Y’all. I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but it’s actually fall outside. Technically I know it’s been fall for a few weeks now. But here in Texas we couldn’t see that through the buckets of rain falling out of the sky. This week, though, it’s nice and the sun is shining and the air is crisp. If I close my eyes and pretend hard enough I can even make myself think I’m back East.
Sad thing about that, though, is we all know in a few days we’ll go back up to 87 degrees with 80% humidity and stay that way until Christmas.
God Bless Texas.
But since it actually feels like fall outside right now I thought I would make our upcoming menu reflect all the fall feels I can manage in a menu. From the pumpkin pasta (just try it. I promise it’s deceivingly delicious) to the crock pot chili for Halloween night (plus the fun little cocktail I throw in just in case you’re entertaining) this menu plan screams fall. And I know you’re going to love it.
There isn’t a ton of make ahead prep work for this week as I kept the recipes fairly simple and straight forward, but if you wanted to chop onions, peppers and veggies (just not the potatoes for the sausage sheet pan–those will get NASTY chopped ahead) it would save a few minutes each day. I linked a sheet pan recipe (not my own) just to give you guidance, but to keep it simple and cost effective I highly recommend just using a few veggies, preferably ones your family will eat and fit in with the rest of the weeks haul (carrots and peppers because you’ll use them in the chili) and just use dried thyme and some of the rosemary from Fridays dinner as seasoning. Make sure you salt and pepper well and bake according to the recipe.
As always with these recipes, tailor them to your needs and what you have on hand. If you’ve been following along for any length of time (and if you have, YAY you, you ROCK) you should have a pretty well stocked pantry by now so it should get cheaper and easier each week for you to create your own plans.
Which, if I’m being honest is my goal. Like any great teacher (which I am clearly not) my goal isn’t to have you follow my plan forever. My goal is to get you confident enough to create your own. This is why I believe so strongly in ToolBox Recipes and a stocked pantry. Once you have the skills and the supplies, you’ve got this on your own!
I can’t wait to hear from you when this happens.
Week Six Menu Plan: HERE
Week Six Shopping List: HERE
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Monday: Pumpkin Pasta with Ranch Salad and Popovers (Pasta Recipe HERE):
- I know it seems weird to put pumpkin, the sweet stuff we normally reserve for baked goods, in a savory pasta dish but just bear with me. It’s not sweet, well, not really sweet and it has a nice fun kick to it. It’s surprising, and I mean that in the best possible way. Besides, it’s the perfect meatless meal for Halloween week, don’t you think? If you can’t find fresh sage, dried will do, but if you can I highly recommend using the real stuff. It makes a difference in this one. Pair with a simple ranch salad and those lovely popovers from Week 1 (here) and you’ve got yourself a delicious and easy family meal.
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Tuesday: Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies (Recipe HERE):
- Sheet pan recipes are my jam. They are a cinch to make and clean up, well, it’s a breeze. Especially if you’re addicted to parchment paper or aluminum foil like I am. The surface of my baking sheets haven’t ever actually been touched by real food. And I plan on keeping it that way. I gave you a recipe link as a guideline, but honestly I find sheet pan recipes easy to customize. Use what you have and what you like, follow the directions and it will be just fine. I always use “Never Any” Brand Chicken sausage from Aldi but you can use any brand you like, as long as it is pre-cooked. This one pairs well with a nice salad too.
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Wednesday: Turkey, Black Bean and Veggie Chili (Recipe HERE):
- We have this Halloween tradition in my house where I throw the biggest batch of chili known to man in the slow cooker, make some delicious corn bread and my in-laws come over for dinner and go trick or treating with us. Typically, I argue with my father in law over whether or not chili with beans is actually chili and then we agree to disagree and call it day. Then he eats a whole bag of chocolate that we buy separately for him as we walk through the neighborhood. It’s one of my favorite days. As my kids get older, I know this is going to change. My oldest already goes off just with his friends and I know the others aren’t too far behind. For now, though, the tradition will live on. Throw this chili in the slow cooker, buy a pack of Jiffy Brand corn bread mix and have an easy hands off meal for your whole crew of skeletons and witches. And if you’re feeling extra saucy, make this fun and yummy Halloween Punch (adults only people) made by my awesome friends over at Kultural Kreations (follow NOW!).
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Thursday: Take it Easy Taco Night (ToolBox Taco Recipe HERE)
- I know logically that most of us with children don’t technically drink enough on Halloween to get a hangover. But I’m not really sure of this, because most all of us wake up the next day feeling like we have a wicked one. Maybe it’s the candy. I should probably look into it. Because if Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups cause hangovers I just don’t know what I will do with myself. Except live the rest of my days with a hangover. Totally worth it. Anyway, take it easy on yourself with this meal. Use some ground beef from your freezer and make yourself tacos using the Toolbox Taco seasoning. Throw some salsa and cheese on top and call it a day. You’ve earned it.
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Friday: Mushroom Rosemary Chicken over Egg Noodles (Recipe HERE):
- This is a beautiful yet simple recipe. The flavors are so fall and so yummy it just tastes like home. I strongly suggest fresh Rosemary in this one but if you can’t find it dried will do. Just use a tad less and rub it together in hour hands for a second before throwing it in to release the flavors. If you’re local and want fresh, stop by, I’ve got a ton growing in my garden and can spare a few branches. I won’t even miss them. Throw this over egg noodles, maybe steam up some broccoli or serve with leftover salad and you have a family pleasing easy 30 minute meal to round out your week.
Friends, I hope this week is spooktacular and tasty for you (and not just because of those God Blessed Reese’s. Why are those things so good?). I hope you are really starting to understand how meal planning makes your life easier and saves you a ton of money. I plan on doing two more weeks to round out a solid two months and then take stock of where we are with the series. I would love to hear from you if you would like me to continue or can take it from here. I promise it won’t hurt my feelings if you feel ready to fly. I’ll just be over here with a wadded up tissue sniffling because I’ll be feeling so proud if that’s the case!
Peace, Love and BOO,
Meaghan
Welcome to BurntToast! My name is Meaghan, and this is my safe space, a place where we can share stories, share recipes and share life. It’s my dream that you can come here, kick your shoes off and pour yourself a glass of wine while you read, laugh, and maybe even hop into the kitchen. This is my heart, for all of you to see. And ALL are welcome here.