Each week, to help our readers with their meal planning, we invite an FBC member to put together a weekly meal plan based on recipes from their blog with a week’s worth of dinners from Sunday to Saturday. We include a printable shopping list so you can get everything you need and be ready to cook. And you’ll get introduced to some new recipes and meet some great new Canadian food blogs.
Today we meet Marlene from Urban Cottage Life and she's got seven dinner ideas to help you bridge the seasons from summer to fall.
The transition from summer to fall is a great time for menu planning because you can celebrate the best of both seasons. There are still hot days that cry out for outdoor grilling, while cooler evenings turn our minds toward autumnal comfort food. The harvest season remains in full swing, so there's still lots of fresh produce to celebrate on our plates.
The weekly meal plan at the urban cottage is an omnivore’s delight, with entrées ranging from full-on carnivore to vegan. There’s something for everyone who sits down at the table and a global adventure of flavour profiles.
Sunday
Get your grill on with these Barbecued Baby Back Pork Ribs With a Sweet and Spicy Sauce. How about some Mexican-inspired grilled corn on the side? Make sure you have lots of serviettes and dental floss on hand!
For a casual dessert, serve Nut-Topped Cocoa Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make-Ahead Tip: Grill some extra corn (unseasoned) for Tuesday’s dinner. Once it’s cool, slice the kernels off the cobs and store in the refrigerator.
Monday
These Salmon, Potato and Lentil Cakes are a nourishing new twist on a favourite recipe, an excellent accompaniment to a crisp salad that fills half your plate.
Tuesday
Mango Corn Salsa Over Lemon-Roasted Chicken Breasts makes for a memorable Tuesday evening meal. You’ll be glad you grilled extra corn on Sunday. And hey, if you have fresh peaches by all means substitute them for the mango.
Wednesday
Let’s celebrate the middle of week and those crisp September nights with this Indian-inspired, comforting Beef Curry with Potatoes, Red Peppers and Spinach.
Thursday
I’m a firm believer in soup for any meal at any time of year (I even make it for the beach). This Portobello Mushroom and Sausage Soup is hearty and satisfying. All it needs is a side salad; why not go the unexpected route with a Tomato and Avocado Salad?
It’s apple season, so let's have Apple Crostata with Maple Syrup, Vanilla and Ginger for dessert.
Friday
No one will mind having chicken twice in one week when you’re celebrating Friday with these Middle Eastern-inspired Pomegranate Molasses-Glazed Chicken Thighs. Served with Parsley and Kale Salad with Pomegranate, it’s a party on a plate!
Saturday
Company’s coming, and they’ll be wowed by vibrant Braised Lentils, Beets and Squash. This dish provides all the protein you need, but also works as an accompaniment to roasted meat or poultry.
Everyone saves room for dessert. Let’s go chocolate with either of these easy choices: Chocolate Avocado Mousse or Milk Chocolate Panna Cotta.
Menu Plan Shopping List
Don’t forget to grab your downloadable shopping list (FBC Meal Plan - Urban Cottage Life) that includes all your pantry staples as well as fresh foods and the more unique ingredients!
More Meal Planning Tips and Ideas
Want some great tips to help you plan your own weekly menus? Check out our helpful tips in Meal Planning 101. And for menu planning inspiration, browse our entire meal plan archives.
Marlene Cornelis is the voice behind Urban Cottage Life (formerly Life Through the Kitchen Window), a blog about modern scratch living, focusing on real food and hospitality. She's also Chief Wordsmith at Veranda Editorial, providing freelance editing and writing services. You can follow Marlene on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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What a refreshing and creative menu plan for the week! Thanks for putting it together to share!