On The Menu The 4th Week Of January
Plan your week with ease using this cozy winter menu featuring 43 Recipe ideas for comforting dinners, simple sides, soups, and sweet treats everyone will love.
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Meal planning is one of those simple habits that changes everything. It saves money, reduces stress, cuts down on food waste, and makes dinnertime feel calmer instead of rushed. When meals are planned ahead, there is no last-minute decision-making, no extra trips to the store, and far fewer nights of wondering what to make. I have seen these benefits firsthand, which is why I plan our meals well in advance. To make things even easier for you, I have done the thinking, planning, and organizing so you can simply choose from the mix-and-match seasonal recipes, shop, and cook with confidence.
There are 30 delicious wintery and warming recipes to choose from.
MONDAY
Monday feels like a fresh start, and I like easing into the week with a comforting, reliable dinner. This is the kind of meal that warms the kitchen and makes the house smell inviting. It is satisfying without being fussy, perfect for settling in after the day is done. I’m also very thankful for leftovers.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chips and Salsa
Tuesday
Tuesday is a great night to cook something with lots of flavor but very little stress. This menu comes together easily and feels like a nice reward after a busy day. It is hearty, cozy, and one you will want to add to your regular rotation.
Creamy Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Crispy Roasted Asparagus With Garlic
WEDNESDAY
My favorite way to prepare salmon is in the air fryer. It cooks quickly, stays tender, and comes out beautifully every time. The key is to use a thermometer and pull it at 145 degrees so it stays moist and flaky, never dry. It is such an easy, reliable way to make salmon that I reach for it again and again.
Easy Sweet And Sour Air Fryer Salmon
Mushroom Rice
Orange Almond Salad with Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette
THURSDAY
This is my favorite chili, and it is one I make often. It is full of flavor, hearty, and so comforting on a chilly day. I love that it freezes beautifully, which means I can make it ahead and have a delicious, homemade meal ready for those busy days when time is short.
My Favorite Chili Recipe
Mexican Coleslaw With South Of The Border Flavor
Sweet Cream Cornbread Using A Box Mix
FRIDAY
Friday calls for something fun and satisfying. This menu feels like a small celebration at the end of the week, whether you are cooking just for family or enjoying a casual dinner at home. It is cozy, flavorful, and perfect for slowing down and savoring the evening.
Crispy Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks
Arugula Salad with Parmesan, Pinenuts, In A Lemon Vinaigrette
SATURDAY
Saturday is a lovely day to spend a bit more time in the kitchen. This menu is one I would happily make when the house is calm and there is no rush. It is comforting, flavorful, and just right for a relaxed weekend dinner.
This is the perfect recipe to serve for a neighbor dinner party.
Zesty Lemon Piccata
Homemade Spaghetti
Caesar Salad With Homemade Dressing
SUNDAY
Almost every Sunday we have company. Friends or family, we love a meal that is easy and can feed a group. This menu is meant to be enjoyed slowly around the table. It is the kind of dinner that feels comforting and familiar, a simple pleasure that ends the week on a warm and satisfying note.
Rolled Flank Steak With Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, And Feta
Creamy Polenta With Parmesan Cheese
Simple Italian Salad
Treat Of The Week
This week’s treat is a batch of blueberry muffins, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. They are just sweet enough, filled with juicy blueberries, and feel like a little bakery treat made right at home.
Oh, I love a good blueberry muffin with a cup of coffee! I’m making a double batch this week because some of our family is visiting. I bet my sweet little grandbabies will love them too!
Favorite Blueberry Muffins
Recipe Crushes This Week
Here are some of the recipes that have caught my eye this week…
Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew is perfect for a cold evening.
Make this Carrot and Feta Salad when you want something different.
Shortbread Cookies are simple, buttery, and timeless, the kind of cookie that never goes out of style and always feels just right.
Rich and full of flavor, this Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is the kind of meal everyone looks forward to.
When you want a side dish that feels special but is easy to make, Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Apple Cider are always a great choice.
Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes are golden on the outside and soft inside, making them a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. I make these whenever we have leftover mashed potatoes.
Self-Saucing Butterscotch Pudding is warm, cozy, and full of rich flavor, the kind of dessert that feels like pure comfort.
I have such happy memories of eating my grandmother Nani’s Pork and Cabbage Soup.
With layers of potatoes, ham, and plenty of cheese, Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole comes together quickly and feeds a crowd.
With tender chicken in a luscious sauce, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is an easy dump-and-bake meal everyone will enjoy.
With tender shallots and crisp bits of bacon, Honey Glazed Shallots with Crispy Bacon adds big flavor to any meal.
Baked in one pan and topped with flaky puff pastry, Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry feels like a classic made easy.
Made with a simple shortcut, this Bacardi Rum Cake from a Cake Mix feels special enough for company but easy enough for any time.
When you have ripe bananas on the counter, Delicious Streusel Topped Banana Nut Bread is always a smart and delicious way to use them.
Winter Pear Salad is fresh and crisp with just enough sweetness to balance a cozy winter meal.
When you want soup night to feel a little extra, Sausage, White Bean, and Swiss Chard Soup with Puff Pastry Lids is a memorable choice.
Parmesan Ranch Broccoli turns a simple vegetable into a bold, flavorful side that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.
With caramelized oranges on top, Orange Honey Upside Down Cake is a beautiful dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
When you want a chicken dinner that is anything but boring, Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a delicious choice.
Ravioli with Artichokes, Capers, and Spinach is a fresh, flavorful pasta dish with just the right balance of richness and brightness.
With a mix of seasonal vegetables and bold black pepper yogurt, Honey Roasted Winter Vegetables with Black Pepper Yogurt make a beautiful, flavorful side dish.
Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie is a classic, hearty dish with rich flavor and real comfort appeal.
Dense and elegant, Flourless Chocolate Torte is a wonderful choice when you want a dessert that feels refined without being fussy.
Shopping
Here are some of the kitchen essentials I’ll be using for the recipes on the menu …
Have a scrumptious week, friend!
Happy Cooking, Friends!
I would LOVE for you to continue OTM!
I love cooking but figuring out the menu not so much♥️
I loved OTM and saved several recipes from it. Even if I didn’t care for one week’s menu, there was usually something I could borrow from in the section right below it. I looked forward to seeing what you came up with for each week.
Thank you for reinstating OTM. It’s a favorite of mine!
OTM is a lifesaver! Gets me out of a meal planning rut every single week. Oh, please keep it. I love not only the ideas and recipes, but also hearing about how the family likes them.
Wonderful!
Thank you so much for bringing back the weekly menus. I look forward to reading them every week and it helps me organize my own menus for the week. I love how you use your own tried and true recipes and then introduce us to new ones. I am so excited!!! Happy new year Yvonne.
I’m so happy the recipes are back. I love all your wonderful articles too. Thank you.
Please continue OTM. It helps so much with meal planning and so many recipes are delicious!
Yes OTM is back! I always looked forward to it. I know you tried something different for a while but it wasn’t the same. I enjoy your back stories that go along with the recipes.
Thank you! These look delicious and I can’t wait to try them!!!
I really missed OTM, looked forward to it every week. Thank you!
Ps: I couldn’t click on the link for pesto.
Thank you for bringing OTM back! It was very helpful in planning the menu, as well as finding new dishes that now are on repeat. I hope you decide to continue this weekly post.
Thank you for bringing back OTM. I have missed it! I used to always look forward to it each week, and used it to help plan my upcoming week’s menu. Please let it stay. ????
GREAT recipes! Thank you so much for bringing this weekly menu back!
From Denver, Colorado
Definitely looked forward to OTM. I usually found at least 1 recipe to add to my Pinterest board. Hoping you bring it back on a regular basis!!
Always liked perusing OTM. I’m glad you’re bringing it back! Thanks!
I love the weekly menus. Thank you for all the work you put into them.
You are so welcome, Eileen.
Thank you for all the wonderful recipes. I can’t wait to make them.
Please keep “On the Menu”. I use the old menus regularly because:
The ingredients are easy to obtain, and are within our budget,
The meals have side dishes included because I have a problem deciding what to serve with the main dish,
Other websites are used occasionally broadening my horizons,
The meals are exactly what my husband and I actually want to eat,
The format with the photos, story, and menu appeals to me,
We live about 3 hours from you at the Jersey Shore and experience the same weather and seasonal vegetables,
We are empty nesters too and entertain the kids and grands.
I am looking forward to the current menus.
SO happy OTM is back!!!
Yvonne, thank you so much for bringing back OTM. I love trying new recipes and your’s are always delish! This OTM blog has to be time-consuming for you, but I truly appreciate it! I’d much rather look at your menus than get caught up in scrolling through Pinterest for hours. Wishing you a blessed week/life‼️
Yes, Please continue with OTM. I really like your tried and true recipes. I agree with you on the Costco Pesto, it is really good.
Just thinking about it makes me hungroy for it!
I absolutely LOVE OTM!! In fact some of my favorite and frequently requested recipes are yours! My son was not a big cole slaw eater until he had your recipe. I make your blueberry muffins all the time and even included them in a children’s baking class I taught. We’ve enjoyed soups,salad, mains and dessert from OTM. So glad its back.
How nice, Loryl!
My husband is at the grocery store right now! He is that excited to try your Chili recipe. Happy to see OTM again. I enjoy reading the whole week and trying at least one of your recipes. Right now homecooked comfort food is what we all need. So please do continue OTM. Thank you, Yvonne.
You are so welcome, Nancy!
I’m glad your menus are back!
Awww, me too!
Welcome Back OTM! I’ve missed you
LOL! I’m glad too!
I love your recipes and meal planning. I have tried many and they are my family’s favourites.
Thank you for continuing On the Menu.
Yes! to the return of OTM! Thank you!
Thank you SO much for bringing back On the Menu! I love your recipes and how you give us a complete dinner plan. I am sure it is a LOT of work for you to put together, but I really appreciate it!
Altho I never commented on OTM before, your weekly menus always were an inspiration and the suggestion when I couldn’t decide what to fix for dinner. You had the idea that gave me the nudge! I enjoy it. And thanks for commenting. It’s nice to touch base with my readers.
Yay! So glad OTM helps.
Trying to find your pesto recipe. When I clicked on it, the message said the page was redecorating!
It was corrupted. I’ll repost it in the summer when my basil gets big enough to pick.
I made your chili last week, and it was a hit!! A bit different from traditional chili, but I think it’s so much better!! Yum!!
Hi Rhonda, I’m so glad you liked it.