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

Nov 9 - 15

Another review this week. The spinach lasagna turned out to be pretty bland and boring. It wasn't bad by any means, just not exciting. It was just missing something. Our other new recipe last week is a roll-over for this week. When I went to make it I read through the recipe and realized it was supposed to chill at least 2 hours then bake for 1. I read it at 4:30. Ooops. Impromptu pizza night!

This week we're hosting a party for Keenan's co-workers and their families. We're having pot-luck style fajitas and it looks like all we have to provide is the house, grill, paper goods and drinks. Works for me!

Cheesey Chorizo Strata

Creamy Chicken Pasta (using left-over roast chicken. I made 2!)

Thai Chicken

Jamaican Jerk Chicken with rice and veggies

Spiced Honey Lemon Chicken with Carmalized Onions and Brussel Sprouts

Tacos

Nov 2 - 8

A quick review to start off this week. The sausage and tomato risotto was a big hit with us. It was basically like a pasta dish with sausage and a tomato sauce only with rice instead of pasta*. Risotto is becoming a favorite dish of mine - so rich and creamy. I just wish it wasn't so labor intensive. It's definitely worth the time and effort, though. Yum yum :)

* Update: I forgot to mention that I replaced the plain chopped tomoatoes with fire-roasted and garlic flovored ones. They caught my eye in the store and I think they really helped round out the dish.

Tex-Mex Chicken and Beans (roll-over from last week)

Cheesey Chorizo Strata

French Dip Paninis

Paella

Curry Pot Roast

Spinach Lasagna

Roast Chicken and Veggies

Oct 26 - Nov 1

Aparantly my brain is still recovering from Friday. I had a rough time coming up with a menu this week and I only need 5 meals (we've already been invited out one night and our home group is having meal night this week). I did manage to find a couple of new recipes that sound good, though. Speaking of new recipes, the Shepherd's Pie from last week was delicious! I'm not a big SP fan (it usually comes out too bland for me), but this one was flavorful yet not overpowering. I think the secret was all the simmering. I usually rush these steps, but I realized how vaulable they are in the end result :)

Beans and Cornbread

Swedish Meatballs

Tomato & Sausage Risotto

Halloween Dinner - Halloweenies and Crusty Mummy Fingers (crunchy sweet potato fries)

Tex-Mex Chicken and Beans

Oct 19 - 25

We have a couple of roll-overs from last week after left-overs and a "find whatever you want to eat night" after getting home from our trip. One more "easy" week to get me through until my test is over then maybe I'll have motivation to cook again :)

Quesidilla Casserole

Tofu Stir Fry

BBQ Chicken & Pan Fried Potatoes (this was so yummy last week I had to have it again!)

Shepherd's Pie

Pizza

Chili

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

Oct 5 - 11

Not much to report this week. Tuesday is National Night Out and our neighborhood is having a party complete with hot dogs - we were just asked to bring a side dish or dessert. I'm planning on bringing the summer corn and bean salad and, if I have time, a batch of Cyndi Gray's famous oatmeal cookies :) Saturday we'll be having friends over and I'm planning on making the Garlic Hanger Steaks and Sage Butter Gnocci - it looks and sounds fancy, but is really easy and tastes so good. Here we go!

Tacos

Summer Corn and Bean Salad

Chicken with Cran-apple Sauce and Almond Rice

Chicken Alfredo with Spinach

Chicken and Veggie Kebobs with Rice

Garlic Hanger Steak with Sage Butter Gnocci

Beef Stew