Winter Weekly Menu Plan
We’ve made our way to February, and that calls for a flavorful weekly menu plan to brighten up these winter days. To start, we’ve mapped out four weeknight dinners best defined as comfort food with a twist. We’ll recreate favorites like Baked Eggplant Parmesan Mac and Cheese and try our hand at new recipes, like a Pan-Seared Salmon with a Lemon Cream Sauce. To round things out, we’ve also included a versatile side dish, a to-die-for baked good, and a creamy, dreamy cocktail to cap off any evening. Bon appétit!
WEEKNIGHT MENU FAVORITES
recipe & photo via Family Style Food
Baked Eggplant Parmesan Mac and Cheese
There’s no better crowd-pleaser on your weekly menu plan than homemade mac-and-cheese. But this version gets a major upgrade with crusty baked eggplant added into the mix. You’ll begin by roasting your eggplant in the oven while making your cheese sauce in the meantime. Next, combine the pasta, sauce and eggplant, give it an additional 15 minute bake, and you’re done. Serve this on Meatless Monday, or really, any night of the week.
recipe & photo via The Modern Proper
Chicken Provencal
If we’re being honest, chicken can get pretty boring when served night after night. That’s why this recipe from The Modern Proper ladies immediately caught our eye. Inspired by the South of France, it takes chicken thighs in a new direction with all the flavors of Provence. You’ll use green olives, shallots, garlic, fresh thyme, and of course, a great white wine to bring this dish to life. Add a side of crusty bread, and you’ve got a weeknight hit.
recipe & photo via Well Seasoned Studio
Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Parmesan Cream Sauce
Whether you’re whipping up a romantic dinner for two or serving an entire family, this is the meal to make. It’s an easy pan-seared salmon that feels so fresh thanks to the addition of lemons and fresh herbs galore. The Well Seasoned Studio served this with a side of zucchini and couscous, and it’s a total stroke of genius. Spoiler alert: it’s ALL about that cream sauce.
recipe & photo via Butter Be Ready
Easy Mongolian Beef
When the craving for Asian takeout strikes, make this recipe instead. It’s everyone’s favorite Mongolian Beef made healthier (and way tastier!) in your own kitchen. The key ingredients that make this dish? Garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar and, if you can swing it, freshly grated ginger. Serve it on a bed of warm rice, and one dinner on your weekly menu plan is officially done.
ON THE SIDE
recipe & photo via All the Healthy Things
Crispy Baked Potato Wedges with Chipotle Lime Aioli
Oven-baked potato wedges pair wonderfully with nearly any meal. At least in our opinion. We love that this version is paleo and Whole 30-friendly but doesn’t skimp on any flavor. While these potato wedges are great on their own, the magic is in the dipping sauce. Quite frankly, we’d eat these as a meal all their own.
TO BAKE
recipe & photo via Hummingbird High
Swirled Cheesecake Bars
Most of us *tried* to minimize the sugary treats in January. But we think this month calls for a sweet indulgence in our weekly menu plan. Michelle Lopez of Hummingbird High makes the most beautiful baked goods, and these cheesecake bars are no exception. They have the flavor of Trader Joe’s cookie butter and a crunchy crust made of speculoos (a European biscuit). This recipe requires a bit of time to pull off, but it’s also totally worth the effort.
TO SIP
recipe & photo via Taste of Home
White Russian
When we think of cozy winter cocktails, a White Russian always comes to mind. The cocktail is a combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream or milk. And bonus—it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Serve it in an Old Fashioned glass and sip by the fire.
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY