I have realized that I need to get back to menu planning. Without it, I tend to eat poorly. Actually, I eat just fine but I make poor decisions about what I am going to eat. One of the largest issues with cooking meals is that my two youngest, 19 & 23 so you do not get the idea I am talking about toddlers, work in restaurant/bar kitchens. They will eat at work when they are working. I am not always, usually though not always, privy to their schedules. All three of my adult children who live with me eat meat and I do not. There is the bigger issue. I have decided I will plan my meals. I will make alternatives some nights – either meat versions or a different entree all together – but will not make alternatives every night.

Sunday – Leftover ham and potatoes from Christmas dinner (I will have eggs as my protein source)

Monday – Skinny Mac ‘n Cheese (this is a huge family hit)

Tuesday – I am presuming I will be the only one home NYE. I will have soup. I have some Lentil Soup with Quinoa and Tomatoes in the freezer and am going to make White Bean Soup. There will also be several finger foods around for the kids to have, should they be home or should they need to take something to a party with them. These finger foods will be a future post.

Wednesday – Pork tenderloin – I will have black-eyed pea burgers.

Thursday – Potato Soup with either bacon or leftover ham in it (if there is any ham)

Friday – Meatloaf – I will have leftovers, either burgers from Wed or soup.

Saturday – Chili – Two batches will be made, one with meat and one without.

We’ll see how planning at least the evening meal holds out. Next week, when I plan the week’s food, I will report on how this week went. Did I actually follow the plan?

Lunches will be soup or sandwiches, most likely. Breakfast will be oatmeal, eggs or cereal.