This year’s Christmas basket included Granny Smith Apples, Sweet Potatoes and Yukon Golds, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Oranges, Green Beans, Pomegranate, Butternut Squash, and Sweet Onions.
And here’s this week’s Meal Plan (using PepperPlate once again):
The first recipe that came to my mind when I walked in the house yesterday and saw these beautiful Granny Smith Apples from my Milk and Honey Organics weekly produce basket was the Marcia Adams’ Granny Smith Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce! It’s a family favorite around the holidays and a quick dump cake that is delicious every time! The last time I made it, I used buttered ramekins, so each person got their very own apple cake and could put as much or as little caramel sauce atop as they liked. This cake would also make a beautiful homemade gift for neighbors or friends. If it doesn’t turn out exactly as beautiful as you would like, just drizzle some caramel sauce on top and pipe some whipped cream on it! (Yes, I confess, I have done that before.)
Recently, I’ve been watching a lot of The Chew episodes. It’s a fairly new morning talk show on ABC featuring four chefs and a fashion stylist. It’s pretty funny, most of the time, and has a lot of good recipes. Here are a few that I saw over the last few weeks that would be great to feature this week’s basket in:
- Mario Batali’s Broiled Butternut Squash with Apples
- Michael Symon’s Kugel (with apples)
- Wendy Williams’ Hoppin’ Johns (tomato, onions, and black eyed peas)
- Chef Josh Capon’s Brisket with Pomegranate Seeds
- Michael Symon’s Dad’s Potato Latkes
- Carla Hall’s Ground Nut Stew (butternut squash, etc.)
- Jason Roberts’ Roasted Potatoes
- Mario Batali’s Lamb Shanks with Olives and Oranges
- Carla Hall’s Turkey Sausage and Butternut Squash Gravy (serve over biscuits)
- Daphne Oz’s Ricotta, Chocolate, Honey and Pine Nut Tart with Pomegranate
- Diane Henderick’s Arugula, Papaya, and Avocado Salad with Pomegranate-Lime Vinaigrette
(Other Recipes from the Meal Plan can be found in past Weekly Meal Plan posts).
What will likely happen in my house (and perhaps yours), is that you’ll plan your Christmas Dinner as your main meal for the week and then snack and attend parties and family gatherings for the rest of the week.
Leftovers will likely be a part of this week’s menu for all of us, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be every bit as delicious as the feast itself. Enjoy plenty of beautiful, organic produce this week! Keep it light and healthful and enjoy the time with family and friends even more than you enjoy the food! I hope you have a blessed and peaceful holiday season, full of family, food, and festivities!
Merry Christmas from My Journey to Lean!
