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.
Good morning, happy Sunday, and Merry Christmas! This week the kids finished up school for 2022, we took care of last-minute holiday prep, and we indulged in some of our favorite seasonal treats. All of the highlights, along with each of our dinners, are included in today’s roundup of Our Week in Meals.
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.
This Week’s Recipes
Now, let’s back up to last weekend…
Sunday morning started with a walk with my friend Adria, followed by World Cup soccer-watching and some holiday prep.
I made a triple batch of candied pecans, as well as a big bowl of Chex mix, assembled gift bags along with blackberry jam, fig preserves, and Christmas jam for my neighbors, and then drove around playing “elf” to deliver the packages.
Casey had a late afternoon roller hockey game (brrrrr!)…
…and then Keith smoked a turkey breast for supper.
We paired the turkey with store-bought stuffing, cranberry sauce, crescent rolls, and an easy green bean casserole. It was basically a short-cut holiday meal for a busy evening!
Let’s chat about books! One of my favorites this week was a novel that my mother-in-law loaned me: The Lioness by Chris Bohjalian. I was excited for this one, because I really enjoyed Hour of the Witch by the same author. This historical mystery-thriller is the story of a luxurious African safari that turns deadly for a Hollywood starlet and her friends. I didn’t love the violence, but the plot kept me on the edge of my seat.
I also finished The School for German Brides by Aimie K. Runyan, a WWII historical fiction that has been recommended to me by a number of blog readers. In this story, a young woman, who is sent to a horrific “bride school” to be molded into the perfect Nazi wife, finds her life forever intertwined with a young Jewish woman about to give birth. I really enjoyed this one; however, I also find WWII novels to be incredibly heavy subjects — for obvious reasons. Once it was over, I was ready for something lighter!
And finally, speaking of something light and fluffy, I’ve officially dipped my toes into the Bridgerton series — starting with book #1, The Duke and I by Julia Quinn. I haven’t seen the show on Netflix, but I do find this historical fiction to be very entertaining. It gives me Downton Abbey vibes, but with more steamy romance!
After dropping the kids off at school on Monday morning, I joined my friend Ashley for a walk, Keith and I met with our builder around lunchtime, and I spent the rest of the afternoon editing photos.
The younger two boys had hockey practice that evening, so we ate an early supper beforehand: flatbread pizzas…
…with Caesar salads on the side.
Sunrise winter walks are good for the soul!
Tuesday was the boys’ last full day of school before their Christmas break, so I took advantage of the quiet house and tried to get as much work done as possible.
I also decorated a batch of cut-out sugar cookies and a tray of gingerbread cookies for Casey’s class party the following morning.
And supper was a cozy taco bake casserole, along with guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips.
The boys had half a day of school on Wednesday morning, so I met Mollie for an early walk at her farm after drop-off.
We stopped at the Tastee Freez for ice cream after school, and then everyone got haircuts for the holidays.
And we ended our evening in Charlottesville at The Boar’s Head Resort’s Winter Wander. Such a fun and festive way to kick off the kids’ Christmas vacation!
After the light show, we stopped for dinner at the kids’ favorite Chinese buffet, where Keith said the holiday lights were equally good. Hah!
Thursday was a nasty day of sleet and rain, so we stayed dry inside. Other than a quick outing to take Teddy to the groomer, I spent a good part of the day in the kitchen. First, I made the dough for cinnamon rolls so that I could freeze them and bake them off this morning…
Plus a batch of my grandmother’s bourbon balls to share with the builders working on our house,
as well as the cake part of our coconut cake for dessert tonight. I stashed the baked cake in the freezer, so that I just have to frost it today. Since we were traveling on Christmas Eve, I knew that I’d need to get as much done in advance as possible.
It must be the holidays, because we had another dinner out on Thursday evening! 😁 Keith and I headed to The Bavarian Chef, a local German restaurant here in Madison. It’s such a cozy spot at this time of year!
We had salads to start, and then shared family-style creamy red pepper soup with crab, pork schnitzel, spaetzle, green beans, and a giant pretzel with beer cheese and mustard. Delicious — and plenty of leftovers to bring home!
I made a gingerbread loaf for breakfast on Friday morning, which is delicious with a cup of coffee or a gingerbread latte.
I also made a pan of saltine toffee for easy sweet-and-salty snacking over the weekend. This stuff always disappears fast!
The rain stopped and the skies cleared, so Keith and I went on a very chilly and windy walk for some fresh air; we all worked on cleaning the house to get ready for the holiday; and we picked up groceries that afternoon so that our kitchen was fully stocked.
Keith met a couple of his friends at a local brewery that evening, which meant that the kids and I were on our own for supper. I made a pot of my favorite creamy vegetable soup (served the kids cans of chicken noodle, their preference)…
…and a skillet of cornbread. A warming meal for a frigid night!
Then it was Christmas Eve! We spent Saturday celebrating with Keith’s family, where the boys loved playing with their cousins for the afternoon.
Carole served her traditional Christmas Eve lasagna, along with salad, bread, and loads of treats — cookies galore, brownies, candy, and more. We made it home in time to get ready for Santa’s arrival!
That brings us to today — Christmas morning. I have cinnamon rolls proofing for breakfast right now, and we’re looking forward to lunch with my parents this afternoon, and a visit with my aunt and uncle tomorrow. Before I sign off, I want to thank each of you for taking the time to read my blog, leave kind comments, and try my recipes each week. I’m so grateful that you’re here!
Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Merry Christmas, Blair! Wishing you and your family a Beautiful Christmas & Happy New Year! ⛄
Thanks, Deb! Happy holidays to you!
Thank you for sharing your life & all your wonderful recipes. Wishing you & your family a very Merry Christmas & also a very happy healthy New Year!
Thank you, Kathleen!
Thank you so much for sharing your week with us, especially during such a busy time of year! Had no idea that Boar’s Head did such a light display! Merry Christmas to you and your family, and all your followers!!
Thank you, Ann. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your guys! I am so glad I found your blog. It is so uplifting & I love how you share your life with your readers. God bless.
Thank you, Carol. I appreciate that so much. Happy holidays!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! I look forward every Sunday morning to reading your post while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Merry Christmas, Michele!
Merry Christmas, Blair, Keith and boys! Thanks for making us a small part of your extended “family” and best wishes for a healthy and happy new year!
Thank you, Tim! Merry Christmas to you!
Merry Christmas, Blair! I enjoy reading your blog every Sunday, and have saved many recipes to try someday. I hope you have a wonderful day with your family.
Thanks, Leslie. Same to you!
Merry Christmas , and thank you for your terrific blog!
Happy times coming to you from Utopia, Ontario!
Thank you, Brenda! Happy holidays. I hope that you stay nice and warm and cozy up north!
Christmas and Our Week in Meals YAY! Merry Christmas Blair and family.
Merry Christmas, Jill!
As a working mom, I don’t always have time to read your blog but always take a moment to scan your weekly emails for quick recipes to try at home. On this holiday morning, I enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to trying your taco bake casserole recipe soon. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Jenn. I’m glad that you had a little bit more time to slow down and relax this morning. Take care, and enjoy the recipes!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Your activities and recipes feel like my own and, at times, seem like we are doing things together. Have a wonderful Christmas week and New Year’s weekend.
Thanks, Doroth. Happy holidays to you, too!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family !! Thanks for all the great recipes!
Merry Christmas, Glenda! I appreciate your support, and I wish you a very merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Blair!
Thank you for taking the time to share your life and wonderful recipes.
I especially enjoy “Our Week in Meals”, it’s the best Sunday morning reading!
Wishing you and yours a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Thanks, Dalila! Merry Christmas to you!
Merry Christmas!!
Same to you, Cathy. Thank you for being here each week!
May you all have a Blessed and Merry Christmas – to your house from Canada…we are in the middle of an old-fashioned blizzard and with another 6 inches of snow overnight…thank you for your beautiful photos, your wonderful recipes…
Wendy
Oh my goodness, Wendy…I just can’t even imagine. I bet it’s beautiful, though! Stay warm and safe, and have a wonderful holiday!
Hi Blair – wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for your blog every Sunday. My two little granddaughters are sick so I won’t get to see them today but we plan on celebrating with them later in the week. I don’t think I’ve ever had to postpone Christmas morning before but we’ll just go with the flow. 🙂
Take care!
I’m sorry to hear that, Tylene! There’s so much going around right now, so I know you’re not alone. I hope that your delayed Christmas celebration is still a wonderful one!
Thank you for sharing such goodness and inspiration with us. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Merry Christmas, Michele! 🙂
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!!!
Same to you, Marlene. Hope it’s a wonderful holiday for you!
I’ve just recently discovered your blog – what a lovely find! Beautifully written and photographed, and the recipes look delicious. Thank you for what is obviously a labor of love!
Welcome, Nona. I’m so glad that you’re here! Thanks for your kind words. I hope that you have a great holiday!
I’m sure I speak for many when I say we’re grateful that you’re here, too. Your recipes are wonderful, and I look forward each week to your Sunday posts. So many times I’ve drawn a blank as to what to cook, and I always turn to these posts for inspiration. Thank you so much for making me a better cook. And Merry Christmas to you and yours. –Gina
Gina, you totally made my day. Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you!
My husband died unexpectedly this month. My Christmas Day has been one of being all alone and very quiet house. Then, along came your newsletter and what a happy and uplifting approach you have in sharing your Christmas with everyone. You made my afternoon a bit brighter. Thank you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Virginia. It makes me happy to know that my efforts brought you a little bit of peace and joy on a difficult day. Thank you for taking the time to let me know!
Hi Blair. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Looking forward to your upcoming recipes in the New Year! I have made alot of them which are great and I am always asked for the recipes.
Thank you, Annette! Merry Christmas to you! Thank you for making and sharing my recipes.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Deborah! I hope that you had a great holiday, too.
Even after a full day of Christmas celebrations with my family and eating plenty, I must say your recipes make me salivate!! I couldn’t eat another bite but thoroughly enjoyed looking at your photos and recipes. I look forward to enjoying all your blog has to offer. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Thank you, Eva! I really appreciate that. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Blair,
Thank you for all that you do for your weekly blog. I love hearing about all that’s going on in you and your family. You are doing such a wonderful job on both. Many blessings to you in the coming year. Mary
Hi, Mary! Thank you for your kind note. Hope you have a very happy New Year!
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thanks, Karenann! Happy holidays to you as well!
Looks like you and your family had a wonderful Christmas – thank you for sharing all the pics of your various events! I made your Eggnog Bread and it was a huge hit! I think I made the glaze too thin but I’ll know for next time. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the eggnog bread, Joan. Thank you, and happy New Year!
Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Corissa! Happy new year to you!
Hi Blair – i used to receive your blog on my company email but i retired in December. i would like to receive it under my home email but i don’t see where to sign up – can you help please? Thanks!
Hi Melody!
You can sign up by scrolling down at the bottom of any page and entering your email in the box that reads “WANT QUICK-PREP RECIPES?” Or, we are happy to sign you up on our end if this is the email you’d like to use!