This Week's Scenarios and Menu

First off, let me say this: TMOTH may never be allowed to roll Mr. Bowles' Amazing Scenario Randomizer die again.

You see, the number rolled represents the number of scenarios we will have that week - except for six, which represents a scenario-free week. We have not yet experienced a scenario-free week.

In between a quick dinner and rushing to piano lessons and church obligations Wednesday night we did our weekly ritual of consulting the Randomizer. In a hurry to get things done, I handed TMOTH the die to roll.

He rolled a five. (EEEK!)

And then we proceeded to pull out some pretty heavy scenarios:

• Pork: none available for purchase (this includes cuts of pork like pork chops, pork roasts and pork steaks)
• Processed Meats: limited availability, only 1/2 of the regular purchase amount available (this category includes sausages, salamis and the like)
• Chicken: scarce, only available for 1 1/2 times the normal ration points as usual
• Salad Oils: surplus, available for 1/2 of the usual ration points
• Coffee: only substandard (instant or off-brand) qualities available

There was some nervous giggling going around as we pulled out those first three scenarios. What made it worse was that I had already planned out the menu for the week, which included sausage gravy, a traditional Polish meat stew and a generous portion of chicken satay on Friday night when we are having company over. Meat amounts were adjusted down, down, down and the following solidified for our menu this week:

Saturday: Sausage gravy (using only 1/4 lb sausage), from-scratch biscuits and from-scratch hash browns and canned pears
Sunday: Church potluck - sausage and cheese quiche (using only 1/2 the sausage the recipe calls for) and Asian cabbage slaw...Dinner - spaghetti and meatballs (making only a 1/2 batch of meatballs)
Monday: Bigos (with only half of the recommended Kielbasa and supplemented with non-rationed venison) and bread and butter (and Spaghettio's for the girls)
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup
Thursday: Black beans and rice
Friday: (Company for dinner) Chicken satay (reduced portions), sesame noodles and baked cabbage

I took advantage of the surplus scenario and purchase some canola oil. I also purchased 2 pounds of confectioner's sugar. We're still plenty good in the coffee category, so I didn't have to sacrifice my appreciation for responsibly harvested, locally roasted PT's Coffee.

It's been a while since we tried a historic recipe, so I'll try to come up with a good one for next week. It may be time to try one of the "glandular meats" recipes.

*shudder*

--Rational Mama