beans, 1/4 c pesto, and mozzarella pearls (8 oz) to the saucepan and give all the ingredients a good stir.
8. Sprinkle parmesan on top and there you have it!

 

Tuesday – Slow Cooker Recipe

   

Orzo Soup and Bread

   

We tried this recipe for slow cooker orzo soup this week and loved it! We’ll definitely be adding this soup into our meal rotations.

I omit the red pepper flakes (1 tsp) because I’m a wimp but you could certainly add it to the shopping list if you can handle spice better than I.

Also, the recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken broth. I always have a jar of chicken bouillon cubes in my pantry instead of broth. Make sure to make the substitution on the shopping list printable if you are going to buy broth instead.

   

Wednesday – Breakfast for Dinner

   

Ham and Cheese Croissants and Blueberries

   

Mmmmm, croissants. Make them a dinner meal by adding mayo, ham, and swiss cheese.

Typically, I assemble the sandwiches by first spreading mayo on both sides of the croissant. Then I take one slice of swiss cheese per sandwich and rip it in half to cover the bottom half of the croissant. Next, I fold two slices of ham per sandwich to cover the cheese. Lastly, wrap the sandwiches in aluminum foil and throw them in the oven at 350 for 10 to 15 minutes.

   

Thursday – Leftovers

   

Friday – Friday Favorites

   

Pork Chops, Red Potatoes, and Green Beans

   

Usually, I’m not a huge fan of pork chops but this recipe for baked parmesan pork chops met with my approval.

Plus, I’ve used this red potato recipe for years. I never use fresh parsley, which is why you won’t see it on the shopping list. Please add it under “produce” if you would prefer fresh parsley (2 tbsp) and eliminate it under “baking”.

*Sorry, I repeated green beans this week. Obviously, you can switch out a different vegetable if you so choose.

   

Saturday – Eat Out or Order In

   

Sunday – Multicultural Night

   

Shrimp Lo Mein and Egg Rolls

   

My go-to Chinese take-out order is always Shrimp Lo Mein (hold the onions!). Since we rarely get take-out any more I now make a cheater version at home quite frequently. The dish definitely satisfies my craving!

I always use frozen shrimp but if you are going to use fresh make sure to change the ingredient’s category on the shopping list.

   

Weekly Dessert

   

Apple Crisp

   

I only had three apples but was determined to make apple crisp for dessert this week. This apple crisp recipe worked out perfectly. You may want to add vanilla (or eggnog!) ice cream to the shopping list.

   

Wanting more dinner ideas? Here is my Weekly Meal Plan #2.