Menu Plan 8•3•20

And its Monday.  Again.  Yay!

Im trying really hard to stay motivated and moving today.  I slept in a little.  But got up and took my meds, squeezed in some facetime with mom and my sisters and even had coffee and oats for breakfast.  I stayed up late yesterday getting things done so I would have less to do today.  I need to fold laundry and wash towels before the boys take over the laundry room.  And I have some cooking to do.

 

After a really rough week with my H.E, I have had to give up meat for the time being.  I have had a taste here and there while I was cooking or what not, but I have not sat down and had a meat meal since last Monday when I had a half a rib.  Last night I told David that I legit scared myself into an almost vegetarian.  I am still cooking meat for the guys but this week I am prepping a special meal for myself for dinners that I can't modify.

Lets check out this weeks menu!

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Menu Plan 2•3•20

Hey Monday!  Do you see my big white flag?  I don't have it in me to fight with you today so let's just play nice.  Please!

Now that we have the all clear for a good week, let's talk about how I have my menu ready to go and I am actually looking forward to cooking and eating this week.  Fingers crossed all this congestion will clear up so I can actually taste some of it too! 

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Menu Plan Monday: October 16th

Another week, another menu!

Last weeks favorite dinner: Buffalo Chicken Tenders

I'm kinda digging the whole shopping on Saturdays instead of waiting will the end of Sundays and rushing. David is probably reading this and saying "I told you so!" The boys spent the Friday night at Grandmas, so we had most of Saturday to ourselves. Slept in, took a trip to the zoo so I could get more snake pictures for a post next week, stopped by the Thai Market and then to get groceries, all with out any complaints.

Green trees and a blue sky make for a perfect Sunday!

Sunday morning was spent lounging around. Eventually we got out and took a trip to the library and then to the park. It takes so much to wear these boys down. They just never stop. We got to see Aunty Booger and her dog Panda too, so that was fun. Sunday Fundays!

I didn't get to making the Curry Meatballs last week.  I couldn't find the right curry paste in the store. Then I remembered the new Thai Market and of course we found some there this weekend. The Mushrooms and the other Meatballs on Friday will help me knock out my goal to try 4 new recipes this month!  Boom.  And yes, we are having meatballs twice this week. Mostly because the boys love meatballs, Im willing to be it's more so for their name than anything else. Boys. Somedays I can't even with them! Other days I can't help but laugh with them. As long as they eat right?!

MONDAY (SWIM)

• Yellow Curry Meatballs (didn't get to it last week)
• Cauliflower Rice

TUESDAY 

• Herb Roasted Chicken
• Garlic Butter Mushrooms 
• Salads

WEDNESDAY (SWIM)

• Chicken Tacos

THURSDAY

• Lemon Pepper Turkey
• Brown Rice Pilaf
• Steamed Broccoli

FRIDAY

• Honey Sriracha Meatballs
• Leftover Brown Rice
• Salads

We eat a lot of bird y'all. But I don't eat red meat anymore other than a burger here and there. And the last time I was going to buy some steak for tacos, David about had a heart attack at the price of it.  He's used to chicken prices HAHA! And we like pork chops, but the boys favorite way to have it... fried. Mmmmm. But not much gets fried around here anymore, so pork isn't something we buy often either. Just chicken and turkey. Almost always chicken and turkey. Does it get old? Yes, but nothing a variety in flavor cant fix.

Whats on your menu this week? Chicken? What ever it is, I hope its good!

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Menu Plan: October 9th

I wanted to start today's post out with some motivation.  Some amazing quote or a fun little meme that would remind you to get up and make the most of the day. Something that would get me out of bed and ready to take on the day.  Yeah, about that. I'm kinda winging it today.  Seriously, most days I am running in auto pilot and doing just enough to get through the day with out anyone noticing how much I am struggling. Oprah gets me though.

Grocery shopping was done on Saturday again. Its really nice to get it over with. Plus, they still have the bread the boys like and the veggies aren't completely picked through. They had everything I needed except corn on the cob so I grabbed a package of the frozen ones and called it good. And it looks like the days of having the weekends off is over.  But leftover nights on the weekend are cool too, because lets be honest, there are much better things to do on the weekend besides standing in front of a stove. Sunday included, running errands and paying bills, mowing the backyard, the gym, the pharmacy, home to watch the Cowboys lose, then out to Best Buy to pick up my new headphones.  After that I think we were both wiped out. The boys of course stayed a second night at Grandmas. 

But we were able to get everything we wanted to get done, plus more. Lets hope that Monday is good to us. If anything, at least my menu is done and planned. 

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is super easy. Easy is a winner in my book. You just layer a few things in a pan and bake it. Voila! We pair it with a nice salad and call dinner done. 

Last week a friend shared a recipe she had made with her Instant Pot and I had said that I was so bummed that I didn't have one because holy yum, check out this this Pollo Guisado con Maiz. Im super excited to try this one and thankful it can be made in the stove! 

How fitting that we are having fish on a swim day! Oh man I crack myself up. My boys love fish, but this way is their favorite. The original recipe is called Mamas Supper Club Tilapia, but Dad told me this crazy story about tilapia and now I switch Swai out of Tilapia. I'm sure they will ask for white rice with it. Its a little heavy on the sodium so, I only eat a little. If I could, I would eat half the pan. 

Anthony picked these Yellow Curry Meatballs based on the photo he saw when he was watching me scroll through Pinterest. He said for starters, its kinda colorful and plus, he can't remember what curry tastes like, so that was his contribution to the menu this week. I wonder if he will help me cook them too?!

And because 2 new recipes were not enough, I found Buffalo Chicken Tenders in the Paleo Cookbook I checked out on Friday. We don't eat strictly paleo. Or strictly anything for that matter.

Someone recently messaged me when one weeks menu seemed a little more heavy that usual. She, like me is living with liver disease and asked me how I managed to eat what we were eating and not hurt. Its no big secret. Most nights, I don't eat dinner.  Or if I do, its only a few bites while I'm fixing every ones plates. These days I don't sit down for dinners unless its just for the conversation. Eating makes me really uncomfortable so I am usually done eating anything filling by the time the boys get out of school. If I made meals that were based on what I can eat, David and the boys would miss out on way to much. So I cook for them, eat what I can and stick to smaller meals and my shakes. And yes, I know, I don't look like someone who hardly eats, but thanks to yet another illness that fights me on the whole fat loss battle front.

Quick question for you! 

How do you do dinner?  Family dinner at the table? In the living room or where ever? 

Eating anywhere but the dining room table is a rare thing in this house. Unless we are watching a movie, food stays in the kitchen or dining room. That's how my family did it growing up. As dysfunctional as we were, when Dad called us to dinner we all came quickly, prayed and ate together. The first time I ate at Davids house, we made our plates and went to his bed room. I couldn't even finish my dinner I felt so weird eating anywhere other than a table.

Happy Monday Everyone.  Hope you have those menus ready to go! Click the button above for some inspiration :)

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Menu Plan: August 28th

Its official. Summer Break is over and the boys are both back to school.  And the weather isn't helping my gloomy mood.  As thankful as I am that we have escaped the storm, my heart is breaking for Houston and the coast.

So this week is looking to be wet and dreary.  And with the boys back in school, I cant decide if I'm going to have more time on my hands or if I will be busier. So I am taking this week to break into a new routine.  I should be at the gym, but figured Id give myself today to get caught up on what I can. Then I have to figure out how to fit my meds back in the the schedule on the regular.  I have been awful at that. But baby steps.  Food First.

Its an easy week in the kitchen.  Keeping it nice and easy.  We have a week off before swim starts up again too, so that will help ease us back into our school routines.  

The Turkey Chili will get thrown together here shortly.  I always double it because its even better for leftovers and the boys and David can take it for lunch too. Yay for no sandwiches!

These Southwest Wraps are amazing.  I can mix the rice and meat mixture up ahead of time and let it get all full of flavor.  Then all I have to do when its time to eat is wrap them up and give them a good toasting on the panini press.  Makes life so much easier and there is always leftovers of this too.

Beef and Broccoli.  The boys have finally caught on to all the chicken and turkey we eat.  So I figured I made sure to add a little red meat in the menu this week.  Last week they wanted "real" meatloaf instead of the one I usually make.  And I ended up throwing half of it away.  It was beef.  I know there will be nothing left of this!

Thursday's dinner is a new one for us.  These Baked Chicken Thighs popped up on Pinterest and looks good so I figured why the heck not.

Happy Monday everyone!  May the week be as quick and easy as this menu! Whats on your menu this week? 

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Homestyle Hamburger Macaroni #AD

The first time I saw the new RAGÚ Homestyle Sauces, I knew I was going to have to try them.  Better yet, I knew exactly which one of Dads recipes I would use it in too.  Im so thankful to have these written down. And not just because they are in his handwriting, but because he never measured and it was nice to finally have some measurements. Usually spices were measured in "some" or "a big pinch."

When someone mentions Homestyle cooking what do you think of?  I think of the many days I sat on our kitchen counter watching Dad make dinner. I remember standing on a stool and helping cut peel and mince garlic,  I loved being the taste tester.  And I think of having all these memories of my boys and I doing the same thing.  That's homestyle to me.  It doesn't have to be made from scratch or the be made with fancy ingredients. But something made with family and a whole lot of love.

Friday was my 34th Birthday.  When my sister called and asked me what I wanted to do to celebrate, I told her I just wanted her to come over and cook with me.  I love having my boys in the kitchen with me, but having my sister with me is a gift in itself.  So we pulled out some of the recipes Dad had written down for me when I first moved away from home and got to work with a little help from our friends at RAGÚ.

 

This Hamburger Macaroni is simple, easy and frugal.  It was his go to dinner on nights when he was working late or nights.  It takes less than 30 minutes to throw together and when doubled, fed our big family perfectly. He would serve it up with garlic bread and salad.  And let's not forget to mention the cheese. Right? Extra cheese on top for me!  

You will need:

• 1 jar of RAGÚ Homestyle Sauces
• 1lb ground beef or turkey
• 10oz pasta of your choice.  Elbow and Rotini are my fav
• 1 medium onion
• 1t chili powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• garlic powder to taste
• 2 c grated cheese  

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil and cook pasta.
2. While the pasta is cooking, brown the onions and meat till no longer pink.
3. Add 1t chili powder and other spices to taste.
4. Mix the pasta into the meat.
5. Add 1 c of of Ragu Homestyle Sauce or more if needed.
6. Stir in grated cheese until everything is mixed well.
7. Serve up and enjoy.

Printable Version

I can't say how many times I have made this recipe over the years.  I think this RAGÚ Homestyle Sauce has worked the best so far.  It sticks to the pasta perfectly and is the perfect blend of spices.  No artificial flavors, coloring or high fructose corn syrup.  There are so many ways to use it.  Visit the RAGÚ website and find more recipe inspiration.  We used the Thick and Hearty Sauce this time around but I think next time I will try the 4 cheese or Traditional. 

I would love to know what homestyle cooking means to you!  Did you grow up cooking?  Do certains smells take you back to great memories in the kitchen?  Which RAGÚ Homestyle Sauce are you looking forward to trying the most?

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Turkey and Spinach Manicotti

Growing up, Dad was the one who did all the cooking. He would be in the kitchen for hours at a time. And he was always giving our taste buds a run for their money. I remember some of my friends had days for dinners. Meatloaf Monday or Sunday Spaghetti Dinners. But in our house, there was no telling what Dad was going to be putting on the table. Not only was he creative in the kitchen but he was cultured too. We grew up eating everything from local fish that we caught to elk sausages from Canada brought out to the island by some visiting co workers. Curries from India and pasta dishes that were better than any Italian restaurant I've ever been to. So when people ask me what homestyle cooking is to me, you can see why I can never pin it down to one type of food or one particular dish. 

Instead, when you say homestyle you know what I picture? A meal that is made with family and friends. Where the kids get to crack eggs even if they have not quite mastered the ability to do so without spraying egg everywhere. When messes and memories are made and meals come together with love and laughter. That's what I think I think of.

If you were to ask my boys though, I can tell you what they will say. Pasta. They love all things pasta. Extra points if there is cheese involved. Like maybe a little ricotta and parmesan. Like this...

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All American Pancakes

My boys have always been in such a rush to grow up.  Ever since they were little they have been planning their future.  They will tell you about the kind of fathers they want to be.  And even the the kind of husband they will be. Its an everyday topic around here.

I have always told them that they could be whatever they want to be but that it would take a lot of hard work. But ever since they were little, they have only wanted to be one thing.  Army Strong.  Now 7 and 11 they still put on their uniforms run around like little soldiers.  Its not unusual for me to check on them and find then doing PT and running drills.

By the time they get there they will have trained their whole lives for this.  Being a soldier will require them to be strong.  Not just physically but mentally too. They need to stay healthy and active. Starting with the most important meal of the day. And no matter what Im serving up for breakfast, it is always made better with a glass of Nesquik! And it will make them better soldiers too.

How so?  Well Nesquik has the iron that will help them grow and develop. The vitamin C to keep their immune systems strong. It also has 3 essential B vitamins to help their bodies make and use energy.  See chocolate milk isn't just fun, it can be part of a healthy and balanced meal too.  And if it keeps them strong and healthy, I approve.

I am always looking for ways to keep meals healthy and fun.  We all know a nutritious breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  The boys always need a little kick to get the day started.  Fun breakfasts are the way to go.  Boys love pancakes.  Soldiers love All American Pancakes.

Ingredients

3/4c  milk
2T  white vinegar
1c  flour
2T  sugar
1t  baking powder
1t  baking soda
1/2t  salt
1  egg
2T  melted butter
Strawberries
Honey

Strawberry Sauce

Wash, hull and chop a handful of strawberries.  Toss them in a food processor with a few drops of honey and blend until smooth.  Put in a container and into the fridge while pancakes are cooking.

Pancakes

• In a large bowl mix milk and vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
• Whisk egg and butter into the milk.
• Pour the dry mix into the wet mix and whisk until smooth.
• Heat a skillet or griddle to medium heat.  Spray with cooking spray and pour batter onto the hot pan using a 1/4 cup measuring spoon.
• When bubbles form, flip and cook for 2 more minutes or until cooked through.
• Cut out stars using a cookie cutter.  Top with strawberry sauce and blueberries.  They won't even miss the butter and syrup.

This is a kid friendly breakfast idea that you could easily make your own.  Change up the shapes and fruit to match your own tastes.  And they go great with a cold glass of Nesquik!

 

I can't wait to see what kind of men they grow up to be.  Who knows, maybe they will join the military and their childhood dreams will come true!  Or maybe next year their dreams will change. Either way I will support them.  Encourage them to dream big and bring their imagination to life.

If you are looking for fun breakfasts ideas be sure to check out Nesquik on Pinterest. And for more ideas on how you can #stirimagination check them out on YouTube!

What did you want to be when you were little?  What do your kids want to be when they grow up?  

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My Kitchen: Essentials and Dreams

The kitchen has always been my happy place.  My Dad was always in the kitchen.  And one, if not all of us kids were in there with him.  Sitting on the counter watching him create delicious dinners. Being taste testers. Or washing and cutting things.  And now that I am a mom, I love having my boys in the kitchen with me.  My kitchen is the heart of my home.

When we got our first place, Dad helped me get my kitchen up to his standards. "You don't need much!" he would remind me. And over the years, many of the things he got me have become my most cherished and used things. Its true. I don't need every kitchen gadget in the book. So what do I need?

1.  A set of pots and pans.  And not just any, but a solid and sturdy set.  They are going to get used daily so they need to be able to handle it.  A great set that will last you many years is a big investment but worth every penny.
2.  A thermometer.  Because no one likes raw food.  And even worse, overcooked food.  Yet, its something so easily over looked.  Working in a restaurant for Disney World drilled in the importance of properly cooked food.
3.  A panini press.  My dad bought me one of these one summer while he was visiting and I remember rolling my eyes.  When was I ever going to use one of these things?  At least once a week,  that's when. When the boys have friends over, I can pump out 4 grilled cheeses at a time, in under 10 minutes.  Mom for the win!  
4.  A good knife.  I have a whole block full of knives, but I use my favorite santoku knife for just about everything.  When the boys help me in the kitchen, they use a mini santoku.  And when my friends come over, they laugh at me for using such a big knife to cut even the smallest berries. 
5.  A knife sharpener.  This is another thing dad bought for me.  Mostly because he saw me trying to figure out how to using the honing steel that came with the set.  I knew he used a stone but he figured a run though sharpener would work best for me. 
6.  Measuring spoons.  The very first thing I bought from Pampered Chef was the adjustable measuring spoons.  And I am going to be ordering another set.  Because I love them.  Everything is in one spoon.  Less to wash and less clutter. 
7. A juicer with a jar.  Once Dad offered to make lemonade for a party.  He bought up all the lemons on the island and put me to work juicing.  I was using one of the old school juicers that sat onto of the pitcher. Then my hand slipped and I knocked over the whole pitcher.  It was a disaster.  So when he saw they sold them like this, he couldn't help but send it to me.  For the record, I have yet to spill any more juice.  Knock on wood.
8.  A cookie Scoop.  Where were these things when I was growing up.  I probably rolled thousands of cookies by hand.  This little gadget right here makes my baking so much easier.  And it is also the perfect size to fill my mini cupcake pans.  I love it!

On more than one occasion, someone has asked me how I do not have this or that gadget. Garlic press? No I mince it by hand with my "big knife".  Pizza cutter? I use my knife for that too! And I have made it all these years with out glass measuring cups.  I do have an avocado masher though.  But only because it came free with an avocado purchase.  And I used it to mash bananas for banana bread.  I don't dream of having every little gadget. As a matter of fact I am really good at talking myself out of buying all the cute gadgets, because a cluttered kitchen is my biggest nightmare.  But I do have a few things on my dream kitchen wish list.

1.  A Kitchen Aid.  Am I the only person who still uses and electric hand mixer?  All these bread recipes I find on Pinterest all call for a stand mixer.  Did people not make bread before they were invented? 

2.  A cake stand.  Because cakes are so much prettier on a stand than on a regular old plate. 

3.  A Fry Daddy.  I don't fry things often, but I would love to have a deep fryer.  I'm old fashioned and just fry things in a cast iron skillet.

4.  A complete baking set.  All my bake ware are mixed and not matched.  I would love to have a complete set with 2 loaf pans and 2 cake pans.  Guess I would need round cake pans to go along with that cake stand!

5.  A fancy blender.  Blendtec, Vitamix, Ninja...I wouldn't even know where to begin.  Why are these things so expensive?  

6.  An ice cream maker.  This is one of those things that aren't really that expensive but I still don't have.  Mostly I want it because we once made ice cream in my high school home economics class and I thought it was the coolest thing ever! Im also worried that I would either not use it enough, or use it way to much.

7.  A giant range.  Check out this BlueStar Range.  I would have room to cook and bake everything.  At the same time!  Thanksgiving would be a breeze.

8. A wok.  How do I not have a one already?  Because I have a pan that works good enough.  Even though every time I cook in it I wish it was a wok.  My conscience is clearly a minimalist.

If I had to pick just one thing off my wish list, it would have to be the stove. I already have a fridge that I love. Although I might need this 36" Built In Refrigerator from Bluestar too.  You know, to match my dream stove. And I don't use the dishwasher very often because I didn't have one growing up and I kind of like doing them by hand.  My stove however, most days feels so small.  I've been known to uses 4 or 5 pans for dinner.  My stove has 4 burners and a warmer.  But depending on which pans I am using, there isn't always room for them all on there.  I came so close to buying a double oven stove but it just seemed silly to try to find more space in the same amount of stove. Plus I would still have my space issue up top.  Do I really need all that space?  Of course. A girl can dream right?!

My dream stove is 48" as opposed to the standard 30" has 6 burners and a griddle. And the extra large convection oven is to die for. You can design your own BlueStar Stove by clicking HERE! They are seriously dreamy! Right?  I'm a stainless steel kinda girl but this beauty comes in other colors too.  

My dream kitchen is much bigger than my current one.  It has a cabinets with pull out shelves to hang my pots and pans.  It has a microwave the island where the boys can easily reach it and not over the stove. And instead over the stove is a hood that actually gets rid of smoke and odors.  Oh and a faucet on the wall behind the stove to fill pots with.  So much easier.  And I will need space for proper seating in there too. There are currently two kids sitting on my counter.

Clearly my dream house is much bigger too.

These were only a few of my kitchen favorites and dreams. I could go on for days talking about being in the kitchen and cooking.  I'm no celebrity chef and I'm not worlds greatest baker. Unless you are asking my sons 5th grade class and I am carrying a box full of homemade brownies.  But I love that cooking is what brings my family and friends together.  I have this weird need to feed people and the fact that people, especially kids go hungry hurts my heart.  I have always told the boys that their friends were always welcome at our table.  75% of the time their friends end up helping me in the kitchen too.

What do you love about your current kitchen?  What does your dream kitchen look like?  Am I really the only one with out a Kitchen Aid?  Tell me its not true!  Or tell David it is and remind him that my birthday is in August!  Either way, Id love to know!  

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Menu Plan Monday: January 25th

You know that Sunday night rush? Where you feel like there is so much to do before the week starts. A rogue load of laundry that has to be done and the dishes are piled in the sink. And you just want to go to bed but even though you have been trying there is still so much to do! Most Sundays, that is me. Yesterday, not so much. I was on a roll. And ahead of the schedule. For once!

Lunch sides and snacks for the week? Check. Proof that I do give my kids sugar too ;-) And one less thing to worry about in the mornings. #fruits #veggies #lunch #foodprep #momlife

A photo posted by Kim (@kmunoz28) on Jan 24, 2016 at 6:06pm PST

I had 75% of the food prep for the week done. All the snacks and lunch extras. I will get the veggies foe dinners done before the boys get home. Because we all know trying to do anything with two you boys in the house is next to impossible. Especially when you are trying to do it and clean it up. Not happening.

My menu for the week is a little random and thrown together. Mostly because nothing sounded good to me. Its hard to plan a menu when the thought of eating makes you queasy. David picked a few recipes off of Pinterest for me thankfully. No he wasn't on Pinterest but walked by twice and said, "That looks good, make that!" Um, okay!

So here is what we ended up with.

Monday: Avocado Fettuccine with Garlic Beef

Tuesday:  Lemon Pepper Turkey and Brown Rice Pilaf

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday:  Beef and Broccoli Bowls

Friday:  Bacon Ranch Chicken Bake and Salads

So, yes, there are 2 beef dinners. And I usually keep it to one. But I figured both of these recipes make it easy for me to pick out just a few pieces of beef so I don't over do it.

Also, I'm kid of in love with one pan dishes. Or maybe I am just tired of washing all the pots and pans. Either way, I must find more of them. Its like a moms dream come true. I wonder if I could get away with one every Friday to start the weekend off right! Good dinner and less dishes. YES PLEASE!

What are you serving up this week? Any one pot dishes?

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Menu Plan Monday: January 18th

Oh, how I love long weekends.  The weekends seem to get shorter and shorter so that one extra day helps. Today we spent the day running errands and then took a trip to the Zoo.  The little one has begging to ride the train so we squeezed that in first. Half way though the trip he said he was probably to big for this one and needed to try a real train next.  Sigh.

OK on to the food.  A few new recipes and some old.  But its all super easy.  And tasty, I hope.

This salmon is amazing!

Monday:  Chicken Parmesan casserole with salads.

Tuesday:  Arroz con carne, rice and beans.

Wednesday: Oven fried pork chops with Brussels sprouts.

Thursday: BBQ chicken bake with mashed and corn.

Friday:  Parmesan crusted salmon and broccoli.


Lots of one pan dishes.  That makes my heart happy.  Most days after dinner, I feel like every pot and pan I have are dirty and my kitchen looks like a grenade went off in it.  This menu should help with that.

Whats on your menu this week?

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Menu Plan Monday: December 7th

Here we go again. Another week begins. Last week was brutal, the weekend just about took me out but today is a fresh start.  I have a whole list of things to do but I'm thinking that as long as I get my grocery shopping done today, I've done enough. I should probably run the dishwasher at some point, and I'm here writing this, so go me!

My appetite has disappeared again, so I told David that I was going to make all new recipes this week and hopefully find it along the way.  Not sure if it was my greatest idea but I'm gonna roll with it

Monday:  One Pan Ranch Pork Chops with salads.

Tuesday:  Street Tacos

Wednesday:  Chicken A La Gloria.  Think I will serve this salads and crusty bread.

Thursday:  Leftovers

Friday:  Garlic Crusted Cod with alfredo and broccoli.

Short and sweet today. I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I'd love to know what you are making this week!

Looking for some more ideas too?  Click the button below to check out more menus!  Happy Cooking!

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Menu Plan Monday: November 30th

Goodbye November. Hello December! Can you believe it? It seems like once school starts, the rest of the year just flies right bye. The end of the year also means that my pantry and freezer are about empty. I like to use up whatever I can in there and then start over again in the new year. I hate to waste food. So this week I'm using up the last of my white rice, frozen veggies and meat.

Monday:  Supper Club fish with rice and broccoli.

Tuesday: Pot Roast and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday:  Leftovers

Thursday:  Spaghetti, meatballs and salads.

Friday:  Sausage, rice and corn.

It's not very often I crave food anymore. Mostly I eat because an alarms tell me to or everyone else is hungry. But I just love this fish recipe. Speaking of fish, last week I bought 2 fresh tuna steaks so that I could make myself some sashimi (raw fish). I got a few bites in before the boys asked for a taste. Then they asked for their own plates. They ate it all.

I love that they love all kinds of food. Today while we were grocery shopping they were jumping up and down, begging me for octopus and smoked oysters.  Another shopper made a face and I so badly wanted her to look at me glaring at her. That is one of my biggest pet peeves ever. People who make faces or gagging noises when people talk about food they like. The boys will not eat mushrooms because my mother in law said they are nasty. The used to eat them right up.

I have personally eaten a lot of strange things. David thinks the reason every Ostrich I see tries to eat me is because they can still smell that I ate one of their ancestors. It was for a food festival and our chef asked me to try his dish. It was almost as unpleasant as turtle. Rock snails aren't as bad as you would think they are too.

Well, that escalated quickly. Sorry.

I'll stop here! You can make a face now. Don't worry I can't see you!

What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten?

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Menu Plan Monday: October 26th

Today feels like a fresh start.  Last week is over and done with.  Hell the last 3 weeks are history.  Its been a struggle for sure but I am finally starting to feel like myself again.  Even with the signs of an cold coming on.  So back to the kitchen I go!

Monday:  Lasagna with garlic toast and salads.  Never got to it last week!

Tuesday:  Steak tacos.

Wednesday:  Leftovers and lumpia.  Trying a different kind this week.

Thursday:  Lemon pepper turkey with brown rice pilaf and asparagus.

Friday:  Supper Club Swai with rice and salads.

I am going to put these Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels together real quick tonight before I go to bed and then bake them in the morning.  It will be something different and easy. Fingers crossed.

Getting the boys to eat breakfast is like pulling teeth.

Well, no, that is easy around here.  As a matter of fact, the boys were wrestling last night and Alex lost his second front tooth.  The other one, he swallowed while eating.  One minute it was there, then it wasn't.

I hope everyone had a good weekend and I hope you all have a week of good food ahead!

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Menu Plan Monday: July 27th

It's Monday.  Again.  Already.  But I'm on a roll this morning.  Laundry is started, dishes are put away and dishwasher is loaded, everyone is fed and beds are made.  Now on to the food.  Because the boys have eaten everything and we are down to cereal and eggs.

Here's whats cooking in my kitchen this week! Including these amazing meatballs that I shared on Instagram a few weeks ago. They are amazing!

Monday:  Baked Honey Garlic Chicken, alfredo and asparagus

Tuesday: Spaghetti and salads

Wednesday: Sriracha Meatballs with brown rice pilaf and stir fry veggies.

Thursday: Leftovers. (Pool day)

Friday: Beef and Broccoli over brown fried rice.

Saturday: Chicken and veggies on the grill.


I also decided to start adding in a prepped lunch for the week.  I've noticed that either I skip lunch or I eat everything.  This I think will make it so much easier for me to remember and limit what I eat. I'm leaning towards these amazing lettuce wraps I was on Pinterest.  I forgot to save it but I wrote down what I need.

We only have a few more weeks of summer so starting this week we are starting to get back into our weekday routine.  Earlier dinners and bedtimes.  Davids schedule should also be going back to normal soon.  Thankfully. We have been missing having him home for dinner.  Plus the boys save all their crazy/curious questions for dinner time and I need backup!

I'm curious.  Do you eat dinner together?  What do you talk about at dinner time?

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Menu Plan Monday: April 13th

I'm back!  I snuck away last week to surprise my big brother at his homecoming.  Can I just say real quick how emotional and amazing it was to watch him come home to his family.  And not just them.  There were men meeting their babies for the first time ever.  And newlyweds who were finally back in each others arms.  Ahhhh.  I tried to go though the photos I got today, but I couldnt stop crying so I'm taking a break to focus on something else.  FOOD!

I'm looking forward to cooking this week. My appetite is somewhat back.  Mostly I think I am just happy to be home with my boys and they are apparently happy I'm home...to cook.  Seriously, when I asked my little one why he was happy I was home, he said "so I can cook for him"  So here is this weeks menu!

Monday
Boys are cooking tonight while I get the house back in order.  Mac n Cheese it is!

Tuesday
Pot Roast and veggies with Hawaiian sweet rolls

Wednesday
Spaghetti squash spaghetti with salad

Thursday
Leftovers. No wasting food here.  

Friday
Monster meatloaf, roasted potatoes and asparagus

Saturday
Meatloaf sandwiches

Sunday
Shrimp alfredo and salad

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Easy Apple Chips

What happens when Christmas time rolls around.  OK well around here its almost all year, but y'all know what I'm talking about.  The doorbell rings and its the neighbors with handful of goodies for you.  I was so looking forward to holiday baking but we ended up being overrun by the flu so I never got around to it. Back to my story. What do you do when you have the sweetest neighbors but they have a few allergies that make cooking for them a little tricky if you don't know the ins and outs of the allergy.  My fix.  Apple chips. Because, whats better than apples, cinnamon and a little sugar?

The idea of Apple Chips came to me after seeing this post by a fellow blogger friend Jennifer.  A little back story. If you have been following for even just a little while then you know that I foster for the local great dane rescue. One day I shared a call for a foster family for a momma who needed to be separated from her pups so she could start her medication and get better.  Well Jennifer stepped up for me and welcomed Viv into her home with open arms.  Then her sweet son decided that Viv was his and so they started raising money to officially adopt her.  And they did this by selling the homemade apple chips. And now Viv has a forever home.  They used a dehydrator for theirs but I figured the oven would work too.  

Click here for a printable recipe

All you need is about 4 apples, some sugar and cinnamon.  

Wash apples and preheat oven to 225.

In a small bowl mix sugar and cinnamon. 

Slice apples with mandolin.  Or by hand if you can.

Arrange apples on cookie sheet.  But be sure they are not touching.

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.  No need to go crazy.

Bake for one hour. Flip. And bake for another hour.

Once they come out of the oven they will crisp up even more.  I suggest making sure they are not stuck down to the pan because if they harden to the pan they are a pain to get off.  

I hope y'all enjoy them as much as we do.  They boys think they are the coolest thing.  And keep asking what else we can make chips out of.  I'm wanting to try Kale chips but I'm worried they will be to tempting for me even though there is enough VitK in them to cause me some trouble.  What else could we turn to chips?

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Menu Plan Monday: Dec 15th

One more week until Christmas Vacation. This past week went by in a blur. David has been home since Wednesday and we were busy enjoying our time together that nothing got done. Nothing. But I do love that even though we have been practically joined at the hip for the last few days, it never gets old. We got our grocery shopping done on time and I was under budget by a whole 50 cents. And my menu is done.

Monday:
Chicken with Spanish rice, beans and salad.

Tuesday:
Taco Tuesday.

Wednesday:
Leftovers

Thursday:
One pan baked Salmon and Veggies with brown rice pilaf.

Friday:
Whole roast chicken with stuffing and broccoli.

Saturday:
Spaghetti and salad.

Sunday:
Clean out the fridge night.


I've been trying really hard to make sure we eat everything I cook.  By having 2 leftover nights, we have really cut back on our food waste.  There is some chili in the fridge that I will eat for lunch tomorrow but other than some leftover sides, everything got eaten last week.  Should be interesting having them home for 2 weeks of break.  The amount of food growing kids can eat.  Amazes me!

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Menu Plan Monday: October 27th

 

How is it Monday already?  That was fast.  At least we only had one soccer game this weekend.  And as short as it was, we enjoyed it.  Even managed to get a few things we have been putting off done.  More on that later. Lets talk food.  My appetite has gone missing again and nothing sounds good.  I need some more ideas y'all!  Here is what we settled on for this weeks menu.


Monday:
Tuna Subs.

Tuesday:
Enchiladas, Rice and Beans.

Wednesday:
Leftovers before soccer practice.

Thursday:
Mushroom Chicken.

All this and cheese wrapped in a tortilla. Friday can't get here soon enough!

Friday:
Southwest Steak Wraps.

Saturday:
Leftovers.

Sunday:
Fish Scampi and Linguine.


Quick Question.  Are we the only ones who eat leftovers so often?  I see so many people who say they don't like leftovers or just plain refuse to eat them and throw them out.  What a waste of money.  And time.  I love to cook but some days there just isn't enough time or energy to. And when I do cook I want to enjoy it. It doesn't have to be the same exact dish.  When money is tight, I will buy a a whole chicken or the family packs.  You can make so many things out of leftover chicken.  Soup, tacos, taquitos, enchiladas, salad, sandwiches and so much more. Leftover roasts and hams make great sandwiches. Even if its just for lunch.  What is your favorite way to use up your leftovers?

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Menu Plan Monday: October 20th

I actually have a menu planned this week.  I even went grocery shopping.  I just ran out of time to share it all earlier.  The Mr stayed home from work today even though my appointment was cancelled.  So we did what most people would do right?  Went out for Breakfast then came home and watched movies we have been wanting to watch but were not quite kid friendly.  After that we went shopping and picked up the boys  from school.  Before I knew it, it was time for soccer practice.  Everyone is bathed and in bed but I just had to share since I'm actually trying some new things this week!  Finally!  I'm so excited.

Monday:  Complete fail.  I was going to make a nice dinner since I was home all day.  We ended up buying pizza on the way home.  It happens.  No judging.

Tuesday:  Ginger and Scallion Beef with fried rice and stir fry veggies.

Wednesday:  Soccer Practice night so we will be cleaning out the fridge and eating up whatever is left in there.

Thursday:  Turkey Chili and Crackers.  I have been using this recipe for years. The flavor is strong enough that you can't even tell its turkey.  And since I can't eat to much red meat, this works perfectly.

Friday:  Panko Crusted Honey Mustard Salmon with salad and roasted broccoli.

Saturday:  Leftovers again.  I'm so tired of throwing away food!!

Sunday:  One Pot Chicken and Potatoes. I was looking for something easy and this looks like a winner.  


So that is 3 new recipes in one week.  Lets hope I don't overwhelm myself.  My mind has been really playing with me this past month and even reading a recipe can be a little challenging at times.  But with some early prepping, I should be good to go.  Ill be sure to share later on how everything turns out!  Happy Monday y'all!

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