It’s Saturday, December 20th!
THE HOLIDAYS CONTINUE.
Get your week of shopping done early today.
Here are Menus and Shopping Lists for
December 21 – 26 and December 28 – January 2
Another great week of dining awaits. It’s time to plan ahead and create your grocery orde
Many of us have turned to online shopping apps and grocery delivery services over the past two years. For those who continue to utilize these services, we will continue providing two weeks of shopping lists so you can order ahead when you prefer.
This Week’s Recipes
December 21 – 26
Create a Master Grocery List
Start by downloading the grocery list of the first recipe you plan to cook. Save it as “Master List”. Then add other items from remaining recipes you plan to cook.
Sunday: Middle Eastern Kabobs with Saffron Rice
This is a pretty basic Middle Eastern dinner. These Kabobs really work with plant-based Chick’n pieces. The Saffron Rice is an ancient Middle-Eastern standby and I enjoy the coolness of the cucumber/tomato salad to top it off. Add a piece of warm pita bread to the mix and you’ve got a lovely meal.
If you’re having trouble finding saffron, or if it’s not a spice you like, substitute a combination of 1/2 tsp. turmeric, 1/4 tsp. ground coriander, 1/4 tsp. ground cumin, 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon and 1 tsp. honey in place of the saffron.
Grocery List: Middle Eastern Chick'n Kabobs with Saffron Rice
Middle Eastern Kabobs and Saffron Rice
Produce
garlic (if needed)
yellow onion (if needed)
red onion (if needed)
1 bunch green onions (if needed)
one bunch fresh parsley
1 red bell pepper
1 cucumber
one medium slicing tomato
1 lemon
8 oz. fresh pineapple cubes
Canned/Dried Foods
Brown basmati rice (if needed)
Not-Chick’n bouillon cubes(if needed)
good olive oil (if needed)
rice wine vinegar (if needed)
cornstarch (if needed)
ground cumin (if needed)
ground cinnamon (if needed)
paprika (if needed)
½ oz. saffron threads (if needed)
pepper flakes (if needed)
ground cumin (if needed)
powdered turmeric (if needed)
Frozen Foods
Plant-based Chick’n Strips of choice (if eating plant-based)
Meat Fish/Poultry
One large boneless skinless chicken breast (if eating meat)
Chilled Foods/Dairy
plain, nonfat yogurt (if needed)
Additional Items:
whole-wheat pita bread
bamboo kabob skewers (if needed)
Monday: Mexican Greens with Pineapple Salsa
Hearty and robust greens that warm you from the inside out are the fare tonight. Fresh sautéed greens with Latin spices and black beans served over roasted red potato slices are presented for your enjoyment. You’ll top the greens with homemade pineapple salsa, a garnish of extra-sharp cheddar cheese adding just the right finish to this flavor fest.
Grocery List: Mexican Greens with Pineapple Salsa
Mexican Greens with Pineapple Salsa
Produce
garlic (if needed)
1 sweet onion
1 bunch chard
1 bunch cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper
1 Anaheim pepper
4 small red potatoes
2 limes
8 oz. fresh pineapple spears (buy canned if none available)
Canned/Dried Foods
low-sodium vegetable broth (if needed)
one 15 oz. can black beans
good extra-virgin olive oil (if needed)
low-sodium soy sauce (if needed)
balsamic vinegar (if needed)
brown sugar (if needed)
chili powder (if needed)
dry oregano leaves (if needed)
Frozen Foods
Meat/Fish/Poultry
Chilled Foods/Dairy
3 oz. extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Tuessday: Chop Salad
We’ll keep dinner relatively light tonight. The combination of the sharp citrus of grapefruit, the buttery richness of avocado and the savory flavor of hard-boiled egg make up the essence of the chop salad.
Add some jicama if you can find it. If no jicama is available use chopped Savoy cabbage. Dress this special salad with cilantro/lime dressing.
You can add all kinds of chopped stuff to a salad like this, but I think you’ll find this particular combination very satisfying.
Pick up a nice Artisan roll to go along with the meal.
Grocery List: Chop Salad with Grapefruit and Avocado
Chop Salad with Grapefruit and Avocado
Produce
1 head Romaine lettuce
1 bunch green onions
fresh cilantro (if needed)
1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper
1 cucumber
1 jicama
1 ripe avocado
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 lime
1 grapefruit
– or –
blood orange
Canned/Dried Foods
Frozen Foods
Meat/Fish/Poultry
Chilled Foods/Dairy
Additional Items
2 fresh artisan rolls (1 per diner)
eggs (if needed)
Wednesday: Swedish Meatballs with Lemon Broccoli and Cranberry Sauce
I grew up with Norwegian holiday traditions. Our Christmas Eve meal was always lutefisk and boiled potatoes with lefse. Mom would add Swedish meatballs to the meal to make the kids happy. The meatballs (and not the lutefisk) have stuck around as a reminder of my Scandinavian heritage.
This meatball recipe works well with either ground plant-based “meat” or optional ground meat of choice.
Grocery List Swedish Meatballs
Swedish Meat Balls
Produce
garlic (if needed)
2 yellow onions
1 red bell pepper
9 oz. sliced white or cremini mushrooms
1 lb. broccoli
3 lbs. russet potatoes
1 lemon
Canned/Dried Foods
two 32 oz. boxes low-sodium vegetable broth
two 15 oz. cans whole cranberries
unseasoned breadcrumbs(if needed)
thyme leaves(if needed)
dried oregano leaves (if needed)
dried basil leaves (if needed)
ground nutmeg (if needed)
ground nutmeg (if needed)
bay leaf(if needed)
Frozen Foods
16 oz. plant-based ground of choice (if eating plant-based)
Meat/Fish/Poultry
one half lb. ground turkey breast (if eating meat)
and
one-half pound lean ground beef(if eating meat)
Chilled Foods/Dairy
plain, nonfat yogurt
milk(if needed)
butter(if needed)
eggs (if needed)
Wednesday: Baked Salmon with Roasted Potatoes and Bok Choy
I really like a baked salmon dinner for Christmas Day. You may have another favorite holiday meal tradition that makes you happy. If you need inspiration here’s a dinner that’s sure to please.
Grocery List: Baked Salmon with Roasted Potatoes
Baked Salmon Dinner
Produce
clove garlic (if needed)
1 medium-sized sweet onion
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 bunches baby bok choy or 1 bunch adult bok choy
3 medium red potatoes
1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger
1 lemon
Canned/Dried Foods
sesame oil (if needed)
low-sodium soy sauce (if needed)
rice wine vinegar (if needed)
Meat/Fish/Poultry
10 oz. fresh salmon fillets
Frozen Foods
Chilled Foods/Dairy
Friday: Pasta Marinara
Marinara refers to mariners or sailors. In the old days they suffered from scurvy after long voyages. Having lots of pasta with tomato sauce after they returned home seemed to make them feel better. This recipe is Italian cooking at its simplest. Just the thing to keep you and your family scurvy free and in top swash-buckling shape.
Grocery List Pasta Marinara
Basic Pasta Marinara
Produce:
1 head garlic
1 med. yellow onion
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 head red-leaf lettuce
1 cucumber
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Canned/Dried Food:
one 15 oz. can tomato sauce
one 15 oz. can no-salt tomato sauce
dry oregano leaves(if needed)
dry basil leaves(If needed)
Tabasco Sauce(if needed)
inexpensive red wine to cook with(if needed)
8 oz. spaghetti of choice
one 15 oz. can garbanzo beans
Frozen Foods:
none today
Meat Fish Poultry:
none today
Chilled Food/Dairy:
shredded Parmesan (if needed)
Next week’s recipes if you’re ordering
1 week ahead.
December 28 – January 2
Create a Master Grocery List
Start by downloading the grocery list of the first recipe you plan to cook. Save it as “Master List”. Then add other items from remaining recipes you plan to cook.
Sunday:Butternut Squash Soup
Homemade soup needs a little extra time to rest before it’s consumed. It’s Sunday in January and hopefully this means you have a little more time to assemble this recipe so it can breath before dining. Add some artisan bread and a green salad to today’s Butternut Squash Soup and you’ve got a cozy winter meal.
Grocery List Butternut Squash Soup
Sunday, Butternut Squash Soup
Produce
one large yellow onion
1 head red or green leaf lettuce
one bunch fresh cilantro
1 cucumber
one head celery
one butternut squash (about 2-3 lbs.)
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 lime
Canned/Dried Foods
two 32 oz. boxes low-sodium vegetable broth
canola oil (if needed)
yellow curry powder (if needed)
whole bay leaf (if needed)
Frozen Foods
Meat/Fish/Poultry
Chilled Foods/ Dairy
plain, nonfat yogurt (if needed)
Additional Items
8 whole-grain rolls or a loaf of Artisan bread
Monday: Spicy Bok Choy Stir-fry
A delicious stir-fry is on tap tonight with one of my favorite cruciferous vegetables, bok choy! Baby Bok Choy is desirable for this recipe but some stores don’t always carry it. You’ll easily find adult bok choy though. Feel free to use either one.
Grocery List Bok Choy with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Bok Choy with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Produce
garlic (if needed)
one yellow onion (if needed)
1 fresh red bell pepper (if needed)
one bunch adult bok choy
one medium carrot
1 lime
1 orange
Canned/Dried Food
brown rice (if needed)
one 6 oz. can sliced water chestnuts
one 32 oz. box low-sodium vegetable broth
sesame oil (if needed)
canola oil (if needed)
low-sodium soy sauce (if needed)
Asian garlic/chili sauce (if needed)
Rice wine vinegar (if needed)
white wine to cook with (if needed)
Frozen Foods
Meat/Fish/Poultry
Chilled Foods/Dairy
one package baked Asian-style tofu (if needed)
Tuesday: Don’s Fajitas
Chicken Fajitas tonight! When everyone gets to build their fajitas just the way they like ’em, they just taste better. The ultimate in fingerfood. It’s called having a little skin in the game. And, speaking of skin, cook your chicken without it. Then you won’t wear it around your waistline later. I’ll offer some meatless options if you’re going meatless. Either way your in for some fabulous, fun, fingerlicious food!
Grocery List Don's Fajitas
Don’s Fajitas
Produce
1 head garlic (if needed)
1 yellow onion
leaf lettuce (if needed)
1 bunch fresh cilantro
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 Anaheim pepper
1 jalapeno pepper
1 bunch cilantro
2 limes
3 Roma tomatoes
Canned/Dried Food
one 15 oz. can pinto beans (if meatless – optional)
one 15 oz. can no-salt diced tomatoes
low-sodium vegetable broth (if needed)
chili powder (if needed)
ground cumin (if needed)
Frozen Food
chickenless tenders or Plant-based Chik’n Strips of choice (if eating plant-based)
Meat Fish Poultry
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (if eating meat)
Chilled Foods/Dairy
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese
plain, nonfat yogurt (if needed)
1 pint fresh tomato salsa (if not making quick low-sodium salsa)
Wednesday: Cioppino and Salad
It’s New Year’s Eve and Cioppino, the Italian inspired fish stew, is on the menu. Celery, onion, sweet peppers, fennel and capers punctuate a tomato-based broth that features a variety of seafood. Use frozen, cooked cod from freezer (you saved this in the first week of Dec.) and thaw it on a plate in the fridge during the day. If necessary, set it out to thaw on the counter about an hour before you start cooking.
Pick up fresh shrimp and mussels as needed. If you have no frozen cooked fish, bake about 6 oz. of cod today.
Grocery List Cioppino
Cioppino
Produce
garlic (if needed)
1 medium yellow onion
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
celery (if needed)
1 bulb fennel
1 medium carrot
Canned/Dried Foods
one 29 oz. can chopped tomatoes
one 6 oz. can chopped clams
one 24 oz. box low-sodium vegetable broth
Asian garlic pepper sauce (if needed)
bay leaf (if needed)
1 gram Spanish saffron
dry basil leaves (if needed)
dry oregano leaves (if needed)
white wine to cook with
Frozen Foods
Meat/Fish/Poultry
6 oz. cod fillet (if needed)
5 oz. small cooked shrimp
2 fresh mussels
Chilled Foods/Dairy
leftover cooked cod (if you have it in the fridge at home)
Additional Items
1 loaf of your favorite hearty bread or artisan roll
Thursday: Bok Choy, Cod and Pesto Nutty Rice
Bok Choy, Cod and Pesto…that’s either an exotic law firm or tonight’s dinner. Bok choy, like cauliflower and brocolli, is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. It is loaded with phytonutrients and vitamins. All you really need to know is it tastes great. You’ll cook a piece of Cod tonight. Add a little pesto for extra flavor and everybody’s happy.
Grocery List: Cod and Pesto with Nutty Rice and Bok Choy
Bok Choy, Cod and Pesto
Produce:
garlic (if needed)
yellow onion (if needed)
4-6 oz. fresh basil leaves
2 heads baby bok choy
red bell pepper (if needed)
1 lemon
1/2 C. pine nuts
1/4 C. pecan halves
Canned/Dry Foods
brown rice(if needed)
low-sodium vegetable broth (if needed)
olive oil (if needed)
sesame oil (if needed)
low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (if needed)
rice wine vinegar (if needed)
Meat, Fish, Poultry
8 oz. fresh cod filet
Frozen Foods
Chilled Foods, Dairy
shredded Parmesan (if needed)
Friday: Mustard Glazed Chicken
Tonight features an old-fashioned “meat and potatoes” approach to supper. Morningstar Chick’n Strips work well for this recipe, but you can also use optional chicken. The tangy chicken is served over fried and poached apple slices. Lemon broccoli with roasted red potato halves finishes the plate. Pretty tasty stuff!
Grocery List:Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast
Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast
Produce
16 oz. broccoli
10 small baby red potatoes (12 oz.)
1 lemon
1 Granny Smith or other tart apple
Canned/Dried Food
Low-sodium vegetable broth (if needed)
olive oil (if needed)
honey (if needed)
Dijon Mustard (if needed)
inexpensive white wine for cooking (if needed)
Frozen Food
Plant-based Chik’n Strips of choice (if going plant-based)
Meat, Fish & Poultry
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (if eating meat)
Chilled Foods/Dairy
SUBSCRIBING
My Account
Cart
Checkout
| Website hosted by CharlesWorks