Weekly Meal Plan #23 - And we're back!

April 3 - April 9

As I type, I'm enjoying a cup of coffee in our lovely kitchen in OUR NEW HOME!  We did it!  We are all cleaned and painted and packed and moved and unpacked and ready to Rock and Roll!  I'm still in disbelief that we are here.  It's been a week and every morning I wake up I get excited all over again our being in OUR house. 

I did not meal plan last week because we had a little snafu with our refrigerator and ended up needing buy a new one.  Our cold stuff only last so long in a cooler while waiting for the new fridge, which didn't get here until Thursday.  It was one long week of eating like garbage.  Ugh.  I never want to do that again.  I am so excited to finally cook in our kitchen this week!  This week's plan is mainly made up of familiar favorites, with two new meals thrown into the mix.  I thought I would keep it familiar for myself, since I'm still getting used to maneuvering around our kitchen.  Don't need to make cooking this week more difficult then it needs to be!  Oh, and shhhh...I'm most likely actually NOT making next Saturday's (4/9) meal myself because....::wimpers:: it's my 30th birthday.  Eek!!!  I don't know what we are doing yet, but I will be having a meal worthy of celebrating a 30th birthday...that's for sure!

I'm playing around with a new format.  I'm going to list the meal with it's link to the recipe and directions, and directly below it I will list what you will need a the grocery store for that meal.  You can still copy and paste to a word document and print out an entire grocery list in the end, but now you can better pick and choose which ones you will be doing! 

It's good to be back!  Have a great week, everyone!!

Sunday - Simple Hamburger Stroganoff

1 package egg noodles
1lb ground beef
1 packet dry brown gravy mix
1 package cream cheese
1 (6oz) can of chopped mushroom
1 (8oz) container of sour cream
2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
Milk


Monday - Broccoli Sausage Pasta

Olive oil
Garlic
1 small onion
1 head of broccoli 
1lb smoke sausage
8oz penne pasta
Parmesan cheese


Tuesday - Artichoke and Tomato Chicken

Olive oil
4 tomatoes
Fresh basil
Fresh oregano
2 red bell peppers
1 (8oz) package mozzarella cheese
6 chicken breasts
Marinara sauce


Wednesday - Creamy Burrito Casserole

1lb ground beef or turkey
1 small onion
1 package taco seasoning
6 flour tortillas
1 package of shredded cheddar
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream


Thursday -  Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Shallots

Butter
4 pork loin chops
Shallots
Chicken stock
Baby bella mushrooms
Dijon mustard
Fresh parsley


Friday -  Chicken Broccoli Casserole

2 chicken breasts
1lb broccoli
1 box of elbow noodles
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 package stuffing mix
1 package of cheddar cheese
Milk


Saturday - Cream Cheese Potato Soup

Chicken broth
4 medium potatoes
1 small onion
1 package cream cheese
 

Pictures to entice you!

There will be no official meal plans created for the next two weeks due to all the yummy goodness that will be taking place of said meals during the holidays.  Therefore, this weeks post contains pictures of some of the meals I have made over the past few months. Make sure you have eaten, or you might be hungry when you are done looking.  I know...I need to do this more often. 

 Bahama-Mama Pork Chops  Yum!

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 Chicken, Shrimp, and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya 

It was so good, and we have major left overs!

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In the spirit of the season, I've made this sweet and tart cranberry sauce for
two years now.  It's perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas!

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From a fellow Recipe Nest blogger, this Chicken Broccoli Casserole really hit the spot!

 

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Cream Cheese Potato Soup

Shhh....this is a knock off of Panera's potato soup, and it is almost spot on! 

I made this last week, then went to Panera over the weekend and had their potato soup.  

The only difference was mine had more spice due to a few more crushed red 

pepper flakes.  Other then that, it was totally the same.  Plus, it is totally easy to make!

If you didn't end up using these the week of their original meal plan, 

now is the time to try them!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Weekly Meal Plan #12

December 12 - December 18

Baby, it's cold outside!  Well, not quite that cold yet, but I couldn't resist opening that way. ;-)  But watchout...tomorrow night in Chicago the windchill is supposed to be 25 degrees below zero!  Yikes!  Bundle up out there! 

Weekly Shout-outs:  Happy Birthday to Marty, Joe and Danielle!  Congrats to the newlyweds, Jason and April!  Good luck to my 4th and 5th grade students this week on their music program! (No, no...none of them would know of this blog, but still want to wish them luck. :-))

Since it's supposed to be so cold, let's start this week's meal plan with a warm, yummy soup!

Sunday - Cream Cheese Potato Soup
Monday - Beefy BBQ Biscuits
Tuesday - Peanut Chicken (see below)
Wednesday - Artichoke Heart Pasta (see below)
Thursday - Turkey Taco Salad (see below)
Friday - Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Saturday - Broccoli-Sausage Pasta

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Peanut Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breats, cut in chunks

Marinade:
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1/2 cup peanut oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 cloves minced garlic
8 minced cilantro sprigs
2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tsp chopped ginger

Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender.  Blend well.  Marinade chicken overnight.  Grill or broil and serve with vegetable of your choice!

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Artichoke Heart Pasta

1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloved chopped garlic
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz of hot water
3 Tbs butter
2 Tbs of lemon juice
1 Tbs chopped parsley
1 can artichoke heart quarters
2 Tbs of parmesan or romano cheese   
1 lb fettucine or linguini

Mix soup and hot water in small bowl until smooth.  Set aside.  In large pot, brown garlic in olive oil.  Pour soup mixture into garlic and olive oil.  Stir.  Add remaining ingredients.  Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.  Pour over noodle and serve.  

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Turkey Taco Salad

2/3 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 Tbs cumin
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 can kidney beans
1 can corn kernals
1 lb cooked ground turkey
3 celery stalks
8 lettuce leave
2 cups tortilla chips

Brown ground turkey.  In small serving bowl, stir together salsa, sour cream, cumin, salt and pepper to create the dressing.  Set aside.  Drain and rinse kidney beans and corn well in a colander.  Dice celery into 1/2 inch pieces. 

In a large bowl, combine beans, corn, turkey and celery and toss.  Shred lettuce and divide among 4 plates.  Spoon turkey mixture on top of lettuce.  Garnish each plate with tortillas and serve with dressing.

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Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

1 Tbs dried tomatoes
4 chicken breast halves
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 Tbs cream cheese
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp olive oil

Place tomatoes in small bowl.  Cover with boiling water.  Let stand for 10 minutes.  Drain and pat dry; set aside.  Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through thicken portion, but not all the way through the opposite side.  Set aside.  

In a small bowl, combine feta, cream cheese, basil and tomatoes.  Spoon 1 rounded tablespoon into each chicken pocket.  If necessary, secure opening with wooden toothpick.  Sprinkle chicken with pepper.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.  Add chicken.  Cook for 12-14 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink, turning once.  

Serve with a side of your choice.  

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The Grocery List 

Garlic
Lettuce
Sipped dried tomatoes, not oil packed
4 medium baked or red potatoes
2 medium onions
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch of parsley
3 celery stalks
1 large head of broccoli
2lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1lb ground beef
1 lb ground turkey
1 pkg smoked sausage
32 oz chicken broth
12 oz penne pasta
1lb fettucine or linguini
Chunky peanut butter
White wine vinegar
Soy sauce
Peanut oil
BBQ sauce
Lemon juice
1 can artichoke hearts
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can kidney beans
1 can corn kernals
Salsa
Tortilla chips
1 pkg of cream cheese (low fat?)
1 pkg shredded cheddar cheese
Grated parmesan or romano cheese
Feta cheese
8 or 16 oz sour cream
Brown sugar
Red pepper flakes
Ginger
12 oz refrigerated flaky biscuits
Butter

Weekly Meal Plan #11

December 5-December 11

Happy winter!  December sure did come in with a snowy bang here in Chicago.  With 5 inches on the ground, it's hard not to be in the holiday spirit!

A quick shout out to my brother-in-law and his new wife!  Congratulations Jason and April!  They were married just yesterday in St. Johns.  With the snow here, they certainly planned that well!

Here is your meal plan for the week!  Enjoy! 

Sunday- Turkey Barbecue Meatloaf
Monday- Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese (see below)
Tuesday- Shrimp Fritters with Romaine
Wednesday- Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Thursday- Bourbon Chicken
Friday- Southwest Flank Steak with Salsa
Saturday- Swiss Enchiladas

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Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese

I found an adaptation of this recipe that added slices of cheddar bratwurst.  Sounds pretty darn good!

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The Grocery List

2 onions
1 carrot
garlic
1 bunch of green onions 
1 lime
Romaine lettuce
1 bunch of kale
1lb of ground turkey
2 1/2 lbs of boneless chicken breasts
1lb peeled/deveined cooked shrimp
1/2 lb Italian sausage
1 lb flank steak
Bread crumbs
Elbow macaroni 
1 pkg cheese tortellini
2 pkgs flour tortillas
2 cans of diced green chilies
1 can of diced tomatos
2 cans Italian-style stewed tomatos
1 can condensed french onion soup
BBQ sauce
Worcestershire sauce 
Hot sauce
Mayo or salad dressing
Salsa
Eggs
Milk
1 can evaporated milk (6 oz)
2 pkgs shredded cheddar cheese
1 pkg shredded swiss cheese
Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt
Dry mustard
Flour
Seafood seasoning blend
Fajita seasoning
Honey

Weekly Meal Plan #9: New Recipes from Some New Friends!

November 14-November 20

This week I am happy to introduce to you some new recipes from some new friends on another blog that I contribute to.  It's called The Recipe Nest.  Please feel free to visit the site directly to see new recipes that are posted every day.  Below my meal plan will be made up of some of these new recipes and I've made a link to the recipe.  I'll be throwing in my own favorite that I shared on the blog as well...you know what it is!  As always, a grocery list will follow!

I can't wait to try some of these.  There are pics posted for most of these dishes and they have been making me drool all week!  Enjoy!

Sunday- Turkey Pasta Primavera
Monday- French Onion Chicken (the grocery list only includes the chicken, but try the side items too!)
Tuesday- Penne Fume
Wednesday- Broiled Feta Chicken Parmesan
Thursday- Easy Crockpot Chili
Friday- Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Saturday- Broccoli-Sausage Pasta

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The Grocery List

2lbs turkey breast tenderloins
12 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1pkg bacon
1lb ground beef
1pkg smoked sausage
1 large head of broccoli
2 medium onions
1 medium tomato
Fresh basil
16oa pkg frozen sugar snap stir-fry vegetables
1 bag frozen corn
2 bags frozen mixed veggies
1 can diced tomatoes
2 6oz cans tomato paste
8oz kidney beans
8oz pinto beans
2 cans cream of potato soup
2 cans cream of chicken soup
16oz jar of alfredo sauce
Yellow or dijon mustard
12oz penne pasta
12oz of spaghetti or linguine
French's fried onions
Breadcrumbs
1 pkg of McCormick's Chili Seasoning
1/2 pint of heavy whipping cream
16oz sour cream
Parmesan cheese
4oz feta cheese
Cheddar cheese
Skim milk

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Don't forget!  

Check the recipes directly for spices that you may need or already have.

Also-the amounts I've put for the ingredients on the grocery list should make about 4 servings total for each dish.  Adjust as needed!

ENJOY!

Weekly Meal Plan #8 - Crazy Casserole Week!

November 7 - November 13

Hello all!  Welcome back!  I took last week off because of a crazy weekend/week that didn't allow me to plan.  Wow-do I regret not being able to!  I was pulling meals out of my brain on a whim while shopping, and not having a list cost me more.  :-(   I heart meal planning!

This week, as I was searching for recipes, I came across several casseroles I wanted to try and decided to make this week into another theme...Casseroles!  Depending on the number of people you are feeding, you may find that you eat all of the casserole in one night, or have left overs.  If you think you might have left overs, you could plan to stretch those out through the week and not make as many meals, or freeze for future use.  Plan accordingly!

Here we go!

Sunday- Easy Bisquick Chicken Pot Pie
Monday- Mom's Baked Mostaccioli (see below)
Tuesday- Best Ever Beef Stew
Wednesday- Creamy Burrito Casserole
Thursday- Tuna Noodle Casserole
Friday- Beefy BBQ Biscuit Casserole (see below)
Saturday- Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya

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Mom's Baked Mostaccioli

As the name suggests, this is my very own mother's recipe.  Extremely simple.

12 oz cooked penne noodles
16 oz jar of meat sauce
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup of parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook penne noodles as directed.  Drain and return to pot.  Mix in meat sauce.  Grease a 9in x 13in glass baking dish.  Fill dish with noodle and sauce mixture.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Cover with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.  Bake for 25-30 minutes.  Serve with garlic bread!

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Beefy BBQ Biscuit Casserole

To make this dish easier, try this:

Once done with beef mixture, grease a 9in x 13 pan and place biscuits throughout the pan.  Pour in beef mixture around biscuits, and bake!  I've only ever had it this way, not in individual muffin cups and it's so easy.

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Grocery List

2 lbs. of boneless chicken breasts
1/2 lb. of cubed stew meat
1 lb. of ground beef or turkey
3/4 lb. of ground beef
1 lb. of andouille sausage
1/2 lb. of shrimp
2 large potatoes
1 small head of cabbage
1 large onion
1 celery stalk
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 bunch of fresh parsley
1 bunch of green onions
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 package of frozen veggies
1 can of green peas
16 oz. of chicken broth
48 oz. of beef broth
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cans of albacore tuna
1 can of meat sauce
1 can refried beans
Long grain rice
12 oz .of penne noodles
1 package of egg noodles
1 small pkg. of bread crumbs
Bisquick mix
1 pkg. of flour tortillas
Flour
1 pkg. of 12 ready to bake biscuits
BBQ sauce
Hot Sauce
1 can tomato juice
Brown sugar
1 pkg. of taco seasoning
16 oz. of sour cream
1 pkg. of shredded mozzarella
2 pkgs. of shredded cheddar
Parmesan cheese
Milk
Eggs

It's a long list, but most items are pretty inexpensive, especially at Aldi or Target!  Enjoy!

Our Favorites!

Weekly meal plans will begin Sunday, August 29th.  In the mean time, I thought I'd introduce you to some of our favorite meals!

Now, I can't take complete credit for coming up with these on my own.  Most recipes I *steal* from recipe finder websites, such as RecipeZaar, Recipes4Living, and MyRecipes.  A couple I found on other blogs.  I tend to adjust each recipe slightly to our liking, and I suggest you do the same if you feel like it.  Still, I will do my best to link to the original recipe or blog as to credit the original recipe maker!

So, here is...

Favorite Meal #1: Broccoli-Sausage Pasta


Let's start with the end in mind...

Mmmmmmmm!

Ingredients:
     1/4 C of Olive Oil
     3 cloves garlic, minced
     1 small red onion, sliced thin (use your Santoku knife!)
     1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
     1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes  (more or less depends on how spicy you want it!)
     1lb package of smoke sausage (beef or turkey), sliced and quartered
     8 oz of short cut pasta, such as penne or rigatoni
     Shredded or grated parmesan cheese

Heat olive oil in a large skillet with high sides on medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and cook until soft, 2-3 minutes.  Meanwhile, fill pot with water and start heating it up for the pasta.  Slice and quarter the sausage.  Add sausage to skillet and cook an additional 3-4 minutes.  Meanwhile, cut broccoli into florets.  Put pasta in water to cook.  Add the broccoli and red pepper flakes to the skillet and toss.  Continue cooking 8-10 minutes until pasta is ready.  Drain pasta, but reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.  Add cooked pasta and reserved water to skillet.  Heat 2-3 more minutes.  Serve topped with parmesan cheese.

Hope you like it!    This recipe originated from a blog called Peace, Love and French Fries.  You will see this meal in my plans about once (maybe twice) a month because we love it so much.


Be on the look out for the next recipe coming at you this weekend!