I always feel stuck in a boring dinner rut by the end of summer and inspired to start cooking again with the arrival of fall. These cool, drippy days make me happy to be in the kitchen. This vegetable-based menu plan is a mix of fresh flavors and comfort food. Meat could be added to any of these menus, but I promise, they are filling enough to stand on their own! Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, sliced apples Tuesday -- Sesame Almond Brown Rice Balls, Raw Tuscan Kale Salad Wednesday -- Leftovers Thursday -- Tuscan Vegetable Soup, No-Knead Bread, sliced pears Friday Keep Reading

My husband threw me for a loop this week. He's doing a juice fast. It throws off my dinner groove. I can't make anything awesome or I have to listen to him complaining about how amazing the food smells. So I'm left with no motivation to cook and it's hot dogs and mac and cheese with a few days of pancakes. I'm resisting the urge to bail on dinner and the kids and I are going to eat like normal. He can bury his face in a handkerchief. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Orange Chicken with Broccoli and Rice Tuesday -- Gyros (I use 1/2 turkey and lamb) with homemade pitas, hummus, olive and Tzatziki sauce Wednesday -- Turkey Keep Reading

This week I'm getting off easy. We're headed up for a weekend away at The Resort with my parents. (Remember that Sharing Spree deal?) I'll gladly take a few nights off from dinner. This week will not inspire any of you. I'm going with repeats. But I am trying some new breakfast recipes. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Teriyaki Chicken with Udon noodles (my kids are getting sick of this. I have all the ingredients. They are eating it.) Tuesday -- Turkey Meatloaf with Yukon mashed potatoes & broccoli Wednesday -- Taquitos (Again! Seriously, they might just go on strike from dinner or start cooking their own.) Thursday Keep Reading

I'm a little unmotivated this week but I managed to pull together a weekly menu. Thankfully, three nights we are having dinner out so that helps. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- It's my birthday! We'll see what my husband drums up. I love Thai food so maybe we'll head out for some Panang Curry Tuesday -- Almond Chicken with Veggie Rice (I cook for a friend and this is her request. The rest of the family likes it too) Wednesday -- Sausage Pasta Bake -- easy meal that freezes well Thursday -- Dinner club here -- Orange Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Friday -- Dinner at church Saturday -- Dinner at Oba! with 2 other Keep Reading

I'm loving this Fall weather. I think I can finally start using my oven! I've made small headway on my monthly meal planning. I have 3 weeks so far. I'm hoping to get a 3 month rotation set with a few days left over for 'on the fly' cooking. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Chicken Stuffing Bake -- Using frozen chicken from all my Simple Roast Chicken and made Cream of Chicken soup with Lactose Free milk. Dairy and I are not friends. It's super easy to make. Don't be scared off. Try it. It's delicious! Tuesday -- Asian Turkey Meatballs with rice & broccoli -- so delicious! Kids love these Wednesday -- Turkey Meatloaf Keep Reading

Time to get back on the meal planning band wagon. I'm toying with the idea of doing month long meal planning and select freezer cooking days. Especially for breakfast foods as our mornings are quick now before school. But first, I'm just going to start planning my dinners and this week is a no-oven week as it's still summer here in the PNW. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Orange Chicken with broccoli & rice (If you're short on time, buy some already made chicken strips. Cut them up and throw in a pan with a little oil until heated. Then add the sauce.) Tuesday -- Homemade Egg McMuffins with Bacon & shredded Keep Reading