Meal Stumps...

Now that the babe is here and we're almost 2 months into his life, of course our generous list of meal donors is over.  We were totally overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and feasted on delicious and healthy meals brought over by considerate friends. When the meals and Thanksgiving leftovers were over (it ain't over till the fat lady sings, and we were getting close to fat ladies over here), it was me vs. the kitchen and the clock. I'm happy to say we haven't succumbed to takeout as often as we did with Mia, but we could always use a little help in the planning, prep and cook time.  Here's what's on the docket this coming week.  You'll see some repeats and some new fellows:

Cheeseslave's Fettucine Alfredo -- I have always loved fettucine alfredo (except I often sub the fettucine for angel hair pasta), but whenever I ate it at a common Italian restaurant, I'd literally get sick every time.  So I never wanted to go back there anymore. Seeing that I can make this at home with quality ingredients really excites me!
Nourished Kitchen's Hamburger & Barley Stew -- I still had barley left over from when I made this a couple of months ago so we're going for it again!
Martha Stewart's Black Bean Soup
Wellness Mama's Bacon Apple Chicken

You might notice a lot of these are recipes I can make in the slow-cooker. This is becoming my new BFF.  Around 5pm I often don't have enough arms to tend to the chillun' or the food, so if everything's already brewing up in the crockpot, I'm good to go.

Other slow-cooker faves of late have been roast chicken, sweet potatoes, and white chili.

What's cooking in your kitchen??

And what are you making for the holidays? Inquiring minds would very much like to know!

Freezer Meal Suggestions?

I'm now polling you, my dear but small group of readers, to see what you suggest for meals that can be frozen.  I want to make some batches of meals I can easily thaw for the days after the baby is born when there's just no way I can make dinner.

Here's what I'm currently thinking might work:

• Cheeseslave's Lentil Soup
• Nourishing Gourmet Chicken Quinoa Stew
• White Chili (minus the creams--to be added in later)
• any beef stew
• Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas? (Just trying to figure out how to make real enchilada sauce without funky additives--suggestions welcome)

That's my running start.  Now it's up to you! What have you put in the freezer that still tastes pretty good when it comes back out??