Hello, friends! How was your Halloween? Ours was fun — we came home with more candy than we know what to do with, so I’ve been thinking about ways to use the leftovers in recipes.
For costumes, The Pants dressed as an Old West bartender and I went as a tavern maiden.
The boys started the night as ninjas…
…until The Short One switched into his Ironman costume.
Now that it’s November, our focus shifts from costumes to Thanksgiving feasting and early holiday shopping. I almost didn’t finish this menu — The Short One was home sick from preschool most of the week and Halloween kept us busy — but I managed to pull together seven simple, satisfying dinner ideas while enjoying a margarita one evening. Because obviously margaritas and meal planning belong together.
- Southwestern Salad with Pork – This was my recipe for TodaysMama this week. It follows last week’s Steak Caprese Pasta Salad, and the feedback has been great — even The Pants said he could get used to red meat in his salad.
- Tilapia Sandwiches with Spicy Mayo – I love fish sandwiches; these are quick, flavorful, and easy to assemble. For a spicy pairing, serve with a light buffalo potato salad or your favorite fries.
- Cabbage Roll Casserole – It may not sound flashy, but this one-dish meal is comforting, aromatic while it cooks, and genuinely delicious. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches – This early recipe on the site got an update and the sandwiches are even better now. Tender beef with a savory dipping sauce makes for a comforting meal — serve with grape tomatoes and apple slices for a simple, balanced plate.
- Spicy Molasses Chicken – This chicken brings real heat; you can dial down the spice by removing seeds from the peppers or omitting them. We like it with creamy mac and cheese and sliced tomatoes for a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps – These wraps are fast, tasty, and perfect for busy nights. I resisted recommending fries earlier so they could appear here — try homemade Cajun oven fries or baked frozen fries for a simple side.
- Salmon and Vegetables over Rice – This was a weekday staple before I became The Weary Chef. It’s quick, healthy, and full of Asian-inspired flavors — a reliable favorite for a balanced dinner.
That’s the lineup for the week. Enjoy the meals, and let me know which recipe becomes your new favorite.