My Super Busy week ahead

We have a super busy week ahead..... I'm busy at work and my baby will be turning 16 on Wednesday! AH! So, that includes birthday dinner. And, I am in the middle of throwing her a surprise party on Friday night. Then Saturday she has a competition and a basketball game to cheer at all in one day. Sunday might be my next day to breathe. So this week's menu is going to be easy on me.

Side note: I made the marinated London Broil that I had found the recipe online and no one liked it. Fail!
And, for the Super Bowl I went a little crazy...  I made wings, pizza dip, meatball sliders, smokies in a blanket and best of all I made Fudgy Black Bean Brownies. YUM! Don't tell my family they have black beans in them!

• Super Bowl Leftovers! Including Buffalo Chicken Stuffed French Bread from Dream Dinners that will go nicely with those leftovers
• Creamy Thai Shrimp with Coconut Rice from Dream Dinners
• Birthday Night out for Jazzy to Red Robin
• Chicken and Pasta of some sort- I have a Philadelphia Cooking Cream in my fridge I want to use.
• Friday Night surprise party- details later

Swing by I’m an Organizing Junkie for menu planning inspiration.

Meal Plan for the week of Jan. 30

 

I'm ready to get back on track with some menu planning...

On Thursday I am going to Dream Dinners. I bought this deal on Living Social so long ago and now that's about to expire I need to go make some dinners. I will come home with six meals (serve 3 each) to put in my freezer. Which sounds great expect I better start clearing out my freezer a little more. I had to pick only from there Feb. menu so, here's what I'll be making there: Creamy Thai Shrimp with Coconut Rice (2), Buffalo Chicken Stuffed French Bread, Pesto Cheese Ravioli with Chicken and Walnuts, Baked Chicken Tetrazzini, and Old Fashioned Meatloaf with Twice Baked Potatoes. Not sure yet what the calorie count is on all of these but they all sound good.

This week I'm making:

Ribs

Grilled Flank Steak with Garlic-Ginger-Sesame Marinade

Southwest Chicken with black beans

Dream Dinner

leftovers x2

Super Bowl Food: Wings, Smokies in a blanket, Popper Dip

Swing by I’m an Organizing Junkie for menu planning inspiration.



Menu Plan Monday

Last week I ended up making this Hash brown casserole. I didn't have the energy to try a new recipe when it was time to make dinner and I had seen this video using ham. Pretty good.

I think I am going to commit to four meals made by me not including what I will be making Sunday. I am starting to think four is a good amount for any given week. We do eat leftovers multiple times in a week. Maybe more than Keith would like.

• Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Bowls - new recipe from my pressure cooker cookbook
• Chicken Enchiladas- I doubled this recipe a couple weeks ago and put this half in the freezer. Time saver!
• Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes (made with my pressure cooker)
• Leftovers
• Ribs - Yes, I still have some in the freezer. After this I believe I still have one more package.
• Sunday we are celebrating Christmas with my side of the family. I am bring some buffalo chicken dip that Jasmine is in love with right now. And, my favorite.... Cheese Fondue! Can't wait!

Swing by I’m an Organizing Junkie for menu planning inspiration.

This week

The only thing I didn't make this past week was the Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. I think I may attempt it again this week. This is a hard time of the year to commit to trying new recipes. My mind is busy with my Christmas cookie list.

Oh! The french dip was so yummy! I will be making that again. My sister came over the next day at lunch time so I asked if she wanted some and she LOVED it. She even asked for the recipe. This recipe is for the pressure cooker but I she is going to adapt if for the crock pot. I can't wait to hear if it was successful for her.

• White Chicken Chili - I think I will post this recipe soon. It's good.
• Leftovers
• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham (hopefully)
• Creamy Italian Sausage in Pasta - Creamy meaning: I made Sausage gravy and biscuits Sunday morning and I plan to add that gravy to spaghetti sauce in addition to the Italian sausage I have.
• My birthday dinner out... I'm thinking steak! Of course that's what I want every year

Sunday I will start making cookies for Christmas. I'm so excited!

Swing by I’m an Organizing Junkie for menu planning inspiration.

My menu Plan...

Last week I believe I made 2 meals before we left to drive to Kansas City for Thanksgiving. Then of course, I made the family eat leftovers to clear out the fridge.

Still on my quest to clear out the freezer!
Here is this week's plan:

• Yesterday I made Chicken Enchiladas. They were awesome!
• Sloppy Joe's (request from Jasmine)
• Leftovers
• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham made with my pressure cooker and using ham from the freezer
• French Dip Sandwiches (I have been craving these)also made with the pressure cooker using some sirloin from freezer
• Out to eat

I know that's only 6... I need the flexibility to be free and creative during the week if needed!
Also, I need to make an appetizer of Buffalo Chicken Dip to bring to a baby shower Jasmine and I are invited to.

My first Menu Plan in over a year

I haven't been very good (for my own sake) at posting my menu plan for the week. I really do like to have dinner ideas in place to help my week go a little smoother. So here we go again...



I am working on clearing out my freezer. It is ridiculously full! I am having a hard time resisting deals and buying more freezable items. Seriously, I need to stop!

I have a little bit of everything in there. A while back I bought why too many ribs. I've been experimenting with different cooking methods for them. So, I've made them in the oven, crock pot and most recently the pressure cooker. Since, I am a new fan of my brand new pressure cooker that one was my favorite. I will post that recipe soon.

Here is this weeks menu plan:

• Monday - I am seriously tempted to have leftovers two nights in a row (Sun. and Mon.).... We'll see... I really do like to cook on Monday nights since I'm home. But, we just have so much in the fridge. If I do cook I think I'll make a new recipe: made in my pressure cooker and with my new cookbook (I'll keep you posted)
• Tuesday -
• Wednesday - Breakfast Hash (Pressure cooker recipe) for dinner made with some ham I need to use. Possibly french toast to go with it.
• Thursday - Leftovers because I will be working late
• Friday - Spaghetti and Meatballs - Meatballs are already made and in the freezer.
• Saturday- Dinner out
• Sunday - Chili Dogs

Swing by I’m an Organizing Junkie for menu planning inspiration.

Menu Plan Monday on Thursday

Monday I made Taco Pie

Tues. we had leftovers

Wed. I made a crockpot chicken recipe from my Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook with Popovers and Sweet Potatoes

Thurs. - BBQ Pork Chops in the Crockpot with Twice Baked Potatoes

Fri. - Turkey and Rice Casserole

Sat. - Frozen Pizza

Sun. - Leftovers

As usual, I am posting a couple recipes I'd like to try:

Crockpot Lasagna from Oprah.com

Boston Brown Bread

Fix-It and Forget-It Diabetic Cookbook, p. 249 Jean Butzer, Batavia, NY

Makes 21 servings (3 loaves)

Ideal slow-cooker size: 6-qt.

3 16-oz.vegetable cans, cleaned and emptied

½ cup rye flour

½ cup yellow cornmeal

½ cup whole wheat flour

3 Tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

¾ tsp. salt

½ cup chopped walnuts

½ cup raisins

1 cup low-fat buttermilk*

⅓ cup molasses

1. Spray insides of vegetable cans, and one side of 3 6"-square pieces of foil, with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Combine rye flour, cornmeal, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

3. Stir in walnuts and raisins.

4. Whisk together buttermilk and molasses. Add to dry ingredients. Stir until well mixed. Spoon into prepared cans.

5. Place one piece of foil, greased side down, on top of each can. Secure foil with rubberbands or cotton string. Place upright in slow cooker.

6. Pour boiling water into slow cooker to come halfway up sides of cans. (Make sure foil tops do not touch boiling water).

7. Cover cooker. Cook on Low 4 hours, or until skewer inserted in center of bread comes out clean.

8. To remove bread, lay cans on their sides. Roll and tap gently on all sides until bread releases. Cool completely on wire racks.

9. Serve with butter or cream cheese and bowls of soup.

Menu Plan for Oct. 18-24

Last week, to go with my Peanut Satay that I made, I also made Cold Sesame Noodles from All You Magazine. Yum!

Apples are on sale so I plan to use some in some recipes this week.

Here's what I have planned for the week:

• Taco Pasta


• Chicken Curry with Spinach and Rice


• Leftovers


• Garlicy Shrimp Pasta

I think that's good. Were going to my In-laws for the weekend so there is no need to cook too much before we leave. I can almost guarantee that leftovers will be Thursday night.

For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday!

Menu Plan for Oct. 12-17

My menu planning isn't going so well but, at least I'm trying! I only made the chili (which was only as hard as pulling it out of the freezer) last week and of course we had leftovers. I am going to try it again this week...

• Freezer French Toast I put this together this morning and we're having breakfast for dinner tonight (again).


• Slow Cooker Mozzarella Meatloaf  and Mashed Potatoes  because I didn't get to it last week.


• OR maybe I'll make Meatloaf Cups


• Peanut Satay


• Italian Sausage with pasta - not sure yet what my plan is but I want to use this sausage because it's taking up space in the freezer


• Leftovers


• Carnitas - from the freezer

For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday!

Menu Plan for Oct. 6-10

I am always looking for my normal.... What is normal?

Here I am again making an effort to come up with a menu plan on a Wednesday, oh well!

• Chili (pulled out of the freezer)


• Slow Cooker Mozzarella Meatloaf


• Deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu


• leftovers

I think that's a good start to get back into menu planning. I realize that's not even enough meals for the rest of the but I don't want to feel trapped by my own plan.

Another list of recipes I'd like to try:

• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake


• Mom’s Cinnamon Rolls


• Baked Spaghetti Casserole


• Caramel Apple Cream Puff Dessert

Menu Plan Monday for Sept. 15-19

Ok so today is Wednesday, so what! I'm just trying to get back into the swing of routine. I know we're already a month into school but, it's just taking me this long to get there. You gotta start somewhere right!!!

• Swimming Rama Chicken and Rice


• Garlic Beef Enchiladas


• English muffin pizzas


• BBQ Pulled Pork and Tater Tots


• Leftovers

I really want to try this recipe soon:

White Chicken Enchiladas

Menu Plan Monday for Nov. 9

I've been really thinking about my blogging. And, the most consistent post I write is usually this one. I really have come to rely on my menus, I just like having a plan. What I've learned is, I tend to not over spend by eating out. I've also learned to be flexible with in the plan, this week for example, I didn't make anything one particular night because nobody was hungry. Having a plan works for me, what works for you?


Spaghetti & Meatballs - this week I plan to make a big batch of homemade meatballs with at least 3lbs. of hamburger and "flash-freeze" what we don't use.

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza and BBQ chicken Pizza - I have leftover chicken from the Tequila-Lime Chicken I made last week so, I thought I could use it up on pizza.

Curry Chicken - I pulled this out of the freezer. When I put this gallon bag in the freezer it didn't freeze "flat", because it froze funny it has been awkward and is taking up too much space.

Pasta Bake - Didn't make this last week so "here we go again!"

Pork Chops make make it to the table, we'll see!

Leftovers

For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

Menu Plan Monday for the week of Nov. 2

I am still working on using up item from my freezer, I think this will be never ending.
Here is my plan for the week:

Shepherd's Pie - Hamburger from the freezer. I have leftover mashed potatoes from our dinner we had on Saturday night. I also have some green beans I'll throw in.

Green Chili Pie - I got some tortillas really cheap a little while ago and I froze a bunch. I pulled out some to defrost and they are sticking together so I thought I'd make something with them instead of using for tacos or carnitas. When I try to pull them apart they keep ripping. This recipe is a layering one, kind of like Mexican lasagna. This also calls for evaporated milk, I got some free this week from King Soopers.

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches - A few weeks ago I froze quite a few and divided them into quart size bags.

Tequila Lime Chicken - I didn't make this last week so I think we'll have it this week.

Pasta Bake - This is leftover from a while ago, I made so much that I ended up freezing the 2nd half. This is one I made up as I went.

Leftovers

For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

My Menu Plan for Oct. 28

I slacked off last week! I didn't stay on track and we splurged on a pizza on Friday night and Saturday night my daughter and I each ate a hot dog at Sam's Club (We don't have a membership to Sam's so I barrow my sister's card occasionally). Anyway, I'm adding two meals back in this week.

Also, I've decided to try not to spend much money this week on groceries. We overdid it on going out to eat this month (we been trying to go out only once a month) with my In-laws coming to town, my husband's birthday and a moment of weakness. I think it'll be good to see if I can stay out of the grocery stores for a week. We have a big stockpile and I've got this week's menu planned so, we'll be fine. I may pick up Milk or produce and I am going to get some more Pillsbury biscuits for Friday's meal. I know there will always be more sales! I do have to say I am $70 under budget ($400.00) for the month and I know we spent at least $70 going out to eat. I feel good about this. And, next month I am going to lower our budget to $325.00 for November. Let's see if I can do it. I know I can, I have a huge stockpile and I have been very aware of my grocery spending.

Update: Since I typed this post Sunday morning and now (Sunday evening) I have to tell you we now have a membership to Costco! Today is my husband's Birthday so we went out to a late lunch and afterwards he spontaneously decided to stop at Costco and get us a membership. I am not quite sure how I feel about it. I do know there is a new store opening in a couple days at Garden of the Gods and Nevada so that will be great but, I just told him that when our daughter and I walked around Sam's I looked at prices and I said I've able to get lower prices with coupons. We'll see, I do like some of the non-food items they have so I may like it. They even have some neat Christmas decorations out already.

Our lunches usually consist of leftovers!

Here is the plan for out dinners this week:

Monday - Beef 'n Beans with Cheesy Biscuits last week I called it "Something with ground beef!" because I couldn't remember the name of it. If I remember correctly I added corn one time when I made it. I think I'll do it again.

Tuesday - Tortellini Pasta with Italian Sausage I never made this last week so, I'm adding it back in. I'll make some Zucchini with Parmesan to go with it.

Wednesday - Mariachi Chicken - Yep you guessed it! It's from Fix, Freeze, Feast! I wasn't kidding when I said I said I went a little overboard on Chicken last week. I made this and stuck it in the freezer. I made a pepper mixture including red peppers, black olives and scallions and rolled it inside chicken breasts and froze. I will top it with a cream cheese and salsa topping and bake.

Thursday - Leftovers - I have made Thursday nights leftover night now for a while. I work every Tues. and Thurs. and like knowing it'll be easy if I work late.

Friday - Biscuit Pizzas I have some pepperoni in the freezer and biscuits to use so I thought I 'd give this a try.

Saturday is Halloween and my Parents are coming over for dinner - I am making Apple Stuffed Pork Roast that I was going to make while my In-laws were here but we ended up going out to dinner instead. I never defrosted this so I am glad I have an occasion to make it now (And, free up freezer space!).

Sunday - Tequila-Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice - this recipe is from Fix, Freeze, Feast once again. I have made this before and we really like it. It's a simple marinade for Chicken breasts including soy sauce, tequila, sweet and sour and garlic. In my opinion, the best part about these recipes is, I portion them out with exactly enough for our family. I think I put 3 or 4 breasts per freezer bag then pour the marinade over them.

For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

My Menu Plan for Oct. 19-25

I over did it with Chicken! I bought too much at Sunflower Market and I have no room in my freezer to fit it in! So, we will be eating a lot of chicken this week.

Tonight I made Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy - these were on sale and I had a catalina I had to use up before it expired for $3.00 off Chicken or Beef. I really didn't need either so I got some drumsticks that were on clearance and spent $.45 on 2.5-3 lb. of Chicken after using the coupon.

Tuesday - Breakfast for Dinner - I pulled Bacon out of the freezer, I have some eggs on hand and I will also make home fries.


Wednesday - Curry Chicken with rice and some veggies from the freezer - While I was cooking dinner Monday night I also prepared the Curry Chicken, I really needed to do something with the Chicken Breasts I bought. I got this recipe out of the Cookbook I love so much - Fix, Freeze, Feast! I have never made this but everything I have made has been great. The recipes says to cut the chicken into bite size pieces, cook them, add the curry sauce and freeze them. This recipe made three portions so, I stuck two in the freezer and we'll eat one this week. I was glad to take care of the rest of the chicken I bought and can't wait to try this.

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Tortellini Pasta with Italian Sausage - I already have some cooked Italian Sausage in the freezer. The last time I made something with it I cooked 2lbs. (1lb. Hot and 1lb. Original) and put 1/2 in the freezer. I think this will be a hit with my daughter!

Saturday - Something with ground beef! How's that for specific? I have something in mind I just don't know what it's called. It has ground beef with onion, a can of baked beans and corn then you put biscuits on top and shredded cheese all over that.

Sunday is my wonderful Husbands 45th birthday so, we'll go out to eat!



For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

My Menu Plan Wednesday!

This weekly planning is just a couple days late! My In-laws were in town and it threw me off so and I decided I still need a plan for the week or I might not stay on track saving money. Going out to eat might be more tempting if I don't have a plan.

Tonight - I've got a BBQ Pulled Pork in the crock pot smelling good, as we speak. I'll make some homemade fries to go with. Potatoes are on sale at Safeway this week for $.99/10lb. bag!

Steak Burritos -We have Steak leftovers and leftover refried beans from when I made Chicken Enchiladas this past weekend.

Slow-Cookin' Mama's Maple-Dijon Chicken With Sweet Potatoes This recipe is from A Year of Slow Cooking by Stephanie O'dea. She was on Good Morning America this week, she made this recipe on the show and it looked good. And, I happen to have 2 sweet potatoes on hand so, I am going to make it.

Leftovers - We also still have leftover Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Cordon Blue - I found this recipe in my Fix, Freeze, Feast Cookbook. I have some Ham to use up and I already have Chicken Breasts. I just need to get Swiss Cheese for this recipe.

For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

My weekly menu plan for Oct. 5

I kinda went crazy last week buying produce at Sunflower Market. So, we'll be eating a lot of vegetables this week.


Monday - Hamburgers are getting added back in! Last night I made Chili, Cornbread and Butternut Squash so, I didn't make the burgers. I did make a double the batch of Chili and froze the other half and still have enough to have leftovers this week.

Tuesday - Chili Leftovers

Wednesday - Fish Sticks and Mac n' Cheese! I want to make it easy on myself since I'll be cleaning the house extensively! And, I believe I have to work late this Wednesday.

Thursday - Sunday my In-laws are coming into town. My Mother-in-law has already said she's bringing Steaks and Potatoes for us to enjoy one night! I know we'll probably go out to dinner at least once while their here but, that leaves 2 other nights of cooking that I will take care of. I will make Chicken Enchiladas Thursday night since they will be traveling and another night I will make Apple-Stuffed Pork Roast. I've never made this before and my Mother-in-law is an excellent cook so, there a little pressure (I've put on myself), I really hope it turns out well.

For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

My Menu Plan for the week of Sept. 28

Fall is in the air! Around here it's been feeling more like winter is in the air, Brr! Although we did have a beautiful weekend, who know how long it will last?

Monday - Pasta of some sort? I have some leftover pasta from a couple weeks ago in the freezer and I also just picked up some Italian sausage recently so, I'll come up with something!

Tuesday - Tuna Helper - My husband might turn up his nose at this but, I have lots of tuna on hand and I'm not afraid to use it! He is actually going to be at a Rockies game that night so this will be the perfect opportunity to make it.

Wednesday - Chicken Fajitas - I picked up a lot of tortillas a couple weeks ago and froze some, I'm also pulling the chicken out of the freezer as well. I also have the peppers and onions in the freezer to use up, I usually use fresh veggies but I wanted to get rid of the ones in the freezer.

Thursday - Leftovers because I work late.

Friday and Saturday we'll be going on our last campout with the Good Sam's for the year. I will bring Spinach Artichoke dip for Friday night. I have the spinach in the freezer and I also have a ton of Wheat Thins in my stockpile. I just need to pick up some artichokes. And Saturday is a potluck, the theme is Oktoberfest. I need some ideas, they are providing the Brats for dinner and I need to make a German side dish.

Sunday - Hamburgers - Yep, using up the Schwan's frozen burgers. I know it doesn't seem appropriate for the weather but, like usual, they are taking up space in my freezer. I think my freezer seems like a black hole! Believe me it's not big, I can just really stuff a lot in there. I already have some hamburger buns on hand from having Burgers last week. You should know, I grill year-round! Why not?

For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

My Menu Plan Monday on Tuesday

Once again I am a day late but, better late than never. I am just glad I have a plan because this just helps me stick to my budget.

This week, and probably a few weeks to come, I am going to focus on weeding out my freezer. I need to make room for the holidays and all the wonderful baking the comes with it! I am already thinking about what I will make and what I can freeze. I have to start stocking up on items I know I will need. (I just stocked up on chocolate chips this week at King Soopers) So, I'm clearing out the freezer!

Monday night we had Hamburgers - these are from Schwan's and I frankly just want to get them out of my freezer! I made them into Guacamole Burgers, Yum!

Tuesday - Frozen Pizza - These are on sale this week at Albertson's so, I want to take advantage of cheap pizza this week. I don't have enough room in my freezer so we'll be eating a couple right away. Plus, this is one leftover my husband loves to take in his lunches. (ok, this doesn't help me "clear out the freezer"!)

Wednesday - Fish Stick and Mac n' Cheese - I got the fish sticks really cheap last week at Safeway so, I am ready to use them up and frankly get them out of my freezer! Wed. night I have to work late so, my daughter will be making this for us. She's 13 and need experience cooking and I think this is a good place to start.

Thursday - Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and Homemade Apple Sauce - this was requested by my husband. He really never requests anything but I happen to ask and he had a "hankering" for Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes. I added on the apple sauce because I have some apples to use up. (side note: I am going be done cooking early, Grey's season premier is on!)

I am going to the Women of Faith Conference at the Pepsi Center with my sister and Mom on Friday night and Saturday until 4pm so, I will not be cooking, my daughter and husband are on their own. I have a feeling if there is going to be pizzas in the freezer they will not mind having them for the second time in one week.

Leftovers

Philly Cheese Steaks - I never made these last week, I am adding them back in this week. I have mini loaves free from Target a couple weeks ago and I am using some pot roast from the freezer to make these.


For more menu planning inspiration check out Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!