The weather turned last week. It went from barely winter cold to frigid. We are not okay. In any case, I apologize for my absence the last two weeks. We had several trips, some with the kids, some just Rich and I, and life was a bit more complicated during that time. It was easier to just recap now.

I think we have finally figured out how to make enough for us, including some leftovers for lunch, but not so much that our fridge can barely hold them. This week, I am making a huge batch of the hamburger stew on Tuesday, though, so we can eat it again on Thursday. It doesn't seem to matter how much chili I make, we never have leftovers of that. Also, Jerome has started testing egg, with no trouble whatsoever! We are thrilled! It will make all meals easier and make his baked goods so much better, too. We're doing it by the books, and so it will be another three weeks before he starts eating them like normal. However, that will also make Thanksgiving much simpler for us all - and tastier for him. Speaking of Thanksgiving, we are doing a mini-Thanksgiving meal this week. Some friends of ours brokered the delivery of two large turkeys that needed some rehabilitation. To be honest, they hadn't been cared for that well, and had been kept in a cramped and confined space and showed it. Rich ended up butchering one right away, but we tried to see if we could save the other. After a week or so of trying and seeing some improvement, she started to decline again, and we had to put her in the freezer. Well, we are having the friends over who worked out the rescue deal on these turkeys, so they can enjoy the meal, as well.

O Almighty God, who has knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys which thou has prepared for those who unfeignedly love thee; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• Sunday - Solemnity of the Eve of All Saints
  Breakfast: Leftover Pancakes and Maple Syrup, Bacon, Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Baked Potato Bar, Fruit Plate
• Monday - Feast of All Saints
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam (Coconut Milk Yogurt for Jerome), Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Not Texas Chili, Cheese, Sour Cream, Onions, Gluten-free Vegan Cornbread, Fruit
• Tuesday - Feast of All Souls
  Breakfast: Polenta with Apples and Cinnamon Sugar, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Hamburger Stew, Shredded Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Cumin Lime Dressing, Bread (Gluten-free Bread for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Bissara, Green Olive Salad, Tamis (Gluten-free Bread for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and Cheese (Scrambled Chickpeas for Jerome), Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Leftover Hamburger Stew, Bread, Fruit
• Friday
  Breakfast: Peanut Butter and Honey on Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk and Tomatoes, Jasmine Rice, Fruit
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon Waffles (Gluten-free and Vegan for Jerome), Apple Cider Syrup, Bacon, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cranberry Relish, Steam Sautéed Carrots, Quince Pie* (Gluten-free crust for Jerome)

What is on your menu this week? If you want a recipe, ask and I will provide it as soon as I can. If there are any starred recipes, I will follow up separately with a weekly recipe round up on Saturday.

Labels: All Saints, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Governor Inslee Needs a Frozen Fish to the Forehead, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Prayer Requests, Special Diet, Tales from the Kitchen