May 10 - 16

Once again I forgot to post my menu for last week. I don't remember trying any new meals, but I did try a new snack recipe - kale chips! They are so good and good for you! Here's what I do:

Wash and completely dry one bunch of kale. Tear the leaf part into chip-size pieces (do not use the thick stem part). Toss the pieces with about a tablespoon of olive oil (don't use too much oil) and some sea salt (or whatever seasoning your heart desires). Spread onto a cookie sheet spacing out the chips a bit and bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes or until crispy, but not burned. So far I've over-seasoned one batch and under-seasoned another. It's kind of a trial and error thing. To me they taste like roasted pumpkin seeds and are super addictive!

This is a short menu week for us and we still have one last game of t-ball so easy meals are on the list.

• Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

• Fish Tacos

• Pizza

• Firecracker Enchiladas (left-overs in the freezer)

• Sub Sandwiches with Chips and Fruit

April 26 - May 2

I'm still getting my groove back in the dinner-making arena. I managed to make a menu last week, but never got it posted here. Sorry about that. The only new recipe we tried was for Chicken Picadillo out of the Penzey's spice catalog. Keenan called it a Jamaican wrap and everyone enjoyed it - including the kids! I'll try to post it another time.

On to this week. Tomorrow's Chick-Fil-A family night which means I can feed the 4 of us that eat solid food for $7 with 2 free kids meal and a BOGO deal card! We also have visitors this week who will be taking us out to dinner one night. A nice, easy week for me. When it comes to cooking anyway ;)

• Chipotle Mac and Cheese

• Firecracker Enchiladas

• Sausage Pepper Pasta

• Orange Marmalade Chicken with Rice

• Crockpot Braised Short Ribs with Cabbage and Carrots

July 19 - 28

Before I forget, I'll start with reviews. The five-spice burgers were a huge hit all around. I couldn't believe the kids actually ate them up! Of course, they didn't eat the mushroom/cabbage topping, but still I was surprised. The Salsa Verde Steak Burritos were also a big hit and we now have plenty of left-overs. It'll be turned into enchiladas this week :) I didn't get around to the veggie pie as I realized my yogurt was expired when I went to make it - oops. I may try it another time, but for now I'm just going to use the veggies in other things this week (if they're still good!). I also haven't tried the lemon ice cream yet, but I'm hoping to tomorrow!

This menu should get us through the next week and a half with leftovers and probably a meal out sometime.

Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Rice and Veggies

Chicken Fried Rice

Lasagna with Salad and Bread

Tofu Stir Fry

Beef Enchiladas with Rice and Beans

Chili Lime Cobb Salad

Sandwiches with Fruit and Chips (water park night!)

Feb 8 - 14

Review time again! We didn't get around to the Chicken and Cherries so that will have to wait until next time. However, the sausage crepesadillas and hearty winter veggie pilaf were both hits! I'm going to use the crepesadilla idea using breakfast sausage this next week and serve it, well, for breakfast. :)

Here's what I'll be making for a special Valentine's treat this week as well: Cake Pops!

Chicken and Cherries

Ravioli with Pesto and Tomatoes (We're having this again because it's quick, easy and all the ingredients are listed in the name!)

Sloppy Joes

Greek Couscous Salad with Chicken

Cheese, Crackers and Fruit

Roast Chicken with Veggies and Rolls

Firecracker Enchiladas

Feb 1 - 7

Alright, let's start off with some reviews. The fish tacos were quite tastey. Unfortunately, the avocados I bought weren't quite ripe enough and I'm not sure if I overcooked the fish. It definitely has potential, though! The bacon and kale minestra was very good. A great cold-weather, hearty soup with a rich flavor for a broth soup. The chicken pasta with pine nuts, raisins and rosemary was also a winner. I'm sure it helped that I used chicken leftovers from my rockin' roast chicken! An easy meal with lots of flavor. Finally, the broccoli cheese soup was my favorite. I accidentally bought too much broccoli so I plan to make it again this week for lunch for me! :)

On to this week. I hit the jackpot with Rachael Ray's site today with 3 recipes I plan to try. I still struggled to fill in the rest of the week, though. Go figure.

Hoagies with Soup

Hearty Winter Veggie Pilaf

Sausage Crepesadillas

Chicken and Cherries

Ravioli with Pesto and Tomatoes

Firecracker Enchiladas

SNB Chicken Nuggets with Baked Beans

May 4 - 10

Monday - Hamburgers with corn on the cob

Tuesday - Firecracker Enchiladas

Wednesday - Chicken Pad Thai

Thursday - Chicken with 20 Cloves of Garlic, Mashed potatoes and veggies

Friday - Corn Dogs with Tater Tots

Saturday - King Ranch Chicken

Sunday - Spaghetti with meat sauce