• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Marin Mama Cooks

Tasty foods for families

  • home
  • Recipes
    • Recipes Index
    • beverages
    • breakfast
    • lunch
    • after school snacks
    • dinner
      • burgers & patties
      • chicken
      • meats
      • meatless meals
      • Mexican
      • Pastas
      • pizza
      • seafood
    • side dishes
      • breads and grains
      • popovers
      • potatoes
      • salsas
      • sauces
      • veggie burgers and patties
      • Veggies
    • Desserts
      • brownies and bars
      • cakes and cupcakes
      • chocolate
      • Cookies
      • pies and tarts
    • meatless meals
    • salads
    • dressings
    • Soups
    • smoothies & juices
    • family favorites
    • most popular recipes
    • weeknight dinners
    • kale
    • Quinoa
    • weekly dinner menu
  • how to
  • random
  • videos
  • about me
  • work with me

Marin mama’s weekly dinner menu for December 2nd

December 2, 2012 by Marin Mama 27 Comments

Happy December everyone!  I thought I would celebrate by throwing some green and reds in the above photo to get you all in the Holiday spirit.  So, it’s 5:00 in the morning on a Sunday and I’m up.  How sad is that?  I couldn’t sleep because all I can hear are these howling gusty winds and heavy rain pelting at the windows.  We live on the coast and the winds can get pretty intense.  What I don’t get is why the winds always intensify between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am?  It really makes for a terrible night sleep. We’ve pretty much had non-stop rain for the past 4 days and two of the storms have been pretty intense. Sunny California isn’t always so sunny, especially in the winter.  It’s funny how you look forward to those cozy rainy days and once you’ve had about 3 of them in a row, you’re over it, (well, at least I am). I’m really a sunshine sort of gal.

Let’s move on from the rain and onto a happier topic like the Holidays.  Have you started decorating yet?  The only Holiday thing I put up so far was our advent calendar. I actually forgot about it until Eli woke up yesterday morning and ran to the door that we hang it on and said, “Hey, where’s the advent calendar?”  Boy, that kid has a memory and radar when it comes to things like that (well, things that either supply candy or money that is).  I plan on setting up some more things around the house today, but we’re getting our tree next weekend.

If you’re looking some Holiday inspiration, then you have to check out my friend Annie’s blog.  Annie has the best ideas when it comes to decorating.  I have been following her blog for a little over a year and she just gives me such inspiration when it comes to home design, crafts, event planning and even cooking, as she’s an amazing cook. Annie is one of those people that I’m watching out for.  She’s going to be the next Martha or even something better.  She has such a unique and timeless style.  Anyway, since it’s officially December, I thought I would share with you three things from her blog that I so want to copy and do in my own house.  Take a look at the advent calendar she designed this year.  Amazingly beautiful, don’t you think?  This is the calendar she designed last year. I honestly think they both belong in a magazine, and I especially love how she has all of those jars of goodies lined up under last year’s advent calendar.  Those cookies and sweets would not last long sitting out in an open container in my house. I would see sneaky hands reaching in all day grabbing treats.  Annie, you must have pretty self-controlled kids.  You should also check out her homemade gift tags.  They are so easy to do, and something that I’m definitely going to attempt this year.

Ok, onto this week’s menu!

Sunday night dinner:  Chicken parmesan, crispy garlic bread & broccoli rabe.  After all of the rain and busyness of last week, were settling in for some comfort cooking.  I’m hoping the rain lets up so I can get out of the house though.

Monday night dinner: Paul McCartney’s refried bean tacos and kid friendly caesar salad.  This dinner is becoming such a staple in our house.  It’s the perfect meatless Monday dinner because it’s so easy to whip up on the fly, and it just tastes so good.

Tuesday night dinner:  Leftover night!  Chicken parmesan, garlic bread and kid friendly caesar salad.

Wednesday night dinner: Chickpea veggie burgers and kale, cranberry, apple and toasted almond salad with lemon dressing.  Have you tried these veggie burgers yet?  They’re amazing and one of my favorite veggie burgers.  No, that is not a glob of mayo between the burger; it’s a tzatziki yogurt sauce that my kids devour.  The sauce is not just for the burgers, but it’s a great dipping sauce to serve up with some fresh cut veggies.  This kale salad is the first kale salad that I ever tried, it’s kid approved and a beautiful salad to serve up for the Holidays, as it has all those vibrant greens and reds.

Thursday night dinner:  Heirloom tomato soup & chickpea veggie burgers.  I found some organic heirloom tomatoes last week at my local Whole Foods, so I snatched them up. I was so excited as my family LOVES this soup. I made a batch to keep in the fridge and threw a batch in the freezer.  This soup freezes extremely well since there’s no cream in it.

Friday night dinner: Deep-dish pepperoni pizza and kid friendly caesar salad.  We’ve been on the go the past few Fridays, so I’m excited that we’re all going to be hanging at together at home eating pizza.

All I have to say right now, is rain, rain go away, because it is coming down in sheets!

Are the rest of you Marinites feeling the same way right now?

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
  • Facebook0
  • Google+0
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest0
  • Email
0

Filed Under: weekly dinner menu

Previous Post: « pasta bake with pancetta, tomato sauce and mozzarella
Next Post: Italian wedding soup »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. angela @ anotherbiteplease says

    December 5, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    wow your friends blog is magazine picture perfect! and your meals for the week…all looks so good but that hierloom tomato soup sounds so perfect right now.

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 7, 2012 at 11:55 pm

      Thanks Angela. Annie has great design style! I made a batch of that heirloom tomato soup yesterday believe it or not, as Whole Foods had a bunch of them! It was sooo good!

      Reply
  2. Jessica Maher (@kbelleicious) says

    December 4, 2012 at 7:29 pm

    the chickpea burgers are superb! I would have never thought to make a burger with the chickpeas as the “bun”. Always used them in the “patty”. Love it! The way she did that advent calendar is so clever. Its been crazy here- but should get your cookies off to you by end of next week! I know you don’t mind the delay! LOL! Love ya

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 5, 2012 at 7:48 pm

      Thanks Jessica! No, I don’t mind the delay at all as I know I won’t be able to get a batch out before Christmas!

      Reply
  3. Wendy says

    December 4, 2012 at 11:32 am

    Thanks for the great ideas for healthy dinner ideas! Love your blog and all the beautiful pictures..

    Keep up the great work!

    Wendy

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 5, 2012 at 7:45 pm

      Thanks for the sweet comment Wendy 😉

      Reply
  4. Marina@Picnic at Marina says

    December 4, 2012 at 4:25 am

    Oh dear, send some of that rain our way: we need it! Your menu looks so healthy and very appetizing. You know what I love even more? Your mommy meal, those chickpea veggie burgers. I made something similar last year but with yellow peas, everyone loved it, even teenager.
    Jackie, thanks for your kind comments and a link to a photography workshop. 🙂

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 5, 2012 at 7:47 pm

      Hi Marina! I’m so envious of your 80 degree weather right now, but I know we will get our week or two of summer weather in January as always. I love veggie burgers and I’m always on the look for new ones. I had this amazing one in the city that was made with beets and lentils! Wow, it was good!

      Reply
  5. ohsweetbasil says

    December 4, 2012 at 12:48 am

    Alright, what night should we come over? 😉

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 4, 2012 at 3:34 am

      Ha Ha! Any night that looks good to you 🙂

      Reply
  6. Sharon B. says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    I am so glad I found your blog last week and following, I love everything about it! I want to pin everything. I also visited Annie’s blog and really like her style too, so I’m following hers too. It’s raining here in the Seattle area too, and I know exactly how you feel about wanting the cozy days then being over it after just a few of them. Bring on the sun! Have a good week Jackie. Sharon

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 4, 2012 at 12:25 am

      Hi Sharon! Thanks for your kind words. I’m so glad there are tons of recipes that look yummy to you. I’m also glad you like Annie’s blog. She has an amazing sense of style. Seattle is so beautiful though. I just saw Twilight and I of course want to move to the mountains and live in the woods. It’s incredibly gorgeous up there and its funny because every time I have gone up there to visit, it’s been sunny and blue skies. 🙂 Hmmmm….

      Reply
      • Sharon B. says

        December 4, 2012 at 1:01 am

        Shhh, that’s our little secret, it’s actually sunnier up here more than people think! 🙂 Summer up here, once it gets started, is beautiful. 🙂 Sharon

        Reply
        • jackiegrandy says

          December 4, 2012 at 3:34 am

          I’ve heard that before, as I have 2 good friends that live in Seattle.

          Reply
  7. Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ says

    December 3, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    All these recipes are healthy and beautiful to look at. Good as well, I’m sure.

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 4, 2012 at 12:21 am

      Thanks Daniela!

      Reply
  8. l o v e l y t h i n g s says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:21 am

    Jackie,
    Everything looks amazing and delicious! Your photography is stunning! Thanks for all the mentions and kind words!!
    xo
    annie

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 4, 2012 at 3:32 am

      Hi Annie. I love sharing the things I love, like all your design ideas. You’re truly talented and I want more people to know about your talents 🙂

      Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    December 3, 2012 at 1:13 am

    Honey – I am done cleaning the gutter. May I have some Chicken Parm now

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 4, 2012 at 12:21 am

      Ha Ha John! Love you!

      Reply
  10. Zoe says

    December 2, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    Hi Jackie,

    Your weekly menu always look so wholesome and good! Wish I can be so well-organized like you 😀

    PS… The Martha Stewart blog hop event is now on… You may wish to link up your coconut pie with us.

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 5, 2012 at 7:49 pm

      Hi Zoe! I will definitely link up when I post it, hopefully next week 🙂

      Reply
  11. Gina Marie @ So Let's Hang Out says

    December 2, 2012 at 9:05 pm

    It is sunny now! yay! This morning was insane. I thought our house was going to actually float away since the rain was coming down in one SOLID sheet. It woke us up for sure! Loving your menu plan this week. I can’t wait to try those chickpea burgers. Stellar idea. 🙂 Hope you are enjoying this nice break in the rain!

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 4, 2012 at 12:20 am

      I’m so grateful the sun came out and that it was gorgeous today. Everyone I saw was just so elated today. Love it!
      Yes, those garbanzo bean burgers rock especially with the tzatziki sauce. Let me know what you think 🙂

      Reply
      • Gina Marie @ So Let's Hang Out says

        December 4, 2012 at 7:22 pm

        I totally tried a version of these last night, based on what I had on hand. DELISH. It kind of reminded me of a falafel sandwich. 🙂

        Reply
  12. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

    December 2, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    It all looks delish and I wish I could come to your house for dinner! And your site is looking soooo good! Congrats!

    Reply
    • jackiegrandy says

      December 4, 2012 at 12:18 am

      Thanks Averie!

      Reply

say something to Marin mama... Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Jacquelyn-Grandycircle

Hi! Welcome to Marin mama cooks! My name is Jackie Reale! I'm a natural chef, creator and manifestor. I showcase healthy recipes for the everyday cook.About Me...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Don’t miss a new recipe!

Search Marin Mama cooks…

most popular posts

oven roasted sweet potato halves
roasted whole beets without foil
one-pan pasta
beet, carrot, apple and ginger juice - no juicer required
How to de-stem and thinly slice kale
easy skillet chicken parmesan

how to make my lacinato kale salad

how to make perfect popovers

Marin mama on Instagram

marinmamacooks

Jackie Reale | Marinmamacooks
Overnight vegan, GF, DF refrigerator oats with chi Overnight vegan, GF, DF refrigerator oats with chia, almond butter and strawberries! This is such an easy grab-and-go breakfast! Also takes 5 minutes to make!
1/2 cup alternative milk of choice, I use almond or walnut milk 
1 TBL chia seeds
1/4 cup GF steel cut or rolled oats
2 TBL unsweetened shredded coconut 
1 TBL almond butter
1 TBL maple syrup - feel free to add more if you like things sweeter, or you can add 1 tsp vanilla on top of the maple syrup 
Pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt
Optional - Pinch of cinnamon 
2-3 strawberries cut into small pieces
Put above ingredients into a small glass jar, stir to combine everything, cover and refrigerate overnight! Enjoy cold, or pop in the microwave for 1 minute. Give a good stir before consuming. #overnightoats #overnightoatsrecipe #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreebreakfast #veganbreakfast #quickandeasybreakfast #quickandeasyfood #healthyrecipes
New blog post! I’m going to be introducing a ser New blog post! I’m going to be introducing a series on the blog called, Recipes for Life. I’m not exactly sure what it truly is, or where it’s going to evolve to, but I do know that it’s going to be a place for me to journal my thoughts, share insights and to connect with you all on a new level.  I’ve been hearing the whispers to share in this way for a while, but I’ve been procrastinating and holding back, because I was waiting for the perfect message to put in a post, but I’ve learned that there is no perfect message, or perfect time to start anything new, there will always be an excuse and there will always be a self-created obstacle. Sometimes you just have to just start with a first draff, and get those words out as they are today, and trust that someone needs to hear those words, or message at this specific point in time. So that’s what I’m doing, I’m starting out in draft form and taking the first step. Check out the full post at marinmamacooks.com, or go to my insta profile for the link. #marinmamacooks #trusttheprocess #recipesforlife
New post! Easy oven roasted potatoes! Potatoes are New post! Easy oven roasted potatoes! Potatoes are in season, so I’m taking advantage of it. These roasted potatoes are family approved and loved, and make the perfect side dish, as they pair with just about anything. They also take under 30 minutes to roast up to crispy, browned perfection.  No need to pre-soak or boil these bad boys to get them browned and crispy, the cast iron skillet and broiler create the magic. Oh, don’t skip the red onion, as it adds a bacon-like flavor to the potatoes. Get the recipe by going to marinmamacooks.com or to my insta page for the link. #vegansides #vegansidedish #crispypotatoes #ovenroastedpotatoes #roastedpotatoes #fingerlingpotatoes #sidedishrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreevegan
New post! Roasted red peppers! If you’re looking New post! Roasted red peppers! If you’re looking for ways to incorporate more veggies into your diet, then these roasted red peppers make it easy, as they are jam packed full of flavor! Roasting them with a bit of avocado oil and some Celtic sea salt adds a sweet smokey depth of flavor that’s hard to describe in words. These roasted peppers will be your new go-to, as they literally take no time to prep and bake up! They’re a great stand alone healthy snack, or make a stellar side dish that pairs with just about anything!  I make these at least 4-5 times a week, (if not more) as I use them in just about EVERYTHING. Click on the slides to see step-by-step photos and the recipe is below! 
INGREDIENTS:
*3 red, yellow or orange bell peppers, sliced into thin strips
*roughly 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
*few pinches of fine Celtic sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:
Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash pepper, and holding from the top near the stem, slice the pepper straight down each side to form 4-6 big pieces. This keeps the seeds and ribs intact in the center and not all over your counter.

Slice the big pieces of pepper into thin slices.

Toss sliced peppers onto the baking sheet, drizzle them with avocado oil and a few pinches of sea salt, and mix them all together. 

Roast the peppers in the preheated oven for roughly 12-15 minutes, giving them a toss with some tongs around the 10 minute mark, until tender and slightly charred on the skins.
Eat them straight off the baking sheet, or let cool and store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Check out the full post to see some things you can pair these bad boys with! 
marinmamacooks.com.
Craving something salty and savory? Then you have Craving something salty and savory? Then you have to make these toasted, salted almonds! They are the BOMB and take no time to whip up! They’re super addicting, so you may find yourself sneaking back for more! They are teenager approved too! (see last photo) Recipe below plus step by step photos! 
•1 TBL olive oil 
•1/2 to 3/4 cup raw unsalted almonds 
•pink Himalayan sea salt to taste 
Instructions: 
Add 1 TBL olive oil to a skillet.
Set it over medium-low heat
Add almonds and stir to coat in the oil
keep an eye on them and stir occasionally until toasted brown 
Slide toasted almonds onto a paper towel lined plate to catch excess oil
Liberally sprinkle almonds with pink Himalayan sea salt! 
Let almonds cool for a bit.
Pour into a bowl and enjoy! 😋
New post! Oven baked forbidden black rice! This ov New post! Oven baked forbidden black rice! This oven baked forbidden black rice is my latest obsession! It’s SO easy to make, and comes out perfectly every time! It has an amazingly sweet, nutty and buttery flavor and this amazing chewy texture! It’s also naturally gluten-free and chock full of nutrients! YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS TODAY! You can link to the recipe in my insta profile. #forbiddenblackrice #blackrice #howtocookrice #glutenfreerecipes #ovenbakedrice #lotusfoods #kettleandfire #bonebroth #rice
New blog post! Gluten-free, dairy-free lemon 🍋 New blog post! Gluten-free, dairy-free lemon 🍋 olive oil pound cake! This cake is ultra-lemony, super moist and chock full of flavor! Once you start with one slice you won’t be able to stop! 🛑 go to my Instagram profile to find the link to the recipe! I hope you all love ❤️ it as much as we do!  #glutenfree #dairyfree #glutenfreedairyfree #glutenfreecake #dairyfreecake #lemoncake #lemonoliveoilcake #glutenfreedairyfreecake #glutenfreerecipes
New blog post! Vegan Brussels sprouts salad! Move New blog post! Vegan Brussels sprouts salad! Move over mixed greens and kale, there’s a new salad green in town, Brussels sprouts! This salad will be your go-to fall and winter salad, and is the perfect salad to bring to any upcoming holiday potluck!  It’s vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free!  I’m addicted to this salad and I hope you will be too! Click on the link in my profile for the recipe, or go to my website, marinmamacooks.com. #veganrecipes #vegansalad #dairyfreesalad #dairyfree #dairyfreerecipes #glutenfreevegan #glutenfreerecipe #holidayrecipes
New post on the blog! If you were to ask me what New post on the blog!  If you were to ask me what recipe I make the most often, it would be this lemon vinaigrette! This is honestly the best and simplest vinaigrette and is my go-to for everything! It doesn’t have any added sugars or other random ingredients that you can’t pronounce. Try it today and let me know what you think! Get the recipe by clicking on the link in my insta profile. #saladdressing #vinaigrette #saladdressingrecipe #salad #vinaigrettes
New post at Marin Mama Cooks! Baked lemon 🍋 chi New post at Marin Mama Cooks! Baked lemon 🍋 chicken breasts! These are DAMN good and a family favorite! They pair perfectly with just about anything! Go over to the blog and check out the recipe! This is the first of many recipes! Yay!! You can find the link at my Insta profile. #chicken #chickenrecipes #weeknightdinner #winnerwinnerchickendinner
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT