Welcoming the New Year with a New Weekly Menu

 

It is hard to believe that 2022 is coming to a close and in less than 12 hrs we will be welcoming in the New Year.  

A Meal to serve when someone comes home from the hospital after being smashed by a truck #CooktheBooks

 Our Cook the Books Club December/January Selection was a delightful novel about accepting yourself, taking care of yourself and believing in yourself.  

The Weekly Menu starting with Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone and Happy Holidays to those who observe this time of year in other cultures and religions.  May Peace on Earth and Goodwill Among Men be with you throughout the Holiday Season.

I know that I certainly have a lot to be grateful for, not the least of which is that I am able to write and share this post with you after having been hit by a Ford 250 while on my daily walk the day after Thanksgiving.

I can't believe that it will be one month to the day tomorrow and I am well enough to not only post my Christmas and Weekly Menu but I am able to help prepare the food as well.  God is very very good.

So without further ado, here is what we are serving up for Christmas with a lot of help from Frank's sister and our eldest daughter.  Frank took on the bulk of the prep but I was able to get into the kitchen to prep the Kapusta.  The ham is from Costco and is ready to serve.  The Stuffed Cabbage and Smoked Sausage is being provided by Roz.  Frank is in charge of the Cheezy Potatoes.  Amy is bringing the desserts.  

We are having dinner tonight at Frank's brother's house.  Monday and Tuesday we will be working with leftovers.  Wednesday we are hosting a gathering for my side of the family as I was in the hospital when I was supposed to be having the Annual Santa Party.  Keeping it simple with ordered in Pizza and Salad.

Thursday, Frank is taking me to Firestarter Casino.  We will stop and see our friend, Sister Maryann for lunch before the Casino where we have dinner reservations prior to a concert honoring Michael Jackson called MJ Live.  We may do a little gambling while we are there.....wish us luck.

Saturday-Christmas Eve

Dinner at Dan and Rebecca's

Sunday-Christmas Day

See large Menu above

Monday

Ham and Cheese Strata (featuring leftover ham)

Tuesday

Leftover Plate

Wednesday-Dubrul Christmas

Pizza and Salad

Thursday-Overnight Trip

Friday

Bean Soup (using leftover ham bone)

Copy Cat In and Out Burger and a Book Review

We don't have In and Out Burgers in Michigan but I have heard of them and when they were mentioned several times in the final Eve Ronin novel, Movie Land, I had to do a Google search and see what all the fuss was about.

Sourdough Grilled Cheese and a Book Review of Gated Prey

Three cheese shredded blend and provolone cheese sandwiched between sourdough and grilled to a melted, gooey goodness.

This sandwich was inspired by Gated Prey, the third novel in the Eve Ronin Series.

A Birthday Celebration featuring Yellow Cake for the Final 2022 #CakeSliceBakers

Last month we celebrated Little Miss M's 2nd Birthday.  This simple but delicious yellow cake made the perfect birthday cake for the celebration.

This is the final bake from Zoe Bakes Cakes, the  choice for the Cake Slice Bakers in 2022......

Orange Hot Chocolate #SundayFundayBloggers

Every holiday season I look forward to buying those Chocolate Oranges that they sell wrapped in foil.  You crach them on the table and they break into segments.  I think chocolate and orange is one of my favorite flavor profiles.  

So I decided to ask Frank to jazz up my hot chocolate with a splash of Grand Marnier last night.  

Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl #SoupSaturdaySwappers

This Broccoli Cheese Soup served up in a bread bowl is perfect for the holidays.  It can be made ahead of time and kept warm, allowing your guests to serve themselves from a luncheon buffet that can also contain meat and cheese trays and salads for a casual, comfortable get together.

It's time for Soup Saturday Swappers.............

J Baldwin's Calamari #FishFridayFoodies

There is a restaurant here in Michigan owned by Chef Jeff Baldwin.  All of their food is wonderful but we ALWAYS order the calamari because it is the best we have ever eaten.  When Baldwin's first opened in 2004 he offered cooking classes and shared the recipe with us.  I am happy to share it with you today

It's time for Fish Friday Foodies.............

Instant Pot Pork Adobo #EattheWorld

 Delicious, tender, flavorful pork adobo in less than an hour.  

We are traveling to the Philippines this month as we Eat the World......

Tuscan Tortellini Soup #ImprovCookingChallenge

This hearty and delicious soup is perfect as a warm comforting meal with a nice slice of bread and is ready in less time than it would tae to order carry out.

It's time for the Improv Cooking Challenge.......

A Taco Tuesday Recipe and a Book Review

German Chocolate Pie #ChristmasSweetsWeek

 German Chocolate Cake collides with Brownie Pie in this scrumptious, decadent dessert.

It is the final day of Christmas Sweets Week......

A Perfect Start to a Perfect Evening #ItalianFWT

Start your next gathering with a Cheese and Wine platter.  I am featuring Italian Wines with my cheeseboard today.  I opened 3 of these bottles to serve as guests arrived and saved the Cecchi Riserva to pour with my main course.

It's time for the Holiday Edition of Italian Food Wine and Travel.......

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Pecans #ChristmasSweetsWeek

These sweet and slightly spicy pecans are perfect by themselves or as part of a cheeseboard or charcuterie platter when entertaining.

Honey Apple Baked Brie #ChristmasSweetWeek

Creamy Brie Cheese, smothered with apple butter and honey, wrapped in pastry and baked to a golden brown before being topped with caramelized apples and served with fresh apple slices and crackers.  OH MY YUM!!!

It's time for Christmas Sweets Week..........

Paganens (Algonquin Wild Nut Soup) #SundayFundayBloggers

November is National American Indian Heritage Month.  I'm sure this month was chosen as it was when Europeans first emigrated to the New World and were met by friendly Indigenous Americans who celebrated their arrival with a feast.  We now acknowledge that arrival and feast each year in Thanksgiving.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are celebrating American Indians today.........

East meets West~~Pork Fried Rice and a North Carolina Wine #CabFrancDay #sponsored

I was gifted a bottle of Jones von Drehle Cabernet Franc in celebration of Cab Franc Day that was founded by my friend Lori of Exploring the Wine Glass and Draceana Wines.   I received no monetary compensation for this post and all opinions and writings are strictly my own.

Most of you have probably had Cab Franc blended with other grapes in Bordeaux style wines.  Cab Franc Day was created to honor this varietal and to tell the world that Cab Franc is not just a blending grape but wonderful all on it's own.

Chinese Takeout with an Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc and the Weekly Menu#WorldWineTravel

This month we are visiting the New Zealand Island of Marlborough with our World Wine Travel Group.

I found a bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc that I poured one night when we ordered in Chinese.

Bone Canyon Sushi Roll~~A Book Review

Lump crab meat mixed with cream cheese and mayo, layered with crunchy cucumber and creamy avocado wrapped up in nori and brown rice.  Perfect as an addition to a sushi appetizer tray for those who don't care for raw fish or as a main course meal for one.

This recipe was inspired by the novel, Bone Canyon, the second in the Eve Ronin series.......

Cake Mix Donuts and a Book Review

Take your favorite cake mix, add an egg, some butter and some milk to make these delicious donuts that are sure to bring a smile to those who are the lucky recipients.  I went with a Spice Cake this time and some fall colored sprinkles for a seasonal treat. 

I think I will use a chocolate cake mix and peppermint candy cane bits for the upcoming Christmas Season.

Enchanted BBQ Venison Casserole and a Book Review #LitHappens

A warm and comforting casserole with southwestern flavors and a corn bread topping.  This recipe was inspired by the fun, magical novel Keeper of Enchanted Rooms, our Lit Happens selection for November.

Beef Vegetable Soup #SundayFunday

Starting with leftovers and the contents in the produce drawer of my refrigerator this soup is not only delicious and nutritious but a great way to make room for the makings of your Thanksgiving Dinner.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are cleaning out their refrigerators today.......

Orange Pound Cake #CakeSliceBakers

This delicious pound cake, flavored with pure orange extract and orange zest in both the cake and the frosting is a wonderful way to start your holiday baking.

It's time for the Cake Slice Bakers..........

Quick and Healthy Butternut Squash Soup and the Weekly Menu including Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving #SoupSaturdaySwappers

 Holidays can be very busy.  This quick and healthy Butternut Squash Soup starting with frozen squash is a time and stress saver.  It takes only a few minutes of hands on time and half an hour cooking time.  It can be made ahead and rewarmed so there is zero soup stress on the big day.

It is time for the Soup Saturday Swappers.......

Garlic and Herb Steamed Mussels #FishFridayFoodies

Impress your guests with this amazingly simple and delicious Seafood Platter.  Simple preparation and very little time is involved, yet the WOW factor is incredible.

 Welcome to the November edition of Fish Friday Foodies........

Domaine Chevillon Chezeaux Bourgogne Hautes Cotes De Nuits, 2018 paired with a Maple Pecan Chicken #FrenchWinophiles

The French Winophiles are travelling to Bourgogne today, better known as the Burgundy region to us in the USA.  Here in the US we simply call it Pinot Noir or Chardonnay as we designate by varietal rather than region.

I'm sharing a Pinot Noir from Bourgogne with you today.........

Fall Harvest Bread Pudding #BundtBakers

 Fall Harvest Sweet Bread tossed in a custard mixture and baked in a bundt pan creates a scrumptious, seasonal dessert.

It is time for the Bundt Bakers........

Cranberry Topped Crab Puffs #CranberryWeek

This easy and delicious appetizer is a great start to your Holiday gathering.  Creamy crab dip in filo cups topped with cranberry sauce are pretty to look at and scrumptious to devour.

We are celebrating Cranberries all week long.......

Fall=Campfires=S'mores=Fall Inspired Cookie Bars

We had a very mild Fall up until 2 days ago and now, KABLAM, winter has arrived.  But while that mild weather was here, I enjoyed daily walks and started thinking about how nice a bonfire would be.  Then I started thinking about roasting marshmallow and making S'mores.  I planned on doing exactly that last Sunday when the Angel Face was visiting.  Unfortunately, we had a snow squall and hail while she was here.

So when Fall gives you snow.....You make S'more Cookie Bars!

Fall Harvest Bread #CranberryWeek

This delicious, seasonal quick bread is chock full of citrus, pumpkin, nuts, cranberries and warm spices.  It is superb paired with soup, buttered for breakfast or sliced as a snack.  

Today is the first day of three as we celebrate Cranberry Week........

Chocolate, Banana, Cranberry Smoothie with Selefina Spices #Sponsored #SundayFunday

When I am busy preparing for the holidays but need to make sure that I keep my energy up, I turn to smoothies for a quick, easy and nutritious breakfast that I can sip while working in the kitchen.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas today......

Pasta with Sausage and Eggplant in a Zinfandel Wine Sauce #WinePW

Julia Child is credited with saying that she loved to cook with wine and that sometimes she even added it to the food.  I have a plaque hanging in my kitchen with that quote.  It always makes me smile.  

The recipe I'm sharing with you today does contain wine, Zinfandel wine to be exact.......

Maple Doodles #ChristmasCookies

Snicker Doodle and Maple Cookies collide in these delicious cookies perfect for Christmas or anytime you have a hankering for a tasty treat.

This is my final recipe for Christmas Cookie Week but I am not done baking so stay tuned throughout the next few weeks as I share more cookies, breads, and sweet treats in anticipation of the Holiday Season.......

Codfish Cakes and the Weekly Menu

These Codfish Cakes are amazing!!!  If you like Crab Cakes and Salmon Patties you are going to think that they pale in comparison.  I know I did.

We are traveling to the Bahamas today as we Eat the World......

Pecan Chicken with Maple Pecan Sauce #ImprovCookingChallenge

Chicken breasts dredged in pecan meal and baked to a deep brown and served with a Maple Pecan sauce.  Delicious!!

It's time for the Improv Cooking Challenge.......

Toffee Bars #ChristmasCookies

Shortbread crust covered with semisweet chocolate and sprinkled with pecans.  A delicious and easy addition to your Christmas Cookie selection this season.

It is Christmas Cookie Week........

Sweet Potato Cranberry Quick Bread with a Cranberry Powder Glaze #BreadBakers #Sponsored

Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce and warm spices combine to create the perfect Harvest Flavor profile.  I turned this bread into mini loaves that I can freeze and use all Holiday season long.  They are perfect when entertaining or taking as a hostess gift when attending a gathering.  They also are a lovely addition to the cookies on your dessert buffet.

It's time for Bread Bakers........

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies and a Book Review #ChristmasCookies

These scrumptious cookies are going to be a big hit on your Holiday Cookie Tray.  The cranberries add wonderful texture, color and taste to your basic chocolate chip cookie.

Today is the first day of Christmas Cookie Week.......

Puffed Millet Granola and a Book Review of The Hike #SundayFunday

Puffed Millet combined with honey, almonds, coconut, dried cranberries and freeze dried marshmallows make a perfect breakfast mixed in with your yogurt or a perfect carry along snack for your next hike.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Millet recipes today.......

Planning a Birthday Party and the Weekly Menu

Little Miss M is turning 2 years old tomorrow and we are ready to celebrate.  Little Miss M is the daughter of our very first exchange student who is from Russia and her fiancee who is from Mauritius.  

Isn't she lovely...........

Sweet and Spicy Broccoli #HolidaySideDishes

This delicious vegetable side dish is perfect for any holiday meal.  It is perfect with your roast meats during Fall and Winter holidays and amazing with your grilled meats during the Summer Holidays.

Today is the last day that we are sharing Holiday Side Dishes for this event.......

A Classic Chianti Pairing and a Book Review #ItalianFWT #LitHappens

I was excited to be fortunate enough to receive 2 bottles of Cecchi wine for tasting purposes in return for writing my honest opinion and review.  I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Pasta and Chianti are a classic pairing and always guarantees success.  This pasta sauce I am sharing with you today is not your traditional slow cooked sauce that makes the whole house smell amazing and your stomach to grumble the minute you walk in the door.

It is, however, delicious and ready in less than half an hour after you walk into the door.  Perfect for those busy weeknights when you are yearning comfort food.

Sweet and Sour Eggplant Salad #WorldVeganMonth

This delicious salad is not only a great side but you can serve it over toasted pita pieces and turn it into a meal.  It is one of those salads that gets better with time so you can make it the night before and pack it into your lunchbox to enjoy.

The Foodie Extravaganza Gang are celebrating World Vegan Month......

Pineapple Casserole #HolidaySideDishes

This scrumptious pineapple casserole is perfect with that ham that you are baking up for Christmas or any Holiday dinner.

Join us as we share Holiday Side Dish recipes this week.......

Turkey Hollow Beet Hummus #MoviesandMunchies

I was doing a search on my television for Thanksgiving Movies and came across Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow which evidently was a made for TV movie that was shown on Lifetime in 2015.  

I was not familiar with this movie at all but I do love the Muppets and their movies are always fun so I decided to see if the members of our Movies and Munchies group wanted to join me in watching it for November.

Pulled Pork Corn Muffins #MuffinMonday

Pulled Pork with Cornbread is a match made in heaven.  I decided to combine them into delicious jumbo muffins suitable to serve for a casual dinner.

It's time for Muffin Monday...............

Pecan Rice #HolidaySideDishes

This brown rice pilaf flavored with pecans, onions and spices is the perfect side dish for all your holiday meals.  It is wonderful served with roasted poultry or meats. It is an amazing bed for your seafood. It is a filling side dish for any vegetarians in your group and can be made vegan by swapping out olive oil for the butter.

We are sharing Holiday Side Dishes this week.........

Caramel Apple Strudel #SundayFunday

Delicious, seasonal apples tossed with traditional apple pie seasonings and cooked to a delicious filling before being placed onto puffed pastry, drizzled with caramel sauce, wrapped into a packet and baked to a golden brown.  I served it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with caramel ribbon.

The Sunday Funday blogger are sharing Caramel Apple Recipes today.......

Cheers to Fall; an Apple Cider Martini

 The last couple of gatherings we have had, we have started the night off with a wonderful fall cocktail. 

It has been a big hit with all who have tried it.  The tartness of the apple cider, flavored with Grand Marnier and a little Maple Syrup is a wonderful combination.

A Fall Feast and the Weekly Menu

This Pork Loin Roast is drizzled with honey, topped with herbs, dotted with butter before being surrounded with apples and onions and roasted.  The perfect centerpiece for a Fall Feast.