On the Menu 2nd Week Of January

This winter menu plan makes dinner easy. Enjoy seven comforting menus and more than thirty delicious recipes for cozy, stress-free meals your family will love.

Life at Tanglewood feels especially cozy this week, which always inspires me to lean into comforting, home-cooked meals. When the house is warm, the fire is going, and the kitchen is busy, it feels like the perfect winter rhythm.

This is the kind of week when soups and stews simmer on the stove, and the air fryer gets a good workout too. I love mixing familiar comfort foods with a few easy, practical recipes that make dinner feel both simple and satisfying.

Let’s take a look at what’s on the menu this week.

In my kitchen, cooking is all about the sauce. Since the chicken is air-fried, there are no pan drippings to work with, but that does not mean you have to skip the sauce.

I think every home cook should know how to make a good pan-style sauce to drizzle over meat. It adds flavor and makes a simple dinner feel extra special.

I have quite a collection of quick sauces I rotate through: lemon, yogurt-based, white sauces, light gravy-style sauces, and more. They only take a few minutes to make and truly belong on the dinner plate.

The pan sauce in today’s recipe is a perfect place to start, even without drippings.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Rosemary (Make a Double Batch)

Pan Sauce without Drippings

Winter Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar– 1/3 the recipe

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I am really giving my air fryer a workout this week, two days in a row. All of these recipes can also be made in the oven, which I always appreciate. I try to choose recipes that offer flexible cooking methods.

I think salmon tastes especially good when air-fried. I always check the temperature and pull it out just a bit early, letting it finish cooking as it rests. That little trick keeps the salmon tender and never dry.

Just wait until you see the Spinach Brown Rice Loaf I chose to serve alongside it. The presentation will be beautiful. Remember, we really do eat with our eyes first.

I plan to slice the rice loaf, cross it with the salmon, and finish it all with the arugula salad. Simple, pretty, and delicious.

Ginger Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

Spinach Brown Rice Loaf

Arugula Salad with Pinenuts, Shaved Parmesan, and Lemon Vinaigrette

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I have a whole chicken in my freezer that is just waiting to become soup.

What could be better on a cold winter day than a hearty, creamy chicken gnocchi soup? This one truly eats like a meal and is always a crowd pleaser, especially when served with crusty bread.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Crusty Bread

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Today’s main dish is one that could easily become a StoneGable favorite. It has pasta, and we all know Bobby loves pasta. I am adding eight of Grandma Lo Bianco’s meatballs from the freezer to make it extra hearty.

I may add a little extra sauce so the meatballs have plenty to soak up.

If you have never made Grandma Lo Bianco’s famous meatballs, you really should. They are tender, full of flavor, and come with quite a story.

Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti

Grandma Lo Bianco’s Famous Meatballs

Caesar Salad

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This chili is a keeper. It has so much flavor, tastes even better the next day, and makes the whole kitchen smell wonderful while it cooks. Make a pot now, then enjoy it again later in the week for an easy, cozy dinner.

Zero Point Instant Pot Chicken Taco Chili

Chips and Salsa

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We are having friends over for dinner tonight, and I love a menu that can be mostly prepped ahead of time. This dinner strikes the perfect balance, a little planning earlier in the day with just enough hands-on time in the kitchen before serving to keep things relaxed and enjoyable.

Pork and I have always had a bit of a love-hate relationship. I truly enjoy the flavor of pork, but on its own, it can sometimes feel a little bland. When pork is paired with a flavorful sauce and a few well-chosen ingredients, though, it becomes something special.

The cheesy polenta we are serving alongside this main dish really brings everything together. It adds richness and depth, soaking up all those wonderful flavors and making the entire meal feel even more comforting and satisfying.

Making a cherry cobbler in a skillet is such an easy and charming way to serve dessert. I’m using frozen tart cherries, which makes this simple to pull together any time of year, and the skillet goes straight from the oven to the table, making it feel fun, cozy, and a little special without any extra effort.

One Skillet Pork Medallions

Easy Cheesy Polenta

Crispy Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Cherry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

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I love the idea of a family dinner, gathering around the table with good food and plenty of conversation.

A roast is such an easy choice when feeding a crowd because it does not require constant attention. Plus, it makes the whole house smell wonderful while it cooks.

If we are lucky, there will be leftovers for lunches or maybe even another dinner next week.

Rosemary and Garlic Roast Beef

Onion and Cheddar Mashed Potato Cakes

Lemon Sauteed Spinach

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SWEET TREAT OF THE WEEK

This week’s sweet treat is actually for breakfast. When our children were little, we had what we called Donut Sunday. Each child chose a donut on Saturday to enjoy on Sunday morning before church.

I will admit this was partly for my own sanity. It was an easy way to get a glass of milk, a piece of fruit, and a donut into everyone before we rushed out the door, without testing my patience too early in the morning.

Crescent Roll Cheese Danish

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MORE RECIPES I’D LOVE TO MAKE…

I love this doctored-up cake mix—it’s easy, delicious, and always a hit.

A Tex-Mex style soup is hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy.

A fun kid activity when my little granddaughter comes to visit makes our time together extra special.

You’ll never run out of ideas with these 40 puff pastry recipes, from sweet to savory.

An easy dinner staple like this one makes busy weeknights so much smoother.

Must-make cookies are those go-to treats that disappear faster than you can bake them.

A yummy soup is always welcome on chilly days or when you need a little comfort.

You will want to eat your veggies when they’re served up this tasty.

I may never buy store-bought again after trying this simple homemade version.

This chicken marsala is one we keep coming back to week after week.

Baked Spaghetti is a family recipe from my friend Ann at On Sutton Place.

You must try my Delicious Chili Stew!

This Chicken Broccoli and Noodle Casserole from Skinny Taste looks so yummy.

I’ve got to make these Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites!

Another must-try recipe for me WW Chicken Enchilada Bake.

Roasted Cream Cauliflower Parmesan Soup sounds just about right for a cold day!

I’m so into bread baking. Have you tried any no-knead recipes? Here’s a gorgeous No-Knead Cheater’s Sourdough Bread.

I’m giving these Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies a try for breakfast with coffee.

And how about Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal?

Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole is on my short list to make.

Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Pears is the perfect winter salad.

Need a delicious 30-minute meal? Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo is a good choice.

I hope this winter menu plan inspires you to try a few new recipes and return to some comforting favorites. These meals are perfect for cold days, quiet evenings, and gathering around the table with the people you love.

Have a cozy, delicious week ahead.

Have a scrumptious week, sweet friends!