We have had our first big snow.  In fact, it still is snowing…  and snowing…  and snowing…  My 17-year-old son taught his little sister and some neighbors kiddos the fine art of snowman building.  Best big brother ever!  All the snow has me wanting to bake up things with cinnamon and nutmeg.  Mmmm…  Nothing like a little snow to get me in the holiday baking spirit.  🙂

I know, I know… the big guy isn’t wearing a hat. Uhg! Teen boys can be a little silly. And, yes, the blur IS the snow falling. LOTS of snow. 🙂

This week, Heather of Celiac Family is hosting the Gluten Free Menu Swap.  She picked Appetizers as the theme this week.  I can’t wait to see what everyone makes!  Some things I like to make as appetizers are Lemon Garlic Mushrooms, Apple Pie Dip, Dairy Free Seven Layer Dip, a veggie tray with Dairy Free Ranch Dip, Crunchy Chickpeas, Sugar’n Spice Nuts, and Easy Hot Wings along with various nuts (if my guests can have them) and a variety of pickles and olives.  What do you like to have out for party nibbles?

Freezer cooking plan for the week:  Pork Roast with Apples and Pears and Turkey Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash are making their way into my freezer this week.  Yum!  I’ll also keep baking up a few cookies as I have time to put in the freezer for Christmas.

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On to the menu plan!  This week I am trying a few recipes from other sources on the web. You’ll find the links below.  It’s fun to explore!  
 

The week’s breakfast options:  Eggwiches with chopped veggies added on gluten free English Muffins, eggs (with sautéed kale or spinach added), and various fruits.  We’ll be trying a recipe for the first time for Apple Pie Quinoa Breakfast Casserole this week.

The week’s lunch options:  Nut or sunbutter sandwiches on Amish Friendship Bread, hummus, nitrate free pepperoni, various fruits and veggie sticks.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Spiced Chicken
Gluten Free Dairy Free Pork Roast with Apple and Pears
Lazy cabbage roll casserole-mini
Monday:  Orchestra (elementary)/Mom works/mom volunteers school library/XC ski practice/dance lesson/band concert
Shrimp Pad Thai (being sure all ingredients used are gluten free) and Baked Rice Paper Rolls
Tuesday:  Jazz band/XC ski practice/piano lessons
Spiced Chicken (from the freezer) with Quinoa Salad with Pears, Baby Spinach and Chick Peas in a Maple Vinaigrette

 

Wednesday:  Orchestra (high school)/mom works/XC ski practice/robotics club/youth group

Pork Roast with Apples and Pears with Grated Vegetable Salad

For the freezer:  Make a double batch of Pork Roast with Apples and Pears for the freezer. While assembling dinner, put  ingredients for another batch into a gallon sized freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, seal, label and freeze.

Thursday:  Jazz band/chess club/mom works/XC ski practice/girl scouts

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash (made dairy free) with a mixed greens salad

For the freezer:  Make a double batch of Turkey Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash (made dairy free) for the freezer. While assembling dinner, put  ingredients for another batch into a freezer safe pan, then seal, label and freeze.

Friday:  XC ski practice

Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole, chunky applesauce, steamed broccoli and Chocolate Honey Cake (made dairy free) for dessert.  Swoon!

 

Here is Gonzo, offended that I allowed it to snow. Little tip for ya: chickens don’t like to walk on snow. It is going to be a long winter for the feather girls!

 

Need more menu planning inspiration?  Head over  for Menu Plan Monday at Organized Junkie.  For an awesome month long gluten free money saving menu, see Melissa’s December GF menu plan at Stockpiling Moms.