Scattered Sundays and Meal Plan for January 23rd – 29th
So, this happened yesterday.
Need to see it from another angle?
We were having new neighbors over for dinner, and I had it in my head that we needed a s’mores tart. It didn’t turn out exactly as I conceptualized it, but the taste was enough to make up for the failed appearance. The dough was like a graham cracker, and the cream was double chocolate. Marshmallows on top, and I blasted them with my kitchen torch. In my mind, the marshmallows would kind of relax and ooze a bit and cover the top like a happy little toasted pillow top mattress. In reality, I kept lighting the marshmallows on fire, and after eight minutes, my thumb was locked in the “kitchen torch ignition” position. #youcantwinthemall
On Friday, I asked our Frugal by Choice, Cheap by Necessity Facebook community about a sticky wicket of etiquette. The new neighbors had gifted us some wine at Christmas, and I’m assuming they would be bringing some to dinner. Troy and I do not drink for personal reasons. We do not give a tinker’s damn if other people drink, but the social rules of serving booze has always escaped me. I get that wine is a thoughtful thing to bring, but I was never sure if it was something like a hostess gift, or meant to be served that night. You all came through for me with some great ideas, and even useful tips on what wine gets chilled and what is served at room temp, so thank you! They did bring wine, red, and we served it along with water and sparkling juices. I poured the wine, so I have no idea if I gave them too much or not enough. But I gave them chocolate s’mores tart, so I’m guessing we cool.
I even got to use this handy dandy thing that I was gifted a few years ago by someone who had to use an old-fashioned wine opener during Thanksgiving. The first time I saw it, I thought I was being given a very um, personal item. And since it was from Troy’s aunt, it was especially weird.
I had to check the directions a bunch, and it still took me a few times to get the cork out. That’s what she said.
This week was a major crap storm. My mom was supposed to have a procedure dealing with her liver cancer on Wednesday. She woke up as weak and tired as a newborn kitten. Needless to say we weren’t able to get her to the hospital, but thankfully they were able to fit her in on such short notice next week. When the adrenaline coursing through your veins runs out, you are full on exhausted, and stressed to the max, you have a few choices. There is exercise, meditation, therapy, and of course, food.
Even though the tub was pretty much empty before I started, Nutella never judges. Nutella always gets me.
Meal plan time!
Monday:: Homemade pizza, and salad. I just found out the dad of one of Jack’s friend’s is gone for work for the next two months. There are four boys in that family, including a little baby, and I’m sure their mom is going bonkers. I’m making pizza for us, and will double the batch and freeze some to take over. I’m sure their mom needs a pizza night. Maybe I should bring her wine?
Tuesday:: Cashew chicken, rice, and pot stickers.
Wednesday:: Pasta, roasted broccoli, and salad. This didn’t happen last week.
Thursday:: Soup and bread. I haven’t figured out what kind of soup yet. I’ll make sure I know before I go to the grocery store. Oh wait, I think it will be lentil! Or not. Decide for me. I want french onion, but I don’t want to smell Troy’s farts all night.
Friday:: Popcorn and movie night
Saturday:: Leftovers. We’re having Bennett’s first birthday party (FIRST.FREAKING.BIRTHDAY) that afternoon, and I’ll likely have too much food in my fridge at the end of it.
Sunday:: Family dinner? Maybe? Or more leftovers. Typically when we all get together on a Saturday, Sundays are cancelled.
What are you having this week?
We l-o-v-e Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana – it is sooooo good!!! I was googling for a yummy, filling, ‘something different’ soup for lunch for a craft day with a bunch of my friends (we take turns at each other’s houses about every six weeks – fun) and the whole pot just disappeared – lucky my husband was there early enough to grab a bowl! I’ve made it several times since and my whole family just gobbles it down, even our teenage son! Try it – it’s amazing! ps can’t believe Bennett is a whole year old already! Happy birthday to a gorgeous little man! pps – sending prayers for your Mum xx
I have a recipe like that from my MIL, and you are correct; it is delicious! I think I have everything for it. I even randomly have cream and half and half in my fridge. Thanks for the idea!
Thank you so much for the “Pitt Stop” recipe. I love your column and share it with my friends.
So sweet of you to think of that poor mother, and yes, wine is probably a good idea! Lolz
My favorite soup is Skinny Ms. Vegetable and bean soup. If you Google it, the recipe comes right up. It is deeeelicious, and aside from some chopping, it is all made in the crock pot!
Also, I\\\’d love to see a post on Bennett\\\’s first birthday party! Happy birthday, little man!
And the salt and pepper shakers? Is there a story about those?
Also keeping your mother in my prayers.
About Jack’s friend’s mother that you are going to deliver the pizza to, maybe invite her over for dinner … adult conversation, no dishes, free food … and then send her home with the pizza (AND the wine if she sound like she needs it).
That pie looks awesome! My go to soup this winter has been a variation of the lentil quinoa kale soup from the Destination Delish blog. I use a bit less water and love the addition of smoked paprika and sesame oil.