Weeknight Rescue // October 2018 // Week 9

Hi everyone. We’ve had a gorgeous Indian Summer in San Francisco this week, but I’m headed to cooler temperatures in Washington DC today. I’m off to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Conference (think 10,000 registered dietitians buzzing about all things nutrition in a giant convention center) where I’ll be gathering fresh ideas and inspiration to share with all of you. Now, onto the week’s meal plan: 

WILD BLUEBERRY BALSAMIC SHEET PAN CHICKEN 

This seems to be the main dish hit for fall on my blog. I’ve gotten lots of positive feedback about how easy it is to make. Chicken, wild blueberries, sweet potatoes, and red onions get piled onto a sheet pan, slathered in mustard and balsamic, and roasted until tender. Clean up is easy. On the side, how about a fall-inspired salad or a simple plate of seasonal fruit: apples, pears, grapes, pomegranate, and persimmons all qualify.

GENIUS BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

The easiest ever butternut squash soup! It’s creamy, thanks to the squash and coconut milk, which add flavor and richness. Most importantly, no peeling or chopping required. You roast the squash whole and scoop out the tender insides once cooked. You can even do the roasting in advance and finish things off the next day. Make a double batch to pack for lunches or freeze for next time. Want dessert?  This Italian Apple Cake is a winner and leftovers are fair game for breakfast the next day. 

SAUCY SLOW COOKER TURKEY MEATBALLS

These meatballs are a staple of my cool weather cooking repertoire. They’re easy to make, with no advance sauteeing needed. Serve them straight up in shallow bowls with crusty bread on the side or spoon over roasted vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower. Parmesan on the side is a must. 

FREEZER-FRIENDLY BREAKFAST EGG WRAPS

Carve out a little time on the weekend or one evening to do up a batch of these egg wraps for weekday breakfast. They will hold up for a day or two in the fridge and can be reheated just before serving, or you can wrap them well and stow them in the freezer for another day.

STOVETOP TACO POPCORN

Weekends around here usually mean watching a movie or flipping on a game (and sometimes both). This Taco Popcorn is a just-right kind of snack for such occasions and beats a bag of Doritos from a nutrition standpoint any https://www.momskitchenhandbook.com/uncategorized/winter-kale-salad-with-roasted-grapes-persimmons-and-goat-cheese/https://www.momskitchenhandbook.com/uncategorized/winter-kale-salad-with-roasted-grapes-persimmons-and-goat-cheese/day (though Mr. Mom’s Kitchen would argue that Doritos are good for his mental health).