January 8, 2022

WEEKLY MENU 01.09.22

We’re starting to plan our escapes during the Weekly Menu 01.09.22 because travel is in our future, even if it’s not via train.

What are we doing for fun during the Weekly Menu 01.09.22? We’re starting to plan our get-aways. We love travelling, and the winter weather that has set in (finally!) has us thinking of where we can take a break. Don’t get me wrong – I adore the winter time, which is spectacular in beautiful Erieland with our lake effect snow. We’re finally getting a little bit of precip, and that always gets us trolling the travel sites.

My father-in-law is a HUGE train aficionado, and is currently looking at the possibility of travelling around the United States via Amtrak. My parents travelled to Florida via the Auto Train. Everybody loves a train ride!

We were lucky enough to travel out to South Bend Indiana many, many moons ago via train. There was a family wedding at Notre Dame, and DOLD suggested train travel (strongly – he paid for the trip) to and fro. The only issue with travelling that way from Erieland is the time that the trains are scheduled. Heading west, The Lake Shore Limited makes it’s way through at 2:16 am. Yes, you saw that right – Two Dark Thirty O’clock in the morning.

Did I mention I was 7 months pregnant with the OG Baby Boy?

We made the train in plenty of time, with plans to sleep heading west. Ha! Mom filled a cooler with chicken salad sandwiches that were supposed to last us until we got to South Bend. Of course we tucked into those almost immediately, and they were long gone by the time we saw Cleveland. Bert, DOLD and my brothers hit up the club car along the way, so we all needed a nap once we got to our hotel.

The trip back was super fun too – we got a sleeper car for the little women (mostly me, although I was far from little at that point). The only down side? My Mom’s hanging bag got left on the train and was never seen again. Apparently the club car was awesome on the way home too. We’re lucky everyone travelling made it off the train at Erie. We got back in at the much more reasonable time of about 6 am. And got McDonald’s before hitting the sack.

IT’S TIME FOR EATS~

I’d like to say that Amtrak influenced the Weekly Menu 01.09.22, but alas? Not even a little. But there is a tie-in, I swear. We actually didn’t have the traditional New Years Eve Fry Out this year. All the boys were heading out to party, and frying for two wasn’t in the cards. (Affiliate links follow – see Disclaimer Page for Details.) Usually Bert and I go with a beautiful steak cooked in our favorite cast iron skillet, but we’d been out to dinner with friends and Bert ordered steak. Instead, I decided to go with the always popular Chicken Salad Sandwiches (and Chicken Rice Soup). I used Mom’s recipe, and it hit. The. Spot. Perfect for late night noshing for the boys too.

Healthy-ish dessert on Sunday after a bit of a splurge meal. We’re going with a big salad on Monday, low-carb Italian on Wednesday and straight up low-carb on Thursday. We’re trying!

WEEKLY MENU 01.09.22

The Vinegar Coleslaw is from Chili Pepper Madness. The simple Frozen Yogurt is via Chatelaine. I found the Berry Sauce at A Plantiful Path. The Pork Sammies and the White Beans are from Food Network. Martha Stewart inspired the Meatball Casserole. We located the Classic French Lentil Soup at Pardon Your French. And the easy Parmesan Crackers are via Little House Big Alaska.