Feb 15 - 21

Well...we finally got around to having the Chicken and Cherries recipe - it was delicious! I used cranberries instead of cherries, but still yummy. It could stand to be "saucier" so I'll have to remember that for next time.

I pulled out my trusty recipe binder for this week and made a menu in record time! It also helps that we have a couple of group dinners this week along with a date night for my Valentine and me :)

Orange Beef with Cilantro Rice

Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Veggies

Shahi Korma Chicken with Rice

Mexican Lasagna

Pizza

Chili and Cornbread

Nov 16 - 22

I have a new plan for menu planning (is that redundant?). The last few weeks I have struggled to pull together a menu. It really shouldn't take that long. As I was thumbing through my recipe file for dinner one night it suddenly dawned on me that I should use it to help me each week! I have quite the collection of meals we enjoy in there and some I haven't made in a long time. So instead of coming up with ideas off the top of my head or pouring over website after website for new recipes or at least an inspiration or reminder of something we like, I'm going back to basics. I made this week's menu in record time and didn't even have to beg Keenan for a suggestion :)

As far as reviews - the Spiced Honey Lemon Chicken with Carmalized Onions and Brussel Sprouts was a huge hit and the Cheesey Chorizo Strata was delicous as well. I'm planning to make the strata for a brunch we have this weekend.

Jamacian Chicken with rice and veggies (didn't get to this one last week)

Shrimp Pad Thai

Mac 'n Cheese with Cauliflower

Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Orange Beef with Cilantro Rice

King Ranch Chicken

Aug 23 - 30

This week's menu was a little easier to plan which was nice. We have a busy week coming up. Ari will meet his new teacher on Wednesday morning, his friend will be coming over to play Friday morning then we have 2 birthday parties on Saturday! Next Monday Ari will have a "1/2 day" of school and Wednesday will be his first "full day" (3 hours). I'm so ready to get back into the swing of things and have a consistent routine!

On a food sidenote, I just discovered the blog The Crepes of Wrath. I think I about drooled myself dry over the amazing dessert and pastry pictures and recipes. There are also some dinner recipes to look at, but the chocolate is hard to pass by. I'm thinking about trying the Banana Chocolate Chip Cherry Muffins and possibly the Chocolate Orange Brownie Cookies with M&M's - yummy! :)

Ok...onto the menu:

Ravioli Bake

Grilled Chicken with Garlic Sauteed Spinach

Swedish Meatballs

Orange Beef with Cilantro Rice

Bean Burritos (with homemade beans)

Chicken Fried Rice

Week of March 9 - 15

Monday - Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas

Tuesday - Creamy Green Chilie Chicken Enchiladas with Rice and Beans

Wednesday - Indian Chicken Curry

Thursday - Orange Beef with Cilantro Rice

Friday - Baked Chicken Parmesan

Saturday - Miso Soup with Springrolls

Sunday - Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes