You are here: Home / Archives for menu planning

Our Menu (Week of May 20, 2012)

May 21, 2012 6 Comments

I’m hoping to focus on household organization this week (will it ever end?) so, for the most part, I’m keeping our menu plan easy and familiar.  Since it officially feels like summer, I’m taking advantage of both the grill and my husband–he can grill while I make the sides ;) .  Easy!

Here’s what’s on our menu this week:

Cinnamon roll biscuits

Breakfasts

Lunches

  • Leftovers x 2 plus fruit
  • P.b and jelly, watermelon, yogurt
  • Ham and cheese sliders, fruit
  • Bean and cheese burritos (made with homemade refried beans hopefully), fruit salad
  • Taiwanese noodle bowl with veggies
  • Egg salad sandwiches with avocado & tomato, strawberry smoothies

Dinners

  • Chicken Olivia over rice, tossed salad, broccoli
  • Herb-roasted salmon, rice, sautéed garlic spinach, roasted mushrooms
  • Beef tostadas, homemade refried beans, sweet corn cake
  • Baked honey mustard chicken thighs with peppers, veggie tian, couscous
  • Grilled rib eye steaks, creamy mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and mushrooms
  • Tortellini bake, spinach salad, roasted squash, garlic bread
  • Leftovers Night

Snacks

  • Pineapples, melons, apples, bananas
  • Graham crackers with p.b, cheese bites
  • Yogurt & veggies

Freezer Cooking & DIY Session:  I don’t do a traditional once-a-month session, but generally choose 2 or 3 recipes. 

  • Slow cooker refried beans (still haven’t made this…yikes)
  • English muffin bread (4 loaves)
  • And: TBD from MSM’s 4 Weeks to Fill Your Freezer Challenge

What’s cooking in your home this week?

*For great menu ideas and plans, stop by Menu Plan Monday over at OrgJunkie.  :)

Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of May 13, 2012)

May 14, 2012 7 Comments

Mother’s Day balsamic Italian pasta salad (with enough leftovers for lunch this week)

I hope all you mamas had a relaxing and hug-filled day with your loved ones!  We celebrated Mother’s Day at our place and stuffed ourselves silly.   Everyone left with leftovers and now we, too, have leftovers to get me started on our menu plan.

I made my frozen key lime pie for dessert.  Too darn good.  Too darn NOT good for your waistline. Continue reading

Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of May 6, 2012)

May 7, 2012 2 Comments

This morning’s strawberry pineapple smoothie

I’m doing a lot of my own thing this week when it comes to meals.  I feel like I need a mini-detox after the last few weeks of crazy food consumption (large portions, dinner out, snacking OFTEN).  I’ll be sticking with a lot of smoothies for breakfast and salads for lunch.  But I still made a detailed plan for the little family.  Here’s what’s on our menu this week:

Breakfasts

Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of April 29, 2012)

April 30, 2012 8 Comments

Berry ebelskiver–Yes, that’s bacon in the background, but we aren’t eating bacon this week.  How sad for us. :(

Hi all!  I’m lagging big time today and I’ve zero motivation to plan a menu.  I should have done it last night or this morning, but I’m actually planning it as I type it.  Whoops.  I went against my “rules” and went to the grocery store this morning with only a little list and a vague idea of what we’ll be eating this week.  I’m usually armed with my menu plan and a full list.  Let this not be an indicator of the week ahead..

I’m trying not to be crabby over the fact that our neighborhood chain grocery store is somewhat lacking in the “friendly” department.  I try to ignore it, but some days it really irritates me that so few of the employees at this specific store can muster a smile, a hello, or even a nod.  Another reason I love the little market I frequent and am glad we rely on so few items from the grocery chain.  Ah well, bigger fish to fry, right?

Here’s what’s on our menu this week:

Breakfasts

  • Egg scramble, cinnamon toast, apples (camping)
  • Ebelskiver with homemade blackberry jam, fruit salad, milk Continue reading
Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of April 22, 2012)

April 23, 2012 5 Comments

photo credit 

This is how I imagined my breakfast alone this morning.  Such was not the case.

Here’s what’s on our menu this week:

Breakfasts

  • Oatmeal w/flax & dried cherries, fruit  x 2
  • French toast, fruit, juice Continue reading
Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of April 15, 2012)

April 16, 2012 12 Comments

 My menu-planning and to-do list review session this morning.  I gather up a hot beverage and my to-do lists;  I enjoy this weekly cozytime “task.”

 I’m using a whole chicken in 3 different meals this week.  My attempt to a) not waste ingredients/food and b) fill our menu with yummy meals without overspending (which I am guilty of doing at the grocery store.  I love grocery shopping just as much as clothes shopping). 

Here’s what’s on our menu this week:

Breakfasts

  • Pumpkin muffins, tangerines
  • Blueberry lemon pancakes, bananas, o.j.
  • Oatmeal w/wheat bran & dried cherries, fruit Continue reading
Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of April 9, 2012)

April 9, 2012 6 Comments

Easter brunch at my in-laws’…mmm.  I love how my mom-in-law always has cute little salt and pepper shakers to fit every occasion.  Cozy.

I didn’t have a menu plan last week because little Munchie and I went on a little trip to be with my family.  Instead, I had the pleasure of eating my mama’s wonderful creations.  And Munchie got to eat lots of delicious fish, soup, and other Taiwanese dishes courtesy of my mama.  It makes me so happy to see her gobble up all the amazing food my eager mom can’t wait to make for her.  Happy hearts all around.

Here’s what’s on our menu this week:

Breakfasts

  • Easter Brunch
  • Easter Brunch leftovers (Yay! cinnamon rolls, creamed egg on toast, skillet potatoes), strawberries, o.j.
  • Green monster smoothies, toast strips (for Munchie)
  • Oatmeal w/wheat bran & dried cherries, fruit x 2 Continue reading
Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of March 25, 2012)

March 26, 2012 Leave a Comment

Cinnamon roll biscuit strips: This is what happens when you forget to roll up the dough before slicing.  I blame Monday.

Ah, the rain is back.  After a week of sunny skies, the rain started again yesterday afternoon.  Then I had the pleasure of hearing it pitter patter during 2 hours of Mad Men (sigh) and all through the night.  Bliss.  I love planning our menu as I watch the rain out my kitchen windows.  Rain makes me hungry.  Lots of things make me hungry.

Here’s what’s on our menu this week:

Breakfasts

  • Easy baked eggs, toast strips w/jam, blueberries
  • Green monster smoothies, cereal (for Munchkin)
  • Oatmeal w/wheat bran & raisins, fruit x 2
  • Cinnamon roll biscuits, peaches, o.j. Continue reading
Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of March 18, 2012)

March 19, 2012 7 Comments

Sun-dried tomato chicken spaghetti bake

We’ve enjoyed a weekend long rainstorm and I’m loving it!  Wind, rain, hail–I love you!  I get so much done when it rains.  I don’t know why it revives me, but it does and my closet is less of an abyss thanks to the storm. Ah, decluttering  and tossing things is a wonderful feeling.  Now on to our menu for the week.

Breakfasts

  • Egg muffin sausage sandwiches, o.j.
  • Oatmeal w/wheat bran & dried cherries, fruit x 2
  • Egg in a hole, bananas, pineapple juice Continue reading
Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , ,

Our Menu (Week of March 11, 2012)

March 11, 2012 2 Comments

Delicious veggie tian.  I’ll share the recipe this week.  Really, I will.  I’m not just saying that like I do every week.

The weather is cooling down today even though we had a very warm weekend.  I might have to adjust this menu if we get some rain–rain calls for stew and comfort meals around here.  I also have some carry over from last week since I switched up our plans a few times.

What I’d really like to eat this week is pierogies.  Except that I don’t have a fantastic recipe.  And the ones I really loved?  They were from the freezer section at Trader Joe’s– I actually preferred those to the ones I tasted in Poland 2 years go (I can’t believe I just said that–but maybe I was in a bad restaurant where the chef cooked & served bad pierogies.  That could happen).  And Trader Joe’s stopped carrying them a couple of years ago.  Boo.  Big fat boo!  I’ve just now, this very minute, decided that my new mission this year is to make the best pierogies in the land!

Advice?  Pierogi expert reading this?

Here’s what’s on our menu for the week.

Breakfasts

  • Potato hash with eggs, peppers, onions, and mushroom
  • Oatmeal with dried cherries and bananas x 2
  • Breakfast frittatas, fruit
  • Cereal with bananas, smoothies x 2
  • Good Mornin’ Muffins, fruit, hot cocoa

Lunches

  • Leftovers x 3 plus fruit
  • Pb and peach jam sandwiches, apple slices, graham crackers
  • Veggie pasta salad, cheese bits, fruit
  • Zucchini patties, melon
  • Grilled cheese with ham, apple slices

Dinners

  • Lasagna biscuit bake, veggie tian
  • Homemade chicken nuggets, veggie couscous, cauliflower
  • Baked tortellini, roasted asparagus, slow cooker garlic mushrooms
  • Slow cooker minestrone, honey cornbread
  • Chicken roll ups, veggie tian
  • Shepherd’s pie, salad, homemade butter rolls
  • Leftovers Night

Snacks

  • Fruit: melon, bananas, pineapple, tangerines
  • Pumpkin bars
  • Cranberry oat bars

Are you trying any new recipes this week and I’d love to hear about your favorite easy weekday meal?

Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , ,

Our Menu (Week of March 4, 2012)

March 5, 2012 10 Comments

My sweet friend Carol (aka Baker Extraordinaire) stopped by this morning and brought one of my favorite cakes for my birthday–Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Yum!  I’ll be indulging tonight.

I failed to share the easy recipes I promised you last week.  I have no excuse.  I could blame the mountains of magazines I’m trying to purge.  Okay, yea, I’ll blame those.  Instead of just tossing them, I have to go through each magazine and tear out the pages I want to keep.  But I did toss/share/recycle dozens and dozens of them so that’s a plus!  Here’s our menu for the week.

Breakfasts

  • Oatmeal with dried cherries and bananas x 2
  • Cereal with bananas, smoothies x 2
  • Apple cake, berry smoothies
  • Hashbrown casserole, berries, pineapple juice x 2

Lunches

  • Leftovers x 3 plus fruit
  • Burritos, tangerines
  • Veggie wraps, melon
  • Ham and cheese sliders, fruit
  • Pasta salad with caesar dressing

Dinners

  • Cheesy chili mac
  • My birthday dinner–Husband is getting dinner so we can all cozy up at home…my fave:)
  • Mushroom chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans
  • Soup and butter garlic rolls (undecided on the soup, but it will include mushrooms because I have 3,485 in my fridge)
  • Broccoli chicken pasta, veggie tian
  • Homemade chicken nuggets, veggie couscous, cauliflower
  • Leftovers Night

Snacks

  • Fruit: strawberries, blueberries, oranges, melon, and bananas
  • Cranberry-oats bars, pumpkin bars
  • Homemade applesauce, Greek yogurt, cheese, & graham crackers

What’s on your plan for the week?

Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: ,

Our Menu (Week of February 26, 2012)

February 27, 2012 4 Comments

Cinnamon Swirl Flash Bread

Here’s our menu plan for the week.  I’m keeping it simple because I have some DIY and freezer cooking I’d like to squish into the week as well.  I’ll share any successes with you.  I also have a few simple recipes I’d like to share with you this week, too, like the cinnamon bread pictured above.  Stay tuned if you’re looking for easy and delicious recipes to add to your busy day menus.

Breakfasts

  • Oatmeal with raisins and bananas x 2
  • Toast with jam, fruit salad, o.j.
  • Egg muffin sandwiches, fruit salad
  • Overnight oatmeal, o.j.
  • Breakfast burritos, smoothies
  • Cereal with bananas, smoothies

Lunches

  • Leftovers x 3 plus fruit
  • Fruit smoothies with oats, pasta salad
  • Salad wraps with vinaigrette, berries
  • Chicken wraps, fruit smoothies
  • My mom’s noodle bowl (my fave and now my munchkin’s fave, too)

Dinners

  • Pizza and salad for Oscars TV Night
  • Loaded potatoes, broccoli
  • Pork tenderloin, veggie tian, garlic angel hair pasta
  • Zucchini turkey bake, spinach salad, rice pilaf
  • Beef stew, parmesan knots
  • Leftovers Night x 2

Snacks

  • Fruit: fruit salad (plan to make a huge bowl today and eat it for the next few days), bananas, apples, tangerines, pears.
  • Multi-grain crackers & Greek yogurt
  • Carrots, celery, cucumbers, dip
  • String cheese & graham crackers

What’s on your plan for the week?

Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , ,

Our Menu (Week of February 19, 2012)

February 20, 2012 2 Comments

In the Fridge Casserole

I briefly debated with myself about putting together a menu plan for the week.

Lazy-Negative Me: “Your kiddo is sick, you don’t feel so hot yourself, and your schedule is erratic this week.  Forget it.  Don’t waste your time.  Go give yourself a facial instead–you look pale and lifeless.”

Slightly-Less-Negative Me: “ That’s the look I was going for!  Crazy house this week?  All the more reason to create a menu plan, Lazy Me!  Think of how much easier mealtimes will go, think of the joy on the face of your husband and child when presented with pre-planned, delicious meals!”

Barf.  SLN Me makes me cringe.  I’m feeling a little delirious after getting up 487 times last night. Cheesy, overly eager, SLN Me won the battle though.

Even simple, sometimes uninspired menu plans are beneficial to me: I’d rather have one and alter it, than not have one and stare into fridge, mouth slightly ajar at 4:55 p.m.  Pretty.  So pretty.

Lots of soup will be had this week.  We are sickly folk, after all.  slurp.

Breakfasts

  • Oatmeal with raisins and bananas x 3
  • In the Fridge casserole, peaches x 2 (I’ll share the recipe soon)
  • Toast with jam, fruit salad, o.j.
  • Apple cake, berries, hot cider

Lunches

  • Leftovers x 3 plus fruit
  • Cheese and chicken quesadillas, apples
  • Salad wraps with vinaigrette, berries
  • Couscous with zucchini & sun-dried tomatoes, multigrain crackers
  • Tomato soup, grilled cheese, apples

Dinners

  • Chicken & veggie noodle soup, cheesy-jalapeno bread
  • Vegetable chowder, French bread with butter
  • Spinach stuffed chicken breasts, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli
  • Slow cooker Angel Chicken, salad, cauliflower
  • Spinach chicken bake, roasted asparagus ( I have a lot of spinach in the fridge & freezer I’d like to put a dent in)
  • Leftovers Night x 2

Snacks

  • Fruit: honeydew, strawberries, bananas, peaches, apples (do you have Pacific Rose in your area? SO delicious. But such a short season of only 2 months)
  • Multi-grain crackers & Greek yogurt
  • Carrots, celery, cucumbers, dip
  • Babybel cheese & graham crackers
  • Fruit smoothies (with a little spinach thrown in)

Do I have company in the sick-home arena?  Are you cooking up some soup this week, too?  Love to see what’s on your menu plan this week!

 
Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of February 12, 2012)

February 13, 2012 Leave a Comment

I didn’t get to several things on my menu plan last week.  I took the easy route a few nights and pulled items from the freezer or made simple meals on the fly.  This week, although we have a schedule that will keep us on the run, I sense a good week for my kitchen and me.

This year I’ve found the more intentional I am about looking on the bright side, seeing the blessings in mundane or dreaded tasks, and not stewing over minor inconveniences or hiccups in my life, the more relaxed and content I am.   Gee, surprise, surprise.  :)

I try to stick with my ”intentional” ways by scheduling extra kitchen time into my week to test out new recipes or bake with my little girl.  I can get my ommmmm on without ever stepping into a yoga class–major bonus because I am not a yoga gal.

Breakfasts

  • Toast with peanut butter, bananas, juice
  • Cinnamon chip muffins, strawberries
  • Stuffed French toast, bacon, melon, milk
  • Sunrise breakfast casserole, fruit salad x 2
  • Oatmeal Your Way, melon, x 2

Lunches

  • Leftovers x 3 plus fruit
  • Peanut butter and peach jam sandwiches, fruit, milk
  • Cheese and chicken quesadillas, apples
  • Chopped salad, berries
  • Couscous with veggies, multigrain crackers

Dinners

  • Slow cooker creamy chicken, brown and white rice (I generally cook mostly brown with a bit of white mixed in), broccoli
  • Homemade pizza, salad, roasted zucchini, strawberry shakes
  • Spinach and sausage stuffed shells, salad
  • Beef stew, rolls, roasted veggies
  • Crispy chicken (or cheesy taco pasta, can’t decide), roasted potatoes, salad
  • Leftovers Night x 2

Snacks

  • Fruit: honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries
  • Multi-grain crackers & Greek yogurt
  • Carrots, celery, cucumbers, dip
  • String cheese & graham crackers
  • muffins

What’s on your menu plan this week?

 Photo courtesy: Prepared Pantry
Filed Under: Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , ,

Our Menu (Week of February 5, 2012)

February 6, 2012 9 Comments

My Super Bowl snacks helper

I’m feeling quite uninspired as I menu plan today.  Probably because I’m sneezing so much that it’s impacting my brain function.  Maybe I’ll switch it up a bit after the sneezing fits end.

Breakfasts

  • Cereal, banana, juice (we rarely have cereal around here, but I tested it out because Mom’s Best was on sale for a mere $0.49 last week and my munchkin liked this special treat)
  • Toast with peanut butter, peaches, fruit smoothies
  • Baked apple oatmeal, fruit x 2
  • Hard-boiled eggs, toast, berry smoothies
  • Breakfast sausage casserole, fruit salad x 2

Lunches

  • Leftovers x 3 plus fruit
  • Thai chicken wraps–I’ll have mine as a salad–, smoothies
  • Peanut butter and peach jam sandwiches, fruit, milk
  • Snack-ey Lunch
  • Cheese and veggie quesadillas

Dinners

  • Grilled Korean BBQ, rice, grilled zucchini, red velvet cake, and Super Bowl sides:)
  • Broccoli cheddar soup, rolls, salad
  • Slow cooker hearty beef stew, rolls
  • Spinach and sausage stuffed shells, salad
  • Chicken Olivia, brown rice, broccoli & cauliflower
  • Leftovers Night x 2

Snacks

  • Fruit: peaches, grapes, apples, tangerines
  • Multi-grain crackers & Greek yogurt
  • Carrots, celery, cucumbers, dip
  • String cheese & graham crackers

What’s on your menu plan this week?  Inspire me :)

 
Filed Under: Freezer Cooking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , ,

Our Menu (Week of January 29, 2012)

January 30, 2012 Leave a Comment

Blueberry coffeecake

I’m trying to make this week another easy one with the help of my slow cooker.  I haven’t been feeling well since this past weekend so I’m also hoping to relax as much as I can this week :)   Nice excuse for me to bundle up on the couch and turn on Downton Abbey while my slow cooker does the work, huh?

Breakfasts

Waffles, fruit, o.j.

Toast with peanut butter, banana, fruit smoothies

Baked apple oatmeal, fruit x 2

Hard-boiled eggs, toast, berry smoothies

Blueberry coffeecake, fruit salad x 2

Lunches

Leftovers x 2 plus fruit

Thai chicken wraps–I’ll have mine as a salad–, smoothies

Peanut butter and peach jam sandwiches, apple slices & blueberries, milk

Pear, pecan, cranberry salad with poppy-seed dressing, Fage yogurt, x 2

Cucumber, avocado, tomato, balsamic vinaigrette salad & turkey wraps

Dinners

Slow cooker chicken parmesan over rotini, broccoli, eggplant and garlic bruschetta, applesauce

Cobb salad for the adults and homemade chicken nuggets (with roasted veggies) for the little one:)

Slow cooker hearty beef stew, garlic bread

Slow cooker chicken quesadillas, fruit salad, chips and salsa

Hamburger vegetable soup, homemade rolls (didn’t get to this last week)

Leftovers Night x 2

Snacks

Fruit, multi-grain crackers, and Greek yogurt

Smoothies

Carrots, celery, cucumbers, dip

Dessert

(Slow cooker) Berry cobbler with homemade vanilla ice cream (didn’t get to this last week)

Freezer Cooking: 

Since our freezer is acting up (ack!) I’m skipping freezer cooking…I’m too afraid to add anything to it!

What’s on your menu plan this week?

 
Filed Under: Freezer Cooking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of January 22, 2012)

January 23, 2012 Leave a Comment

My Pumpkin took english muffins to preschool this week for mini-pizza day.  She loves using the leftovers for egg sausage sandwiches and asked me to take a picture. :)

Why I keep forgetting to use my slow cooker is beyond me.  Especially since I love using it and have it included in my menu planning week after week!  Will.not.forget.this.week.  I’m using up a lot of chicken and some frozen veggies from the freezer which makes the slow cooker meals a snap.  It’s a windy, rainy day (ommmmm…bliss) and we are staying in today so no veggie shopping until tomorrow.  I think it’s going to be a good day.

Breakfasts

Waffles, fruit, o.j.

Egg sausage cheese muffin sandwiches, banana, o.j.

Oatmeal, fruit, smoothies x 2

Banana crumb muffins, spiced cider, fruit salad

Toast with peanut butter, fruit smoothie

Cinnamon roll bread, fruit salad, spiced cider

(Hm.  Kind of a comfort food breakfast week.  I should change a few things.  But I won’t.)

Lunches

Leftovers x 2 plus fruit

Turkey veggie wraps, smoothies

Peanut butter and grandma’s peach jam sandwiches, apple slices, milk

Chili, cornbread (from a freezer cooking session)

Pear, pecan, cranberry salad with poppyseed dressing x 2

Dinners

Dinner at extended family’s home

(Slow cooker) Honey sauce chicken, rice(brown with a bit of white mixed in), garlic & onion broccoli sauté, carrots

Beef and black bean bake, cranberry-feta-walnut salad

Hamburger vegetable soup, rolls

(Slow cooker) Creamy Italian chicken, brown rice, Italian green beans, simple salad

(Slow cooker) Mushroom chicken, sautéed spinach, rice, simple salad

Leftovers Night

Snacks

Fruit (whatever looks best when I hit up the market)

Greek yogurt

Smoothies

Banana muffins

Carrots, celery, cucumbers, dip

Dessert

(Slow cooker) Berry cobbler with homemade vanilla ice cream

Freezer Cooking: 

Since I’m working on cleaning out the freezer by using up a bunch of items this week, I’ll do some freezer cooking next week.

What’s on your menu plan this week?  Is it a cozy rainy day for you, too?

 
Filed Under: Freezer Cooking, Homemaking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of January 8, 2012)

January 9, 2012 1 Comment

It’s supposed  to cool down this week (I am not a fan of 80 degree temperatures in January) so I’ll be using the oven more this week.  My parents gave us a beautiful (I find kitchen items visually appealing:) toaster oven for Christmas so I’ll try that out for a couple of dishes.  I don’t know how to use it yet (it does far more than “toast”), but I’ll just go with the “bake” function this week and focus on the complicated functions next week.

We have a few meals out later in the week because my best friend Jennifer is visiting–it has been too long and I’m more than a little excited.  We have a list of places we plan to oink our way through (always our priority) which is never boring because she loves food as much as I do!

Breakfasts

Oatmeal with dried cherries, bananas, freshly squeezed orange juice

Egg/cheese/veggie skillet, smoothies

Baked apple cinnamon oatmeal, orange juice x 2

Toast with peanut butter or jam, bananas, freshly squeezed orange juice

Lemon blueberry pancakes, hot cocoa (I froze a few from last week for a busy morning)

Breakfast out with visiting guest (can’t wait!)

Lunches

Peanut butter and grandma’s blackberry jam sandwiches, apple slices, milk

Spinach Pasta Salad with yoasted pinenuts and feta (didn’t get to this last week) x 2

Roasted chicken sandwiches on multigrain thins, berries

Beef and bean burritos, fruit

Leftovers

Lunch out

Dinners

Beef tostadas/burritos

One dish Italian chicken bake(veggies included), salad

Tortellini spinach bake, roasted veggies (since I couldn’t find the tortellini we like with this last week, I’m attempting again)

Chicken tortilla casserole, salad

Chicken penne bake, roasted veggies, garlic bread

Dinner out with visiting guest (YAY!)

Leftovers Night

Snacks

Bananas, apples, pears, blueberries

Yogurt

Hummus and multigrain crackers

String cheese

Freezer Cooking:

No freezer cooking this week.  Will resume next week with new recipes to try. 

What’s on your menu this week?  Please feel free to link up to your menu as well!

Filed Under: Freezer Cooking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , ,

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes

January 8, 2012 7 Comments

When menu planning for the past week I realized I had the essential ingredients on hand to make lemon blueberry pancakes.

Happiness.  The gargantuan mug of coffee with too much cream (yum), added to the happiness factor.

Great timing on my part (pat, pat) because my Softasilk was due to expire in April (I Sharpied the date on the top of the box because that’s how things roll in my pantry) and my evaporated milk was expiring as well (there are some things I’m not afraid of when they expire…such as evaporated milk, pudding mix, and marshmallow cream).

These are Pioneer Woman’s pancakes.  I love them.  They’re kind of like if a crêpe married a pancake and they had blueberry babies and wrapped themselves in butter to keep warm.  And the best part is my little munchie girl eats them up without any urging.  If you like pancakes, lemon, blueberries, and dessert-type breakfasts (I can’t lie.  They’re dessert-ey), then you should try these.

As the first batch was cooking I sipped my coffee and read the back of the flour box.

I’m making this.  You can’t stop me!

Maybe I shouldn’t read the back of boxes anymore.  This is not going to help my “lose 10 lbs in a minute” plan.

That’s my fingerprint in the butter.  I needed to smash it around to melt the way I like it to.  My finger does the best job.  You might cook your pancakes up a bit more (as I usually do with regular pancakes), but I like the texture and taste of these when they’re just slightly browned and I remove them from the pan when the berries start bursting and oozing all over the place.  Not gourmet, but I’ve never claimed to be gourmet.  I like my ungourmet ways.

Chomp.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Our Menu (Week of January 1, 2012)

January 3, 2012 3 Comments

I’ve been out of town for a week visiting my family so I had no need for a menu plan last week.  Now that we are home I am ready to begin the new year by keeping up with my organizational and household management tasks.  First task (yes, before even unpacking our bags): menu plan.

Breakfasts

Oatmeal with dried cherries, bananas, freshly squeezed orange juice x 2

Fruit smoothies, breakfast burritos  (filled with skillet potatoes, bell peppers, onions, breakfast sausage and cheese)

Lemon blueberry pancakes, fruit salad

Morning muffins (new recipe, I’ll let you know if it’s tasty), fruit salad, cider

Toast with strawberry freezer jam, bananas, freshly squeezed orange juice

Easy breakfast casserole, blueberries, cider (I usually use a different casserole recipe, but thought I’d try give this easy and versatile one a go.  Will let you know how it goes.)

Lunches

Leftovers x 2 plus fruit

Peanut butter and grandma’s peach jam sandwiches, apple slices, milk

My mom’s homemade-best-ever-potstickers

Egg salad sandwiches, apples

Tomato basil soup, rolls

Spinach Pasta Salad with Toasted Pinenuts and Feta

Dinners

Bbq at my sister’s home (yum!)

Grilled chicken fajitas with peppers and onions, corn casserole, salad

Savory Dijon chicken, broccoli, corn casserole

Tortellini spinach bake, roasted veggies

Grilled chicken salads, biscuits

Dinner on the road

Leftovers Night

Snacks

Bananas, apples, oranges, blueberries

Yogurt

Pistachios

Carrots, celery, broccoli, dip

Freezer Cooking:

 I’m, yet again, undecided on my freezer cooking.  It isn’t a huge priority this week since our freezer is jam-packed and I’d like to eat through some pantry items as well.  But we will see…maybe an idea will strike me mid-week.
 

What’s on your menu this week?  Anything new you are testing out for the new year?

Filed Under: Freezer Cooking, Menu Plans Tagged With: , , , ,
« Older Posts
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 77 other followers