Orthodox Christian Cheesefare Menu

Orthodox Cheesefare Menu - Spinach & Feta Bake

It's that time of year - the wind-down week before Great Lent.

The week after "Meatfare Sunday" and lasting until Cheesefare Sunday, is a time when meat and poultry are off the menu, but dairy & eggs are still permitted.

Known as Cheesefare week, it's the time to use up all the dairy & eggs that you have in the house.

As you can see from the pictures, most of these menu ideas have an easy Vegan alternative built in (but a few are uniquely cheesy or eggy : )

I have made all of these recipes with fat-free cheese (Fat Free Shredded Mozzarella, Fat Free Shredded Cheddar, Fat Fee American Singles, Fat Free Cottage Cheese, Fat Free Sour Cream, and Reduced-Fat "Italian Topping" -Parmesan Substitute) with good results, so if that is your preference, go for it!

For some easy nights later in Lent, double the recipes for Copycat Skyline, Chili, Beans for Haystacks, Plain Spaghetti, and Pizza Dough. Then, when you want to go to a Lenten Service like Akathist or Presanctified, you'll know that dinner is waiting without any extra trouble.

Here are some menu ideas which we like at our house:


For the night with no time or energy:
Plain Spaghetti topped with Plain Yogurt & Cheese (Parmesan or your favorite Shredded variety) 
(If you make and freeze extra spaghetti, you'll be ready for basic Spaghetti with Marinara during Lent, or for this Spaghetti with Kale & Tahini)


Easy & tasty - serve with salad & muffins:
Spinach & Feta Bake

This one can be made ahead, and baked when you're ready:
Lasagne
I LOVE this recipe from "Mom on a Mission" - and it's SO easy!


This Chili can be made ahead, or made in the Slow Cooker, so it's ready when you are:
Chili with Rice, Cheese, & Chips

I think it goes without saying that you can top this one with cheese! The dough for this can easily be made in advance (it really DOES take 5 minutes!) and it's so simple to assemble the pizza when you're ready.  Of course, if you're not up to cooking, this is the perfect one to order in: 
Pizza

Copycat Skyline Black Beans & Rice with Finely Shredded Mild Cheddar

Mexican Haystacks Topped with Shredded Cheddar and Sour Cream

Breakfast Ideas:

Copycat Egg McMuffins
Toasted English Muffins topped with American Singles & Fried Eggs.

OR

Fruit & Yogurt


Dessert:

Cheesecake, of course!
OR
Custard Pie is also good.

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