December was one of those months where I barely left the kitchen, but I forgot to take photos. I do have just a few photos to share with you.

I made the kiddos a Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie for an afternoon snack. I sliced it up like a pizza, and they finished it in one setting.

With the kids home on Christmas break, the kitchen has become a 24 hour diner. I’m shoveling out sandwiches, snacks, and meal after meal. Speaking of snacks, this was a batch of Hot Cocoa Brownies. They needed to be eaten with a fork because they were super giant and messy.

I made some (vegan) Giant Soft Pretzels. The breadmaker did the tough part of mixing and taking care of the first proofing. I’m getting a bit better at my pretzel rolling skills.

I also whipped up some Homemade Cheddar Cheese Dip for the kids. The tiny kiddos went crazy for this dip, but Thade prefers his with Mustard. Every single pretzel was gone in a hurry. Next time around I am going to have to double or triple the recipe.

Then it was time for Christmas… There were pies, cakes, snacks, two meals, lots of family, and the house is still trashed. This pie is my RR Cherry Pie before it went in the oven.

I’m still cooking and cleaning. The kids are back to school on Tuesday, so I hope to get the house back together sometime next week. We’ll see though, I’m exhausted.

Hello 2016! It is time to start a new year off with a new monthly dinner menu. I’ve got lots of yummy winter friendly meals planned for the month.

• 1/1/2016: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
• 1/2/2016: Pancakes and Bacon
• 1/3/2016: Chicken Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
• 1/4/2016: Popcorn Shrimp, Fries,  and Pasta with Roasted Veggies
• 1/5/2016: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
• 1/6/2016: Salmon Bites, Salad, and Breadsticks
• 1/7/2016: Chicken Soft Tacos, Re-fried Beans, Mexican Rice, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
• 1/8/2016: Panko Popcorn Chicken and Steak Fries
• 1/9/2016: Cinnamon Rolls, Bacon, Toast, and Breakfast Potatoes
• 1/10/2016: Steaks, Baked Potatoes, and Roasted Veggies
• 1/11/2016: Chicken Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
• 1/12/2016: Beef Soft Tacos, Beans & Rice, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
• 1/13/2016: Panko Chicken Sandwiches and Tater Tots
• 1/14/2016: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
• 1/15/2016: Chili, Saltines, and Cornbread
• 1/16/2016: Homemade Pizza and BBQ Wings
• 1/17/2016: Fried Chicken, Spaghetti, and Homemade Bread
• 1/18/2016: Chili, Saltines, and Cornbread
• 1/19/2016: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
• 1/20/2016: Chicken Chow Mien, Veggie Lo Mien, and Rice
• 1/21/2016: Chicken Soft Tacos, Re-fried beans, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
• 1/22/2016: Panko Chicken Strips and Curly Fries
• 1/23/2016: Snack Dinner
• 1/24/2016: Baked Ziti and Breadsticks
• 1/25/2016: Pizza Rolls and Chips
• 1/26/2016: Tostadas, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
• 1/27/2016: Panko Chicken Sandwiches and Tater Tots
• 1/28/2016: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
• 1/29/2016: Homemade Pizza, Panko Popcorn Chicken, and Fries
• 1/30/2016: Chicken Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
• 1/31/2016: Pot Roast with Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls

The last three months of 2015 I was over my grocery budget… I hope to get back on track in January. Happy 2016 everybody!