February 14, 2026

WEEKLY MENU 02.15.26

WE don’t have a day off during the Weekly Menu 02.15.26, but some people do!

It’s Presidents’ Day during the Weekly Menu 02.15.26, which means some kids are home, all the banks are closed, and the “whys” of Presidents’ Day are upon us.

Officially, it’s Washington’s Birthday, even though most of us call it Presidents’ Day. It was originally established in 1879 to honor George Washington, and it’s still legally his birthday at the federal level. But somewhere along the way (thank you, retail marketing departments), it became a day to celebrate both Washington and Abraham Lincoln—and apparently mattresses.

Here’s the part most people don’t know: not every state actually calls it Presidents’ Day. Some still celebrate Washington’s Birthday. Others lump in Lincoln. Alabama throws in Thomas Jefferson for good measure. And while federal offices, post offices, and banks close, your favorite big-box stores are very much open and offering “historic savings.” Schools? That’s a toss-up. Some districts close, some don’t, and some give you a long weekend just to keep you guessing.

It’s one of those holidays that feels like it SHOULD be important… but mostly shows up as a long weekend and a sale on appliances. Which honestly? I’ll take it.

A Little Mount Rushmore Moment

Since I’m featuring a close-up of Mount Rushmore – specifically Washington’s very serious stone face -let’s talk about it.

The monument features four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It took 14 years to carve (1927–1941), involved nearly 400 workers, and no one died during construction, which is honestly miraculous considering they used dynamite for 90% of the carving. Dynamite. For faces.

Also? Washington’s nose is about 21 feet long. Which feels like a very aggressive way to say, “Yes, he was first.”

Fun little nugget: there was originally supposed to be a massive inscription explaining the history of the United States in a grand “Hall of Records” behind the heads. Budget cuts (relatable) stopped that plan. There is a hidden chamber back there now, though, containing historical documents sealed in a titanium vault. Very National Treasure.

WEEKLY MENU 02.15.26

Presidents’ Day is having a minimal (as in zero) impact on the Weekly Menu 02.15.26, because I’m not sure I even want to know what Washington had for dinner every night. Just kidding. I looked it up. He loved hoecakes for breakfast, but was fond of fish and ham (probably not together) for dinner. According to him, he had simple tastes.

We’re including the fish part – but not until (Ash) Wednesday when tuna melts grace the table. Sunday is Italian night, starting with a crazy easy (and cheap) appetizer: Baked Fontina. It’s got 5 ingredients: fontina, mozzarella, a little olive oil, crushed red pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. My favorite way to eat it is with red bell pepper, but it’s delightful with toasties too.

Our main course is Pepperoni Pizza Chicken. It’s easy, filling, and not too good for us. We’re finishing with Texas Sheet Cake, but full disclosure: it’s leftovers from Valentine’s Day. It is a full sheet-pan’s worth of goodness, after all.

Chopped Burgers are giving us MEATY-Monday vibes this week. I make them in a big cast-iron skillet that I salt while it’s heating. When it’s hot enough, I add big chunks of meat – then I chop them into bun-sized pieces as they cook. No forming required, and they get a great caramelization if I leave them alone to cook in the hot pan without moving them too soon.

We’re ending the partial Lenten week with Potato Leek Soup, a delicious, hearty vegetarian soup.