Welcome to the Mindful Menus - A Menu Planning Blog Roll to inspire health through real food! 
 
It is my hope that this blog roll will inspire others to health through menu planning and to introduce you to the joys of menu planning.  Yes, there are joys!  If you are new to menu planning, I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Don't forget to keep checking back as menu plans are added. 

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Last week was a busy one spent getting settled in, getting to know the area - finding stores, etc. and getting back to school.  The weekend came (and went) very quickly.  On Saturday, it was fun to have my outlaws, I mean in-loves (in-laws) over for an early dinner.  Today, DH and I went to Howard Live - A Home, Garden and Libations Event at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City.  I realized that I really like the word libations.  Hahaha.  The event was well attended and made for a really fun date.  BTW, the Balsamic Glazed Lamb Meatloaf from last week was delicious and I will be posting the recipe this week.  So, please look for it.    

Here's what's on the menu this week:
   
Monday -  Vegetarian - Black Beans and Brown Rice.  We like to eat it topped with homemade guacamole and salsa, chopped cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese...sometimes I will add mixed baby greens... citrus salad. 
 
Tuesday -   Tuscan Chicken Stew (I love easy and delicious one-pot meals)... crusty artisan bread.

Wednesday - Dilled Salmon Cakes with Horseradish Sauce - this is a "staple" in our family.  I make them often and EVERYONE likes them even the two-year old.  You can certainly eat them without the horseradish sauce, but I have a "thing" for horseradish sauce... steamed, then smashed cauliflower - instead of smashed potatoes... quinoa with dried apricots, raw almonds, coconut oil and shallots or scallions - haven't decided which.

Thursday -  DH requested his favorite pasta dish this week... Turkey Italian Sausage and Whole Wheat Pasta with sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and artichokes... homemade caesar salad.
 
Friday - It's Friday... you know what that means - Yes, POW (Pizza of the Week) Night!!!  It will be more local takeout - As you know, we LOVE pizza and our traditional Friday pizza nights!  Since, I think it's important to support local business, I am more than happy to try another one out. *WINK*     
    
Until next time... Eat REAL, Eat WELL- Cheers!!!  

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Menu Planners: Please join me by linking your healthy menu plan via Mr. Linky on Sunday evenings.  I usually have my menu plan up by 9pm...  If you're not ready until Monday evening... No worries, just please do it!

A few "rules" for joining in Mindful Menus...

*Please post only menu plans that are healthy and focused on REAL food.

*You must link back to the blog roll so that everyone can explore all the menu plans available.  This is such a great way to get new menu ideas, new recipes and meet other like-minded people.  To link back, please grab a Mindful Menus button (in the sidebar on the right) for your post. 

*If you link up and are on Twitter, please let me know by comment with your twitter name or tweet to me @chivetalker.  I would love to tweet a thanks to you for joining in and I want to add you to my Menu Planners List.

Thanks again... I LOVE having you!!!