The story goes that since I'm on summer break, I've fallen out of many habits. I'm getting lazy. It's true. It's terrible. Don't get me wrong, I'm doing a lot and have really only spent 5 days of the past 20 at home all day. I'm making little progress on my goals for the year and I really am not into reading much either. I don't know what's up. I just want to play with my lil man.
So, I'm going to start writing out my meal plans for y'all again. It keeps me accountable and maybe it will give you some ideas. I'm shopping on Monday mornings now as the stores are not busy and doesn't take from time with hubby and lil man. Granted, shopping with lil man is a little challenging at times. The links will lead you straight to the recipe for the items. Be sure to stop back as I'll review the recipes after I make them.
Monday: Brown Sugar and Bourbon Flank Steak with Cheesy Zucchini rice. Both from Tracey's Culinary Adventure... a favorite food blog.
Tuesday: Meatball subs and french fries
Wednesday: Breakfast (french toast with bacon or a quiche)
Thursday: Taco salads served in biscuit bowls (I forgot the shells at the store as lil man was trying to escape from the cart).
Friday: Honey grilled chicken with grilled potatoes and veggies served with cake for lil man's birthday!
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Grilled cheese or burgers or quesadillas.
Hopefully, this week the local farmer's market will have some good stuff so I can get some new things to try. This morning, I gave my son a piece of toast with a flavored honey from the market and he loved it! Let's see what else I can get him to like.
Showing posts with label Meal Plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meal Plan. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Saving Myself in the Kitchen
Many of you know me as a couponer. I have a confession, I'm not couponing as much as I used to. Whew, did that feel good to get off my chest. I feel slightly guilty about it, but I haven't stopped altogether, I just don't let it take as much time as I used to. Not that it was that long, just that while working, I can't do it all any more. Another reason is because my lil man has food allergies which encourage us to eat more fresh foods and foods that are allergen free. Let's face it, it's not frequently that you get coupons for organics (yes they are out there but not in abundance) and fruits and veggies.
My life changed when a friend introduced me to www.kristaskitchen.com- a great cooking blog by a chef in this area. I started to peruse her site to get ideas for meals for kids with allergies. There weren't a ton, but there were many recipes that I wanted to make despite the fact that they are not E friendly. So, I did. In the process, I stumbled upon her posts about meal planning and how it helps her keep her budget down, organized, etc. I decided I would try it because I was sick of getting home and not knowing what I was going to cook. (Anyone else feel me there?) I mean, I have 2 boys (hubby and lil man) who want meat and potatoes, not a bagged salad with frozen Tyson chicken on top. Not only that, let's face it, going out to eat gets boring and expensive.
Meal planning revolutionized my kitchen and cooking experience. Where I wasn't excited about being in the kitchen before, I was now getting excited. I knew what I was doing and made sure I had all the ingredients (imagine that! Some days I still miss something- hubby will testify to that). Everything is beautiful and efficient with meal plans. The meal planning not only made me more organized in the kitchen to know and have everything ahead of time, it also started to change my shopping routine. Instead of buying a myriad of things that I may not need but seem interesting, everything had a purpose. I was actually saving money because I was buying what I needed for meals instead of just what was on sale but I couldn't make a meal out of. I still clipped coupons and still do, I just don't make it the number one priority anymore.
Meal planning has made it to where when hubby asks what's for dinner, I can easily spout it off or simply say "look at the calendar". I love it! Oh! Yes, I write the meal plan on my shopping list then transfer it to the calendar that hangs in the kitchen by the fridge so I know if I need to put anything out to thaw or not.
How often you plan for is up to you. I plan for 7- 8 days (just in case I don't go to the store on my regularly scheduled Sunday afternoon trip). You save more money when you plan around the sales at your grocer. You'll be more prepared for pot lucks (at least if you know in advance). There are a lot of pros to it. You don't have to feel like you have to make something new each week, but if you want to, this allowes you to. You could even do themed nights (Taco Tuesday, Meat free Monday, Free Friday (left overs, pizza, etc), Wacky Wednesday (new recipe night)). I don't really do it this way. My cheat days are Fridays and Sundays for the most part. Definitely Sundays. I don't really cook that day with preparing for the week.
The one thing I learned in the past 5 months I've been doing this is that it's best to leave at least 1 day for left overs and 1 day for an easy meal (grilled cheese and soup, breakfast, whatever). You'll be eating out less often by meal planning and feel good about what you're doing. Give it a shot for a month and see what you think.
My life changed when a friend introduced me to www.kristaskitchen.com- a great cooking blog by a chef in this area. I started to peruse her site to get ideas for meals for kids with allergies. There weren't a ton, but there were many recipes that I wanted to make despite the fact that they are not E friendly. So, I did. In the process, I stumbled upon her posts about meal planning and how it helps her keep her budget down, organized, etc. I decided I would try it because I was sick of getting home and not knowing what I was going to cook. (Anyone else feel me there?) I mean, I have 2 boys (hubby and lil man) who want meat and potatoes, not a bagged salad with frozen Tyson chicken on top. Not only that, let's face it, going out to eat gets boring and expensive.
Meal planning revolutionized my kitchen and cooking experience. Where I wasn't excited about being in the kitchen before, I was now getting excited. I knew what I was doing and made sure I had all the ingredients (imagine that! Some days I still miss something- hubby will testify to that). Everything is beautiful and efficient with meal plans. The meal planning not only made me more organized in the kitchen to know and have everything ahead of time, it also started to change my shopping routine. Instead of buying a myriad of things that I may not need but seem interesting, everything had a purpose. I was actually saving money because I was buying what I needed for meals instead of just what was on sale but I couldn't make a meal out of. I still clipped coupons and still do, I just don't make it the number one priority anymore.
Meal planning has made it to where when hubby asks what's for dinner, I can easily spout it off or simply say "look at the calendar". I love it! Oh! Yes, I write the meal plan on my shopping list then transfer it to the calendar that hangs in the kitchen by the fridge so I know if I need to put anything out to thaw or not.
How often you plan for is up to you. I plan for 7- 8 days (just in case I don't go to the store on my regularly scheduled Sunday afternoon trip). You save more money when you plan around the sales at your grocer. You'll be more prepared for pot lucks (at least if you know in advance). There are a lot of pros to it. You don't have to feel like you have to make something new each week, but if you want to, this allowes you to. You could even do themed nights (Taco Tuesday, Meat free Monday, Free Friday (left overs, pizza, etc), Wacky Wednesday (new recipe night)). I don't really do it this way. My cheat days are Fridays and Sundays for the most part. Definitely Sundays. I don't really cook that day with preparing for the week.
The one thing I learned in the past 5 months I've been doing this is that it's best to leave at least 1 day for left overs and 1 day for an easy meal (grilled cheese and soup, breakfast, whatever). You'll be eating out less often by meal planning and feel good about what you're doing. Give it a shot for a month and see what you think.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
My meal plan go tos
I love to cook- most days. Some days, I'm not into it. Lately, I'm having more of those not into it. It could be because I'm super busy with work and just want to spend time with my lil guy. I don't know. I'm just low on energy lately and that may play a role in it as well.
Anyway, on those weeks/days when I'm not so into it, I turn to a favorite thing- crock pot chicken. Yep, a whole fryer chicken that I simply place into the crock pot and let cook for 9-10 hours. It's simple and easy. All you do is get the chicken, remove the innards and neck, rinse, place in crock pot and put a lil water in (if you like- otherwise, spray the pan and you get more of a roasted chicken according to things I've read). Be sure to turn it on and allow a lot of time to cook.
Once this chicken is done, I simply take all the bones out- which they usually the meat falls off the bones with no problems and serve with whatever. Then, after dinner, I take what is remaining and divy it up into freezer bags. I can freeze it or save if in the fridge for the rest of the week. By the way of meal plans, here's what it looks like:
Day 1: Crockpot chicken with sides
Day 2: Chicken enchiladas (boy do I have a go to recipe for you guys for these. It's the only one I use- time consuming if you let it, but doing it this way is easier and less so).
Day 3: chicken tortilla soup
Day 4: left overs- there is sure to be some!
Usually, it lasts 3 days and we have left overs on those days. Now, if you have a larger family, this may not work as well, but you may be able to get 2 days of recipes out of it especially if you use it in chicken spaghetti or soups.
Now, I could go buy a rotisserie chicken which may be a little cheaper in perspective, but it doesn't always have as much meat on it and I don't always want to have the rotisserie flavor in my chicken recipes. I've actually had a few that were dried out. Plus, it requires another trip to the store. I confess, I'm lazy.
Pork roast lends itself to similar set ups.
Day 1: put in crock pot for shredded pork sandwiches. I use Pioneer Woman's recipe because it's versatile instead of just bbq.
Day 2: Pork tacos or pork with rice
Day 3: Use in soups
Day 4: left overs.
These are the easiest meal plans I make. Simple, use up what I have in the house and not too time consuming. On a night when you don't want to cook but want a decent meal, this is an easy go to (okay, aside from breakfast for dinner (brinner as I like to call it)).
I make sure to stock up when I see both the fryer chickens and the pork roasts on sale or BOGO. Definitely worth buying and tossing into the freezer for later use. By the way, my confession, I do this set up at least once a month.
Anyway, on those weeks/days when I'm not so into it, I turn to a favorite thing- crock pot chicken. Yep, a whole fryer chicken that I simply place into the crock pot and let cook for 9-10 hours. It's simple and easy. All you do is get the chicken, remove the innards and neck, rinse, place in crock pot and put a lil water in (if you like- otherwise, spray the pan and you get more of a roasted chicken according to things I've read). Be sure to turn it on and allow a lot of time to cook.
Once this chicken is done, I simply take all the bones out- which they usually the meat falls off the bones with no problems and serve with whatever. Then, after dinner, I take what is remaining and divy it up into freezer bags. I can freeze it or save if in the fridge for the rest of the week. By the way of meal plans, here's what it looks like:
Day 1: Crockpot chicken with sides
Day 2: Chicken enchiladas (boy do I have a go to recipe for you guys for these. It's the only one I use- time consuming if you let it, but doing it this way is easier and less so).
Day 3: chicken tortilla soup
Day 4: left overs- there is sure to be some!
Usually, it lasts 3 days and we have left overs on those days. Now, if you have a larger family, this may not work as well, but you may be able to get 2 days of recipes out of it especially if you use it in chicken spaghetti or soups.
Now, I could go buy a rotisserie chicken which may be a little cheaper in perspective, but it doesn't always have as much meat on it and I don't always want to have the rotisserie flavor in my chicken recipes. I've actually had a few that were dried out. Plus, it requires another trip to the store. I confess, I'm lazy.
Pork roast lends itself to similar set ups.
Day 1: put in crock pot for shredded pork sandwiches. I use Pioneer Woman's recipe because it's versatile instead of just bbq.
Day 2: Pork tacos or pork with rice
Day 3: Use in soups
Day 4: left overs.
These are the easiest meal plans I make. Simple, use up what I have in the house and not too time consuming. On a night when you don't want to cook but want a decent meal, this is an easy go to (okay, aside from breakfast for dinner (brinner as I like to call it)).
I make sure to stock up when I see both the fryer chickens and the pork roasts on sale or BOGO. Definitely worth buying and tossing into the freezer for later use. By the way, my confession, I do this set up at least once a month.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Meal Plan Monday....
Ahhh... the tonsillectomy is behind me. I'm finally able to cook my way through the Pioneer Woman cookbook. :) This week, I'm trying 3 of her recipes... I never do more than 1 new recipe a week, but I'm soooo behind and there were so many things that looked delicious, I decided on my top 3.
Monday: Meatloaf (topped with bacon and other goodness), mashed potatoes and glazed carrots.
Tuesday: Chicken spaghetti and salad with homemade bread
Wednesday: left overs
Thursday: the Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich with fries
Friday: out
Saturday: Chicken tacos.
Sunday: left overs or grilled cheese and tomato soup. :) Simple and easy!
Enjoy your week. Look for the recipe reviews on Tasty Tuesday!
Monday: Meatloaf (topped with bacon and other goodness), mashed potatoes and glazed carrots.
Tuesday: Chicken spaghetti and salad with homemade bread
Wednesday: left overs
Thursday: the Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich with fries
Friday: out
Saturday: Chicken tacos.
Sunday: left overs or grilled cheese and tomato soup. :) Simple and easy!
Enjoy your week. Look for the recipe reviews on Tasty Tuesday!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Meal Plan Monday
I'm not feeling like cooking lately. Maybe I'm just busy with all this stuff to do by Winter Break/Christmas, or coming down with a cold or just lazy. So, another week of simple meals. It's a week filled with doctor appointments for me and the lil guy, so there isn't much time in the evening when you also count in the stuff for winding down for winter break at school.
Monday: Fried Pork Chops & mashed potatoes with Asparagus. (recipe from Pioneer Woman)
Tuesday: Tacos - bump from last week
Wednesday: Salisbury steak, more mashed potatoes (because these 2 just go together)
Thursday: Left overs
Friday: Beef and Bean burritos with Spanish rice and refried beans. Because I have a half day at work due to ENT appointments... has nothing to do with the fact that hubby loved these and wouldn't it be nice to make them for him again around Christmas???? It's true- the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.... trust me, I know....
Saturday: Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika (PW recipes again) & dutch oven bread (From here- recipe review coming Tuesday 12/13).
Sunday: Left overs....
I hope you have a great week! Enjoy feeding your family. I know it brings me great joy to cook for my family, especially when I know it's stuff they love or the whole family can eat together (due to food allergies with lil one).
Monday: Fried Pork Chops & mashed potatoes with Asparagus. (recipe from Pioneer Woman)
Tuesday: Tacos - bump from last week
Wednesday: Salisbury steak, more mashed potatoes (because these 2 just go together)
Thursday: Left overs
Friday: Beef and Bean burritos with Spanish rice and refried beans. Because I have a half day at work due to ENT appointments... has nothing to do with the fact that hubby loved these and wouldn't it be nice to make them for him again around Christmas???? It's true- the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.... trust me, I know....
Saturday: Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika (PW recipes again) & dutch oven bread (From here- recipe review coming Tuesday 12/13).
Sunday: Left overs....
I hope you have a great week! Enjoy feeding your family. I know it brings me great joy to cook for my family, especially when I know it's stuff they love or the whole family can eat together (due to food allergies with lil one).
Monday, November 28, 2011
Meal Plan Monday
Keeping it simple this week as I get ready to head back to teaching. I've got a lot of work on my plate over the next 3 weeks, so things will slow down. The good thing, I'll get to make new cookie and candy recipes to give as gifts to my teacher friends. I'm soooo excited for this! :) Until then, the meal plan will be simple.
Another reason for a simple meal plan this week- use up some of what we have as the grocers in this area are not having any good sales/deals. That will allow me time to clean out the freezer and cupboards, which is much needed!
Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Potato soup
Wednesday: leftovers
Thursday: Calzones
Friday: tacos
Saturday: Chicken tortilla soup (or maybe chicken chili- I have to decide)
Sunday: grilled cheese and tomato soup (mmmmmm!!!! Can't wait for this! silly I know).
New recipes: if I make anything new this week, it will be homemade bread in the dutch oven on Monday night for Tuesday's soup.
Enjoy your week!
Another reason for a simple meal plan this week- use up some of what we have as the grocers in this area are not having any good sales/deals. That will allow me time to clean out the freezer and cupboards, which is much needed!
Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Potato soup
Wednesday: leftovers
Thursday: Calzones
Friday: tacos
Saturday: Chicken tortilla soup (or maybe chicken chili- I have to decide)
Sunday: grilled cheese and tomato soup (mmmmmm!!!! Can't wait for this! silly I know).
New recipes: if I make anything new this week, it will be homemade bread in the dutch oven on Monday night for Tuesday's soup.
Enjoy your week!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Meal Plan Monday
This week is a short week for me cooking. On Thanksgiving I usually go to my mom's then visit my grandma and head out and about wherever to visit all our loved ones. We're so blessed to be near so many. We will miss those farther away, but we'll be thinking of you and praying you are happy, healthy, safe and blessed this week!
Sunday: Peach Whiskey BBQ chicken from Pioneer Woman with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Monday: Speedy Jambalaya (bump from last week).
Tuesday: left overs or grilled cheese night which ever.
Wednesday: Spicy fish bake with quinoa, shredded carrots and peas.
Thursday: Thanksgiving. I'm making the candied yams since E can't have dairy but I have the butter substitute for the recipes.
Friday: Left overs with Mom.
Saturday: First annual family craft day: ham and potato soup AND cheesy veggie soup with salad and crusty bread (cuz that's how I roll).
Sunday: Left over soup.
Enjoy your holiday week with your family.
Sunday: Peach Whiskey BBQ chicken from Pioneer Woman with mashed potatoes and green beans.
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| image via: Does that not look SCRUMPTIOUS???? |
Monday: Speedy Jambalaya (bump from last week).
Tuesday: left overs or grilled cheese night which ever.
Wednesday: Spicy fish bake with quinoa, shredded carrots and peas.
Thursday: Thanksgiving. I'm making the candied yams since E can't have dairy but I have the butter substitute for the recipes.
Friday: Left overs with Mom.
Saturday: First annual family craft day: ham and potato soup AND cheesy veggie soup with salad and crusty bread (cuz that's how I roll).
Sunday: Left over soup.
Enjoy your holiday week with your family.
Meal Plan Monday
Going for an easy week this week. I want to use up a lot of what I have in the house, so I'm keeping it simple. Honestly, I'm just tooo lazy to go to the grocery store, especially since there aren't any good deals or savings at local grocery stores. :(
Monday: spaghetti
Tuesday: potato soup (I just bought a 10 pound bag last Sunday and it's already sprouting!)
Wednesday: leftovers
Thursday: Calzones
Friday: tacos
Saturday: Chicken tortilla soup.
Sunday: grilled cheese and tomato soup.
Hope you have a great week!
BTW, I'm not sure about trying a new recipe... If I do, it's to make homemade bread on Monday night for Tuesdays dinner. I'm also considering baking a new cookie, but I'm not sure what my energy level will be like as I'm swamped with stuff at school over the next 2-3 weeks.
Monday: spaghetti
Tuesday: potato soup (I just bought a 10 pound bag last Sunday and it's already sprouting!)
Wednesday: leftovers
Thursday: Calzones
Friday: tacos
Saturday: Chicken tortilla soup.
Sunday: grilled cheese and tomato soup.
Hope you have a great week!
BTW, I'm not sure about trying a new recipe... If I do, it's to make homemade bread on Monday night for Tuesdays dinner. I'm also considering baking a new cookie, but I'm not sure what my energy level will be like as I'm swamped with stuff at school over the next 2-3 weeks.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Meal Plan Monday!
Here's what we're eating. There is 1 new recipe and 1 adjusted recipe.
Sunday: leftovers.
Monday: Sausage hash (to use up bulk sausage I need to cook)- The new recipe for the week.
Tuesday: Grilled chicken parmesan with broccoli (adjusted from traditional fried chicken)
Wednesday: speedy jambalaya
Thursday: left overs
Friday: Mexi-meatzza pizza (bumped from a few weeks ago, but I have yet to make it)
Saturday: out
Sunday: BLTs (possibly grilled)
Hope you're enjoying this warmer fall weather!
Sunday: leftovers.
Monday: Sausage hash (to use up bulk sausage I need to cook)- The new recipe for the week.
Tuesday: Grilled chicken parmesan with broccoli (adjusted from traditional fried chicken)
Wednesday: speedy jambalaya
Thursday: left overs
Friday: Mexi-meatzza pizza (bumped from a few weeks ago, but I have yet to make it)
Saturday: out
Sunday: BLTs (possibly grilled)
Hope you're enjoying this warmer fall weather!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Meal Plan 10/23-10/29
Last week, I wasn't feeling so great. We didn't get to eat a few of the meals I had planned, so they were bumped to this week.
Sunday; Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salad - doubled recipe since it's for our Browns gathering
Monday: Spaghetti and Salad and Garlic bread
Tuesday: Italian Sausage Sandwiches
Wednesday: Chicken in the crock pot, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots
Thursday: Chicken noodle soup OR chicken pot pies if I can find a recipe that is dairy free
Friday: Out
Saturday: Out for Halloween party... :)
Have a great week everyone!
Sunday; Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salad - doubled recipe since it's for our Browns gathering
Monday: Spaghetti and Salad and Garlic bread
Tuesday: Italian Sausage Sandwiches
Wednesday: Chicken in the crock pot, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots
Thursday: Chicken noodle soup OR chicken pot pies if I can find a recipe that is dairy free
Friday: Out
Saturday: Out for Halloween party... :)
Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Meal Plan...Ooohhh fall.... comfort foods!
This week, I'm indulging in some delicious fall comfort food. There is one new recipe I'm making. I found it through John's Journal. Can't wait to try it!
Monday: Cheesy vegetable soup with crusty bread.
Tuesday: pulled pork sandwiches (mmmmm)
Wednesday: Minestrone (new one from John's Journal)
Thursday: Italian Sausage sandwiches.
Friday: out
Saturday: Not sure. I'm going between a few ideas, but definitely apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and caramel topping for dessert. Isn't that all that matters sometimes???? :)
Enjoy your week. Happy fall!
Monday: Cheesy vegetable soup with crusty bread.
Tuesday: pulled pork sandwiches (mmmmm)
Wednesday: Minestrone (new one from John's Journal)
Thursday: Italian Sausage sandwiches.
Friday: out
Saturday: Not sure. I'm going between a few ideas, but definitely apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and caramel topping for dessert. Isn't that all that matters sometimes???? :)
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| Photo credit here |
Enjoy your week. Happy fall!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Meal plan and Winner!!!
Sorry I'm late. It's been a little busy. I'm working on getting caught up on a few projects. I hope to blog on some of them soon. I'm also trying to get more organized throughout the house and doing little bits at a time. Nester's 31 day challenge has me inspired with new ideas! Love it! Maybe next year I'll participate. Only time will tell.
Here goes:
Monday: Baked chicken (covered in swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup and stove top- tell me your mouth isn't watering), stuffing, mashed potatoes and asparagus. Recipe and blog post to follow.
Tuesday: Stuffed peppers, mashed potatoes (left over from Monday)
Wednesday: Steak Um sandwiches... I saw these at school and decided I needed them on the meal plan. I think I eat them once a year. Guess it's time!
Thursday: chicken broccoli rabe recipe (modified from last week's). I'll blog about the original and modified so you can choose which you would prefer.
Friday: I think I'll order a pizza or something simple.
Saturday: spaghetti...
This week we're focusing on enjoying fall since good weather has finally hit. Time to get out there for the Fall hiking spree and some pumpkin patches! Yay!!!
Finally, the winner of the Scentsy drawing was chosen using Random.org.... The winner is: Cara M.! Congratulations Cara! I hope you enjoy your new warmer!
Here goes:
Monday: Baked chicken (covered in swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup and stove top- tell me your mouth isn't watering), stuffing, mashed potatoes and asparagus. Recipe and blog post to follow.
Tuesday: Stuffed peppers, mashed potatoes (left over from Monday)
Wednesday: Steak Um sandwiches... I saw these at school and decided I needed them on the meal plan. I think I eat them once a year. Guess it's time!
Thursday: chicken broccoli rabe recipe (modified from last week's). I'll blog about the original and modified so you can choose which you would prefer.
Friday: I think I'll order a pizza or something simple.
Saturday: spaghetti...
This week we're focusing on enjoying fall since good weather has finally hit. Time to get out there for the Fall hiking spree and some pumpkin patches! Yay!!!
Finally, the winner of the Scentsy drawing was chosen using Random.org.... The winner is: Cara M.! Congratulations Cara! I hope you enjoy your new warmer!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Meal plan week of 9-25
Sorry it's been a while. Things have been a little hectic with hubby starting a new job and kiddo in daycare. Trying to get used to this new routine is causing some things to fall by the wayside. Last week's meal plan was super simple and basic. I didn't post it and it ended up all jumbled and thrown away anyway.
This week should be a little better. Here it is:
Sunday: Potato & green bean soup (we're all sick and this sounded soothing)
Monday: Broccoli Rabe pasta from Taste of Home. I'll be adding cut up rotisserie chicken to it for more protein.
Tuesday: Parent teacher conference night. No cooking here. It's leftover day or find what you can night.
Wednesday: Fish bake from a new blog I enjoy. This could be a disaster as I can never cook fish properly.
Thursday: Meatloaf (loaded with extra veggies since the kiddo doesn't eat them anymore), julienne potatoes and cauliflower (yummmmm!!!)
Friday: Out
Saturday: Calzones
This week should be a little better. Here it is:
Sunday: Potato & green bean soup (we're all sick and this sounded soothing)
Monday: Broccoli Rabe pasta from Taste of Home. I'll be adding cut up rotisserie chicken to it for more protein.
Wednesday: Fish bake from a new blog I enjoy. This could be a disaster as I can never cook fish properly.
Thursday: Meatloaf (loaded with extra veggies since the kiddo doesn't eat them anymore), julienne potatoes and cauliflower (yummmmm!!!)
Friday: Out
Saturday: Calzones
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Meals for a week! :)
Have you ever watched Food Network and the cook is making a
week’s worth of meals from one main dish and thought “yeah, right”? I have many times. So, when I
set up last week’s meal plan, I decided to arrange it around that idea. The
result: I LOVED it! It was sooo easy to do AND made making other meals easy too. There was 0 temptation for ordering out- yes,
I do that at times.
Here’s how it went:
Sunday, I bought a
whole chicken at Giant Eagle. At BOGO, I wasn’t going to pass it up; plus, I
needed to use my foodperks before they expired.
Monday was roast in the crock pot. I figured since we were
going to have chicken 3 days in a row, we’d want some red meat first.
Tuesday morning, I rinsed the chicken off and took out the
giblets inside- making sure to rinse the cavity really well. Threw it in the crockpot with about a cup of
water. I wanted to have some broth for chicken soup on Thursday. Got home, the house smelled scrumptious and
we had chicken, long grain rice and green beans. Delish! The hardest part on
this day was getting the chicken out of the crock pot. It’s really tender and
falls apart easily.
How to remove the
meat from the bones…. Just lift the chicken out of the pot! Literally, the bones
fall out. I simply took the bones out and put them on 1 plate and the meat on
another. Some pieces were a little messy but it didn’t take terribly long- say
15 min total. I then shredded the
chicken and separated it evenly into two 1 qt bags that were labeled according
to the meal. You could freeze it at this
point if you wanted, but I knew I was going to use it so I just put it in the
fridge.
Wednesday: Grabbed
the bag of chicken for enchiladas and tossed the chicken into the skillet with
the spices, salsa/tomatoes mixture and anything else. When it was warmed, I put
it in tortilla shells and then wrapped it, placing it neatly in the pan seam
side down. I poured the enchilada sauce over it and then baked it for 15
minutes. The whole meal took 25 minutes to cook- including beans. We had some left for 2 lunches (a total of 8
enchiladas- depending on the size of shell you use you could get more or less).
Thursday: Took out the bag of chicken and added it to the
ingredients for homemade chicken noodle soup. Bought nice crusty French bread. Let
everything cook for about 25 min (start to finish) and all was good.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Meal plan 9/12... a little late!
Sorry! Another one that's a little late. It's been a very busy weekend and the next 2 weekends are jam packed with birthday parties, our 11th wedding anniversary, and play dates. I want to squeeze in apple picking too, but with the rain, I don't know if we'll be able to do that yet.
Monday: roast with carrots, onions, celery, potatoes in crock pot.
Tuesday: whole chicken in the crock pot. I love doing this as the chicken falls right off the bones and you can easily shred etc from there. Chicken, mashed potatoes, and broccoli.
Wednesday: chicken enchiladas with Spanish rice and refried beans
Thursday: chicken tortilla soup (using left over filling from enchiladas)
Friday: out
Saturday: birthday party, but chorizo rice dish- I'm gonna create my own concoction. I'll let you know how that goes.
Sunday: Pulled pork sandwiches for football! :)
BTW, I almost had buyer's remorse at Giant Eagle until I saved $80 on groceries! $200 worth for $120. How did I ever shop without coupons? My best trip, no, but definitely decent considering all the meat I bought (2 roasts, 1 pork roast, 3 pounds ground beef, and 2 whole chickens).
Monday: roast with carrots, onions, celery, potatoes in crock pot.
Tuesday: whole chicken in the crock pot. I love doing this as the chicken falls right off the bones and you can easily shred etc from there. Chicken, mashed potatoes, and broccoli.
Wednesday: chicken enchiladas with Spanish rice and refried beans
Thursday: chicken tortilla soup (using left over filling from enchiladas)
Friday: out
Saturday: birthday party, but chorizo rice dish- I'm gonna create my own concoction. I'll let you know how that goes.
Sunday: Pulled pork sandwiches for football! :)
BTW, I almost had buyer's remorse at Giant Eagle until I saved $80 on groceries! $200 worth for $120. How did I ever shop without coupons? My best trip, no, but definitely decent considering all the meat I bought (2 roasts, 1 pork roast, 3 pounds ground beef, and 2 whole chickens).
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Still here.... meal plan (I guess you could call it that).
Things have been very hectic in our home lately with school starting back, searching for a childcare provider and other happenings - sick child for a month with unexplained issues.
Anyway, due to the amount of meetings we have this week and the short week, the meal plan is really easy and simple.
Tuesday: birthday party dinner for my uncle at Grandma's
Wednesday: chili (pre-cooked beef since we have appointments in evening)
Thursday: mozzarella chicken (essentially chicken parm with grilled chicken instead of breaded) OR chicken tortilla soup (depending on the amount of time we have)
Friday: out
Saturday: left overs
I'll be blogging about life, myself, and cool finds online over the next few posts. They will be spread out and done as I have time. Oh! I'm' almost finished with that room I'm trying to redo at under $100. Okay... so it was a redo under $50 but something I found for a great deal put me just over $70. I shouldn't have much more to finish up and should be well under $100 for the room makeover. Woo hoo!!
Anyway, due to the amount of meetings we have this week and the short week, the meal plan is really easy and simple.
Tuesday: birthday party dinner for my uncle at Grandma's
Wednesday: chili (pre-cooked beef since we have appointments in evening)
Thursday: mozzarella chicken (essentially chicken parm with grilled chicken instead of breaded) OR chicken tortilla soup (depending on the amount of time we have)
Friday: out
Saturday: left overs
I'll be blogging about life, myself, and cool finds online over the next few posts. They will be spread out and done as I have time. Oh! I'm' almost finished with that room I'm trying to redo at under $100. Okay... so it was a redo under $50 but something I found for a great deal put me just over $70. I shouldn't have much more to finish up and should be well under $100 for the room makeover. Woo hoo!!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Meal Plan 8-28 through 9-3
Some good food this week. Stuff that's not really new to me, but that I've been craving! I hope I inspire you to make something yummy this week!
Sunday: Quesadillas (chicken with fresh from the garden pico de gallo, sour cream, and maybe some beans)
Monday: Beef enchiladas with green chiles (I'm on a Mexican kick right now).
Tuesday: Saute of chicken and broccoli (bumped from last week since I didn't get to make it)
Wednesday: bacon, onion swiss quiche with spinach salad
Thursday: Calzones
Friday: Out with Mom
Saturday: Beef burritos from Krista's Kitchen (I'll cook the meat in the crock pot during the day and assemble at dinner time) with spanish rice and refried beans.
I'm already planning my fall menus... can't wait to make homemade applesauce, apple dumplings, apple pie and apple butter! YUMMM!!! I want to go apple picking! Fall is my favorite season. I wish it lasted the 6 months that winter does!
Sunday: Quesadillas (chicken with fresh from the garden pico de gallo, sour cream, and maybe some beans)
Monday: Beef enchiladas with green chiles (I'm on a Mexican kick right now).
Tuesday: Saute of chicken and broccoli (bumped from last week since I didn't get to make it)
Wednesday: bacon, onion swiss quiche with spinach salad
Thursday: Calzones
Friday: Out with Mom
Saturday: Beef burritos from Krista's Kitchen (I'll cook the meat in the crock pot during the day and assemble at dinner time) with spanish rice and refried beans.
I'm already planning my fall menus... can't wait to make homemade applesauce, apple dumplings, apple pie and apple butter! YUMMM!!! I want to go apple picking! Fall is my favorite season. I wish it lasted the 6 months that winter does!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Meal Plan 8-21 through 8-27- Dairy Free week challenge
I'm new to blogging and reading blogs. I can tell you, it's addicting. I came across a blog that is becoming one of my favorites quickly- john's journal. Her challenges with finding dairy free recipes, as well as our limitations with Everett and his allergies, led me to this week's meal plan. I wanted to a do a week with NO Dairy. It's not easy, but can be done! I'm thinking it will be tasty.
Sunday: Rotisserie chicken with parsley potatoes (made with olive oil and garlic salt instead of butter) and spinach salad. I'm cheating since I have to do shopping and class prep on Sundays.
Monday: Wild rice and mushroom chicken from Taste Of Home 5 Ingredient recipe book.
Tuesday: Pot roast in the crock pot (potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, soup mix)
Wednesday: Easy Pork Chop Suey from Pillsbury Best Family Supper 2007 cookbook
Thursday: Saute of chicken and Broccoli from Food Network. (One of my favorites and very healthy!)
Friday: out to eat with my folks
Saturday: BLTs and a birthday party
Sunday: Honey grilled chicken with baked sweet potatoes
The new recipes for the week fall on Monday and Wednesday. I'll do the review of course and let you know how it goes.
An upcoming blog to look forward to (and share with your hubby): How to get new "wheels" on your car for less than $30. I'm working on the write up and sifting through the pics. Soooo cool how great my car now looks!
Sunday: Rotisserie chicken with parsley potatoes (made with olive oil and garlic salt instead of butter) and spinach salad. I'm cheating since I have to do shopping and class prep on Sundays.
Monday: Wild rice and mushroom chicken from Taste Of Home 5 Ingredient recipe book.
Tuesday: Pot roast in the crock pot (potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, soup mix)
Wednesday: Easy Pork Chop Suey from Pillsbury Best Family Supper 2007 cookbook
Thursday: Saute of chicken and Broccoli from Food Network. (One of my favorites and very healthy!)
Friday: out to eat with my folks
Saturday: BLTs and a birthday party
Sunday: Honey grilled chicken with baked sweet potatoes
The new recipes for the week fall on Monday and Wednesday. I'll do the review of course and let you know how it goes.
An upcoming blog to look forward to (and share with your hubby): How to get new "wheels" on your car for less than $30. I'm working on the write up and sifting through the pics. Soooo cool how great my car now looks!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Quick meal plan post- Gotta get ready for work! YIKES!
It's been a little crazy trying to get the classroom together and spend as much time as possible with the little guy, who ended up sick. That stinking virus foiled our plans for Waterworks and Cleveland zoo and hiking. Oh well. Healthy is better than fun.
I threw together this meal plan yesterday in just a few quick minutes. The only "new" recipe I tried was Chicken a la King. I found it in an old recipe book and have made a la kind before- but not this recipe.
Here it is:
Sunday: brinner (breakfast for dinner - for those of you unfamiliar with the term)
Monday: Chicken A La King (courtesy of the Nestle cookbook)
Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans
Wednesday: Honey Grilled Chicken, sweet potatoes and asparagus
Thursday: Tuna noodle casserole (hubby's favorite)
Friday: Out
Saturday: sloppy joes (Mommy's really busy with important paperwork this day! I even had to cancel on the shower for dear friends. I really wanted to go, but time crunch is on!)
I threw together this meal plan yesterday in just a few quick minutes. The only "new" recipe I tried was Chicken a la King. I found it in an old recipe book and have made a la kind before- but not this recipe.
Here it is:
Sunday: brinner (breakfast for dinner - for those of you unfamiliar with the term)
Monday: Chicken A La King (courtesy of the Nestle cookbook)
Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans
Wednesday: Honey Grilled Chicken, sweet potatoes and asparagus
Thursday: Tuna noodle casserole (hubby's favorite)
Friday: Out
Saturday: sloppy joes (Mommy's really busy with important paperwork this day! I even had to cancel on the shower for dear friends. I really wanted to go, but time crunch is on!)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Meal Plan 8/7-8/13
Easy but busy week getting ready to head back to school work. I have a lot of things planned to do plus getting time to set up the classroom and such- create new posters and all that good stuff that is teaching.
Sunday: burgers on the grill - real beef burgers as I'm terrified of ground turkey now.
Monday: pork chops, mashed potatoes and glazed carrots
Tuesday: Great grandma's No- Peek chicken and rice casserole
Wednesday: beef and bean burritos from Kristas Ktichen. I'm so excited to try this!
Thursday: Girls night (cooking for some lovely friends) Spanakopita, salad and chocolate covered strawberries
Friday: out - reserved for my mom. It's our weekly thing! :)
Saturday: Speedy jambalaya - because my husband has been craving more of it (not to mention it's super easy!)
Sunday: burgers on the grill - real beef burgers as I'm terrified of ground turkey now.
Monday: pork chops, mashed potatoes and glazed carrots
Tuesday: Great grandma's No- Peek chicken and rice casserole
Wednesday: beef and bean burritos from Kristas Ktichen. I'm so excited to try this!
Friday: out - reserved for my mom. It's our weekly thing! :)
Saturday: Speedy jambalaya - because my husband has been craving more of it (not to mention it's super easy!)
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