Meal Planning Week of November 7

Monday: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
A tried and true favorite. Ava doesn't like it as lemony as I do, so I hold back a little and squeeze fresh lemon in my bowl.

Tuesday: Pasta with Slow-Cooker Pork Ragu
This is a new technique and recipe for me. If you've ever made a from-scratch ragu, you know it takes foreeeeeever. The flavors are worth the wait, so I'm hoping this method produces a similar result.

Wednesday: Slow-Cooker Shepherd's Pie
I hate this dish. I've never made one I didn't throw out and call for takeout dinner instead. But, Josh has the day off on Wednesday and he saw this recipe and wanted to give it a go. It does look more promising than the other versions I've tried. And I have a Chinese takeout menu ready just in case.

Thursday: Asiago Bisque with Pretzel Bread
What's better than a great cheesy soup and pretzel bread when the weather starts to cool off? I'll cheat and buy frozen pretzel bread since it's a weeknight.

Friday: Beef and Squash Chili
This recipe is one of my favorites from last winter and I've been dying to make it, but refusing until the temperatures got their acts together. It may sound like a strange combination of ingredients, but it's so good! The toasted pumpkin seeds, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, and sour cream on top make it extra magical. Start with good beef and you can't go wrong!

Menu Planning Week of October 26

Monday- Weeknight Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad
On a weekend I would make a more involved version with homemade pasta, but this version is wonderful for a quick meal. I'll blend half venison and beef for this one, pork would be fantastic too.

Tuesday- Asparagus Wraps, Tomato Basil Soup

Another meal Josh and I adapted from the little cafe where we worked after we were married.  Take your favorite wrap tortilla, we like spinach or tomato basil, favorite melting cheese, like provolone, an optional protein, like shaved turkey or ham.  Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with garlic salt and a freshly-squeezed lime. Steam a big bunch of asparagus, salt. Layer citrus mayo, cheese, turkey or ham, and a few asparagus spears, cover with spring mix. Roll up and grill on a griddle or in a grill press. Cook until tortilla is toasted and cheese is melted.

 

Wednesday- Chili to enter in the NorthHaven Church

Thursday- Chicken and Dumplins (another friend recovering from surgery so this is a must)

Friday- Out

Menu Planning Week of September 13

Monday- Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes, salad (we love this alliterative Monday staple!)
This meatloaf is unlike any other.  It starts with a giant batch of fresh pico de gallo and just gets better and better.  Serve with mashed potatoes however you like them (my recipe is almost equal parts potato and sour cream with LOTS of pepper), and salad. I serve romaine lettuce with most meals. Each family member has their favorite dressing, and some of them use the lettuce leaves like chips to dip in their dressing. It's easy and green and a win!

Tuesday- Pork Zuppa and Garlic Bread (making a double batch for a friend recovering from surgery)
 I sub milk for the heavy cream called for in the recipe.

Wednesday- Chicken Strips, oven-fried okra, oven roasted broccoli
 I use chicken thighs instead of breasts (in almost every instance, thighs are better). 
Wash and cut okra and broccoli. Okra on one cookie sheet, broccoli on another. Spritz with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in 400 degree oven until desired texture is achieved. (I have two ovens and meals like this are the reason why. Chicken strips in the top, veggies in the bottom. Easy breezy.)

Thursday- Bacon-wrapped pork fillets, OMG Mac and Cheese, salad
We just started buying bulk meat from Zaycon. I'm excited to try these bacon-wrapped pork fillets. 
I don't like mac and cheese, but my family does. They prefer boxed garbage. I will only tolerate from-scratch versions as long as they don't involve my food nemesis, American cheese *shudder*. Add a sprinkle of dry mustard to make this recipe sing!

Friday- Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Curry over jasmine rice, edamame (a meal I'll dream about all week)
I add pineapple and a few tablespoons of my favorite red curry paste. Serve over fluffy jasmine rice and your favorite frozen edamame.

Menu Planning Week of September 27

Weekend Kick-The-Sick meal- Chicken and Dumplins (there is no 'g' in dumplins, like ever)
I totally cheat and use Bisquick dumplins  & lemon poppy seed muffins (obviously I sub melted butter for vegetable oil- yuck!)

Monday - Baked Spinach and Ricotta Rotolo, salad

Tuesday - Cuban Sliders, sweet potato fries, salad

Wednesday - Balsamic Pork Loin, Jasmine rice, broccoli
The balsamic glaze is so good. Maybe I lick the bowl after, who can tell?
 
Thursday - Chicken Pad Thai, edamame

Friday - Hideaway Pizza with the Crawfords!