Gentle Readers, today The Practical Cook is running way behind schedule. There is no grand reason, just the accumulation of little ones. In short, I overslept. Having borrowed against the sleep bank for weeks, the bill came due. So as I came to, in that fuzzy place where you’re not sure what day it is, much less what time, I realized there’s way too much going on right now. This week’s menu is built for simplicity and survival.
I’m not looking to win a James Beard award: I’ve got 2 school snack projects to deal with, the extra duties the holidays bring, and a full-time job that I enjoy thoroughly and would like to keep. Beyond that, I feel that drive to bring magic to the season for The Practical Cooks Junior, who are prepping their Santa lists and studying Arctic climes to learn something about the man behind the suit. So if things are a little hectic here in Practical Cook-ville, I do hope you’ll forgive me. I’ll share my survival strategies, and I hope you’ll share yours. Today, the answer was sleep.
Without further delay, here are the Weekly Menus:
Weekly Menus: 12/4/2011
And the Four-Square Grocery List:
Four-Square Grocery List (with bonus snack menu): 12/4/2011
Which translates into:
Sunday: Nachos!
This is quickly becoming a Sunday dinner favorite. It really does scale nicely, and can be eaten on the run. When you’re serving a basketball team’s worth of kids, this is a major plus.
Monday: Beef Stroganoff
Life conspired to prevent the making of this last week. I’m planning to try a slow cooker version. Wish me luck.
Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner
After dreamily reminiscing about the grits at Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, I decided to spend some time working on cheese grits. Necessary research.
Wednesday: Sausage/Greens/Pierogie
A classic. One of my holiday break projects is to make pierogie from scratch. There, I’ve said it. Now I’m committed. Feel free to nag me about this.
Thursday: Pizza and Salad
Punt! We haven’t punted much with frozen pizza lately, and I’m feeling like that might happen Thursday.
Friday: Leftover Surprise
Perhaps I’ll turn Monday + Wednesday into soup. One never knows when inspiration will strike.
Saturday: Dine Out!
Sources tell me this will be Chinese food. Those sources are known as the Juniors, and they want to get their scallion pancake on.
BONUS SCHOOL SNACK MENU:
Monday: apple slices and seasonal cheese cubes
Tuesday: letter “k” trail mix (sponsored by the letter k, perhaps with a side of kiwi?)
Wednesday: TBD
Thursday: orange rolls and oranges
Friday: Rudolph muffins (I’m thinking frosted carrot or pumpkin muffins with pretzel antlers, craisin nose, etc.)
What’s on your to-do list right now? Post a comment below!
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Coming up tomorrow, Insanity Plums.
The Practical Cook 