There’s nothing much better at bringing your family to the table than a big plate of crispy Chicken Fried Steak Fingers. And I’ve got tips for making it easy and doable, even on a weeknight! Plus, we’re making getting gumbo on the table easy too! This week is going to be extra delicious with Monday Menu’s meal ideas.
This Week’s Secret To Success
- This week’s meal planning ideas are made easy with a little prepping ahead of time and “balance.”
- We’re balancing recipes that require time standing at the stove top with recipes that can be made or prepped ahead of time. This is how you get those recipes you love but require a little more “cooking” on the table with ease… even during the week.
- At the beginning of the week, chop the veggies and the sausage for your gumbo and hush puppies. Store them separately in zip top bags in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. This eliminates all the prep for that meal!
- You can also make the 7 Layer Pea Salad the day before (look for those instructions in the recipe post). That just leaves meat & potatoes to cook for Meal #2!
- If you’re making Strawberry Iced Tea & the Strawberry Muffins, buy the larger carton of strawberries instead of 2 smaller ones to save a buck or two.
In The Know
Having the right tools really does make cooking so much easier. I know because I just cooked using whatever I had for years- hand-me-downs, random items I picked up here and there.
That’s ok when you’re getting started in life, but you can’t stay there forever. And even if you did get some new things once, it is important to replace or update those items every now and then. Everything has a lifespan.
What did I replace that made the biggest difference for me? Really good knives and a solid cutting board. These are the first knives I bought when I became serious about my cooking journey. They changed everything. And this is the cutting board I still use today. I use this oil to care for it.
How I’m Setting My Table
Tasty & convenient recipes are only half of any dinner equation! So, don’t forget to make a plan for your family table with your meal plan!
Having a few things at the ready you really love is THE KEY to making every meal time enjoyable and inviting others over stress free. Here are my suggestions with links you can shop!
- corn husk placemats
- glossy white porcelain dinnerware set
- hand block-printed table runner
- mixed faux fern with twig & moss basket
- black & white napkin rings
- hand block-printed cotton cloth napkins
- classic stemless drinking glasses
- 2 pcs. rechargeable table lamps
- bamboo flatware set
- bark edge olive wood serving board
Menu 1- Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
Crispy, melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk breading, tender well-seasoned steak… Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are real deal, down home comfort food. Serve them with Sweet Potato Wedges and a 7 Layer Pea Salad for a complete meal! (Sweet potato wedge dipping sauce is linked in that recipe post!)
Menu 2- Easy Louisiana Gumbo
You’re going to love my family’s authentic Louisiana gumbo recipe with a simple, nutty blonde roux, shrimp, sausage, okra and yes, even a few Creole tomatoes. Loaded with layers of deep flavor and served over a spoon or two of extra tasty green chile rice with a side of crispy hush puppies, this meal only gets better with leftovers!
Dessert This Week
Soft & chewy coconut cookies are loaded with shredded coconut, chopped pecans, a hint of cinnamon and tons of yum! These easy-to-bake golden beauties are going to be your family’s new cookie craving.
These are the most delicious cookies! They are a little crispy on the outside and so chewy on the inside, just the way I like my cookies. Definitely my new favorite cookie. Can’t wait to make them again and again. They are a little dangerous though. Can’t stop eating them. Love this recipe! -Cindy
Breakfast Made Easy
There’s nothing better than a big, fluffy muffin packed with fresh fruit for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch. And these Farmstyle Buttermilk Strawberry Muffins are guaranteed to deliver on all counts! Plump red strawberries, rich buttermilk and just the right amount of “home” will have you convinced these muffins are fresh from the farm.
Snack of the Week
Light & crispy puffed pastry sprinkled with bacon, garlic and parmesan cheese and baked up golden brown around tender asparagus makes a mouthwatering appetizer or side dish with the Bacon Parmesan Asparagus Twists!
New To Monday Menu?
Southern Discourse subscribers receive Monday Menus directly in their email inboxes, along with a little weekly scripture encouragement here in the post. At Southern Discourse we’re all about bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith and grace from which true hospitality springs!
Subscribe to join our community and receive your Monday Menu + enriching food for the soul every week!
Rate & Comment