Christmas planning is going full-speed ahead. This weekend, we got our pictures taken, ordered Christmas cards, went Christmas shopping and now I'm prepping boxes to ship out to Hawaii. I also attempted to cash in on an online calendar sale, but sadly, that sale and along with the last of my Christmas mojo expired like Cinderella at midnight last night.
However, we still need to eat, and planning the weekly menu always reminds me to settle down and pay attention to the most basic of things--feeding my ohana. Here is what we're having this week.

Pork sausage spice goodness
Meatless MondayRat-Pa-Tooty, stew-style. It's too late for tomatoes, but red peppers and eggplants were looking fabulous at the grocery store. Lucky to have temperate California weather.
TuesdayWinter-style Panini, using the technique from
Turkey/Summer Panini. I made a huge batch of
Homemade Pork Sausage for Thanksgiving and froze half of it into patties. The winter version is pork sausage, arugula, pears and either Havarti or brie. Or both.
WednesdayMy Grandma's Meat and Macaroni, with ground turkey. There is nothing fancy about this meal, but everyone loves it.

Watercress soup.
Nearly Meatless ThursdayMy Mom's Watercress Soup. Like
shabu shabu, watercress soup is great for cold days and not heavy. Watercress is apparently the new "it" food, so Mom really does know best.
Friday--Dinner and the Movies
Chicken Shawarma and
Baba Ghanouj. The featured flick is The Avengners, which we will watch for about the 14th time. Each family member has their own favorite character: Black Widow, Iron Man, Pepper Potts and Captain America.
Remember, this time of the season is supposed to be fun. Eat Well. Be Well.
It's going to be a busy week. Kids are on their last week before winter break, and the happy Christmas frenzy is in full swing. It's finals, finish-up-for-pay-work-before-shutdown, ship presents to Hawaii, finish Christmas cards and letters, take photos, get presents for the kids' teachers/coaches, and finish shopping week.
Yet we still need to eat. During weeks like these, eating dinner together is a long slow exhale of relaxation. Here's what we're eating this week.

Love it when leftovers look like this.
Sunday(Leftover)
Chicken Tortilla Soup. A full Tupperware of frozen soup is one of the great benefits of making soup for an army. Just make sure that it's completely melted and heated through. Soupsicles are not a desirable dinner.
MondayChristine's Clam Chowder and fresh baked whole wheat bread.
I have re-discovered our breadmaker. Next to my beloved rice cooker, this is becoming my favorite household appliance.
TuesdaySimple Tomato Spaghetti Sauce and
Meatballs. Doubling the recipe for meatballs to bank another meal in the freezer.
WednesdayMayonnaise Chicken, rice and
Sesa-miso eggplant. Mayonnaise chicken plays well with any side dish.
ThursdayOmi's Shoyu Fish. No tilapia for this recipe. First of all, my sister will disown me. Equally important, this requires a good sturdy white fish. Think halibut or cod, both of which are sustainably harvested. Using fresh mochi as the starch here. Sounds very promising.
FridayGoing meatless with
Techie Gnocchi. Instead of butternut squash, I'll be using the
kabocha that I grew over the summer.
Hope you all get a chance every day this week come home, exhale and have dinner.
Eat Well. Be Well.