Hoping that everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  For some this is a tough time of year though, so for those of you that struggle during Christmas, I hope you were able to find pockets of peace and joy.

We celebrated with my side of the family.  Lots of love and lots of cousins.  It was loud, and fun, and the food was amazing.  On Christmas eve, my mom made her yummy crab salad, and I attempted desert.  Pinterest kind of hosed me this year because I found a super cute idea for individual pumpkin pies.  I am led to believe that I can make anything that I find on Pinterest, but most of the posts sit on a throne of lies.

It took FOREVER to put together the crusts, and the filling did not set before the crust burned.  Do not get me started on the fact that I did not realize until JUST now, that I was supposed to use a mini-muffin tin.  I.cannot.even….

Here are the links to the sites I used for the crust inspiration, and for the filling.

2014 is just a few days away.  YAY!  I love new beginnings.  A beginning is an opportunity to do better.  It is refreshing.

Starting on Jan 2nd, we are doing another “10 days of real food” pledge.  Dave says he needs the 1st to enjoy a celebratory sweet (or five) on new years day.  Hence starting on the 2nd.  WAY too much sugar over the last few weeks, and I am feeling really yucky.  Brain fog, cranky, not sleeping well, and really insecure.  I will have to do some reflection to get to the bottom of that last one.

Anyone feeling like joining us on this 10 day journey?  We are better together you know!

Here is what we have planned for dinner this week:

Sunday:  It is crab season, so I am giving these crab cakes a go.  It could be a culinary disaster, or the best thing I have ever eaten.  I will photo document.  (Planning to use whole wheat bread crumbs in place of panko.)

Monday:  Potato and bacon hash with a slightly runny egg.

Tuesday: Left over chili from last week out of the freezer

Wednesday: Happy New Year!!!  Dave’s request is Chicken pot pie.  Most of the time, I modify this recipe and make my own crust, but I have some left over pie crusts from my pumpkin pie attempt that I plan to use.

Thursday:  Whole wheat spaghetti with parmigiana meatballs.  I use a marinara from Trader Joe’s that does not have any sugar or processed oils.  Yay!  Tip…freeze the remainder of your sauce of choice in ice cube trays for quick sauce options for the littles.  Mine love “dippers”.

Friday: Spinach mango salad with Prawns

Saturday:  Pizza night!  Making this crust, and will add cheese, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Consider joining us in January for our 10 day pledge.  It will change your palate for the better!  I promise you will thank me later.

Wishing you all health and happiness in 2014!