Hello, friends! I hope you were all able to enjoy a nice three-day weekend, if you were fortunate enough to have one. We got a few things done around the house, went on a date night, played games, did laundry, and watched movies. Oh, and ate food! When Josh and I went out on our date night, we tried one of the local restaurants in our area we’d never been to before, and the food was delicious, but the portions were huge! I ordered the pot roast for dinner and I swear I had a whole 3-lb chuck roast on my plate! Needless to say, I could barely make a dent in it so we took it home. On Sundays after church, we usually come home and eat leftovers, but Josh made the most delicious sliders out of the leftover roast – it’s given us an idea for a recipe to share with you guys, so stay tuned for that!
Other than that, we’re going to be headed out of town for a few days later this week for some fun in the snow with the kiddos. Each January, we try and escape for a few days away to give the kids a winter experience – ya know, go play in the snow. We’re happy and grateful that we’re able to do that again this winter.
I’ll mention something interesting you might look into if you do have a three-day weekend, thanks to the MLK Jr Day holiday. Oftentimes, people spend time volunteering on this holiday, and, for a lot of folks, that is not an easy thing to do in the middle of the pandemic! Josh’s employer shared an opportunity with their employees for virtual volunteering this holiday that is actually open to anyone – the Smithsonian has setup a “digital volunteer” portal, and one of the projects on there right now is an effort to transcribe the historical records of the Freedmen’s Bureau. According to the Smithsonian, “Congress established the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands in 1865 to assist in the reconstruction of the South and to aid formerly enslaved individuals transition to freedom and citizenship.” Essentially, this effort is a project to transcribe these old handwritten records into a digital, searchable database. Check it out – it’s not easy, but at least it’s something meaningful you can do while you’re stuck at home! If your kids are a little older, you can involve them, too. Josh, Eden, and Christian were cracking away at some especially tough pages earlier this week!
Onto this week’s menu!
Chicken Farfalle Pasta with Mushrooms
This slow-cooker chicken Farfalle pasta recipe is creamy, tasty, easy, and elegant. Wanting to win your kids over to mushrooms? This is the ticket.
Oven Baked Fajitas
In the PNW, we can't always grill, but thanks to this oven baked fajitas recipe, we can have smoky flavors & beautiful colors year round!
One Pan Chicken Sausage with Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes
This recipe for one pan chicken sausage with roasted asparagus and potatoes is easy, healthy, kid-friendly, and can be prepared a bit ahead of time!
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato & Chicken Chili
This Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Chili recipe is warm, hearty, and filling. It's easy to throw in the slow cooker and have ready at dinnertime!
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Love the classic combo of steak, cheese, and fried onions? Turn that sandwich craving into pie form with this easy and quick Philly Cheesesteak Pizza!
Apple Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese Panini
This apple bacon brie grilled cheese panini elevates the classic with apple butter, creamy brie cheese, bacon, and fresh apple slices!
Easy Biscuits and Gravy
Don't eat it every morning, but for those days when you need a little brunch comfort food in a short amount of time, this recipe for easy biscuits and gravy is what you want!
Devil's Food Cupcakes
Kids can bake, too! 10-year-old Eden shares her experience baking and decorating these indulgently delightful Devil's Food Cupcakes from scratch!
I’m feeling soups this week, so I thought if you’re looking for some more dinner ideas, soup and sandwiches are always a great way to go, so I’m linking my Soup Pinterest board and my burgers and sandwiches Pinterest board. Two great ideas for a few fun and easy meals.
I hope you all have a great week, friends!