Starting my week without a meal plan around here is bad news bears – even worse when I make my grocery trips while hungry. I’ll invariably end up spending double or even triple the amount of food during the week, and end up with things I really don’t need. Don’t shop while hungry folks. Just don’t do it. 

In an attempt to re-enforce good habits before the new year, here’s my meal plan! This week I’m doing a fair amount of cooking inspired by Mel Joulwan’s new cookbook “Well Fed 2“: bold global flavors, lots of fun spice mixes, and some basic condiments like her olive oil mayo on the docket.

Week of December 22nd

Saturday: merguez burgers with moroccan carrots and spinach salad. Carrots are a confirmed favorite vegetable around here, so I’ve been picking up a few pounds of them each week at the store. Trader Joe’s has a new bag of “carrots of many colors” which make for much more colorful meals!

Sunday: turkey + cranberry balls with potato pancakes, brussels sprouts with pancetta. (I’ve strayed from Sunday night fish night because I’m less enthused about the market not having a fresh catch.) I like the idea of the festive holiday flavors in this meal!

Monday: deconstructed gyro salad (p. 126) (the cookbook recipe is slightly different). Adding it to the “Greek” rotation in addition to one of my favorites: Andie’s lemony chicken gyros.

Tuesday: I was considering duck and mash, but there was a request for Mexican Christmas foods… tamales/enchiladas/etc. so I’m going to see what I can do.

Wednesday: Chinese + a movie (Jewish Christmas!) I think it’s going to be American Hustle.

Thursday: deli tuna salad (p. 118) on salad/melts. Everyone likes a good tuna recipe! This one uses fancy oil packed, which if you ask me, is the best way to go.

Friday: out! Likely Japanese takeout, or our regular date night restaurant.

Saturday: piña colada chicken (p. 96). I’ve long been a fan of the American Chinese restaurant polynesian flavors – and cooking this stuff at home is far superior.

And that’s a wrap! What are you eating this week in between holiday feasting?

–– Sam