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    Home » Uncategorized » Our Week in Meals #268 + Top Recipes and Books from 2021

    Our Week in Meals #268 + Top Recipes and Books from 2021

    Published: Jan 2, 2022 by Blair Lonergan

    Good morning, and happy Sunday! We enjoyed a week off from work and school, rang in the New Year with friends, and celebrated with plenty of tasty food. I've also compiled a list of my most popular recipes from the past year, as well as my favorite books. Check those out in the post below. And as usual, all of the highlights from the past few days, along with our easy dinners, are included in today’s roundup of Our Week in Meals!

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    For those of you who are new to the blog, Our Week in Meals is where I share a little bit about what we’ve been up to over the past week — as it relates to our dinners each night. This series gives you a glimpse “behind the scenes” at some highlights from our life, shows you how I balance a busy schedule with feeding my family, and offers a few new ideas for your own weekly meal plan. Now, let's back up to last weekend...

    While the boys were entertained with their new toys on Sunday, Keith and I spent the day cleaning up the house, taking down the Christmas tree, and putting away the decorations. It's sad when the season is over, but I also love a bright, clean, organized house again!

    We had a fridge full of leftovers, so we used the extra beef from our holiday dinner to make a version of steak fajitas for dinner that night. Tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, and corn on the side!

    Overhead shot of steak fajitas and toppings on a wooden table

    The cows came over to say "hi" (in the rain!) on Monday morning when I went over to my neighbor's farm to pick up our eggs!

    Keith took the week off, so the whole family piled in the car and headed to Culpeper to run a couple of errands, get lunch at Wendy's, and take a short walk at a park near town.

    All three boys had basketball practices that evening, which meant an early dinner beforehand. Keith grilled salmon (a year-round meal in this house!)...

    Overhead image of grilled salmon on a dinner table

    ...which we served with rice pilaf and a Caesar salad.

    Overhead shot of a serving spoon in a pan of simple rice pilaf

    Tuesday's adventures took us to White Oak Canyon (part of Shenandoah National Park) here in Madison for a hike in the mountains.

    We stopped for sandwiches on the way home, and then spent a quiet afternoon at the house.

    Since Keith was home and the weather was warm, we did far more grilling than usual for December. That night he found some chicken breast in the freezer that needed to be used, so he made BBQ chicken...

    Close up side shot of grilled bbq chicken breast on a platter with sides and bbq sauce

    ...which we paired with a loaf of jalapeño cheddar bread, brown sugar glazed carrots, and steamed broccoli.

    Hands holding jalapeno cheddar bread sliced on a wooden board

    There was rain in the forecast for Wednesday afternoon, so we made sure to get outside as much as possible early in the day. First, I met my friend Adria for a walk and post-holiday catch-up.

    Then, since Keith had to run an errand in Charlottesville, we took the boys for a short hike at Chris Greene Lake on our way into town...

    ...followed by lunch at the boys' favorite Chinese buffet. It's not my preference, but it sure makes Keith and the kids happy!

    We had spaghetti for dinner that evening, along with garlic bread and salad. Finally, to end the night, another basketball practice for Spencer.

    The best spaghetti sauce served over pasta in a white bowl on a dinner table

    Book report time! This week I read a novel that's been on my "list" for awhile. I had heard so much online chatter about Colleen Hoover's Verity over the past few months, so I was excited to dive in. Let me just say...wow.

    This thriller takes you on a serious emotional rollercoaster. It's suspenseful, creepy, sad, shocking, and so much more. If you love a page-turner, this is the book for you! I should note, though, it's a bit racier than I anticipated...and you won't be able to put it down. You've been warned!😉

    While we're on the subject of books, I realized that we've come to the end of 2021 and I haven't published a list of my favorite books from the past year! For the first time ever, I kept track of each book that I read -- totaling about 58 novels. I've mentioned most of them on here, but some I didn't finish or didn't care for, and therefore left them off. Picking "the best" of the year is always tough, but I can confidently say that all of these would make the top of my list:

    • Meet Me in Bombay by Jenny Ashcroft
    • The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
    • The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
    • The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
    • The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
    • The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
    • The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
    • and of course, Louise Penny's entire Inspector Gamache mystery series, which I finished this year with her newest addition, The Madness of Crowds. If you haven't read any of these books yet, it's worth starting at the beginning with the first novel, Still Life. You'll fall in love with the characters!

    I'm always looking for new ideas, especially now that I finally have a Kindle and a free Libby subscription, so please share your favorite books from the past year in the comments below! You always have the best suggestions...

    Nothing too exciting to report from Thursday! I took Teddy to the groomer in the morning, picked up groceries while I waited for him to finish, and baked a batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms in preparation for New Year's Eve.

    Close up side shot of three peanut butter blossom cookies on a small plate

    Gibbs helped me make a pan of brownies, too! It doesn't happen often, but the boys are definitely more willing to get involved in the kitchen when there's potential for licking the bowl...

    Keith requested Texas Chili for dinner, which we paired with a loaf of Cheddar Chive Beer Bread for a cozy meal on a gray, rainy evening.

    Front shot of two bowls of thick texas chili recipe

    Friday was New Year's Eve! I met two friends for a walk in the morning, and then we hosted a little outdoor party with three other families in the afternoon/evening.

    Fortunately, the weather cooperated for al fresco dining, football, cornhole, NERF gun battles, soccer, and more.

    We ordered trays of subs from Jersey Mike's in Culpeper, set out a big box of chips, a green salad, brownies, and cookies. Our friends brought mac and cheese, a charcuterie board, a fruit and veggie tray, and cupcakes, so it was quite the holiday picnic. Plus champagne well before midnight, and bedtime before 10 p.m. for all of us!

    The new year got off to a slow start on Saturday, as it poured rain all morning. Instead of going anywhere, we stayed dry inside and enjoyed the best homemade waffles for breakfast.

    Close up shot of crispy waffles with butter and syrup

    My in-laws stopped by for a visit after lunch, the boys' old babysitter, Rebekah, came over with a tray of baked goods, and we eventually made it up the road for a walk when the weather cleared.

    Dinner was a classic New Year's Day meal! My mom has always served a "lucky" dinner on January 1, so of course I've continued the tradition in my own house: roasted pork tenderloin,

    Long overhead shot of pork tenderloin sliced on a white serving platter with fresh rosemary and mustard sauce nearby

    Southern collard greens,

    Overhead shot of hands holding a bowl of the best southern collard greens recipe.

    old-fashioned corn sticks,

    Close up side shot of a serving tray with Southern corn sticks and butter in background

    and Hoppin' John! Plus leftover cranberry sauce that needed to be enjoyed.

    Overhead shot of black eyed peas and rice with bacon and ham hocks.

    Before I sign off for the day, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at my most popular recipes from 2021. These do not include long-time favorites that are still going strong from years past, but instead focus on the new meals that I shared within the last 12 months. Did your favorites make the list?

    1. Homemade Lasagna
    2. Beef Chili
    3. Dutch Oven Pork Roast
    4. Easy Chicken Enchiladas
    5. How to Cook Filet Mignon in a Cast Iron Skillet
    6. Lemon Bundt Cake
    7. Chicken Thigh Marinade
    8. Whole Roasted Chicken with Super Crispy Skin
    9. Pork Sirloin Roast
    10. Oven Fried Fish
    A traditional lasagna recipe in a white baking dish

    Thank you so much for all of the support that you show and all of the kind words that you bless me with each week. I appreciate you, and I hope that you have a very happy, healthy, and delicious 2022!💫✨

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Doroth

      January 02, 2022 at 7:12 am

      A favorite read of mine is Need to Know by Karen Cleveland. The story will engage you from the beginning and you will be compelled to finish it until the last page. I will not say anymore or I might give away some crucial details. Enjoy!

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        January 02, 2022 at 7:30 am

        Awesome! Adding that to my list! Thanks, Doroth. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Olivia

      January 02, 2022 at 7:40 am

      Kate Quinn is such an amazing author! Her book The Huntress is gripping, and one of my favorites!!

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        January 02, 2022 at 11:51 am

        Yes! That was one of my favorites from last year, Olivia. She's a great author!

        Reply
    3. Norma

      January 02, 2022 at 8:09 am

      Great recipe and book lists! Thanks, Blair. All the best to you and your family in the New Year!

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        January 02, 2022 at 11:51 am

        Thanks, Norma. Happy New Year to you and your family, too!

        Reply
    4. Ruth

      January 02, 2022 at 9:12 am

      Thank you so much Blair, I love reading the blog each week. Very best wishes for 2022 to you and your family.

      Reply
      • Heather

        January 02, 2022 at 9:38 am

        Thanks for the post! My favorite books I read this year would be Where the Crawdads Sing by Deliah Owens and Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera. Older favorites are Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver and The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. All four were so very good.

        Reply
        • Blair Lonergan

          January 02, 2022 at 11:52 am

          Great suggestions, Heather! I loved The Red Tent and Where the Crawdads Sing. I'll have to check out the others, too!

          Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        January 02, 2022 at 11:51 am

        Thank you, Ruth! Sending you warm wishes for a happy new year, too!

        Reply
    5. Robin Kreger

      January 02, 2022 at 1:29 pm

      This week I finished 2 excellent memoirs. Ladyparts by Deborah Copaken and Tastes like War by Grace Cho. I couldn’t put either of these down.

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        January 02, 2022 at 2:38 pm

        Oooh, cool. I love a good memoir! Thanks, Robin!

        Reply
    6. Mila

      January 02, 2022 at 4:05 pm

      All the best wishes to you and your family in 2022, Blair. Thanks for sharing your recipes and books!

      Among my favorites from the past year are Elizabeth Strout (I’ve read all of her books now, all are wonderful), John Updike “In the beauty of the lilies”, Hilma Wolitzer “An available man”, Bess Kalb “Nobody will tell you this but me”.

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        January 02, 2022 at 4:41 pm

        Thank you, Mila! I'm going to look for those right now on my Libby app. 🙂 Happy New Year to you and your family!

        Reply
        • Stephanie

          January 02, 2022 at 7:01 pm

          Happy New Year Blair! I envy your energy! I think it is amazing, that you are so dedicated to your life, and sharing your personal experiences with us! I loved all of the pictures this week(especially the cute pics of the cows!) Thanks so much for giving me ideas for good book reads! All of the books you had listed, sound so entertaining! Lastly, I am so thankful for the peanut butter blossom recipe you posted, it is my favorite cookie. I look forward to another fun year of great ideas from you for recipes! Take Care Stephanie

          Reply
          • Blair Lonergan

            January 02, 2022 at 7:46 pm

            Thank you so much for your kind words, Stephanie. I hope that you find a new favorite book and that you enjoy those cookies. I appreciate you reading along with us each week. Happy 2022!

            Reply
    7. Melissa Porter

      January 02, 2022 at 10:44 pm

      Hi Blair
      I recently read THE HAPPIEST MAN on EARTH by Eddie Jacku
      A fabulous book, very inspirational.
      Love your blog
      Melissa

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        January 03, 2022 at 5:22 am

        Thanks, Melissa. Will definitely check it out! Have a happy New Year!

        Reply
    8. Kristin

      January 03, 2022 at 12:02 pm

      I really enjoy mysteries, especially cozy mysteries. I am right now reading a mystery by Ellen Crosby, Wine Country Mysteries. It is her 7th of her 12. These mysteries happen in VA where she lives. I love this series.

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        January 03, 2022 at 3:50 pm

        Thanks, Kristin. I'll have to read those, since I love mysteries and I love books set here in VA. Can't wait!

        Reply

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