The Homemaker Plans Meals: Welcome, September!

 

It's plenty warm for us yet, but towards the end of the week, temperatures will drop by almost 20 degrees.  Not cold weather but cooler and I am all for it.  Of course, it only makes me want to plan a meal that clings to the inside of the belly and warms and comforts all at once.  I'm not going to get too carried away.  That cool down might not even happen...weather forecasts are too fickle to base a full menu upon just yet, but gosh, will I ever be glad when we do get to the cooler days and hearty meals are on the menu once again.

Again, this week we're not coming into the week with Gathered Fragments or leftovers.  I was pretty vigilant about using things up and getting them out of the fridge and onto plates or into the freezer.    

I do want to go through the pantry and freezer this week, update my expired foods list so I know what I still need to plan to use, determine which of the meals I've prepared ahead ought to be used for easy meals.  Then I'll get these menu plans started.

Roast Chicken with Apples and Sage, Carrots, Onions, and Potatoes.  I won't serve anymore sides with this.  The hard part is truly not to overdo the vegetables for just the two of us. I don't like to have a load of those left over.  

And yes, it's too hot to have the stupid oven on but I don't care...I just want a proper roasted chicken.  I'll try to put it on earlier in the morning, so we don't spend all afternoon regretting my menu choice.

Chicken Sandwiches, Apple Wedges, Nuts.  Leftover chicken will be good to have for a lighter meal.  We ate lunch out today, but I know John will want supper, especially since we ate so early.

Country Ribs on Grill, Coleslaw, Green Beans and Taters, Corn on the Cob.  

Corn Dogs, Chips, Leftover slaw.  Caleb will be here, and we know he will enjoy the corn dogs.  I thought about buying corned dogs, but I have corn muffin mix and hot dogs...I can make my own, I think.  

Cottage Pie, Salad

Chicken Divan, Rice, Cucumber and Onion Salad.  I'll use mostly broccoli stems in the Divan.  I want to make a salad too and will divide the florets between the two dishes, but I have lots of perfectly good stem.  I've found if I peel them then steam the pieces they are tender enough to eat.

Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli and Apple Salad.  There should be enough chicken to make a Chicken Pot Pie.  I think it will be lovely since the temperatures will cool as the week goes on.  I'll use some of the broccoli stems, too, but not steamed.  Instead, I'll shred them.