Menu of the Week

I wanted to capture some of the recipes I tried over the holidays.  We had one loser - this almond torte, which will forever be referred to as "burn-mush".  It wasn't completely inedible, but it was close.  Everything else, however, was really really good.  I already told you about our Christmas Eve/Day meals, and they were great.  Here's a look at what we ate the week after Christmas.

Before my guests arrived, I spent a day cooking a few make-ahead items, and I was so happy that I did.  It made several meals completely stress-free, and it helped me prepare the big Christmas feast as well. 

Butternut Bisque - This was one I made ahead and had in portions in the freezer.  We started off our first day enjoying this soup for lunch.  It is very good - the red pepper gives it a little kick, and serving with a dollop of sour cream is the perfect balance.
Vegetable Enchiladas - Another one I made ahead and froze.  I don't think the recipe makes quite enough sauce, so I added a can of enchilada sauce to it.  Next time I'll double the sauce.  These are really really good.
Baked Ziti - A good-old standby.  Mini-penne, mushrooms, onions, garlic, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and sauce.  Topped with a layer of cheese, cooked until bubbly, served with a salad, good crusty bread, and a couple bottles of wine.  Perfect.  
Turkey Reubens - This is always a favorite, and it was a special request made by my sister, who can't get rye bread in Spain.
Roasted Chicken, Asparagus, and Potatoes - No, asparagus is not in season, but it's one of the few green vegetables my son will eat in any real quantity, so we eat it quite a bit. 
New Year's Eve menu:  Lamb chops, arugula/mint salad, mashed sweet potatoes, and a good bottle of Italian wine. Yum, yum, yum, and yum. 

Expect a separate post on this year's desserts.

Now that the holidays are over, I'm back to cooking for my boys.  I must tell you, they are definitely less fun to cook for, but I'm always on the hunt for healthy food they'll enjoy.  It's an effort, but I'll keep working at it. 

*I will definitely update my favorite recipes list with some of these!