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

Let's start with some reviews this time. The Mexican-sytle Quinoa was a big hit with everyone. The kids didn't even question it and dove right in. The Baked Ziti was just ok for me. Nothing too special worth trying again. We did get a decent amount of leftovers out of it, though :)

On to this week. We have a couple of nights with dinner plans so it was an easy menu-making week for me :)

Spinach Salad with Warm (Turkey) Bacon Dressing

Chili with Cornbread

Chicken and Gnocci Soup

Swedish Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes (thanks to an Ikea run!)

Creamy Green Chilie Enchiladas with Spanish Rice (using leftover roast chicken!)

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

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