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

May 17 - 23

Well my Real Simple Magazine delivered (no pun intended) and then some! All of the meals I prepared were fantastic! Keenan's favorite was the Spiced Chicken with Couscous Salad and mine was the Grilled Buttermilk Chicken, Potato Salad and Green Bean Salad. The Marinated Chickpea Salad from Tapas Night was also a favorite while the accompaniments did not go over so well. The Soy Glazed Fish with Squash and Zuccini was a wonderful, light summer dish and came together quickly. I need to keep this one in my "wheel-house" for crazy nights!

This week we have Keenan's parents coming in for a visit so more easy to please and feed a crowd meals are planned along with some stand-bys to get us through the week.

Maccaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower (roll-over)

Corn Dogs with Baked Beans

Chicken Taco Rice

Grilled Chicken with Marinated Chickpea Salad

Dip Night

Chicken Oscar

May 10 - 16

The only new recipe for us from last week was Eggs Benedict. I'm not sure if I just don't like that dish or if the recipe wasn't great, but that was a big 'no.'

On to happier thoughts. Kelsey and her family will be visiting us this week so I'm planning some meals that will feed all of us without a lot of fuss. We're planning a trip to the children's museum and just letting the kids hang out together. Should be fun!

My Real Simple magazine came to the rescue this week filling in the gaps. I hope they're good!

Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower

Tappas with Marinated Chickpeas

Soy Glazed Fish with Summer Squash

Spiced Chicken with Couscous Salad

Buttermilk Chicken, Green Beans with Pecans and Maple Vinegrette and Creamy Potato Salad with Bacon (RS - these recipes weren't online yet)

Hamburgers, Baked Beans and Corn on the Cob

Chicken Fajitas with all the fixin's

May 2 - 9

Sorry to be MIA last week. Between some extra things in our schedules and roll-over meals, I ended up sneaking in a quick grocery trip mid-week and flying by the seat of my pants to get us through. Taking the week off from menu planning really messed me up, though. I was just not motivated to get back at it tonight (I'm trying to switch my shopping day to Sunday as it's getting quite difficult to shop with the girl). Anyway...here's the plan for the next week :)



Eggs Benedict



BLT's with Fruit



Tex-Mex Cesar Salad



French Dip Paninis with Carrot Sticks



Lasagna



Quinoa Burgers



Garlic Hanger Steaks with Sage Butter Gnocci

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 12 - 18

Our only review from last week is the Shrimp, Tortellini and Spinach - yummy! I didn't have the roasted red pepper dressing it called for so I used sun-dried tomato dressing instead. It came together quickly and was a perfect spring/summer Italian dish. I love that we're getting back to the time of year with more fresh veggies and fruit at reasonable prices. Everything just tastes better :)

Pineapple Jerk Chicken and Rice

Turkey Tacos (found some taco-seasoned ground turkey on super-sale last week!)

Baked Lemon Pasta

Make Your Own Pizza

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Tofu Stir Fry

Hamburgers & Pan-Fried Potatoes