tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9810389990041458992023-11-15T09:37:46.519-06:00Menu MavenPlanning Delicious Menus Week By WeekDiana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-73044267216752047202012-11-25T16:12:00.000-06:002012-12-30T16:26:15.367-06:00November 12-18<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/creamy-chicken-rice-soup/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Chicken and Rice Soup</a></li>
<li>Fresh Bread (from bread machine)</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Subway</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/romanos-macaroni-grill-chicken-scaloppine-122046" target="_blank">Chicken Scallopini</a>. I don't use a recipe, but was inspired by Macaroni Grill's dish of the same name. Here's pretty much what I do....with less butter. ;)</li>
<li>Roasted red potatoes</li>
<li>roasted vegetables</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/broccoli-rice-casseroles-50400000116719/" target="_blank">Broccoli and Rice Casseroles</a>. This is the second time I've made these. Quick, healthy, yummy one dish meal. And they're cute because they are in single serving dishes. :)</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/04/cheesy-jalapeno-popper-baked-stuffed.html" target="_blank">Cheese Jalepeno Baked Stuffed Chicken</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/04/fiesta-lime-rice.html" target="_blank">Fiesta Lime Rice</a></li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Weekend</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Baked Potatoes</li>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-spinach-quiche/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Ham and Broccoli Quiche</a>. The link is for a different quiche, but this is the base recipe I use, then just change out the vegetables and meat. :)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/baby-shower-crab-rangoons/" target="_blank">Crab Rangoons</a></li>
<li>Leftovers</li>
</ul>
Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-78436978655840157242012-10-21T14:57:00.003-05:002012-10-21T14:57:53.907-05:00October 22-29This week is "Cooking Light" week. I went through a bunch of my recipes, because I feel like I've gotten in a rut again, so all the recipes are from my Cooking Light folder. Some of them I've cooked before (just not for a while), and others are completely new to me.<br />
<br />
It's also a completely chicken week, but that's pretty normal. haha :)<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/broccoli-rice-casseroles-50400000116719/" target="_blank">Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole</a>. I'm using the last leftovers of my roasted chicken that I did last Friday for this.</li>
<ul>
<li>I generally steer clear of casseroles, but I've started a new job with more hours now, and so I need to cut my time in the kitchen. Hopefully this will be a winner...I do love great one-dish meals.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Subway for small group</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-breasts-with-classic-french-pan-sauce-10000002012784/" target="_blank">Chicken Breasts with French Pan Sauce</a></li>
<ul>
<li>The French have the most amazing sauces. I don't know how
authentic this is or not, but it totally is what makes this simple
chicken<br />
</li>
</ul>
<li>Angel Hair Pasta</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-kebabs-with-creamy-pesto-10000002011004/" target="_blank">Chicken Kebabs with Creamy Pesto</a></li>
<li>Grilled Veggies</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Marinated Tilapia</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/bacon-wild-mushroom-risotto-with-baby-spinach-10000001981765/" target="_blank">Bacon and Wild Mushroom Risotto with Spinach</a></li>
<li>Sauteed Apples </li>
</ul>
<u>Weekend</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs. I haven't made this be</li>
<li>Salad</li>
<li>Leftovers </li>
</ul>
Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-75582588765710463372012-10-21T14:39:00.000-05:002012-10-21T15:02:26.337-05:00October 15-21Egg<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Stuffed Chicken. This is just another thing that I make up on my own when I have a bunch of chicken. </li>
<ul>
<li>This time, I used thinly cut chicken breast halves, and made a mixture of cheddar, bacon bits, softened cream cheese, and italian seasoning. I put about a 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture on each piece of chicken (depending on the size), and rolled it up. Then dunked it in egg, and coated it with panko breadcrumbs (with salt, garlic, and more italian seasoning). Baked at 375 for ~40 minutes. Delicious!! Usually I don't bother remembering exactly what I did, but this time it so good, I want to be able to repeat it!</li>
</ul>
<li>Roasted Red Potatoes</li>
<li>Green Salad w/ tomatoes, almonds, bell peppers, broccoli</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Subway for small group</li>
<li>Also my turn to bring dessert. Brownies and Moose Tracks icecream!</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-piccata-with-capers-10000001227898/" target="_blank">Chicken Piccata</a>. I don't actually use the recipe, but this is about what I do, plus a whole bunch of mushrooms. :)</li>
<li>Angel hair pasta</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Frozen Ravioli</li>
<li>Spinach Salad with pomegranate, feta, pear, and almonds</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/herb-roasted-whole-chicken/" target="_blank">Roasted Whole Chicken</a></li>
<ul>
<li>I also thickened the juices from the pan into a gravy, and then boiled the carcass with some onions and carrots that I'll save for chicken stock. </li>
</ul>
<li>Mashed Potatoes</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Weekend</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/2010/02/22/baked-creamy-chicken-taquitos/" target="_blank">Chicken Taquitos</a>. Used the chicken scraps from the whole chicken on Friday night.</li>
<li>Grilled Kielbasa</li>
<li><a href="http://whatdidyoueat.typepad.com/what_did_you_eat/2007/07/whb-eggplant-an.html" target="_blank">Eggplant and Mozzerella Sandwiches</a>. I've made these once before, and they are <i>soooooo</i> good. Definitely not low fat....but quite the vegetarian treat. :)</li>
</ul>
Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-49170770352002807802012-10-11T15:10:00.002-05:002012-10-11T15:10:32.492-05:00October 8-14I'm finally caught up and am no long fibbing about the date. This is <i>actually </i>what we're eating this week! ;-)<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2010/09/dal-nirvana-314-recipe-052.html" target="_blank">Dal Nirvana</a>. This is such a great dish for its' simplicity. We just got back from a cruise, and I don't have any fresh food it the house yet. Enter: Dal! All the ingredients are pantry staples for me, and I don't have to have or thaw any meat either. Win! *note: she changed the recipe on the site. Don't use the cumin, and try to use heavy cream*</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Panera. This week had an awesome start, because well, life happens. I got sick right after our vacation, and after *successfully* getting my grocery shopping done, didn't have any energy left to make dinner. So, me all wrapped up my blanket, we drove thru the drive through of our new nearby Panera, where I got me some nice soup and John got a sandwich and salad.</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/rice-beans-chicken-chorizo-50400000116799/" target="_blank">Chicken, Chorizo, Rice, and Beans</a>. I love this recipe, because it's quick and hearty. I feel bad for the tomatoes though, because there are only 5 ingredients in this dish, and the tomatoes are the only one that didn't make the title. </li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/creamy-chicken-rice-soup/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Chicken and Rice Soup</a>. Good and hearty. What I've been craving this whole week since I've been sick, but today is the first day I've had the energy to make it from scratch. Usually like fresh bread with it, but I had to order a new mixing paddle for my machine, so no bread tonight. :-( </li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken Vegetable Curry. We love curry. After trying a few recipes and tutorials online, I've finally found "my" curry. Sorry I can't give you a link for it. :)</li>
</ul>
<u>Weekend</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Grilled Pork Chops</li>
<li>Couscous</li>
<li>Salad</li>
<li>Leftovers</li>
</ul>
Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-82504665637749712762012-09-22T14:45:00.000-05:002012-10-11T14:57:15.240-05:00September 17-23<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Pork Chops</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/parmesan-corn-muffins-50400000122922/" target="_blank">Parmesan Corn Muffins</a></li>
<li>Steamed Green Beans with bacon bits</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> "Taco Bus". This is an actual bus that has seats along the windows and a kitchen in the back, where you can get super yummy, authentic Mexican food! John and I share a huge steak burrito for $5.</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Sweet and Sour Chicken w/ broccoli, bell peppers, and rice</li>
<li><a href="http://eightymphmom.com/2011/10/easy-crab-wontons-recipe.html" target="_blank">Crab Wontons</a>. I had been putting off making these because the wonton wrappers are expensive, but now I'm really glad I finally bought them! They actually are a good value...I made a <i>huge</i> batch of these (or rather, 2 smaller batches), and have only used half of the wrappers. I think since they are so thin, you don't realize how many are in the package.</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u> <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/2010/02/22/baked-creamy-chicken-taquitos/" target="_blank">Chicken Taquitos</a></li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken Cordon Bleu</li>
<li>Roasted Red Potatoes</li>
<li>Raspberry Spinach Salad with walnuts and feta cheese</li>
</ul>
<u>Weekend</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Lobster Alfredo. I just use the imitation lobster, and jarred alfredo, and through in whatever veggies I have that match; this time it was spinach and mushrooms</li>
<li>leftovers </li>
</ul>
Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-40497629453391149912012-09-16T14:16:00.000-05:002012-10-11T14:56:47.085-05:00September 10-16Playing catch-up and back posting several posts..... :-) This week was evidently "Pinterest recipe week". I finally decided
if I was going to be pinning all these delicious-looking recipes, I
needed to try them. And this is the way I roll....I get on a kick and just go for it! :-)<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Chicken Vegetable Curry</li>
<li>Jasmine Rice </li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Subway (small group)</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday </u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://whatdidyoueat.typepad.com/what_did_you_eat/2007/07/whb-eggplant-an.html" target="_blank">Eggplant and Mozzerella Sandwiches</a>. This is from pinterest. SO good, but definitely not healthy *hint: they're fried*</li>
<li><a href="http://www.laurenslatest.com/hasselback-garlic-cheesy-bread/" target="_blank">Garlic cheesey bread</a>. Another pinterest item. The absolutely best garlic cheesey bread I have ever tasted.</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/2010/02/22/baked-creamy-chicken-taquitos/" target="_blank">Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos</a>. These were a biiiiig hit. Though John thought they needed more "kick", so when I make them in the future, I'll use some sharp cheddar cheese and more of the spices.</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday </u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/02/sausage-pepperoni-pizza-puffs.html" target="_blank">Pizza Bites</a>. Very good, weren't very filling though. I think they'd be great to freeze and just have on hand though.</li>
</ul>
<u>Weekend</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chorizo and Egg breakfast burritos. This was an idea my sister gave me. This is one of my brother-in-law's favorite breakfast. Very tasty!! </li>
<li>leftovers</li>
</ul>
Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-55533409543155072192012-09-08T14:54:00.000-05:002012-10-11T14:56:12.198-05:00September 3-9<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-enchiladas-50400000118610/" target="_blank">Chicken Enchiladas</a>. Still the best ever. And don't even think of making half a batch. DO think about making a double. They make great leftovers. And you will be sad when they are gone.</li>
<li>Green Beans</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Crock-Pot Barbeque Ribs</li>
<li>Pear and Cranberry Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Beef Stroganoff with egg noodles. Wasn't impressed by this. It was fine for a cheap ground beef meal, but not up to my usual standard. I guess that makes it fine that I can't remember where online I found this particular recipe.</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Marinated Grilled Pork Chops. You can marinate meat in pretty much anything: salad dressing, bbq sauce, other sauces, and pretty much any spice concoction with some oil and vinegar. This makes for a very healthy way to pack a lot of flavor into meats, with a great variety of things to try.</li>
<li>Whole wheat couscous</li>
<li>salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Dinner with friends</li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Burgers on the grill</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/sweet-potato-fries-50400000122059/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Fries</a></li>
<li>Watermelon</li>
</ul>
<u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>leftovers </li>
</ul>
Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-77928381934473414702012-07-25T13:59:00.000-05:002012-07-31T13:59:57.074-05:00July 23-29<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken and Rice</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Crock-pot Ribs</li>
<li>Baked Potatoes</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken Enchiladas</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Home-made Pizza</li>
<ul>
<li>chicken-bacon spinach artichoke, and sausage pepperoni :)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Curry</li>
</ul>
Weekend: leftovers<br />
<br />
Extra: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/irish-cream-creme-brulee/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Irish Cream Creme Brulee</a>! Oh my goodness yum! Now all I need to do is get myself a kitchen torch so I can melt the sugar top properly. :)Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-1379279978314068632012-07-19T08:49:00.000-05:002012-07-31T13:54:21.552-05:00July 16-22I'm behind in blogging, so I'm backdating a few<br />
(and yes, admitting it!). Not bothering to do links or descriptions or comments, since I pretty much just want to get them recorded. :)<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken Vegetable Curry</li>
<li>Jasmine Rice</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>BLT's (my summer comfort food)</li>
<li>Sautéed Apples</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Sweet and Sour Chicken</li>
<li>Brown Rice</li>
<li>Sauteed bell peppers and broccoli</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken Scallopini</li>
<li>Mashed Potatoes</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Marinated Grilled Pork Chops</li>
<li>Whole Wheat Couscous</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
Weekend in ChattanoogaDiana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-58581246046850938512012-07-10T14:53:00.000-05:002012-07-10T14:53:25.715-05:00July 9-15<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>BLT's...with Avocado. So I guess that actually makes them "BLAT's". haha.</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken Pesto Pasta. Don't have a recipe for this. Just planning on throwing chicken, and pasta, and butter and pesto, and mushrooms, in together. :)</li>
<li>Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Feta, and Pecans</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Venison Fajitas. I have some venison tenderloin that I brought home from Montana last visit, that I didn't know what to do with. I think it will be quite yummy cut into thin strips and cooked with onions, garlic and, bell peppers with fajita seasoning!</li>
<li>Salad </li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Grilled Marinated Chicken</li>
<li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2012/07/sweet-potato-corn-cakes-with-garlic.html" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Corn Cakes with Garlic Dipping Sauce </a>. New recipe alert here: these look delicious. Can't wait to try them. :)</li>
<li>Steamed Green Beans</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Subway. We're going to Chattanooga to visit John's family, so we'll eat on the road.</li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday-Sunday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>In Chattanooga </li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-46425694287807681642012-07-01T14:39:00.000-05:002012-07-10T14:40:27.166-05:00June 28-July 7This is the week that John will be on his own while I am visiting my sweet sister-in-law, nephews, and niece in Connecticut.<br />
<br />
I planned my menus accordingly--there's no way he'll eat well if I expect him to make stuffed chicken with grilled asparagus and a vinegarette glaze! Ha.<br />
<br />
Some of these things are actually things I made ahead of time that make great leftovers, and some of them are freezer food that I wrote down to remind him that it's there for him to eat. He told me he'd eat salad if it was there (as opposed to he won't go to the trouble of cooking veggies), so that's why it's pretty much the only vegetable. And, surprise surprise, some of the recipes are actually simple enough for him to cook by himself. :)<br />
<br />
*One other note, this isn't a regular Monday-Sunday menu, but rather, spans through the duration of my trip, which is Thursday-Saturday<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-honey-brushed-chicken-thighs-10000002010998/" target="_blank">Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken Thighs</a> (made ahead)</li>
<li>Jasmine Rice</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Spaghetti with Vodka Sauce (he like's that better) and <a href="http://montanamunchies.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/turkey-meatballs/" target="_blank">Turkey Meatballs </a>(made ahead and frozen)</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Fresh Bread (made in bread machine day before I left) </li>
<li>Popcorn Shrimp (from freezer)</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Sweet and Sour Chicken w/ brown rice and veggies (made ahead, in freezer)</li>
</ul>
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2010/09/dal-nirvana-314-recipe-052.html" target="_blank">Dal Nirvana</a> (he'll make himself)</li>
<li>Jasmine Rice</li>
<li>Salad <u><br />
</u></li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday </u><br />
<ul>
<li>Pizza from Papa Murphy's</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> BBQ at friend's house for 4th of July</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Popcorn Shrimp</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday </u><br />
<ul>
<li>Marinated Grilled Chicken</li>
<li>Grilled Potatoes</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday </u><br />
<ul>
<li>Shrimp Stirfry (frozen veggie bag w/ pre-made sauce)</li>
<li>Brown Rice</li>
</ul>
<br />
*And then I get home, and John rejoices :) <br />Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-27717044503334894342012-06-11T20:45:00.001-05:002012-06-11T20:45:15.543-05:00June 11-17This week is VBS at my church, so I'll be spending a large portion of my day corralling seven 4 year olds. :) Thus, my meals need to be a bit simpler. Nothing new or super difficult (until the weekend at least).<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Salmon Burgers. I bought pre-made frozen salmon patties ages ago when they were on sale, so we had them tonight. I grilled them, topped them with melted mozzerella, and used a mayo-pesto blend along with tomato and spinach.</li>
<li>Corn-on-the-cob</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-carnitas/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=crock+pot+carnitas&e8=Quick+Search&event10=1&e7=Home+Page" target="_blank">Carnitas</a>. These are made in the crockpot. I double the spices from this recipe. To eat, we'll use tortillas with salsa, avocado, sour cream, and cheese.</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Shish-Kebobs. I'll use chicken and stew meat, both marinated in <a href="http://www.allegromarinade.com/" target="_blank">Allegro</a>, then skewer with cherry tomatoes, pearl onions, and chunks of mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash. Simple, healthy, one-dish meal. But even better because it doesn't even need the dish!</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/rice-beans-chicken-chorizo-50400000116799/" target="_blank">Chicken, Chorizo, Rice, and Beans</a>. Rustic, simple, good hearty food. :)</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-enchiladas-50400000118610/" target="_blank">Chicken Enchiladas</a>. VBS gets done Thursday, so I'll have time Friday to make these. And they are so worth it. :)</li>
<li>Steamed Green Beans</li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Omlettes </li>
<li>Cilantro, Pear, and Turkey Sausage. Got this recipe at a wine festival a month ago, and John has been begging me to make it ever since. Hopefully it is as good as what we tasted! </li>
</ul>
Here's the recipe:<br />
<ul>
<li>Ingredients: </li>
<ul>
<li>1 lb ground turkey breast</li>
<li>3/4 cup diced pears</li>
<li>3/4 cup finely chopped red bell peppers</li>
<li>1/2 cup finely chopped red onions</li>
<li>1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro</li>
<li>1 tsp dried rubbed sage</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/2 tsp ground cumin</li>
<li>1/2 tsp ground allspice</li>
<li>1/2 tsp crushed red pepper</li>
<li>1 Tbl canola oil, divided</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Directions</li>
<ul>
<li>combine all ingredients (except oil) in mixing bowl.</li>
<li>shape into 1/2 inch thick patties</li>
<li>heat half the oil in skillet over medium heat</li>
<li>cook half the patties for 4 minutes; turn over, cook 3 minutes longer</li>
<li>drain on paper towels, repeat with remaining oil and patties</li>
<li>(my note: I will probably try these as sausage balls too, and bake in the oven)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Leftovers</li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-3615306040797240332012-06-05T16:43:00.001-05:002012-06-05T16:43:24.147-05:00June 4-10<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Marinated Grilled Tilapia. I just marinated it in caesar dressing, and then drizzled butter and lemon juice on it.</li>
<li>Roasted Red Potatoes</li>
<li>Salad</li>
<li>Kiwis. Just because I have them. :)</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-scallopini/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe" target="_blank">Chicken Scallopini</a>. I don't use a recipe for this, it's just another one of my go-to chicken recipes that I have many different variety of, but this is pretty similar to what I do.</li>
<li>Steamed Green Beans</li>
<li>Sautéed Apples w/ butter and brown sugar</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Hamburgers</li>
<li>Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/asian-glazed-chicken-thighs-50400000110427/" target="_blank">Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs</a></li>
<li>Coconut Jasmine Rice</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pork-tenderloin-pear-cranberry-salad-10000001973651/" target="_blank">Pork Tenderloin, Pear, and Cranberry Salad</a></li>
<li>Fresh Bread (from bread machine)</li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/healthy-oat-peaches-and-cream-muffins/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Oats Peaches and Cream Muffins</a> (made earlier in the week). I'm SO psyched that peach season is starting and they are on sale! These muffins ar <i>to die for</i>. They are whole wheat with oats and peaches throughout, and then a peach-cream cheese filling....YUM!</li>
<li>Omelettes</li>
</ul>
<u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Homemade pizza</li>
</ul>
Extra:<br />
<ul>
<li>"City-Band" Popcicles! I grew up with these, and they get their name from the outdoor concerts my dad played clarinet in: as kids, we would make them and sell them. Now I make them multiple times each summer, each time a different variety. This time I'm making blackberry-raspberry-lemonade! Here's the recipe:</li>
<ul>
<li>1 package Jello powder</li>
<li>1 package Crystal Light (or Koolaid, but you have to add 1 c. sugar if you use that </li>
<li>2 cups boiling water</li>
<li>--mix packets into water, stir until fully dissolved</li>
<li>2 1/2 cups icy cold water, add to flavored water</li>
<li>Makes 20 popsicles</li>
</ul>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-82332008718354587332012-05-30T12:24:00.000-05:002012-06-04T12:37:50.573-05:00May 28-June 3I've neglected my menu planning during the past few weeks, and boy, my budget and stress levels have noticed. I'm $50 over my food budget, and we've eaten Papa Murphys' pizza twice in one week. So, back to consistancy!<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Honey Butter Pork Tenderloin. I did have a recipe for this, but it wasn't very good, and I can't find it now, so I'm not going to bother.</li>
<li>Salad</li>
<li>Sautéed Apples</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Marinated Grilled Tilapia</li>
<li>Couscous</li>
<li>Steamed Green Beans</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/rice-beans-chicken-chorizo-50400000116799/" target="_blank">Chicken Chorizo with Rice and Beans</a>. I bought mild chorizo this time, so that I could add extra chorizo without ramping up the heat too much. I used 6 oz. instead of 2 oz.</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Crockpot Barbeque Ribs</li>
<li>Fresh Bread (from bread machine)</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Spaghetti w/ <a href="http://montanamunchies.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/turkey-meatballs/" target="_blank">Turkey Meatballs</a></li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken Curry. Didn't use a recipe, used coconut milk, curry powder, garam masala, and salt, and added bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli</li>
<li>Jasmine Rice</li>
<li>Corn on the Cob</li>
</ul>
<u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Left overs </li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-82248723257781736792012-05-06T19:01:00.001-05:002012-05-06T19:01:54.895-05:00May 7-May 13Another reason why I'm loving keeping track of my menus like this: It helps me keep down my shopping list.<br />
<br />
Today I started making my shopping list by looking at the weekly sale ads, and then making my menu. I quickly realized this week will be a short week, and I really will only be cooking 3 meals. I don't count Friday or Sunday, because both of those are things that I just keep on hand and whip up in a hurry. Honestly I probably shouldn't count Thursday either by that criteria, since it's just throwing something in a crockpot. Anyway though, that meant I didn't need several things on my list even though they are on sale.<br />
<br />
I was happily surprised that I have most of my menu ingredients already, and just need the basic dairy and produce, along with sale items that I will be able to freeze or shelf (chicken thighs, cheese, apple sauce, popcorn etc). Menu saving saves money and wasted food--yippee!<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/04/cheesy-jalapeno-popper-baked-stuffed.html" target="_blank">Cheesy Jalepeno Stuffed Baked Chicken</a>. These look delicious. I'm very excited about trying these.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/04/fiesta-lime-rice.html" target="_blank">Fiesta Lime Rice</a>. This colorful mixture of rice, corn, tomatoes, black beans, and scallions, cilantro, and lime looks like a great pairing for this chicken, and completely differs from my standard side dish!</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Subway</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/curried-chicken-saute-50400000107423/" target="_blank">Curried Chicken Saute</a>. This is a quickie, and so yummy. I usually add some mushrooms to the peppers, and a dash of cumin, garlic, and salt to the curry powder for depth of flavor.</li>
<li>Jasmine Rice</li>
<li>Steamed Carrots</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>BBQ Ribs in the crockpot. It's really as easy as that. I have spare ribs in the freezer that I'll thaw on Wednesday, then I pour half a bottle of BBQ sauce on the bottom of the crockpot, and the other half on top of the ribs. Put in on low the whole day.....and, voilà! Yumminess. :)</li>
<li>Mashed Potatoes</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken Salad Sandwiches, on the road as we drive to Nashville. We are going to a wine festival on Saturday with some friends, to celebrate our 4th Anniversary! Our anniversary is actually next weekend, but this is when the festival was, so who's complaining? Not me...especially when I have a couple glasses of wine in me! ;-) </li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>In Nashville, no cooking for me!</li>
</ul>
<u>Sunday</u> <br />
<ul>
<li>Spaghetti. John doesn't really like spaghetti because he doesn't like tomato based sauces, so I mix half alfredo sauce and half spaghetti sauces, along with some pesto and fresh garlic and mushrooms. I also will throw in whatever vegetables I have leftover from the week. It makes it quite tasty, and John doesn't feel like it's overly tomato-y. Win-Win.</li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-62998790958973923872012-04-30T23:12:00.000-05:002012-05-06T18:37:02.423-05:00April 30-May 6The menu this week is chock full of new recipes! 5 new recipes....yes indeed, five. I totally go in swings like this: cooking a new adventure every day one week, to just using my favorite standards the next. That's one reason I love how my confidence in the kitchen has developed these past few years: following a new recipe or learning a new technique isn't daunting at all any more, since I know how to prepare myself and what to expect. So: onwards with the new culinary discoveries!<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.atasteofthai.com/index.php?page=recipe&id=467" target="_blank"> Bankok Marinated Chicken</a>. I bought this Peanut Satay Sauce on a whim, and this was what was recommended to do with it. Hope it's good! I also threw some of the sauce into the marinate.</li>
<li>Grilled pepper and onions, on skewers.</li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Subway</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-enchilada-casserole-50400000110456/" target="_blank">Chicken Enchilada Casserole</a>. This has most of the same ingredients as the <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-enchiladas-50400000118610/" target="_blank">enchiladas</a> I love so much, so it will be a major score if I can throw all that tasty-ness into a casserole and have it come out just as yummy! We'll see. :)</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/sweet-spicy-citrus-tilapia-10000002001927/" target="_blank"> Sweet and Spicy Citrus Tilapia</a>. I just buy individually frozen tilapia fillets at our no-frills grocery store Aldi. They come out to about $2.50/lb! Obviously fresh would be better, but for that price and convenience, I'm not being picky.</li>
<li>Orzo, with butter, parmesan, and fresh basil</li>
<li>Steamed Green Beans</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_303224882">Marinated Grilled Chicken</a></li>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/gourmet-mushroom-risotto/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Gourmet Mushroom Risotto</a>. Risotto is very time consuming, but incredibly, fantastic-ly rewarding. This is definitely a treat for us, since it's time intensive and uses expensive ingredients. I've found that the key to getting that super creamy texture is the slow addition of the hot liquid, and <i>stir, stir, stir. </i>The constant stirring isn't mainly to keep it from burning, as I thought, but actually makes it more creamy...something about cooking more evenly and releasing something from the rice. haha. To make my risotto, I use a combination of the title linked recipe and this <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/bacon-wild-mushroom-risotto-with-baby-spinach-10000001981765/" target="_blank">Bacon and Wild Mushroom Risotto with Spinach</a> recipe from cooking light. This time, I used the first link, combined with the bacon, shallots, thyme, and cheese from the second recipe.</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/breads/cranberry-orange-scones-7/" target="_blank">Cranberry-Orange Scones</a>. Thank you Pinterest...you are dearly loved. I have a college friend coming to visit on Sunday and Monday, and thought these would be a nice thing to have around. Oh, who am I kidding, they look delicious and I would make them anyway. :)</li>
<li>Leftovers</li>
</ul>
<u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tuna-melts-with-avocado-50400000113033/" target="_blank">Tuna Melts with Avocado</a>.
Avocados are on sale this week, and I am rejoicing! Avocados are pretty
much my favorite. Sliced on sandwiches, diced on salads, plain with
ranch, guacamole....you get the idea. I probably will look up some new
tasty uses for avocados next week, since they are in season for a while.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-74441469384347280912012-04-27T16:06:00.001-05:002012-04-27T16:06:40.663-05:00April 23-29<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Papa Murphy's <a href="http://www.papamurphys.com/OurMenu/Overview/Pizzas/Stuffed/ChickenBaconStuffed" target="_blank">Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza</a></li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Chicken Salad in Pita Pockets (for quick, clean on-the-go dinner)</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Marinated Grilled Tilapia. I made my own marinate out of caesar dressing, 3-cheese italian dressing, lemon juice, and dijon mustard,</li>
<li>Baked Potatoes....with sour cream (or actually Fage Greek yogurt), bacon bits, and cheddar cheese</li>
<li>Green Salad with bell pepper, tomato, cucumber, and sunflower seeds</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/01/sweet-and-fiery-pork-tenderloin-with.html" target="_blank">Sweet and Fiery Pork Tenderloin with Mango Salsa</a>. This was on the menu last week, but never got made because I ran out of a few ingredients for it. New recipe...super excited!</li>
<li>Whole Wheat Couscous</li>
<li>Caesar Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lemony-chicken-saltimbocca-50400000109573/" target="_blank"> Lemony Chicken Saltimbocca</a>. I really liked this last time, but had to substitute poultry seasoning for the sage leaves. This time I bought sage leaves, so hopefully it will be even better!</li>
<li>Angel Hair Pasta with lemony-butter sauce</li>
<li>Green Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.theyummylife.com/blog/2012/04/300/Make-Ahead,+Healthy+Egg+McMuffin+Copycats+--+a+grab-and-go+breakfast+with+reduced+calories+&+fat" target="_blank">Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Muffins </a>. I made a big batch of these midway through the week (the secret is out, now you know I back-posted this!), wrapped them individually in wax paper, and froze them. They are SO good...both the canadian bacon kind and the sausage ones. This provides a much more balanced breakfast than my normal plain Special K, and incredibly quick to just pop in the microwave, wrapping and all! And also, my came out to about $0.80 each, which makes them quite the cost effective breakfast!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/caprese-wraps-with-chicken-10000001981722/" target="_blank">Caprese Wraps with Chicken</a>. This is a new recipe that looks quite tasty and quick!</li>
</ul>
<u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-marsala/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Chicken Marsala</a>. I don't actually use a recipe for this, but here's a good starting one! Make extra sauce for the potatoes. :)</li>
<li>Mashed Potatoes</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-65534134532416571642012-04-15T19:34:00.000-05:002012-04-30T23:15:52.763-05:00April 16-22<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-honey-brushed-chicken-thighs-10000002010998/" target="_blank">Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken Thighs</a>. A tried and true winner :)</li>
<li>Jasmine Rice</li>
<li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2012/03/caesar-roasted-cabbage-380-recipe-063.html" target="_blank">Casesar Roasted Cabbage</a></li>
</ul>
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Subway</li>
<li><a href="http://www.justputzing.com/2012/01/strawberries-and-cream-pie.html" target="_blank">Strawberries and Cream Pie</a>. This is my week to bring dessert to our Bible study. <i>Oh. My. Goodness. </i>This is seriously to die for. Like, as soon as it was gone, I was trying to figure out if I had the ingredients to make it again. Even without an excuse. It's that good.</li>
</ul>
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-enchiladas-50400000118610/" target="_blank">Chicken Enchiladas</a>. The best I've ever had; definitely worth the extra work!</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/01/sweet-and-fiery-pork-tenderloin-with.html" target="_blank">Sweet & Fiery Pork Tenderloin w/ Mango Salsa</a>. New recipe. This looks rocking! And mangos are on sale this week.</li>
<li>Baked Potatoes</li>
<li>Steamed Green Beans w/ Butter and Bacon </li>
</ul>
<u>Friday</u><br />
<ul>
<li> Crab Alfredo w/ Mushrooms. Don't have a recipe for this. I'll just use canned alfredo sauce, saute some mushrooms, and use imitation crab with whole wheat pasta.</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2010/09/dal-nirvana-314-recipe-052.html" target="_blank">Dal Nirvana</a> </li>
<li>Jasmine Rice</li>
<li>Salad</li>
</ul>
<u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Leftovers </li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-88278091721055140102012-04-10T20:19:00.000-05:002012-04-12T12:39:33.567-05:00April 9-15My budget is happy. Since I've started being more disciplined about my recording my menus and sticking to them, my grocery budget has been going further. This past week, we spent Easter with family, and I spent about $12 to contribute to the meal, and last week we also bought a pizza for dinner one night. Even with that, this week I still had $13 left over in my food envelope! Huzzah!<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul><li>Marinated grilled chicken. Used 3-Cheese Italian and Caesar dressing for the marinade</li>
<li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2012/03/caesar-roasted-cabbage-380-recipe-063.html" target="_blank">Caesar Roasted Cabbage</a>. I hate cabbage. But it's so super cheap, and this recipe actually looked good, so I tried it. <i>Very </i>glad I did....yummy!</li>
<li>Roasted red potatoes. I put a sauce over them of butter, sour cream, dijon mustard, and mozzerella cheese.</li>
</ul><u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul><li>Taco Bus on our way to Bible study. It's an authentic mexican place that is literally in a parked bus. A <i>huge</i> burrito is $5, and it's enough for us to share. yum!</li>
</ul><u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul><li>Hamburgers. I form them myself...none of this wasting money to buy the pre-done ones. Also, this way I can put tasty-ness in! This time, I plan to knead fresh garlic and barbeque sauce into the patties, and stuff them with bacon bits and cheddar cheese. And along with the regular toppings, I will sauté mushrooms and green peppers</li>
<li>salad</li>
</ul><u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2011/04/creamy-mushroom-pasta-w-chicken-1004.html" target="_blank"> Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta</a></li>
<li>Vegetable Medley. This is a classic summer dish for me, when all the ingredients are cheap. Sauté sliced zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, and mushrooms up in a bit of olive oil or butter. Season with Mrs. Dash, and melt parmesan cheese over everything. </li>
</ul><u>Friday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2010/04/sriracha-chicken-strips-455-recipe-114.html" target="_blank">Sriracha Chicken Strips.</a> John <i>loves</i> these. I usually make them on Friday's or Saturdays because they make good weekend leftovers. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.dietsinreview.com/recipes/parmesan-pepper-sweet-potato-fries/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Fries</a>. Yum Yum Yum!</li>
<li>salad</li>
</ul><u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul><li>Fresh bread (in my bread maker) </li>
<li>Chicken Stir-fry. I just buy the bags of frozen stir-fry vegetables that already have the sauce packets, and use cooked chicken cubes and brown rice. Fast, easy, healthy. Perfect for the weekend</li>
</ul><u>Sunday </u><br />
<ul><li>Leftovers/Freezer meals</li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-62992531062533257662012-04-01T16:36:00.000-05:002012-04-01T16:36:33.180-05:00April 2-8<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pan-seared-halibut-bell-pepper-50400000118564/" target="_blank">Pan-Seared Halibut with Bell Pepper Relish</a>. Except that I'm using tilapia, since that's what I have in the freezer right now. Should still be tasty!</li>
<li>Whole Wheat Couscous</li>
<li>Caesar Salad</li>
<li>Grilled Asparagus </li>
</ul><u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul><li>Subway</li>
</ul><u>Wednesday </u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2012/03/chicken-yakisoba-563-recipe-094-serving.html" target="_blank">Chicken Yakisoba </a>. New recipe...looks quite yummy! It uses ramen noodles without the spice packet for the base, which is intriguing. I hope it's good, cause ramen noodles are so super cheap.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/sesame-soy-green-beans-50400000113775/" target="_blank">Seseme Soy Green Beans </a></li>
</ul><u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://montanamunchies.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/curry-coconut-chicken-with-broccoli/" target="_blank">Curry Coconut Chicken w/ Vegetables </a>. The recipe says just broccoli, but I plan on putting bell peppers and mushrooms in it too.</li>
<li>Mixed Greens Salad </li>
</ul><u>Friday</u><br />
<ul><li>Chicken Salad pita pockets. We'll be eating in the car on our way to Chattanooga for Easter. This is a great alternative to fast food!</li>
<li>Fruit (whatever we have leftover from the week) </li>
</ul><u>Weekend</u> : I'll be out of town with family for Easter, so no cooking for this girl! <br />
<ul></ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-42210691750599672382012-03-25T22:34:00.059-05:002012-03-30T12:29:17.791-05:00March 26-April 1Quick post today :)<br />
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<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul><li>Spaghetti w/ italian sausage</li>
<li>salad</li>
</ul><u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul><li>Papa Murphys stuffed pizza. It's the end of the month, and I've done well with my grocery budget. Also, it's spring break, so I'm watching the girls I nanny all day, and so I'm not as enthusiastic abouting cook dinner when I get home.</li>
</ul><u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul><li>Marinated grilled chicken</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/truffled-mac-cheese-50400000118627/" target="_blank">Truffled Mac & Cheese</a> . I'm not a big fan of macaroni and cheese, but this sounded really yummy, so I thought I'd try this really decadent recipe and decide once and for all if I like it. :) On a side note, I have never spent this much on cheese. haha</li>
<li>mixed greens salad w/ tomatoes, avocado, and sunflower seeds</li>
</ul><u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-sausage-jambalaya-50400000116715/" target="_blank">Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya</a> . Another new recipe. </li>
<li>Spinach salad with with raspberry vinaigrette, strawberries, sliced almonds, and feta cheese</li>
</ul><u>Friday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spiced-pork-tenderloin-with-sauted-apples-10000002012820/" target="_blank"> Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sautéed Apples</a>. I'm kind of on a new recipe kick this week. Yippee!</li>
<li>Roasted red tomatoes </li>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-asparagus-10000001713099/" target="_blank">Roasted Asparagus</a></li>
</ul><u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/prosciutto-pear-blue-cheese-sandwiches-10000002012816/" target="_blank">Pear, Prosciutto, and Bleu Cheese Sandwiches </a> (for lunch). This is a new recipe also. But pears were on sale this week, and prosciutto early in the month (it's frozen), and this looked sooo tasty!</li>
<li> leftovers for dinner</li>
</ul><u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tuna-melts-with-avocado-50400000113033/" target="_blank">Tuna Melts with Avocado</a> . We <i>looooove</i> this recipe. And it's so quick and easy! </li>
<li>salad</li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-17678585500024143182012-03-19T14:19:00.001-05:002012-03-22T17:29:27.890-05:00March 19-25Last week didn't really go as planned. I was sick most of the week. Sleeping 13 hours a day, having no energy, head pounding for 4 days straight, wanting saltines and 7-up and tomato soup....yes, that is my idea of an awesome vacation.<br />
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Needless to say, I didn't follow my menu plan very well. Even once I was feeling well enough to eat normally, I didn't have the energy to cook. Thank goodness for freezer meals, crock pots, and a helpful husband! I taught John to make his favorite chicken thighs recipe, we grilled frozen mahi-mahi (pre-marinated), and had lots of <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-carnitas/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=crock+pot+carnitas&e8=Quick+Search&event10=1&e7=Home+Page" target="_blank">carnitas</a> left-overs.<br />
<br />
Thus, this week, I'll be re-running the recipes I didn't make last week, since I still have all the ingredients. <br />
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<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lemony-chicken-saltimbocca-50400000109573/" target="_blank">Lemony Chicken Saltimbocca</a> , a new recipe I didn't get to try last week</li>
<li>angel hair pasta</li>
<li>salad </li>
</ul><u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul><li> Subway, on our way to Bible study</li>
</ul><u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-enchiladas-50400000118610/" target="_blank">Chicken Enchiladas </a>, didn't do these last week. They're one of our favorites!</li>
<li>steamed green beans</li>
</ul><u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul><li> <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/creamy-chicken-rice-soup/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Chicken Rice soup</a></li>
<li>fresh bread</li>
<li>salad </li>
</ul><u>Friday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pork-tenderloin-mushroom-sauce-50400000118620/" target="_blank"> Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce</a> . New recipe, but I'm excited about it! There's so many recipes I want to try with pork tenderloin, and now that I have several in the freezer....here I come!</li>
<li>mashed potatoes</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-asparagus-with-caper-vinaigrette-10000002001918/" target="_blank">Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinegarette</a></li>
</ul><u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul><li>chicken salad sandwiches (for lunch)</li>
<li>Date Night! We're going to see a matinee <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/" target="_blank">Hunger Games</a>, and then we'll be using a Groupon for a yummy Thai restaurant! </li>
</ul><u>Sunday </u><br />
<ul><li>Leftovers</li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-60187056840467369192012-03-13T00:55:00.000-05:002012-03-13T00:55:21.451-05:00March 12-18Last week when I went grocery shopping, I was happily surprised to find some great meat sales I had missed when looking through the ads! Pork tenderloins for $2.99/lb, boneless skinless chicken thighs for $1.19/lb, prosciutto (don't remember the sale, but it was good), and pre-marinated frozen tilapia and mahi-mahi for $3.50 per box (2 servings). Needless to say, I filled my freezer and am excited to be adding some variety to my menus in the next month or so. I'm still sticking to my standard chicken breasts for the bulk of meals so that I don't run out of the others too quickly.<br />
<br />
Also, I usually love having a great variety in my vegetable dishes. We are borderline fanatical about our veggies. :) But as far are produce is concerned, it's still to close to winter, which means quality is down and prices are up. This is my excuse for why we've been having boring salads multiple times a week.<br />
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<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul><li>Papa Murphy's pizza. John has been/is bombarded with stress right now, so he wanted some comfort food; enter the Chicken Bacon Stuffed pizza with a free cookie dough coupon! Now we have leftovers for lunch all this week. :)</li>
</ul><u>Tuesday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/creamy-chicken-rice-soup/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Chicken and Rice soup</a> . I put lots of extra veggies in it so that it can be a one-dish meal and I don't have to worry about salad and all that jazz. </li>
<li>fresh bread in the bread machine. </li>
</ul><u>Wednesday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-carnitas/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=crock+pot+carnitas&e8=Quick+Search&event10=1&e7=Home+Page" target="_blank">Carnitas</a> . My sister makes carnitas a lot, and she recommended this crock pot version. As suggested, I will be almost doubling all the spices in order to hype up the flavor. This will be my first time making carnitas, so I'm not sure exacting how they should be served, except for on corn tortillas.</li>
<li>steamed green beans with bacon bits</li>
</ul><u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-honey-brushed-chicken-thighs-10000002010998/" target="_blank"> Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken Thighs</a> . A quickie classic, and great use for those on-sale thighs!</li>
<li>coconut jasmine rice</li>
<li>caesar salad</li>
</ul><u>Friday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-enchiladas-50400000118610/" target="_blank">Chicken Enchiladas</a> . I've made many enchilada recipes in the past few years, and this one is definitely my favorite. Although that could be that I've just forgotten some of the other winners. I suppose we'll never know, unless I come across them again and post them here. But either way, these are phenomenal. </li>
<li>green salad</li>
</ul><u>Saturday</u><br />
<ul><li>left-overs! I usually make muffins or omlettes for brunch, then we have left-overs the rest of the day.</li>
</ul><u>Sunday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lemony-chicken-saltimbocca-50400000109573/" target="_blank">Lemony Chicken Saltimbocca</a> . Second new recipe for the week. I haven't gotten a chance to try this one previously, because prosciutto is so incredibly expensive usually. I was so happy to find it on sale, since that meant I can now try some of these recipes!</li>
<li>Angel hair pasta, with butter and lemon juice. This will be as a bed for the chicken</li>
<li>salad</li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-80334744662140697232012-03-07T19:39:00.000-06:002012-03-07T19:39:23.560-06:00New Recipe Review: Chicken and Chorizo with Beans and Yellow RiceWe just finished up with our tasty dinner of the <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/rice-beans-chicken-chorizo-50400000116799/" target="_blank">chicken and chorizo recipe.</a><br />
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I just must say this first......WOW!<br />
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I was very impressed with this dish. It's not often that I find a dish that satisfies everything I look for in a week night recipe: delicious, cheap, fast, and healthy. This one did!<br />
<br />
That definitely makes it a keeper in this house.<br />
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I'm already thinking of the versatility this dish offers. The leftovers from tonight will be great either as we ate them tonight, or thrown into a tortilla and topped with cheese. I really think it would do well in the freezer too, so next time I plan on making a double batch to put some in the freezer for the Mr. when I'm gone sometime.<br />
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I usually plan a little extra time when I'm trying a new recipe, but tonight, this actually resulted in me having dinner ready 15 minutes before John even got home! It's that easy.<br />
<br />
First I cooked the chorizo. I used the kind that feels like ground meat--not sausage in casings--so I wasn't able to get it into "cubes" like the recipe said, but I actually preferred having it in smaller chunks so it permeated the dish better. I also wanted to taste the chorizo more, and I didn't quite have a pound of chicken, so I increased the chorizo from 2 ounces to 6 ounces. I think next time I'll do 4, because it was a bit too spicy, but the extra flavor was amazing.<br />
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I started the rice cooking on another burner. Then I browned the chicken, chopping the tomatoes while it cooked. Added water, tomatoes, chorizo, salt and pepper, and let it cook down, then added the black beans. I used beans that I had soaked, cooked, and frozen previously, instead of a can.<br />
<br />
And that was that.<br />
<br />
I had a meal....even though I felt like I hadn't done much yet!<br />
<br />
John and I agreed that the taste was very complex and flavorful--amazing since it has so few ingredients, but had a certain authenticity and rusticness.<br />
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Also, this was the first time I tried chorizo, I really loved it, and am excited to try more recipes with it!<br />
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I'm thinking with the remainder of this pound (since I only used 6 ounces), I will cook it up and use it for breakfast burritos! Idea courtesy of my sister, who cooks a lot with chorizo because of her Mexican hubby. :)<br />
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Hurrah for finding new tasty things to cook and experimenting with new meats!Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981038999004145899.post-3639405864551023642012-03-04T20:14:00.000-06:002012-03-04T20:14:20.770-06:00March 4-11Chicken is cheap. And healthy.<br />
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So I cook it. A lot.<br />
<br />
John jokes that I know 487 awesome ways to cook chicken breasts. I'm not so sure it's a joke. :)<br />
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That being said, what with this being a short week for menu planning (we're visiting family in Chattanooga TN this weekend), and with "Subway Tuesday" (when we dash to Subway and scarf down on our way to Bible study), chicken is the only main meat I'm doing this week.<br />
<br />
So, here is chicken week for ya :)<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-marsala/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Chicken Marsala</a> . This is just one variation of my standard go-to yummy chicken dish that I don't use a recipe for any more. But I included a good starter in case I lose my mind in the future and can't even cook this. My cousin says having children sucks all your brains away.</li>
<li>Roasted Red Potato Wedges. I don't use a recipe for this. Just cut washed potatoes into wedges, spread onto greased pan in a single layers, and drizzle olive oil, fresh garlic, salt, and parmesan cheese over them. Bake at 400 for 30 minutes, flipping onces </li>
<li>Caeser salad</li>
</ul><u>Tuesday </u><br />
<ul><li>Subway. Sadly, "FebruAny" is over, so we have to go back to the cheap-o $5 options.</li>
</ul><u>Wednesday</u> <br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/rice-beans-chicken-chorizo-50400000116799/" target="_blank">Chicken and chorizo with yellow rice and beans</a> . My new recipe for the week. Look really simple. I haven't cooked with chorizo before...I'm exited!</li>
<li>salad with tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, cheese</li>
</ul><u>Thursday</u><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2010/12/black-bean-roasted-salsa-soup-587.html" target="_blank">Black Bean and Roasted Vegetable Soup</a> . One of the best ways I've found to cook black beans.</li>
<li>Grilled cheese and chicken sandwiches</li>
</ul><u>Friday-Sunday</u><br />
<ul><li> We'll be out of town. I will be making a ham and broccoli quiche so we have something to eat when we get back. And I have some leftover ham bits that need to get used. :)</li>
</ul>Diana P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05866942589263427305noreply@blogger.com0