April 12 - 18

Well I did pretty well for my first full week of meals after a month off. Some friends invited us over for dinner one night and we ended up eating out another (nothing like remodeling the kitchen for a good eat out excuse!). Now I have one roll-over for this week! Here we go! Turkey Meatloaf Spaghetti Pizza Chicken Tacos Grilled Chicken & Orange Skewers with Zuccini Rice (from my latest Real Simple) Roast Sausage and Potatoes Special Treat: Orange Rolls

Jan 4 - 10

Time to get back at it! Somehow this week's menu wasn't too tough to pull together. I had some roll-overs from last week (that I forgot to post) and a couple of old stand-bys we haven't had in a while. Here we go!

Smothered Bean Burritos

Spaghetti with French Bread

Turkey Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Italian Wedding Soup

Roast Chicken and Veggies with Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs with Crunchy Veggies

Sept 7 - 13

I'm still trying to adjust to our new "school year" schedule around here. Hopefully next week I'll be able to make a 2 week menu to really maximize the time the kids are in school for other things besides grocery shopping. For now, it was a struggle just to come up with one week and now I still have lunches and back packs to pack for the morning. A mother's work is never done!

I stumbled on a new menu blog a few weeks ago and happened upon it again tonight: Food for my Family. The meals I've seen so far are definitely my style. I'm just not sure how time-consuming they'll be. I have 2 on my list for this week so we'll see.

With the holiday weekend we ended up with some impromptu dinners with friends so I have a couple of roll-overs to get me started.

Talapia with Rice and Veggies

Shake 'n Bake Chicken Nuggets with French Fries

Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs

Grilled Turkey Tenderloin with Mashed Potatoes

Raspberry and Roasted Garlic Grilled Chicken

Chicken and Gnocci Soup

Salsa Verde Chicken with Herbed Cornmeal Dumplings

Aug 15 - 24

Review time! I absolutely loved the mini taco cups. I'm sure most of it is due to my love of Mexican food and even more so my love of condiments, but still - they were great and fun! (I'll put the recipe in a seperate post.) See?

Next up, the Pinwheels with Roasted Veggie Sauce. Another hit! The flavor was amazing and it was almost like a cream sauce without actual cream. I'm going to have to save this recipe for when it cools off, though. Roasting veggies at 400 degrees for 40 minutes is not the best idea in 105+ weather!

And last, but certainly not least, the Zuccini and Ricotta Gallete. Oh. My. Goodness. The crust was so buttery and flaky and the ricotta/cheese filling was rich and creamy. I'm sure it's not the best for you so it's definitely a treat. Not to mention all the prep time that goes into it. So worth it though. I plan to try a tomato/basil version next time. Yum!

I have 10 meals planned for the next week and a half. We're off on another adventure and I'm hoping to only make one quick trip to the store for basics after today. Keenan's out of town 3 nights this week and I'm still battling morning sickness so most of these are quick and easy.

Egg Sandwiches with Garlic Fries

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Beans & Cornbread

Spaghetti

Taco Cups

BBQ Turkey Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes

Chicken Broccoli Divan

Sausage Pepper Pasta

Brinner - Fried Eggs, Potatoes and Bacon with Fruit

Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

Aug 2 - 8

Our 2 week menu worked out great. I really enjoyed only 1 major grocery trip during that time. Towards the end we wound up ordering pizza and having a dinner out that gave me some roll-overs for this week. I don't have the energy right now to make a 2 week menu let alone shop for one. I picked some easy menu items to get us to Sunday when hopefully I'll be up for shopping again.

Slow-cooker Orange Chicken with Rice and Veggies

Chicken Fried Rice

Spaghetti

Bean burritos

Zuccini and Ricotta Gallete

June 27 - July 3

I think I managed quite well with my "meals on the fly" week. I made one trip to Aldi and loaded up on whatever cought my eye that reminded me of something I've made before. Last week I made a short menu, but didn't get around to posting it. I'm going to do a separate post on our meal last night - it came out wonderfully!

Without anymore delay, here's my back-in-the-swing-of-things menu. Next week I'm going to attempt a 2 week menu to cut down on grocery trips.

Blackened Shrimp Po'Boys with Chips (had this tonight - delicious!)

Zesty Garlic Chicken Wraps with Bean Salad

Chicken Tenders with Cucumber Salad and Chickpea Couscous

Pesto and Tomato Pizza

BBQ Turkey Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Veggies (thanks Sarah!)

Tacos

Hot Dogs with Beans

Spaghetti

May 31 - June 6

First of all, the Pepperoni Pizza Puffs were a big hit. They were easy to whip up and everyone loved them (Ari ate 5 of them!). I've already made a second batch and popped them in the freezer for quick lunches/dinners. I also have plans to make different "gormet" variations (i.e. substitue veggies for the pepperoni, etc.) - can't wait! :)

The Chicken Kebabs and Rice salad were also quite tasty and made for a nice, light, summery meal. It almost needs something else, but I'm not sure what. Bread maybe?

Our dear, sweet neighbor is taking is out to dinner this week for our anniversary! What a special treat! :)

Spaghetti (roll-over)

Fritatta Nests

Chipotle Mac 'n Cheese (I recommend cutting the sauce amount in half)

Lemon Pear Chicken Sandwich

Artichoke and Walnut Pesto Pasta

Bean Burritos (still have beans leftover)

May 24 - 30

Not much to report this week so I'll get right to it.

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs with Cesar Salad

Chicken Kebabs with Rice Salad

Beans and Cornbread

Smothered Bean Burritos

Spaghetti

Soy Glazed Salmon with Rice


Breakfast Treat: Raspberry Scones

April 19 - 25

Let's see...reviews. The Baked Lemon Pasta was nice and light especially for a spring meal. It was just missing a little something. I used fortified pasta to make up for the fact that it was a meatless meal, but it needs some more herbs or something. When I figure it out I'll let you know. For now I'm pairing the leftovers with smoked sausage hoping to balance things out.

The Jerk Chicken was a big hit. I changed it up a bit by using boneless, skinless chicken thighs and having Keenan grill them along with the fresh pineapple. I think that really helped bring the dish to the next level. Yum!

Keenan's going to be busy most evenings this week and all weekend helping with our church's high school retreat. I've planned a lot of easy, kid-friendly meals in preparation. I usually have the luxury of Keenan being home to help with the kids when I need to cook dinner so this will be a challenging week (not to mention going solo on bedtimes as well). We know it's well worth it, though.

Smoked Sausage with leftover Baked Lemon Pasta

Mexican Bean Wraps


Mac 'n Cheese with Fish Sticks and Peas


Hamburgers with Sweet Potato Fries


Spaghetti with Meatballs

Turkey Meatloaf with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Dip Night! (I plan to make all the dips listed except for the Enchilada dip)

Breakfast: Slow-cooker Oatmeal

April 5 - 11

We had a lovely Easter weekend as a family even without a special dinner. This next weekend we're hoping to go camping, but if not we still plan to roast some wennies by the fire-pit. Spring has finally sprung and summer's not too far off down here!

Chicken Terayaki

Egg Salad Sandwiches with Chips and Fruit

Shrimp, Tortellini and Spinach

Coconut Chicken with Twice Baked Potatoes

Hot Dogs and Beans

Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Cream

Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs

Feb 22 - 28

I tried to make this week's menu an easy one as I'll be on my own for most of it. For some reason, Keira gets super-clingy when she knows I'm trying to cook dinner and then I have my little chef trying to help me at the same time. When Keenan's home he's able to distract one or both of them so this will be a challenge without his help. I'm sure I'll survive! :)

Brinner - Fried Eggs and Potatoes with Turkey Bacon

Tamales and Beans (both from the freezer!)

Spaghetti with Bread and Veggies

Tacos with all the fixin's

Turkey Tenderloin with Mashed Potatoes and Veggies

Orange Chicken with Broccoli

Miso Soup with Spring Rolls or Potstickers (whichever I find in the freezer section)

Jan 4 - 10

Time to get back on track! Between travelling and the holidays I've been out of my usual menu making routine. While we had fun, I'm glad to be home and getting back in the swing of things. Ari will be back in school, we'll go back to the Y and we'll all need to eat some good food! It's supposed to be really cold this week so I've tried to plan some hearty, feel-good meals to keep us warm and cozy.

Creamy Green Chilie Enchilada Casserole

Turkey Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Beans and Piquant Cornbread

Smothered Bean Burritos (using leftovers)

Double Chicken Dumpling Stoup

Salmon Cakes with Steamed Broccoli

Hearty Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Dec 22 - 27

Today I started getting all these ideas of a fabulous spread of appetizers and dishes for our Christmas dinner. Then I realized I only have a couple of (busy) days to plan and prep all this food and in the end it's just for our little family. If we hadn't have been out of town this past week I probably would do it. Alas, I am too tired and just not that motivated. I still planned a few things to make us feel special, though :)

Quick Tomato and Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken and Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo

Grilled Turkey Sandwiches with Chips and Fruit

Spaghetti and Meatballs

CHRISTMAS DAY:

Breakfast - Apple French Toast Casserole

Appetizer - Shrimp Cocktail

Dinner - Roast Leg of Lamb (Edit - Turkey. Lamb was too expensive) with Braised Garlic, Sherry & Thyme
Herbed Mashed Potatoes
Maple Roasted Yam Salad with Pecans and Cranberries
Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions

Dessert - Black Russian Cake

Merry Christmas :)

Oct 12 - 18

This week is an "easy" week when it comes to the menu. My parents are back in town to help with the kiddos while Keenan's out of town for business so I can study. I'm going to meet up with Keenan a couple of nights for some good study time and just some time away :)

Beef Stew (roll-over from last week)

BBQ Chicken, pan-fried potatoes and salad

Hot Dogs with Baked Beans

Sloppy Joes

Tofu Stir Fry

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Quesidilla Casserole

Sept 21 - 27

We ate lots of great food this past weekend including an impromtu cheese/cracker/apple and wine dinner. It really hit the spot! We have more family coming in this week to continue Ari's birthday celebration so more yumminess in store :)

Paella (this was bumped from last week by our impromtu dinner)

Broccoli Rice Casseorle

Hot Pastrami Sandwiches with Sauerkraut

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Garlic Bread and Salad

Chicken Fajitas

Hamburgers

Cheese, Crackers, Apples and Wine (too good to wait!)

Aug 31 - Sept 4

I almost forgot to post my menu this week. I'm not going to be able to do my weekly shopping tomorrow morning so I went yesterday (and was quickly reminded why I don't shop on Saturdays anymore!).

I did end up making the Orange Chocolate Brownie Cookies with M&M's from The Crepes of Wrath and they were amazing! I have all the ingredients on hand for the Banana Chocolate Chip Cherry Muffins and hope to make those sometime this week.

Chicken Sausages with Summer Corn and Bean Salad

Bean Burritos (using homemade refried beans)

BLT's with Chips and Fruit

Grilled Soy and Dijon Chicken with Veggies and Mashed Potatoes

Huevos Rancheros (with leftover beans)

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Beans and Chuck's Cornbread

Aug 3 - 9

Phew...this was a tough menu to plan! I can't tell if I'm too tired or just not in the right mood tonight, but it took me way too long to come up with this list tonight. Hopefully next week will be better...

Spaghetti and Meatballs (again. It was tastey last week and I promised a meal for friends that recently had a baby so I'll be doubling and sharing this week.)

Tacos

Pesto Gnocci with Chicken

Mock Monte Cristos

Sauteed Talapia with Rice Pilaf

Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad

BBQ Chicken with Mashed Potatoes

July 27 - Aug 2

Last week's Ginger Sesame Chicken and Fiesta Chicken Burritos were hits, but our favorite by far was the Risotto with Zuccini and Peas. It was only my second time making risotto and I was careful to follow all the directions and stir, stir, stir. It came out perfectly and even the kids enjoyed it! We also tried a new breakfast recipe sent by Keenan's dad. Cottage Cheese Pancakes are now our new favorite and I plan to post the recipe here soon. Here are the selections for this week (we have a birthday party Friday night so there are only 6):

Authentic Honduran Tamales (made by our friend's mom)

Kelsey's Broccoli Rice Casserole

Chicken Tikka Masala with Rice

Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken

Spaghetti with Meatballs

Chicken Thighs Braised in White Wine with Rice and Veggies

June 22 - 28

These next few menus are not going to be very exciting. We'll be out of town this weekend for a wedding (both Keenan and Ari are in it!) then after a few days of being home we leave again for our summer vacation. With Keenan gone last week and some other things that have come up, I have some roll-overs from last week. Makes life easier for me! Someday we will eat the creamy green chilie chicken enchiladas! They are the easiest to push off since the chicken is frozen, the sauce is canned and the cheeses last a while in the fridge.

Be sure to scroll down after this menu. I put up a couple recipes - finally!

Monday - Waldorf-style Pasta

Tuesday - Ham & Cheese Crepes (I have left-over ham from last week and Keenan didn't get to try them)

Wednesday - Creamy Green Chilie Chicken Enchiladas

Thursday - Tofu Stir Fry with Brown Garlic Sauce

Friday - Wedding Rehearsal

Saturday - Wedding

Sunday - Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

June 1 - 7

Review time! The turkey kebobs were our favorite new recipe of the week. Lots of Asian flavor and the grilled pears were sweet and tastey! Next is the one you all (all 2 of you!) were waiting for - the Hummus Sesame Noodles. This meal was good, but nothing specatacular. It was a little odd having hummus on noodles, but other than that, the flavors were good and the snow peas and green onions gave a nice freshness. I don't think I'll be making it again, though. I much prefer hummus on pita (as you'll see in this week's menu).

We got an impromptu invite to a friend's house for dinner tonight so the Red Rice with Chorizo will roll-over to this week. Until then! :)

Monday - Red Rice Chorizo

Tuesday - Anniversary Dinner - Grilled Steak and Veggies with Cheesey Mashed Potatoes

Wednesday - Portabella "Burgers" with Steak Fries

Thursday - Chilie Lime Cobb Salad

Friday - Middle Eastern Sliders

Saturday - Smothered Bean Burritos

Sunday - Spaghetti and Meatballs