After a week of April showers, Sunday’s sunny day came right on schedule. I sowed seeds in my little raised bed, transplanted some perennials, and rode bikes around the block with Miss Seven. It’s threatening rain again today, but at least it’s not too cold. I’m determined to squeeze a short walk into my morning schedule, so I’ll leave you with some menus. If I had to recommend one thing, it would be that meatloaf recipe. It’s both homey and intriguing, with the chorizo and the smoky chipotles. Just make double–you’re going to want some meatloaf sandwiches with that zingy sauce.

Last week

Monday: Tex-Mex Meatloaf, homemade mac and cheese, corn and black bean salad (doubled to swap with Jen)

Best meatloaf I’ve had in a long time. I didn’t pour more glaze on at the end, but heated and served it separately so it wouldn’t be too spicy for the kids, who had ketchup. I might have to buy The Homesick Texan cookbook.

Tuesday: White Bean Soup with Kale and Turkey Italian Sausage (from Jen)

Yummy. The kids ate it without much fuss, too. Unlike spinach, the kale didn’t wilt and turn black during reheating. 

Wednesday: Pizza (toppings: mushrooms, asparagus, pepperoni; dough is in the freezer)

Still trying to get the crust baked through in the middle without overcooking the toppings. Looking forward to pizza-on-the-grill weather.

Thursday: Locro de papas (Ecuadorean potato soup–I don’t follow a recipe, but that one is similar), avocado, pickled red onions

It was such a rainy, chilly week that soup was exactly what I wanted to eat. Again.

Friday: Pork medallions in creamy pan sauce, rice, asparagus salad

Pork tenderloin makes a fancy meal really fast. Our pan sauce had wine, tarragon and cream. Mr. Ten set the table, cooked the rice and chopped the garlic, and helped make the sauce. We made extra rice and sliced extra pork for this week’s fried rice.

This week

Monday: Chicken and biscuits (swap)

Tuesday: Jen’s Lasagne (swap)

Wednesday: Pork fried rice

Thursday: Broiled yogurt-marinated chicken thighs, lentil salad, roasted beets with goat cheese

Friday: Panini Night