Hello and Happy New Year from sunny Southern California! If you like tacos, kimchi, seasonal produce, and bright flavors, you’re in the right place.
Every Friday, we chat about California Cuisine recipes that will inspire you, no matter where you live in the world.
Today’s newsletter kicks off the 2026 monthly menu plans! Although it is a feature for paid subscribers, the introductory outline is available to all and gives a peek into what the monthly menu plan offers.
My goal: to provide you with a dinner roadmap each month, taking a little guesswork out of what to cook.
There’s a common misconception to focus only on recipes that are easy! quick! under 20 minutes! But in reality, I’ve found that what really helps me consistently get dinner on the table is a plan. Being prepared is the key.
Please don’t feel like you have to slavishly follow the plan down to the letter. No one is going to make every single recipe for the month (but if you do, let me know!). Use the plan as needed, dipping in and out to suit your unique schedule.
The monthly menu plan might not be a great fit for you. And that’s totally okay. It’s not for everyone.
But! You may discover that it is exactly the inspiration you’re looking for this year!
I hope that’s the case, and if it is, I look forward to welcoming you as a new paid subscriber.
What to Expect in the Monthly Menu
The plan is divided into four weeks and includes these sections each week:
Sunday 1 Hour Prep
Don’t be afraid of the word prep! All we are doing is pulling together a few things that you can keep around and conveniently nosh on during the week. Things like dips, sauces, breakfast items, or snacks. Make one thing or make them all. Nothing takes more than an hour, and things can even be prepared simultaneously. The bonus: this one hour of prep will make your week go so much smoother, at least in the kitchen.
4 Dinner Recipes
I don’t cook every single night and don’t expect that you do either. Just four dinner recipes means there is wiggle room for leftovers, nights out, and too-exhausted-to-cook-it’s-cereal-for-dinner evenings. Make one or make them all. These recipes include a variety of proteins and a vegetarian/vegan meal, too.
Weekend Extras
A dessert and/or fun drinkie recipe. I’m participating in Dry January, so it’s all mocktails this month.
Featured Cook
Because I am a fan of so many talented food writers (and I know you are too!), each month I’m including recipes from a Featured Cook. For January, it’s the wonderful Kerry Faber! She is a professional recipe tester, recipe developer, and food writer who shares culinary wisdom in her newsletter, Dishlister. You’ll see some of her fab recipes in this month’s menu plan.
** A side note: Kerry and I have collaborated on a 2 Cooks 1 Table California casual dinner party menu for the paid subscriber post later this month. The menu is perfect for an easygoing meal at home with a few friends! What’s going to be included? Coordinated recipes (appetizer, main, side, and dessert), fun questions to get the dinner conversation started, and a Spotify playlist! Look for that in a couple of weeks.
Subscribers Chat
During the month, if you have any questions about a recipe or want to share what you’re making, just drop a comment in the paid subscribers chat! You can access the chat here.
You know I’m fond of you all, but the menu plans are something I treat my paid subscribers to each month. Won’t you join us?
January Menu
Week 1
