Merry Christmas! I really can’t believe Christmas is this week already. But it’s here. I think I’m ready.

We started our Christmas celebration over the weekend with my in-laws. We all had a great time, got some wonderful gifts and ate lots of good food.

I’m looking forward to a relaxing week now that we are on Christmas break.  Though we still have plenty to do. Two speech therapy appointments, grocery shopping and family parties. The kids might have some fun outings with Daddy as well.

As far as I can tell the grape introduction went well for my son last week. So this week we move on to pears.

I have plenty to keep me busy in the kitchen this week.  I want to make a batch of soaked graham crackers, soaked noodles and elderberry syrup. I would like to finally make and can a few rounds of spaghetti sauce. I need to get all of our tomatoes out of the freezer to make more space. I’ve got chicken broth going right now and will hopefully do beef broth later this week.

For our family party I need to make hummus. I haven’t decided yet if I’m making another special dessert this week. We’re still working on what we’ve got from the weekend – blueberry cake, ice cream, pie, cookies.

I might also make a freezer meal or two for my grandpa.

Last week we got our 1/4 cow. The freezer is pretty packed now. And I’m excited to try some beef! We’re starting with steak today.

Last week I also received a huge box of goodies from Sami’s Bakery. So we should be stocked on bread for a while.

If you missed last week’s posts I shared some fun recipes – kettle corn granola, hot cocoa waffles and nightshade free nutrient dense pizza sauce.  There are more delicious recipes coming this week.

It was odd this week planning meals and not having to worry about everything being prepared in advance or thinking about what could be packed in lunches.

Here is what’s on our menu. I hope you have a blessed Christmas and enjoy lots of great, real food!

Sunday
B – coffee cake,  yogurt, mixed fruit, cinnamon raisin bread w/ peanut butter
L – pan grilled steak, roasted potatoes, peas
D – pizza, salad, misc. leftovers
*soak flour for noodles, soak flour for graham crackers, roast squash, make broth

Monday
D – squash and ham soup, bacon sandwiches
*make noodles, make graham crackers, strain broth

Tuesday
D – spaghetti, beans, garlic toast
*make/can spaghetti sauce, soak flour

Wednesday
D – pan seared salmon, seasoned rice, broccoli, pearsauce, rolls
*make breakfast cookies

Thursday
D – at party
*make hummus, make elderberry syrup, soak flour for muffins

Friday
D – pancake muffins, sausage, beans, pears
*make meal for Grandpa

Saturday
D – cp roast beef, potatoes, carrots, onions
*make beef broth