Menu Plan Monday
December 10, 2007

We are hoping to return to a normal routine this week, though we do have several evening commitments to look forward to. Here is my proposed meal plan:

Monday: Hamburger soup (from the freezer), homemade bread. (Ben and I will be out at his office Christmas party.)
Tuesday: Chicken caccitore, whole wheat spaghetti, spinach salad.
Wednesday: Beef tacos (from the freezer), brown beans, corn.
Thursday: Chicken mystery casserole, brown rice, steamed green beans.
Friday: Leftovers. (Ben and I will be going to a Christmas party.)
Saturday: Sausage and kale soup, homemade bread.
Sunday: Leftovers. (Our family will be attending the church Christmas concert over supper time.)

Sausage and Kale Soup (from Everyday Cooking magazine)

This is a new recipe for our family.

In a large pot (6-8 quarts), heat 1 tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Cook 1 diced onion until soft, stirring, 2-3 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper; cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add 5 waxy potatoes (1 1/2 lbs.), peeled and cut into 1/2" chunks, and 3 cans (14.5 oz. each) reduced-sodium chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer until potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

In a blender, puree half the soup. Return to pot, add one bunch (12 oz.) kale, stemmed and shredded, and 12 oz. smoked chicken sausage, cut into 1/2" half-moons. Simmer until kale is wilted, 10 to 15 minutes.

Serves 4
Prep. time: 15 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

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Check out the Menu Plan Monday Mr. Linky at Org Junkie.