This Week for Dinner: September 26-October 2

I can’t believe I just typed the words “This week” and “October” in the same sentence!

We’re coming into one of my favorite times of year. October means pumpkins, trick-or-treating, and the calm before the holiday storm (which I love almost as much). We’re planning a small Halloween party and…please don’t laugh-our dog’s sixth birthday party. (More on the dog party later-it’s a yearly tradition, and this dog gets the full Turner birthday treatment, complete with cake….)

And last but definitely not least, it’s also the month of my birthday and anniversary. Bring on the celebrations!

This week, I’m taking on several new recipes, including an awesome veggie soup, homemade hot pockets and toasted ravioli. 

Kid-friendly Dinner: Toasted Ravioli 

While the boys go golfing later this week, Rachel, mom, the kids and I will be feasting on these :)

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/toasted-ravioli-recipe/index.html

Husband-friendly Meal: Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes

I’m using a family recipe for the pot roast, which I’ll be posting this week. But in the meantime, here’s a link to Food Network’s Pot Roast recipe collection:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipe-collections/pot-roast/index.html

BLT Sandwich Salad or Spinach, Chicken and Pear Salad:

I can’t decide! Which would you rather have for dinner?

This…

BLT Sandwich Salad

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/blt-sandwich-salad-recipe/index.html

or this?

Spinach, Pear and Chicken Salad

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/spinach-pear-and-chicken-salad-recipe/index.html

Easy Homemade Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets

This should be a fun recipe to make. Food Network Magazine’s October issue has a bunch of other fun hot pockets recipes to try, if this one goes well!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/croque-monsieur-pockets-recipe/index.html

and finally, my favorite!

Vegetable Beef Soup 

I should have mentioned that I have an ulterior motive for making pot roast…this amazing soup :) I’m also using a family recipe for this soup, which I’ll also be posting. I’m linking to a recipe that’s close to the one I’m using.

http://www.simplyscratch.com/2010/10/vegetable-beef-barley-soup.html

I’m also going to throw in a wild card, with the hopes of getting to this one this week:

Pumpkin Pie Pancakes with Cinnamon Sugar and Whipped Cream

These sound amazing, and after the great Cinnamon Roll Waffles recipe we made a few weeks back, I’m excited to make breakfast for dinner again soon!

http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/pumpkin-spice-pancakes-and-other-such-pumpkin-treats/

Have a great week, and happy cooking!