Cheap & Cheerful for a Chilly Week

Saturday
turkey-vegetable soup
biscuits

Sunday
bean, rice and cheese burritos
peas

Monday
spaghetti and meatballs
peas
green beans
garlic bread

Tuesday
scrambled eggs
smashed potatoes
cole slaw
baked squash

Wednesday
lentil, sausage, and vegetable soup
Yorkshire pudding
applesauce

Thursday
fried rice with veggies, tofu, egg, and potstickers
canned pineapple slices


I hope everyone had a wonderful week. We've been trying to get into the Christmas spirit. Last Sunday we went to a concert of carols which was lovely. One daughter narrated. The rest of the week has been a bit harried and anxiety-provoking. Seeking help for a family member. Keep us in your prayers, if you can.

Have a terrific weekend!

Lentil Love

I spent a very long afternoon in a waiting room yesterday (for a family member, not me). Fortunately. they had free coffee and tea. I think I personally emptied their pot of decaf. I meant to grab a banana on my way out the door, but got side-tracked printing out a map. All I had to eat in my purse was a tiny candy cane and a few Tums. Not exactly gourmet dining. By the time we got home it was 4:30 and I had nothing made for dinner, or even partly made, and I was pretty hungry. Lentils to the rescue.

I worked as hard and fast as I could and managed to get a lentil, sausage, and vegetable soup plus Yorkshire pudding made by 5:45. I added some applesauce for everyone, and dinner was ready for the table.

So, what I love about lentils --

• they're fast, taking about 40 minutes, or so, to cook till tender
• they don't need pre-soaking
• they're high in fiber (and we know why that's important)
• they're packed with protein -- the Harvard School of Public Health ranked them above beef, chicken and fish for a protein source, to reduce the onset of major diseases
• they're a good source of folate and iron, two nutrients important for women's health 
• they're cheap 

I have another, similar appointment to attend on Friday. I think I'll plan ahead a little better.