We try to plan a meal plan that gives us options to swap and switch throughout the week. The menu usually has similar ingredients so we reduce waste, and we benefit from a well-stocked pantry at home.
We’re getting ready for the holidays around these parts, believe it or not. Slowly but surely, things are starting to feel a bit more festive. I’m starting to think about dishes to prepare and serve (yeah, Im’ slow this year), and I maybe even started thinking about Christmas presents. Shhhhhhhhh….
First, I get to work with Pepperidge Farm looking at how to customize their stuffing to something that’s unique and originally you. Watch for a recipe next week! I am so excited to show you what I’m thinking of. Truly a Minnesota girl at heart.
Then there are the cookies. Loads and loads of Christmas cookies baked off and sent to friends, carted to Christmas gatherings and gifted to neighbors. I so enjoy the baking and gifting, but sometimes the volume can be a bit overwhelming. I need to plan ahead, and just in time, Smucker’s sent me a crate full of their Orchard’s Finest preserves and marmalades.
These are the perfect preserves to use in my cookies. With no HFCS and plenty of fruit pieces, they’re packed full of flavor. I started out by adding them to jam bars, but now I’m saving several for the holiday season. Plus, I get to share them with you!
Monday – Brick Grilled Chicken
Tuesday – Chicken Fried Rice
Wednesday – Sweet Potato Biscuits with Fried Eggs and Chorizo
Thursday – Red Lentil Soup with Lemon
Friday – Lentil and Root Vegetable Soup
The Preparation Shortcuts:
1. After dinner on Monday, roast and toss your chicken bones in a pot and make stock for your soups.
2. Leftover chicken goes into the fried rice.
3. Make extra rice on Tuesday to use for Wednesday’s soup.
4. Dice extra sweet potatoes on Wednesday and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will reduce prep time for Friday.
THE PRIZE
THREE readers will each win a Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest basket that includes:
- A crate of Orchard’s Finest Preserves
- $100 gift card Cooking.com
- Crate & Barrel Cheese Board
HOW TO ENTER TO WIN
1. Leave a comment. What is one thing you’re making for the holiday season?
2. Follow @FoodforMyFamily on Twitter and tweet the following, and come back and let me know you did:
Enter to win a Smucker’s holiday basket including a $100 @CookingCom gift card from @FoodforMyFamily http://su.pr/32NySk #giveaway
3. Join the Food for My Family community on Facebook. Come back and leave a comment letting me know you did so. If you already do, THANK YOU. Just let me know.
4. Join the Smucker’s community on Facebook. Come back and leave a comment letting me know you did so.
THE RULES:
This giveaway will run until Monday, November 21st at 11:59 p.m. ET and is open to all U.S. residents. Three winners will be chosen at random using Random.org from all eligible entries. Each reader has 4 chances to win by completing the above tasks and leaving a separate comment for each entry method completed. Chosen winner must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize. Good luck!
This giveaway is sponsored by Smucker’s. Pepperidge Farm is hiring me for their post that I mentioned above. Tips, opinions and random thoughts are 100% mine. You’re welcome, and thank you for reading and supporting me.
Last week from Food for My Family:
Sweet and Sticky Barbecue Wings
Last Chance to enter the Bush’s Beans Tailgate Giveaway!
Bon Appétit Daily looks at whether from-scratch green bean casserole is worth it.
You can get my recipe for the traditional Thanksgiving side dish pictured above on Family Kitchen.
The Detox Diet: Foods to Help you Detox Naturally
The Perfect Pumpkin Pie
More menu plans on OrgJunkie.com!
Christopher Sorel says
I take Pepperidge Farm stuffing corn bread and add my own touch. I add some Portabella Mushrooms and soap concentrate along with saute onions and garlic. I sometimes add smoked bacon or sausage to it.
Christopher Sorel says
follow you on twitter and tweet http://twitter.com/#!/cjsorel/status/136157186949779456
Christopher Sorel says
already follow Food for My Family on facebook
Laurie Jesch-Kulseth @ Relishing It says
We’re heading to my in-laws this year. I’ll be bringing dessert…perhaps a cake or cheesecake. Not 100% sure yet!
Christopher Sorel says
follow smuckers on facebook and their seedless raspberry jam rock in thumbprints
NoPotCooking says
I’m cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my family this year. Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pumpkin pie!
Jamie says
I will be making the green bean casserole for sure. I would also love to make real homemade cranberries for the turkey and leftover sandwiches. Yum!
Jamie says
I am a loyal follower already of your wonderful facebook page!
Donna says
I will be making Sweet Potato Casserole!
laptopmail(at)twlakes(dot)net
Molly says
I always make green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole! yum!
Bev Weidner says
Going to ze fam’s!
Those beans have me almost fainting.
Adrianna says
Cranberry stuffed acorn squash!
Adrianna says
like Food For My Family!
Adrianna says
liked smucker’s!
Carmen says
We’re making homemade pies (even the crust) – pumpkin, dutch apple and maybe pecan
Carmen says
http://twitter.com/#!/cmouse01/status/136172972569399297
MaryBeth says
I’ll be making cranberry relish – whole cramberry sauce, mandarin oranges, chopped pecans, sprinkle of cinnamon. Tastes great on sandwiches the next day!
MaryBeth says
Already a follower of Food for My Family on FB
MaryBeth says
Joined Smuckers on FB
Krissa says
I’m planning on making something with persimmons…not sure what yet.
Dale says
Pies…..Pies….Pies
I am the queen of pies! 🙂
Amanda says
already follow you on twitter and i tweeted your message about the give away.
Lori H says
I will be trying a new recipe – Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta. Yum!
Teresa F says
I now follow you on Facebook! thanks for the give-away!
Laura Frisch says
One of the things that I make is corn spoon casserole. But I make the meal, so that is just one of many.
Laura Frisch says
I added a tweet on my twitter page as well.
Laura Frisch says
I am already a fan of your facebook page.
Laura Frisch says
I liked the SMuckers page on facebook as well.
michelle says
I am making my raw cranberry relish to take as hostess gifts to the homes we visit on Thanksgiving. One of the Family Dinners also asked me to bring homemade mashed potatoes. Thanks for the chance to win
michelle says
I follow you on twitter and retweeted the giveaway! Thanks again for the chance to win!
Jessie C. says
We’ll be making pumpkin pudding and pies
Jessie C. says
http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/136182973178458112
Jessie C. says
Join the Food for My Family community on Facebook.
jessie c.
Jessie C. says
Join the Smucker’s community on Facebook.
jessie c.
amy marantino says
i will make Honey Balls
Gretchen says
I will make triple chocolate cookies to give as gifts. My children always ask to give them to their teachers. They are decadent.
Kathy says
I’m going to try the red lobster garlic cheese biscuits this year, my sister told me they are to die for!
Katie says
I always make the Jello Salad.
Katie says
I like Food For My Family on FAcebook.
Katie says
I like Smucker’s on Facebook.
Kathy says
I follow you on twitter and tweeted as eyreka1
Amanda Sakovitz says
I am baking sugar and peanut butter cookies for the holidays!
Amanda Sakovitz says
follow you on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/136206573948256256
Amanda Sakovitz says
i joined your community on fb as amanda sakovitz
Amanda Sakovitz says
i follow smuckers on fb amanda sakovitz
domestic diva says
I’m making pumpkin custard. Yum!
Amy Martin says
Yummy Brocolli Cheese Casserole
Jennifer says
My mom always makes ham biscuits with pepperidge farms rolls for the holidays. I am looking forward to making them this year in her honor.
Jennifer says
I am a part of the food for my family community on FB
Amanda says
Pumpkin pie
ilona t says
i’m making lots of desserts
Rachel says
Green bean casserole and cranberry salad are top two on the list! Thanks for the opportunity!
The Prudent Homemaker says
I’m making honeybaked ham (not buying it–making it!).
Heather says
Turkey and all the trimmings! I joined on FB. Thanks for the chance!
Beth S. says
I am making Dutch Spice cookies and something yet to be determined w/ almond paste.
Beth S. says
I like FFMF on FB
Beth S. says
I tweeted @bsteen77
Alyse says
I am making buttermilk and buttery biscuits for certain.
Cindy B. says
I’m making Bourbon-Glazed Sweet Potatoes.
Cindy B. says
I follow @FoodforMyFamily on Twitter and tweeted.
Cindy B. says
I already like Food for My Family community on Facebook.
Cindy B. says
I like Smucker’s community on Facebook.
royalegacy says
We will be making pumpkin pie for both Thanksgiving and Christmas
royalegacy at gmail dot com
royalegacy says
I follow @FoodforMyFamily on Twitter
@royalegacy
https://twitter.com/#!/royalegacy/status/136243199780982784
royalegacy says
I joined the Food for My Family community on FB
Danielle SG
royalegacy says
I joined the Smucker’s Community on FB
Danielle Sg
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
great looking recipe and giveaway!
Katie says
pumpin pie
Angie M. says
I will be making Sausage Stuffing.
Angie M. says
I joined the Smucker’s community on FB!
Stacy Makes Cents says
I am always in charge of bread. 🙂 So, I’m making a braided loaf this year, sprinkled with poppy seeds.
Stacy Makes Cents says
I retweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/stacymakescents/status/136261127830110210
Stacy Makes Cents says
I follow you on Facebook.
Lisa says
I’m making desserts!
TRish G says
I will be making desserts. My family will be coming by for a dessert party.
aubreylaine says
pumpkin pie & pecan pie!
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
aubreylaine says
I like you on fb
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
JulieD says
I’m making cookies! I’m thinking about doing a foodie type gift…not sure what yet though.
JulieD says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/TheLittleKitchn/status/136276922568163329
JulieD says
I like you on facebook!
Salt in Suburbia says
At Christmas, I love to make the easy fudge recipe that’s on the back of the marshmallow creme jar. I’m also looking forward to making roasted root vegetables.
Robin says
Stuffing for the turkey made with homemade herb bread!
Kathy - Panini Happy says
I have been making candy for the holidays for the past few years so I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition.
Kathy - Panini Happy says
I’m a fan on facebook!
Tabathia B says
honey baked ham
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
like on fb (michelle barret)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
like smuckers on facebook (michelle b)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Rebecca Shockley says
Fudge
Rebecca Shockley says
I follow you on twitter as @mngirlinssp
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/mngirlinssp/status/136343227988049920
Rebecca Shockley says
I joined you on FB as rebecca shockley
Rebecca Shockley says
I like Smuckers on FB
Jenn from HealthiFood.blogspot.com says
My sister and I are going to have a candy making day–English toffee, peppermint bark, fudge, etc. So yummy!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I make chocolate chip pumpkin muffins. It isn’t Thanksgiving without them!
A says
I am making bread and cake. 🙂 Thanks for the great giveaway!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I tweeted! 🙂
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I like ya on Facebook!
Kaitlin says
What a wonderful giveaway! I am already in cookie-baking mode so I think that will definitely be a trend throughout the holidays!
Kaitlin says
I follow you on twitter, and tweeted about the giveaway.
Kaitlin says
I like you on facebook.
Kaitlin says
And finally, I like Smuckers on facebook as well!
cherylK says
The usual Turkey/stuffing/potatoes/gravy/cranberry relish/etc. We’ll be making my husband’s special stuffing recipe. It’s delicious and everybody’s favorite.
cherylK says
I already follow you on Twitter. (@razzmatazlady)
cherylK says
I’ve joined the Food for my Family on Facebook. And I’ve just joined the Smuckers community.
Jeanette says
Love the menu you came up with. This time of year, we make lots of apple crisp – the kids love it!
Jennifer says
Greenbean casserole…. Yum!
Lynne @ 365 Dys of Baking says
I am definitely going to be making my sweet potato casserole!
Lynne @ 365 Dys of Baking says
I “like”d you on FB.
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking says
I liked Smucker’s on FB!
Heidi says
The one thing I am definitely making for Christmas is crab dip. My late MIL made it every holiday using (gag) Miracle Whip and canned crab. I use real mayo and fresh local crab. Even my six year old loves it!
Kaitlin says
I’m making lots and lots of macarons for my family 🙂
Erin says
I’m making sweet potato casserole. It is my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner. This year I’m trying it with marshmallows on top to try to entice my kids to try it.
Erin says
I follow you on Facebook.
Erin says
I also liked Smucker’s on FB.
Tickled Red says
Everything sounds delicious! Love the giveaway ;D
Tina M says
sweet potato casserole!
Tina M says
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/136542627100241920
Tina M says
follow Smucker’s on facebook
Tina M says
follow you on facebook
Wenderly says
I’m making creamy parmesan vegetables.
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
We just moved 800 miles away, and our stuff hasn’t arrived yet, so I am not sure what I am going to make this season! I do know that Pumpkin Pie will be a must though!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
I follow you on facebook
Susan says
I am making a turkey for the first time in a while. I was a vegetarian for many years, but recently decided to go back to meat eating!
Susan says
I am following you on Twitter now, and I tweeted about the giveaway….
Susan says
Joined the facebook community.
jessica w. says
I am making cornish hens, mashed potatoes, green beans, and lots of pies!
jessica w. says
I Follow @FoodforMyFamily on Twitter and tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/jrwarfield/status/136606107396349952
jessica w. says
I already like the Food for My Family community on Facebook
jessica w. says
I like the Smucker’s community on Facebook
Andrea says
Ooh, I love Orchard’s Finest.
I’m thinking about doing a baked ziti and a fruit crisp for Thanksgiving. Still time to change my mind, though.
Sarah C says
I don’t make Thanksgiving dinner as we go to a family member’s home, but I’m making fresh bread and herbed butter to bring for everyone!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Chocolate bark, I always make that during the holidays.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Tweeted it.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Already following on Facebook.
Suzanne says
I am making the turkey’s(in the smoker) and pies!
Suzanne says
I already follow you on twitter 🙂
theblindbride says
I tweeted it and followed you!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets says
Ooh, what a great giveaway. I’m making homemade toffee and caramel. I do it every year, and only at the holidays (otherwise I could totally over eat the stuff)!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets says
I follow you on twitter…and tweeted!
Virginia says
I am making tons of potaotes. With 3 teenage boys we need tons of potatoes. I can never get my extended family to understand how many they eat. So now I just volunteer to bring and keep my boys happy and full!
Debbie Welchert says
I’m making Candied Sweet Potatoes.
Debbie Welchert says
I follow you on Twitter and tweeted giveaway. https://twitter.com/#!/flipper211/status/136825959297982464
Debbie Welchert says
I already follow you on facebook/Debbie Welchert
Debbie Welchert says
I joined Smuckers on Facebook/Debbie Welchert
Kristen M. says
I will be making sweet potatoes. Yum!
Kari says
Fudge is always a holiday season must.
Kari says
I already follow you on facebook.
Kari says
I liked Smuckers on facebook.
Wehaf says
I’ll be making sweet pumpkin empanadas!
saniel says
my potato salad and lentil loaf-yummy
Katrina says
homemade pumpkin pies are our family favorites!
DebbyM says
I will be making pumpkin cheesecake and roasted root vegetables for Thanksgiving dinner….along with all the other traditional items. Can’t wait!
Thanks,
Debby
DebbyM says
I follow on Twitter and tweeted!
Thanks,
Debby
DebbyM says
I follow you on FB.
Thanks,
Debby
DebbyM says
I follow Smuckers on FB.
Thanks,
Debby
Holly says
I will be making pumpkin pies.
Sherry Lykins says
I will be making my corn casserole for all my get together’s, everyone loves it!
Sherry Lykins says
I like smucker’s on facebook
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