I typically stick to these menu plans really well at the beginning of the week, and not so much towards the end. Last week was no different. I didn't feel well on Friday, so we ended up with the lamest Shabbat dinner of all time: a couple of frozen burritos, thawed in the microwave.

To make up for it, though, I cooked a nice meal on Saturday night. We had broiled steaks with sauteed mushrooms, onions and garlic; baked potatoes; steamed fresh broccoli and cauliflower; and fresh apple tart.

What will I do for this coming week? Here's the plan:

Sunday: I should cook up that cabbage before it goes bad. So tonight's dinner will be some variation on cabbage, potatoes, and bratwurst all cooked together. Also a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

Monday: Magic Night! Make-your-own sandwich spread of cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and buns. Also M&Ms, cookies, lemonade and iced tea. I think I'll set out a bowl of kiwi fruit, too, since I have a dozen of them.

Tuesday: Thai mango chicken; rice; broccoli.

Wednesday: Knit Night. Chef's salad.

Thursday: Soup.

Friday: Lasagna; fruit salad.

Saturday: Beef patties with gravy; mashed potatoes; green peas.