A super busy week end and an even busier week ahead calls for a simplified meal plan this week. Stores are beginning to stock bone-in hams for the holiday so I decided to center my meal plan around this staple item.
LUNCHES
Option A: Salt and Pepper Roasted Chicken Breast, Quinoa, Steamed Brussels Sprouts and Sage Roasted Sweet Potatoes
No recipes needed here! Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place in a baking dish. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped sage, salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet. Roast alongside at 375F until done.
Option B: Split Pea Soup with Ham
While we will be at a Christmas concert this afternoon, this delicious soup will be gently simmering in the slow cooker. I have been making this for years now: it’s hearty and very satisfying. Recipe: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/slow-cooker-split-pea-soup
DINNERS
Option A: Croque Monsieurs
No recipe needed here again! Butter a slice of your favorite bread and layer Maille Dijon Mustard on top. A good quality Dijon makes a big difference here. Add the ham and grate some Gruyere cheese on top. Roast in oven until the cheese is bubbly with a crunchy layer on top. Serve with a simple green salad.
Option B: Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup
Using the leftover chicken from the above Option A lunch, I whipped together this simple yet satisfying soup from my go to Quebecois chef Ricardo. Recipe https://www.ricardocuisine.com › recipes › 8428-hearty-chicken-and-rice-soup
ON THE BAKING RACK
I felt festive this week so I doubled down on two feel good recipes!
Citrus Poppy Seeds Muffins
These have a nice crunchy top and a super soft inside. They are perfect for breakfast or with a cup of tea in the afternoon. This is my go to recipe when I am gifted citruses from a friend’s yard which happens frequently in California!. Recipe: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/orange-lemon-poppy-seed-muffins/
Pecan Chocolate Banana Loaf
Leftover bananas make the most perfect loaf cake. I used this simple Food Network recipe and added 3/4 cup of pecans and 1 cup of chocolate chips to it.
Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/banana-bread-recipe-1969572
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Effortlessly Chuck 