Menu Plan Monday

It's a clean out the fridge and use up the leftovers week!

Sunday: Halseth Family Christmas

Monday: Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup (with homemade stock, leftover Prime rib and homemade tomato-basil soup from the freezer! YUM), rolls

Tuesday: Sweet and Sour Chicken, rice, egg rolls

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Turkey and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes, carrots

Thursday: Scott cooks. Shrimp Scampi, garlic bread, salad (we don't really follow a recipe for the shrimp, but if we did- it would probably be this one from the Barefoot Contessa herself!)

Friday: New Year's Eve Celebration at friend's house!

Saturday: New Year's Day Open House at my parent's house

Menu Plan Monday... and a Holiday Meal Plan

I wanted to share the cookies and treats that I (and Jake and Drew) have been baking over the past week:

Pfeffernusse: Jake needed these for a holiday presentation for his World History Class (his group had Germany)- He actually got mobbed after class by people wanting another one! We also made Marzipan- not as good- I still have a jar of almond paste that I am going to use to make Kringle- maybe for christmas morning???

Pretzel Turtles

Chunky Twix Cookies

Peanut Butter Bon Bons

Oreo Truffles

Triple Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods


Now on to the week....

Sunday: Spicy Asian noodles with Chicken, egg rolls (yum)


Monday: Salmon (from last weeks menu)


Tuesday: Out for Mexican? There are 2 new restaurants in town that I would love to go to- 1 is a traditional mexican cantina and 1 is a new pizza place. I want to try one of them!


Wednesday: Scott cooks. Crockpot 40 clove chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans. I wanted to like this recipe for the ease of preparation, but this meal was not a winner- the chicken had an odd texture to it and the garlic stayed pretty garlicy. While I like 40 clove chicken, I will still to roasting it in the oven!


Thursday: Scott cooks. Breakfast for Dinner. Egg sandwiches with bacon or sausage, fruit smoothies, hash browns with peppers and onions


Friday: Christmas Eve: Scott requested Butternut Squash Risotto again! (I, of course, would not argue).


Saturday: Merry Christmas. We are hosting the Thompson Family Christmas.
Appetizers: Shrimp cocktail, vegie tray, crackers and cheese,
Zuppa Toscana (courtesy of my mother-in-law)
Prime Rib for 20
Steakhouse Baked Potato with all the fixings
Glazed Carrots
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Assorted Pies courtesy of my father-in-law
Assorted Cookies and treats from my sister-in-law (and me!)

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Turkey Dinner: Herb Roasted Turkey, mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans

Monday: BFD: Frittata, Strawberry Banana Smoothies

Tuesday: Parmesan Baked Salmon, fingerling potatoes, salad (never got to cook this one)

Wednesday: Scott "cooks". Turkey Soup in the Crockpot, rolls

Thursday: Scott cooks. Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad

Friday: Pizza Night: Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Saturday: Chili

Menu Plan Monday

Scott gets off easy this week- Simple reheating- With all the snow they're forecasting for this weekend, I thought I had better be nice to him this week!



Sunday: Company's coming! Greek Roast chicken (I was inspired by this recipe- I used ground oregano, onion and garlic powders, salt and pepper to season the chicken. Pan fried to brown the skin and placed in the oven to finish cooking. I made a pan sauce with white wine to deglaze the pan, chicken stock, a squeeze of lemon and a pat of butter. YUM! I will try the original recipe someday- put I needed to cook a lot of chicken and it wouldn't have fit in the pan! Much easier for company to toss on a sheet tray and finish in the oven!), fingerling potatoes, glazed carrots, bread/rolls


Monday: Leftovers


Tuesday: Sesame Chicken with Jack Daniels dipping sauce, Sweet potato fries, green beans


Wednesday: Scott Cooks. Black Bean Tacos (already ready), Pineapple


Thursday: Scott Cooks. Lasagna (already in the freezer!), breadsticks, salad


Friday: Pizza Pasta, salad


Saturday: Chili

I also have to include this recipe for Saffron Risotto with Butternut Squash. I was planning on making it this week, but ended up making it on Saturday last week. I forgot to buy the shallot when I was out at the store, so I did a fine dice on a red onion and added two cloves of garlic instead. I also stirred in a couple of tablespoons of marscapone cheese at the end. I adore risotto but this recipe is definitely a keeper as Scott loved it too!

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Pork chops and Sweet Potatoes, carrots

Monday:Kung Pao Shrimp Stir Fry, Rice, Egg Rolls

Tuesday: Scott's Choice Birthday Dinner. Out?

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, potato wedges, salad

Thursday: Scott cooks. Spaghetti, breadsticks, salad

Friday: Scott's gone. Taco Mac and Cheese (Freeze extra meat for next week!)

Saturday: Breakfast for Dinner (this actually became Saffron Risotto- see next week for the link!)

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Pork Chops, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls

Monday: Lasagna Bowls, breadsticks, salad ( I have the red sauce already made in the freezer so this should be super easy!)

Tuesday: Lemon-Garlic-Rosemary Chicken Thighs with roasted potatoes and carrots

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Ham and cheesy potatoes, green beans

Thursday: 2 Turkey Day Celebrations: I have no idea what I am bringing!

Friday: Scott's request. Hangover hotdish (a variation of tator tot hotdish and one of those "mother-in-law recipes" that I had to learn how to make for Scott when we first got married. A layer of ground beef/cream of mushroom, then a layer of creamed corn, then a layer of mashed potatoes)

Saturday: Ham and bean soup, rolls

Menu Plan Monday and a yummy pork "salad" recipe!

I am making progress on clearing out my freezer- now where are those turkey deals???

Sunday: Beef Stew and bread

Monday: Scott's out with friends. Homemade Pizza Night (using the other half of dough from last week's Buffalo Chicken Pizza), Salad

Tuesday: Loaded Potatoes and Chicken Skillet, Pineapple (though I am using boneless chicken thighs because that's what I have in the freezer!)

Wednesday:Scott Cooks. Salmon, Rice, Green Beans

Thursday: Scott Cooks. Spaghetti using homemade sauce from the freezer, Garlic bread, Salad

Friday: Happy Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Potato and Spinach "Salad" (though I will be using pork chops, because that is also what I have in the freezer!) *see below for my recipe.

Saturday: No work for me! Cookie Baking Party at my friend Sara's house! My Secret Recipe Chili in the crock pot for Scott and the boys!


Happy Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Potato and Spinach "Salad"

Sorry- I rarely cook with measurements- so add to taste!
Ingredients needed: oranges, spinach, sweet potatoes, red onion, pork tenderloin, stone ground mustard, olive oil, honey,non-stick spray, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, garlic cloves, fresh/dried basil, fresh rosemary

Marinade: Orange Juice, Orange zest, Stone ground Mustard, Soy sauce, Honey, 4 Garlic cloves- minced, pepper, fresh/dried basil. Mix and add pork. Marinate for 8 hours.

Heat oven to 350. Spray roasting rack with nonstick spray. Place pork on rack in shallow roasting pan with a little water in the bottom and sprinkle with a little salt. Bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour or until pork reaches 160 degrees.

Sweet Potatoes and Red Onion: Combine fresh chopped Rosemary, olive oil, 3 crushed garlic cloves, peeled and chunked sweet potatoes, and sliced red onion. Toss on a foil lined jelly roll pan that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Roast for about 40 minutes with the pork. Be sure to stir 1-2 times to avoid burning the potatoes.

Dressing: Orange Juice, orange zest, stone ground mustard, olive oil, rice wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper/ Whisk or shake to combine.

Assemble: Place 1/2 bag of baby spinach (more if your family will eat it) on serving platter. Put the warm sweet potatoes and onions on top of the spinach, add dressing and toss slightly to coat (be careful or the sweet potatoes may break apart!). The warm sweet potatoes will slightly wilt the spinach and absorb the orange flavor of the dressing. Serve with the sliced pork.

BE SURE TO MAKE EXTRA SWEET POTATOES, ONIONS, AND DRESSING AND SET ASIDE BEFORE ADDING TO SPINACH. WARM SLIGHTLY THE NEXT DAY AND ENJOY A FRESH SALAD AGAIN FOR LUNCH THE NEXT DAY- TRUST ME- IT'S THAT YUMMY!

Menu Plan Monday

I'm trying to clean out the freezer this week- I need to make room for those turkey deals so I can stock up!



Sunday: Out: Celebrating my mom and sister's birthdays

Monday: Seafood Scampi & Pasta, Garlic breadsticks, salad

Tuesday: Pork Chops, Baked potatoes, green beans (I'm definitely thinking extra potatoes for my work lunches on Wednesday and Thursday!) I'm taking advantage of the warm oven to cook the chicken for Wed and Fri dinners too!

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Buffalo chicken pizza, salad

Thursday: Scott cooks. Kid's Choice, Crescent Dogs, Oven Baked potato wedges, Carrots

Friday: Chicken Pot Pie with Rosemary Crust. (The rosemary makes it extra fancy don't ya think?) See the comments for my "recipe"!

Saturday: Thai-style Halibut with Coconut-Curry Broth, (spiced up, of course, and no spinach as Scott only likes spinach in salads) rice, broccoli (I actually changed it to this recipe and baked it in the oven- I ran out of time to cook the rice so went with a pasta instead!)

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Happy Halloween! Pizza at my nephew's birthday party before candy hunting.

Monday: Lasagna bowls, garlic bread (I added extra parm to my white sauce and saved the other half of the red sauce for a quick freezer meal)

Tuesday: Beef Pho (though I'll skip making the beef stock from scratch and use some homemade chicken stock from the freezer added to some store bought beef stock and the spices). Scott and the boys love this stuff!

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Ham and cheesy potatoes, green beans, rolls

Thursday: Scott cooks. Pork Chops, sweet potato fries, salad

Friday: Scott's gone. BFD. Puff Puff Pancakes, fruit (This is actually going to be english muffins, eggs and bacon- I made Apple Peel Jelly and it's so good with english muffins! I need another excuse to eat some!)

Saturday: Chinese Takeout to appease Superman.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Chili

Monday: Pizza Pasta, salad (a trial run for my friend, Sara's, maternity leave- she would eat pizza every day if she could- I'm thinking this will be a good substitute for after baby #2 is born) I really liked this recipe- I added thin slices of green peppers- it really does taste like pizza!

Tuesday: Homemade Chicken Tenders, Salad, Dutch oven bread, fruit
My bread didn't rise enough- I think I need to play with the oven temp a little? The bottom was starting to burn and the inside still seemed a little doughy.

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Bacon and Egg Sandwiches, cantaloupe

Thursday: Scott cooks. Italian Sausage, Potato, and Pepper Roast, grapes. (I love a one dish meal!) Another Yum! Though it took poor Scott longer to cut up everything than he thought so we didn't eat until about 740!

Friday: Roast Chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots

Saturday: Steak Fajitas. grapes

Menu Plan Monday

No more CSA treats.... a sad sign that winter is on it's way! I also have a goal that I want to re-pot some of my herb plants into indoor pots so I don't lose them- I loved having fresh herbs all summer long! Not quite ready to give that up!

Sunday: Oven fried Chicken, Collards (My first attempt at this southern staple, with a little different but highly rated recipe), fruit salad, Spaghetti Squash (I'll coat and pan fry the chicken first and then toss in the oven to finish cooking

Monday: Puff Puff Pancake, melon

Tuesday: Flank Steak, Garlic Rosemary Potatoes, Salad

Wednesday: Scott Cooks. Crock pot ham and bean soup (from my 15 year old Betty Crocker cookbook), rolls


Thursday: Scott Cooks. Tacos, grapes

Friday: Butternut- Jalapeno Mac and Cheese, Salad, grapes (Of course, when asked if he likes it, Scott will respond, "it could have used some meat in it..." Silly anti-vegetarian man! Does it really matter if there's meat in it as long as it tastes good?)

Saturday: Nephew's birthday Party? Wedding Dress Shopping with my baby sister?

I also made the best brownie treats on Sunday and SO easy! Also check out the recipe for Nutella Rice Krispie treats that I made last week- I swear it tastes like a toostie roll!

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Steak, Baked Potato, Salad

Monday: Chorizo and Black Bean Soup (YUM! We had with corn bread muffins)

Tuesday: Roast Chicken, Maple Glazed Delicata Squash, CSA vegie

Wednesday: Scott Cooks. Hamburger, fries, vegies

Thursday: Scott Cooks. Leftovers/ Eggs and Toast

Friday: TBD - Beef stew? (I don't have a recipe that I follow, it's mostly whatever vegies I want to get rid of, stew meat that's been tossed in seasoned flour and browned, beef broth, couple beef boullion cubes, herbs/spices, S&P, and my secret ingredient- V8- I hate drinking the stuff, but it makes the best stew broth- I usually buy the low sodium cans so I can use a couple and the rest store nicely in the cupboard until the next stew day!)

Saturday: Ham, au gratin potatoes with onion and sage, green beans

Menu Plan Monday

Our CSA has started winding down... Time to focus on fall comfort foods....



Sunday: Pesto Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Salad (Note to self: To die for yumminess but lots of leftovers- make a smaller batch or plan to freeze half.)
Monday: Jerk Chicken Thighs, Rice, Melon (This actually was the pot roast because I had a meeting that night for work)
Tuesday: Pot Roast and Mashed Potatoes (This was the chicken thighs, spaghetti squash and honeydew)
Wednesday: Salmon, Rice, Vegies (This was axed to have a Leftover Buffet)
Thursday: Buffalo Chicken Strips, Sweet Potato fries, fruit salad
Friday: Birthday Boy Jake's Choice: Spaghetti, Garlic bread, Salad
Saturday: Birthday Party- Out

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Sourdough Strata with Tomatoes and Greens, Melon, Salad (good but it made a ton!)
Monday: Green Chili Enchiladas, grapes
Tuesday: Chicken Egg Rolls, rice/stirfry vegies
Wednesday: Oven baked chicken, rice, CSA vegies (Scott called at 530 to ask what temperature.... since the chicken takes 2 hours and he had to take a boy somewhere by 7... probably not going to happen... I had him throw this back in the fridge and he ordered pizza)
Thursday: Slow cooker ribs, green beans, sweet potato fries
Friday: Scott gone? BFD (Slow chicken)
Saturday: Pesto Lasagna, bread, salad (I had peppers from the garden/CSA to use up so I did stuffed peppers here)

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Chicken fajitas, watermelon

Monday: BFD: Puff Puff Pancakes, applesauce

Tuesday: Sausage and caramelized onion pizza, salad

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Steak, Rosemary roasted potatoes, salad, CSA vegie (the steaks didn't make it here in time- a groupon deal - this was actually pulled pork night)

Thursday: Scott cooks. Pulled pork sandwiches, corn?, CSA vegie, melon (This actually became the sliders)

Friday: Pesto Lasagna, bread, salad (I'm scheduled for a manicure/girl's night with my friend Sara and Scott is going to see a movie with his friends. He will cook up some eggs/bacon for himself and the boys before he leaves)

Saturday: Sliders, sweet potato fries, CSA vegies (I have lots from my CSA basket to still use up- but since the steaks finally made it: Saturday Night Steak Night, Roasted beets and carrots and Spinach salad with goat cheese and balsalmic vinaigrette.)

Yikes! This week is a little messed up.... it's very rare that I have to change half my week around....

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Squash, Bacon and Goat Cheese Pasta, Bread, Salad (not a keeper)

Monday: Beef and Cheese Manicotti, Bread, Salad

Tuesday: Sausage Pizza (bumped from last week), salad

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Burgers, CSA vegies and watermelon

Thursday: Scott cooks. Slow cooker country-cut pork ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans

Friday: Chicken, acorn squash, CSA vegies, watermelon

Saturday: I work an extra long day marketing our clinic at a festival in town. I will be exhausted from all those smiles and handshakes. Take out.

I got an email from my CSA farmer after I planned this week. There is a chance I will have kale in my basket on Tuesday- which means I may bump sausage pizza yet again to make Scott's favorite Zuppa Toscana (spicy sausage and potato soup- with kale). Though I could also bump the burgers since they're all in the freezer.... hmmm decisions.....

Menu Plan Monday

I've discovered how easy it is to make your own pizza dough! Much better than the canned or premade stuff at the store- I anticipate making small rounds and freezing for Scott to create his own lunch masterpieces this year!

Sunday: Steak, Carrots, Baked Potatoes
Monday: Emeril's BBQ Shrimp, rice, CSA vegie
Tuesday: Boursin Chicken, Baby red potatoes, green beans
Wednesday: Scott Cooks. Tex-mex stirfry, rice, watermelon
Thursday: Scott Cooks. Steak Burgers, bakes beans, salad, watermelon
Friday: Orange chicken, broccoli, rice
Saturday: Homemade sausage pizza, salad

I am also anticipating making Salsa again, as well as:
Eggplant and Mozzerella Melt (yummy lunch)
Rosemary Infused Olive Oil
Cannolli Ice Cream

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Roasted corn, potato and chipotle chowder, bread, salad *** I added some crab- the sweetness worked perfectly with the corn and chowder.
Monday: Pot roast with potatoes and carrots, bread
Tuesday: PF Changs lettuce wraps, vegie kebobs, fruit
Wednesday: Open house at school night. out to eat? chili?
Thursday: Scott cooks. Chicken with garlic,wine and herb marinade, rice and CSA vegies
Friday: Spaghetti with homemade marinara, garlic bread, salad
Saturday: Saturday Night Steak Night (hopefully)


Lunches:
I also want to use up the CSA eggplant that I got this week by making Eggplant Pizza Bites for me and the boys lunch on Sunday.
I also want to use the abundance of tomatoes and make Egyptian Tomato Soup. I may try to freeze it for Scott to use for lunches once the boys are back in school. *** I actually used this recipe because I got basil in my CSA box and wanted to use it up. I blended and froze in individual servings before adding milk/cream. Scott can thaw, heat and add milk/cream to taste for an easy and healthy lunch this fall!
Tuesday's lunch: Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Salad (I'm trying to move Scott away from his pizza and chicken nugget lunch addiction and into some healthier options!)

Menu Plan Monday

Thankfully, it's lots of different flavors, because I sure planned a lot of chicken this week!

Sunday: Chicken and Eggplant with Black Bean Sauce, rice, sweet corn *** now that the jar is gone... I can say that I really don't like black bean sauce- it's too fermented?
Monday: Dad's Birthday Dinner on the Boat
Tuesday: Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Chicken with CSA Potatoes, CSA vegies
Wednesday: Scott Cooks. Bacon and Vegetable fritatta, watermelon
Thursday: Scott Cooks. Hamburgers, chips, beans and watermelon
Friday: Chicken enchiladas with CSA or garden peppers/jalapenos, grapes
Saturday: Buffalo Chicken Pizza, salad **YUM!

To Bake and Make:
Lemon Blueberry muffins (again- I can't help myself!)
Chocolate Zuchinni muffins (these were ok... not sweet/chocolatey enough?)
Salsa
Marinara

Menu Plan Monday

It's an Asian Week!

Sunday: Korean Beef Rice Bowl with brown rice, Apple and Kohlrabi Salad with Asian-inspired dressing
Monday: Shrimp stir-fry with lo-mein noodles, egg rolls
Tuesday: Balsamic chicken, eggplant gratin, salad/CSA vegies, melon (This actually became chicken and eggplant parm)
Wednesday: Scott cooks. Mushroom skillet pork chops, rice, melon, CSA vegies
Thursday: Scott cooks. Tator tot hotdish, CSA vegies
Friday: Golf outing with friends
Saturday: Cooking light Lettuce Wraps, Stir-fried CSA vegies, (this was actually homemade pork eggrolls to use up CSA cabbage, the apple and Kohlrabi salad again to use up the CSA kohlrabi and strawberries)

I also made/am making:

Lemon Blueberry muffins (Amazing!)

Buttermilk Apple and Cucumber Gazpacho (lunch?)

Raspberry and Peach Sour Cream Gratin (Sunday dessert)

Dill Pickles (Scott's request)

Homemade Marinara Sauce (use some in Eggplant gratin)

Salsa

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Spicy Eggplant, Sausage and Ziti Casserole, bread, salad
Monday: Make your own pizza, salad
Tuesday: Honey-Chipotle Pork Tenderloin, CSA vegies, rice
Wednesday: Hamburgers, Fries, CSA vegies (green beans?), fruit salad
Thursday: Tacos with homemade salsa, watermelon
Friday: Ravioli with pesto, vegies, garlic bread
Saturday: Balsamic Chicken, CSA vegies, watermelon

Menu Plan Monday

Flexibility is important... after a LONG day installing a dishwasher and the giant CSA loot box, the plans did have to change. Once again Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches have been bumped to this week! Poor chickies... they're missing their hot stuff!



Sunday: Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, peppers, herbs and sausage, garlic bread, sauteed zuchinni and squash, salad

Monday: Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, Homemade potato "chips", Clean out the fridge Fruits and Vegies!

Tuesday: Apricot-Jalapeno glazed chicken thighs, corn bread, CSA vegies, melon

Wednesday: Shrimp with cilantro pesto, rice and CSA vegies

Thursday: Tator tot hotdish, green beans

Friday: Scott's gone. BFD

Saturday: Saturday Night Steak Night. My dad's tradition and Scott's reward for eating all his vegetables! Vegies, Watermelon, Tastefully Simple Beer bread.

Menu Plan Monday

After vacation, it was hard to get back into a routine. It feels good to be back to a normal menu plan. I love this part of summer when the vegies and fresh and plentiful! I wish I knew exactly what was going to be in my CSA box each week- I find I need to be more flexible with my dinner plans in order to incorporate everything I get!

Sunday: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and CSA green beans
Monday: Scott gone. BFD. Waffles with strawberries from the freezer?
Tuesday: Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, Homemade Potato chips, CSA vegies
Wednesday: Scott cooks. Shrimp Summer rolls with 3 sauces (peanut, soy and sweet chili), watermelon, CSA vegies
Thursday: Scott cooks. Brats, beans, Watermelon, CSA salad?
Friday: Beef and vegie stir-fry (peppers, zukes and yellow squash from my garden), rice
Saturday: Rosemary chicken thighs, corn, watermelon

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Grilled Chicken thighs, Corn on the cob, Salad and Melon
Monday: Halibut with creamy leeks and bacon, Crusty bread, melon
Tuesday: Garlic Scape Beef Kabobs with chimichurri Sauce, CSA vegies/berries
Wednesday: Hubby Cooks. Beer Brats, Chips, CSA vegies/salad, fruit salad
Thursday: Hubby Cooks. Turkey Stuffing Casserole, green beans
Friday: Smoky Sweet Potato and Chicken Soup, Bread
Saturday: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad
Sunday: Pork Tenderloin?
Monday: Clean out the fridge/CSA eggs for dinner
Tuesday: Vacation through next Tuesday.

Menu Plan Monday

As I was typing this up, I realized that I don't use recipes as much in the summer. I still read them for inspiration, but so much of what I am cooking is just made up with the produce around me.

Sunday: Chicken, corn, potato and summer squash saute with CSA garlic scapes, cornbread, fruit

Monday: BLT+cheese pasta with garlic bread, salad

Tuesday: Thin Cut pork chops, baked potato, melon and CSA vegie?

Wednesday: Hubby cooks. Steak Sandwiches with peppers, onions and cheese, chips and fruit

Thursday: Hubby cooks. Tacos (Taco Salad for me) and grapes

Friday: Nut Crusted Halibut with wild rice, salad and CSA vegie or zuchinni from my garden?

Saturday: Son's Birthday. Buffalo Wild Wings (his choice)

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Mom and Dad's


Monday: Scott gone, BFD with the last of my CSA eggs


Tuesday: Greek Chicken pita wraps, salad, sauteed radishes, melon


Wednesday: Scott cooks. BBQ pork, mashed potatoes, salad, melon


Thursday: Scott cooks. Hotdish, green beans


Friday: Nut-crusted halibut, wild rice


Saturday: tacos

Menu Plan Monday

I'm still hoping for some radishes and garlic scapes in my CSA box this week. Both are things that we never eat so I have been feverishly searching the internet for creative recipes that my family will enjoy with them. Now that I've picked out recipes for them, I was bummed that they weren't in my basket.

Sunday: Spaghetti, garlic bread and salad

Monday: Tastefully Simple Tasting Night: Beer bread, Salmon with Bold and Bossy honey mustard or Bayou BBQ sauce, carrots, berries

Tuesday: Beef Pho, egg rolls (I actually used homemade turkey stock as my base and added some canned beef stock to that)

Wednesday: Scott Cooks. CSA Eggs, Bacon and Toast, Berries

Thursday: Scott cooks. Burgers, beans and vegies

Friday: Out for my Birthday Dinner- Teppanyaki- yummy!

Saturday: Garlic Scape Pesto, bread, salad

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Pork Tenderloin with Plum BBQ Sauce, rice, vegies and egg rolls.

Monday: Out. I'm at my sister's for a Tastefully Simple Party so Scott is picking up or doing pizza with the boys.

Tuesday: BBQ Ribs, potato wedges, asparagus and corn bread

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Brats, beans, salad and watermelon.

Thursday: Scott cooks. Tator tot hotdish, green beans and watermelon.

Friday: CSA Garlic Scapes Pesto Pasta with chicken, bread, salad

Saturday: Breakfast for dinner?

Menu Plan Monday

It was fun last week to incorporate the products from our CSA box and the Risotto was so creamy delicious.... ummmm.... We ended up with lots of leftovers from Sunday so the quesadillas got pushed aside for leftover night and I added to this week.The CSA should be mostly the same stuff this week except we might also be getting some spinach and possibly radishes. I have never really been a radish fan. I remember my grandpa eating them raw with salt as an appetizer before dinner when I would visit as a kid. I think I will probably have everyone try one (half) raw with salt this week, but I found a recipe for grilled sliced radishes (in foil) with butter and garlic that I might try. Usually, I can get anyone in the family to eat something if it has enough garlic.



Sunday: Steak, baked potatoes, salad

Monday: Quesadillas with CSA green onions and peppers, grapes

Tuesday: Asian Pork and Shrimp Meatballs with Spicy dipping sauce, rice and CSA asparagus (a Rachael Ray recipe)

Wednesday: I'm Gone at a meeting. Scott and the boys are ordering pizza.

Thursday: Scott cooks. Using up leftover turkey from freezer. It will either be a Thai Turkey Noodle Soup or a SW Turkey casserole (his choice, they'll use similar ingredients- poblanoes, onions, carrots, cilantro, lime, a little different spices) I will also be incorporating more of the CSA green onions.


Friday: Scott gone. BFD with more of those farm fresh eggs, maybe omelets with CSA spinach.


Saturday: Pulled pork, mashed potatoes, watermelon and grilled radishes if available (otherwise green beans).

I also have some leftover cherries that Scott didn't finish from last week that I need to make a sauce/crumble from. Thankfully there's still some vanilla ice cream in the freezer to add to this treat!

Menu Plan Monday

Our first CSA box is scheduled this week- Hooray! It will be small but it will be a good start to get me planning those vegies in every week!



Sunday: Roast Turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans

Monday: Quesadillas and fruit

Tuesday: Spring Risotto with ham, CSA asparagus and peas, salad

Wednesday: Scott Cooks. Crockpot Turkey noodle soup and rolls.

Thursday: Scott Cooks. Brats, beans, salad and fruit

Friday: Chicken Stir fry with peppers, CSA green onions, rice and egg rolls.

Saturday: Roast or grilled Chicken with Pesto, potatoes and salad



We also will have farm fresh organic eggs in our box so I will have to make some omelets for breakfast! Maybe I'll chop extra peppers and onions from Monday night's dinner to toss in. Yummm!

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Sun-dried tomato, spinach and feta stuffed Pork tenderloin, homemade breadsticks and and salad

Monday: Scott Gone. BFD Puff Puff Pancake and bacon

Tuesday: Concert Night. Garlic Shrimp and lemon pasta.

Wednesday: Scott cooks. Grilled Chicken breast with salad and fruit

Thursday: Concert Night. Scott cooks. Roast beef sandwiches, beans and salad

Friday: Pulled Pork with mashed potatoes, green beans

Saturday: Dinner Out with friends.

Menu Plan Monday

I'm patiently waiting for our first CSA box... it should be any week now!

Sunday: Mom's day. Boys cook. Hot dogs on the grill, baked beans, chips, salad and fruit.
Monday: BFD. French toast with berries and bacon
Tuesday: Buffalo chicken sandwiches, potato wedges, salad
Wednesday: Scott cooks. Lobster with garlic cream sauce, pasta, salad and rolls.
Thursday: Scott cooks. Tacos
Friday: Anniversary dinner out.
Saturday: Beef stroganoff, rice and green beans

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Roast Chicken with Carrot and Parsnip Puree
Monday: BFD: Eggs and Hashbrowns, fresh Berries
Tuesday: Pork Chops, Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus
Wednesday: Scott Cooks: Garlic-Lime Chicken Thighs, Rice and Grapes
Thursday: Scott Cooks: Swedish Meatballs and Vegies
Friday: Spaghetti, Breadsticks and Salad
Saturday: Happy Early Mom's Day

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday: Roast Chicken with Roasted Garlic Potato Salad, green beans
Monday: Greek Chicken burgers in Pitas, Salad and fruit
Tuesday: Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese, Iceberg Wedge Salad
Wednesday: Scott Cooks. Layered Turkey Dinner. Green Beans, rolls
Thursday: Scott Cooks. Chicken Stir Fry and Egg Rolls
Friday: BBQ Pork Roast in Crockpot, Mashed potatoes, Carrots
Saturday: Sea Bass and Lemon Orzo, asparagus, salad

Bunch o' Banana Muffins to share!

Sometimes I feel like I live with a bunch of chimps.... At least they act like it quite a bit... but the chimps were not going for the bananas this week and I am stuck with a bunch of brown fruit to use! So what is a Mama Monkey to do on her day off but make a HUGE batch of muffins! I usually give some to my FIL for his breakfast (even with the butter in them they are definitely healthier than the ones he likes to pick up at the gas station). As the freezer is full, I will need to disperse the others to neighbors, family and friends.

Best Ever Banana Bread/Muffins
(from the Zion Lutheran Church cookbook- a 14 yr old wedding present that I still love to use)
3/4 cup softened butter
1 1/2 cups sugar (I used a mix of white and brown)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
Dash of cinnamon
4-6 large mashed bananas
2 cups flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup buttermilk

Preheat over to 325 degrees. Grease and flour large bread pan (if using) or put muffin liners in pan. Cream butter and sugar. Stir in eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and bananas. Combine flour, soda and salt. Stir in alternately with buttermilk. Pour into pan or divide into muffin tins. Makes 18 muffins or one large loaf. Bake for 1 1/2 hours for bread, 25-30 minutes for muffins. For bread, wrap in foil and let rest overnight.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Scott is gone. Breakfast for Dinner night/Kids choice. French toast? Omelets?
Tuesday: Beef fried rice with lots of vegies, egg rolls, pineapple
Wednesday: Scott cooks. Tacos (Drew's request), grapes
Thursday: Scott cooks. Red beans and rice (Scott's request), salad and bread
Friday: Ran into the store on Friday morning to pick up milk. Family pack of top sirloin marked down so nabbed it for a cheap steak night treat. Served grilled packets of potatoes, onions and butter- so yummy- and salad.
Saturday: Macadamia crusted fish and roasted potato "chips", salad and vegie
Sunday: TBD

Planning ahead

Jury Duty Tomorrow...
Today I prepped for the possibility that my schedule may get really messed up.
Granola for Scott's breakfasts (I don't really put it as a recipe as it can really be modified to be anything you want!):
1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 TB melted butter, a dash of almond extract and cinnamon. Mix and pour over 4 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chopped almonds and handful of coconut (don't tell Scott!). Pour into greased jelly roll pan and bake at 325 for 30 minutes. Store in air tight container, ideally out of sight as I keep grabbing a handful every time I walk by!