Week 4... December Meal Planning

December Meal Plan

12/21-12/27Breakfast..........................  Lunch................................. Dinner............................... Snack

I hope you have started to notice a pattern in a lot of these meals. I a making foods that are wrapped! We've done tamalles, stuffed cabbage, this week we are doing two different stuffed chickens, and beef wellington. I hope you are continuing to enjoy wrapping up these meals with me. 

 12/21-12/27

M   Tree Oatmeal/ Grilled Cheese Gingerbread Cut Outs/  Eggplant Rollatini / Melted Snowman Yogurt

T   Snowman Boiled Eggs / Left over Eggplant /Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Thighs/ Cheese Stick Snowman

W  Joe's Yogurt O's candy cane/Fish Sticks / Pork Sheppard's Pie / Snowman Kabobs

Th Snowman Waffle /Wreath Pizza/ Christmas Eve Dinner at Grandmas 

F   Cookies (it's our tradition, to eat Christmas cookies)/ Left over Sheppard's Pie/ Christmas Day Dinner

S Candy Cane pancake / Go out or order in (after the holidays take a day off even if it's just Chinese take out) /  Grinch Kabobs

U Breakfast with Nana /Spicy Thai Peanuts Wraps/ Applesauce

Recipes

This week I plan to buy chicken breasts, bacon, and some form of beef. Beef is expensive, so I am not going to be picky, I usually look for the manager specials and work with that.

Eggplant Rollatini 

INGREDIENTS

1 Eggplant

Breadcrumbs

Ricotta Cheese

Mozzarella Cheese

Tomato Sauce

Italian Spices (oregano, basil, thyme)

Directions: Peel the eggplant and slice length wise. Dip eggplant into an egg wash (milk and eggs) and into the breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 F on a cookie sheet. Mix the ricotta with an egg and Italian seasoning, butter the eggplant and roll it up. Place in a cooking dish, cover with sauce and mozzarella cheese, put back into the oven till the cheese is melted.

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Thighs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215750638376018899/

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

2 large cloves garlic, peeled and very thinly sliced

1 package or bundle fresh rosemary

8 pieces good quality boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

8 thin slices prosciutto 

2 lemons, cut into thin wedges

Drizzle balsamic vinegar

Pork Sheppard's Pie 
http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/food/recipes/a9515/shepherds-pie-recipe-0311/

INGREDIENTS

4 ½ lbs pork shoulder
3 tbsp salt
5 carrots, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
4 celery ribs, cleaned and diced (about 2 cups)
4 small yellow onions, peeled and diced (about 2 ½ cups)
4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
8 whole black peppercorns
5 tbsp tomato paste
9 large Yukon Gold potatoes (about 4 lbs)
12 tbsp (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter (cut into 12 pieces while still cold)
1 ½ to 2 pints heavy cream
ground black pepper to taste
1 ½ cups frozen peas, defrosted

Spicy Thai Peanuts Wraps

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/168603579776946980/

INGREDIENTS 

FOR THE PEANUT SAUCE:
½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
¼ cup coconut milk (canned)
1½ Tbsp soy sauce
1½ Tbsp tamari
1½ Tbsp brown sugar
1½ Tbsp minced fresh ginger
2 Tbsp lime juice1 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp red curry paste
1 small shallot, peeled and finely minced
FOR THE WRAPS:
Flour tortillas
Fresh cilantro

 Chicken Breast

Shredded purple cabbage
Shredded carrots
Birds Eye Protein Blend (California variety)

Tree Oatmeal
http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Holiday-Food-Art-36208202#photo-36208217

Melted Snowman Yogurt (I plan to use pretzels instead of chocolate)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/9499849189952098/

Joe's Yogurt O's candy cane
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215750638374249223/

Snowman Boiled Eggs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/540713498985889000/

Candy Cane pancake
http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Holiday-Food-Art-36208202#photo-36208229

Wreath Pizza
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/145241156708823319/

Cheese stick snowman
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/358880664030530264/

Grinch Kabobs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/342906959102301001/

Week 3...December Meal Planning

December Meal Plan

Breakfast..........................  Lunch................................. Dinner............................... Snack

I hope you have started to notice a pattern in a lot of these meals. I a making foods that are wrapped! We've done tamalles, stuffed cabbage, this week we are doing two different stuffed chickens, and beef wellington. I hope you are continuing to enjoy wrapping up these meals with me. 

 12/14-12/20

M   Eggnog Oatmeal / Red and Green Deviled Eggs/  Burrito Bowl/ Trail Mix

T   Scrambled Eggs and Fruit Salad / Left over Burrito Bowl (in a tortilla) /Beef Wellington/ Popcorn Snowman 

W  Smoothie/ Macaroni and Cheese / Stuffed Chicken Breast and baked Sweet Potatoes / Dried Fruit

Th Cereal/Candy Cane Pizza/ Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles/ Pomegranate and String Cheese

F Snow man Mini bagel with cream cheese blueberries and orange slice / Left over Stroganoff/ Coconut Chicken over Rice/  Whole Wheat Graham Crackers and Milk

S Gingerbread Pancakes / Bacon Wrapped Guacamole Stuffed Chicken/  Apple and Cheddar Cheese

U Breakfast with Nana /Quiche / Yogurt and Granola

Recipes

This week I plan to buy chicken breasts, bacon, and some form of beef. Beef is expensive, so I am not going to be picky, I usually look for the manager specials and work with that.

Burrito Bowl

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/154529830939687288/

INGREDIENTS

1 cup uncooked rice or quinoa
1/2 cup salsa (restaurant-style, or your favorite store-bought brand)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2-3 roma tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 cups corn (I used frozen corn, thawed)
Romaine lettuce, chopped
Creamy chipotle sauce
Other additions: onion, green onion, bell pepper, avocado, cilantro

Beef Wellington
http://www.notquitenigella.com/2010/11/18/easy-individual-beef-wellingtons/

INGREDIENTS

Your choice of beef

3/4 C mushrooms 
1/2 onion, cut into quarters
a pinch of thyme leaves
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons garlic oil
1/4 cup red wine
2 sheets puff pastry 
1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons milk

Stuffed chicken

INGREDIENTS

1lb. Chicken breast cut thin or pounded out

Bread crumbs (optional)

3Tbs butter

1 clove garlic

1/4 C cheddar cheese

Filling

Then mix together:

1 Bar cream cheese (you can use Neufchtel or cottage cheese if your trying watch calories)

1/2 Bar cheddar cheese (use feta or Parmesan if watching calories)

Seasoning (a little salt and pepper or whatever you want I usually buy mixed seasonings)

1 tsp garlic

2 C steamed broccoli or spinach

Directions:

First preheat your oven to 350F.

Then, butter the chicken generously with the mixture and roll the chicken up. 

Next coat with an egg wash (I just mix an egg and milk together), then toss in bread crumbs till completely covered (if you are looking to cut calories you can skip this step).

After place in a pan, once have finished rolling and breading, drizzle with melted butter and garlic, and into the oven for 20min.

Last step, after your 20 min, sprinkle more cheese on top, and put back in till melted about 10 min.

Beef Stroganoff 

http://www.eazypeazymealz.com/crock-pot-beef-stroganoff/

INGREDIENTS 

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 4 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 large onion
• 1 package egg noodles

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms

Coconut Chicken

INGREDIENTS 

One chicken (cubed)

Coconut milk, 12oz

Tomatoes (chopped), 3

Onions (sliced), 2

Cloves of garlic (minced), 2

Ginger root (grated), 2 tsp

Coconut oil (for frying)

Salt

Pepper

Lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Grated lemon zest, 1 tsp

Cayenne pepper

Preparation:

In a large bowl, place the chicken with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, lemon juice and zest, let it marinate for a few hours.

 Heat oil in a wok and fry the onions and garlic until the onion is soft, add the chicken and continue cooking until the chicken is browned all sides.

reduce the heat and add the tomatoes and the ginger, stir for a few minutes before adding the coconut milk.Allow simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce becomes thick.

Serve over rice.

Bacon Wrapped Guacamole Stuffed Chicken

http://www.closetcooking.com/2015/07/bacon-wrapped-guacamole-stuffed-chicken.html

INGREDIENTS
4 (6 ounce) chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded thin
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup guacamole
8 slices bacon

Quiche

http://www.chobani.com/culture/recipes 

INGREDIENTS

1 C non-fat plain Greek yogurt

1 9-inch pie crust

1 small yellow onion

1 T olive oil

1 10 oz package thawed frozen spinach, water squeezed out (broccoli is good too)

8oz cheese ( they call for Gruyere, but cheddar works or Parmesan for a healthy choice)

4 large eggs

1/4 C milk

1 tsp salt 

1 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp nutmeg

(I add bacon to mine)

Eggnog Oatmeal

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/284008320227431530/ 

Snow man Mini bagel with cream cheese blueberries and orange slice https://www.pinterest.com/pin/44332377553444225/

Red and Green Deviled Eggs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215750638375958622/

Gingerbread pancakes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/129056345547800017/

http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Holiday-Food-Art-36208202#photo-36208227

Candy Cane Pizza

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2322237283510453/

Popcorn snowman 

http://www.creativekidsnacks.com/2012/12/10/snowman-popcorn-cups/

Week 2... Meal Plans for December

December Meal Plan

Right now these fruits and vegetables are in season, so try to enjoy them at their peak and throw some into your weekly meal plans.

Breakfast..........................  Lunch................................. Dinner............................... Snack

 12/7-12/13

M   Reindeer shaped oatmeal / Reindeer PB&J /  Creamy Spinach Tortellini /Baby Bell Cheese  (that look like Santa) and Crackers

T   Egg Omelet/ Left over Tortellini /Seafood Pialla/ Apple Sauce

W  Smoothie/ Left Over Pialla / Tamallies/ Banana Chips

Th Cereal/Stocking pizza/ Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa w/ Brussel Sprouts / Orange

F Whole Wheat Waffle w/ Chocolate Peanut Butter / Left over Tamallies or Shrimp/ Pork Fried Rice/  Tortilla and Salsa

S Egg Nog French Toast Trees/ Pork Curry and Naan/  Apple and Peanut Butter

U Breakfast with Nana /Tuna Melt and Beets/ Pomegranate 

Recipes

This week I bought a pork shoulder because it was on sale, I am going to cook the whole thing and use the meat for the tamallies, the fried rice, and then the bones and any left over meat for the curry. I also bought the big bag of shrimp so I will be splitting that between my pialla and my garlic shrimp.

Creamy Spinach Tortellini 

http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/06/creamy-spinach-tomato-tortellini/

INGREDIENTS
1 (20 oz) pkg three cheese tortellini (or whatever flavor you prefer)
2 Tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp onion powder
1 1/4 cups milk 
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 1/2 cups (packed) chopped fresh spinach
3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
2 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp dry)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 Tbsp finely shredded parmesan, plus more for serving
Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Seafood Pialla
http://www.themediterraneandish.com/easy-seafood-paella-recipe/

INGREDIENTS
4 lobster tails (I do muscles or white fish, or imitation crab because of the price)
Water
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cups Spanish rice or short grain rice, soaked in water for 15 minutes and then drained
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 large pinches of Spanish saffron threads soaked in ½ cup water
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp pepper flakes
Salt
2 large Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
6 oz French green beans ( I use frozen that I steamed)
1 lb prawns or large shrimp or your choice, peeled and deveined
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Tamallies

http://whatscookingamerica.net/CynthiaPineda/Tamales.htm

INGREDIENTS 
4 to 5 pounds boneless pork shoulder, fat trimmed and meat cut into 1-inch cubes 
2 teaspoons salt
2 onions, coarsely chopped
8 garlic cloves
1 dozen whole peppercorns
2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa 

http://aseasyasapplepie.com/garlic-shrimp-and-quinoa/#_a5y_p=3350193

INGREDIENTS 

For the quinoa:
½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon chili powder
190 grams (1 cup) uncooked quinoa
salt and pepper
500 ml (2 cups) vegetable broth 
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the shrimp:
½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 lb raw shrimp, tail-on
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon chili powder
salt and pepper
You will also need:
fresh parsley. finely chopped
the juice of half lemon

 Pork Fried Rice

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/119626933826629449/

INGREDIENTS
One Egg per person 
4 TBS Sesame Oil, divided
1 TBS Vegetable Oil
1 Large Onion
3 Medium Carrots
1-1.5 lb Diced Pork (left over from the pork we cooked for our tamillies)
4 Cups Rice
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1 TBS Rice Wine
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Cup Frozen Peas, thawed slightly in a bowl of lukewarm water

Pork Yellow Curry 

http://tkdrecipes.com/2009/06/what-to-do-with-leftover-pork-chops/

INGREDIENTS

 Cooked pork and bones
3.5 T Yellow Curry powder
1T Cumin Powder
1T Ground Corriander
1t Salt
1t Ground red pepper
1 can peas (I use frozen)
1/2 cup carrots – cooked
1 can Coconut milk 1 ea Onion – Diced
6 ea Garlic Cloves minced

Reindeer shaped oatmeal 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215750638375790712/

Reindeer pb&j

http://aspottedpony.com/fun-for-kids/reindeer-sandwiches-kid-friendly-holiday-lunch/4758/

Egg Nog French Toast trees

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215750638374194510/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/10555380350730136/

Stocking pizza

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/154177987219237293/

Baby Bell Cheese Santa

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/38913984255312779/

Week 1: December Meal Plan

December Meal Plan



Breakfast..........................  Lunch................................. Dinner............................... Snack

We will be unwrapping some fun meals this whole month, can't wait to get started!

 11/30-12/6

M   Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal / Snowman Cheese Quesadilla (use black beans and baby carrots to decorate/  Falafel Burgers / Dark Chocolate Almonds

T   Egg Omelet/ Left over Falafel Burger /Chicken Goulash/ Strawberry and Banana Candy Cane

W  Smoothie/ Left Over Chicken Goulash / Peanut Linguine/ Celery and Cream Cheese

Th Cereal/Snowman pizza/ Chicken Stew with Corn Bread Dumplings/ 1/2 Grapefruit w/Honey

F Toast w/ Jelly and Cream Cheese / Left over Stew or Linguine/ Stuffed Cabbage/  Yogurt 

S Elf Pancakes / Meatballs in a Cranberry Sauce with Brown Rice and Broccoli/  String Cheese and Apple Slices

U Breakfast with Nana /Cold Cut Sandwich/ Carrots and Hummus

Recipes

This week three of my dishes use chicken, to save money I a going to buy a whole chicken and break it down. The breasts will be used for my goulash, the legs, thighs, and wings for the stew, and the rest of the meat that I scrape off the bone will be used in my linguine.

Falafel Burger

http://minimalistbaker.com/baked-falafel-burgers/

INGREDIENTS
FALAFEL
1 bundle fresh parsley (~2 cups chopped)
3 large cloves garlic
1 large lemon (~2 1/2 Tbsp juice)
scant 1/2 tsp sea salt + black pepper
1 1/4 tsp cumin
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, well rinsed and drained
1/4 - 1/2 cup ground raw walnuts, pecans, almonds or GF oat flour
TOPPINGS / FOR SERVING
Garlic Dill sauce
Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha
Hummus
Tomato, Lettuce, Onion
Pita or sturdy greens, such as chard or collard greens

Chicken Goulash

http://www.daringgourmet.com/2013/04/15/hungarian-chicken-goulash/

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 large yellow onions, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
6 yellow or orange bell peppers (or a combination of the two), chopped
3 tomatoes, diced
3 chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds), cubed
¼ cup  paprika
3 chicken bouillon cubes
½ teaspoon salt
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns
Salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream

Chicken Stew and Cornbread Dumplins

http://www.rockrecipes.com/sage-thyme-chicken-stew-with-cornbread-dumplings/

INGREDIENTS

2½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
pinch salt and pepper to season
3 cloves minced garlic
1 large white onion
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 cups chicken stock ( 5 cups in total will be needed)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
4 carrots
1 cup corn kernals, fresh or frozen
½ cup peas, fresh or frozen
4 rounded tbsp flour
½ cup water
For the Cornbread Dumplings
1 cup flour
½ cup yellow cornmeal
2 tbsp sugar
1½ tsp baking powder
⅓ cup cold butter
⅔ cup milk

Peanut Linguini

INGREDIENTS 
1lb linguini
1 clove garlic
5 Tbs rice wine vinegar
5 Tbs sesame oil
4 Tbs soy sauce
2 tsp ginger
1/2 C peanut butter

Directions
Cook linguini;drain and return to pot. Toss in remaining ingredients and toss to combine.

Stuffed Cabbage

http://www.justshortofcrazy.com/2014/08/vegetable-risotto-recipe/

INGREDIENTS 

(I am adding chopped meat or sausage to mine)6 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
½ small onion, finely diced
1 small zucchini, peeled and sliced
4 carrots, peeled and diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ cup frozen peas, thawed
2 cups rice
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Cranberry meatballs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/119626933826629449/

INGREDIENTS
Sauce
Cranberry Jelly (or sauce)
Chile Sauce

• Meatballs
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 C bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup dry minced onion
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoon garlic powder

Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal

http://www.southerninlaw.com/2014/11/secretly-skinny-healthy-gingerbread-baked-oatmeal-recipe.html

1/2 cup (45-50g) oats 

1/4 tsp baking powder 

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp mixed spice 

1/4 tsp ground ginger 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

1 tsp molasses

2 tbsp (30g) unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup milk 

Optional: If you like things sweeter, add ~1/2-1 tbsp maple syrup/honey/sugar to your oatmeal mix. 

Snowman pizza

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/237283474088597265/

Strawberry Banana Candy Cane

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/236298311672244354/