Hello from the rainy, no scratch that, the soggy state of Maryland. The common joke around here these days is it has rained two times this summer. Once for 45 days and once for 55. So, I guess you can say we are entering our third, who knows how long, stretch.

While I am over the rain, I do love the sudden drop in temperatures and feel of Fall in the air. Yes, I am that person. I have not always wished Summer to change to Fall but this year I am welcoming the season change. It could have something to do with the growing belly with this pregnancy and my sleepless, back aching nights.

With the forecast calling for 70’s, and you guessed it, rain, for the next week, this new plan is brought to you by comfortable foods.

SUNDAY:
Chili

• 2 lbs of Ground Beef
• 2 – Garlic Cloves
• 1/2 of Large Sweet Onion
• 1 – Green Pepper
• 1 – Red Pepper
• 2 Tbsp of Chili Powder
• 2 Tbsp of Cumin
• 1 tsp of Garlic Salt
• 2 Cups of Chicken Broth
• 2 – 15.5 oz Cans of Red Kidney Beans
• 1 – 14.5 oz Can of Diced Tomatoes – Drained (I use Jalapeno Flavored)

MONDAY
One Sheet Chicken and Vegetables

• Red-skinned Potatoes
• 2 Large Carrots
• 1 Large Red Onion
• 4 Chicken Breasts
• 3 Tbsp Honey
• 1 Tbsp Whole-grain Mustard
• 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
• Medium head of Broccoli
• Asparagus Spears

TUESDAY
Sausage, Spinach. and White Bean Soup

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 (12.8-ounce) Package Smoked Andouille Sausage
• 3 Cloves of Garlic
• 1 Onion
• 3 Carrots
• 2 Stalks of Celery
• 2 (15-ounce) Cans of Great Northern Beans
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 4 Cups of Chicken Broth
• 3 Cups of Baby Spinach

WEDNESDAY
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs and Balsamic Roasted Potatoes with Asparagus

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

• Juice of 2 Lemons
• ¼ Cup Olive Oil
• 1 tsp of Garlic Powder
• Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs
• 1 Clove Garlic
• 1 tsp Thyme Leaves
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 2 Tbsp Honey

Balsamic Roasted Potatoes with Asparagus:

• New Potatoes (note: I plan on using the remaining red potatoes I have from the recipe on Monday night)
• Asparagus
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

THURSDAY
French Onion Soup

• 5-6 Yellow Onions
• 3 Tbsp of Butter
• 4 Cloves of Garlic
• 3 Tbsp of Flour
• 1/2 Cup of Dry White Wine
• 6 Cups of Beef Stock
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 tsp of Dried Thyme)
• Grated Cheese (Gruyere, Asiago, Swiss, or Mozzarella)

And, there you have it! You can scan these recipes and more on my Pinterest Board – Cheers to the Yum.