Looks like I'll be putting my crock pot to work this week. I really didn't plan it, honest. Just worked out that way. While planning this week's menu, I was thinking about how I tend to be drawn to recipes that use condensed soup. I'm not sure why that is - because they are usually easy-sounding? Yummy-sounding? I know it isn't the healthiest ingredient, but I can't seem to help myself. I consciously tried to not add too many recipes with that ingredient this week, so there is only one! Small steps...

Just a mention or two about the June 29th - July 5th 2009 menu (yes, it has been that long since I posted a menu plan). The Spiedies were incredible. A must try if you have never done so. Seriously. The Dill Potato Salad was also really good - I recently made it again. I do not like it as well as my classic yellow potato salad - but it is definately easier and quite tasty. Brett said it was his second favorite. Pineapple Ham Loaf - one word: awesome. Oklahoma Cheese Grits we'll be making again as well. The Asian Lettuce Wraps were really messy. But different - and quite good. The kids liked them too - score! I wasn't crazy about any of the recipes on the 4th of July menu - except the Corn and Chickpea Salad. Well, come to think of it, the Confetti Cheese Salsa was also good. I would make both of those again. All in all - a fabulous week food-wise. Guess I made some good choices! That is definately not always the case. :)

I reference everything on the menu with a link to the recipe, unless it's something that doesn't require one. If the link directs you to another website, it means that I have not tried the recipe, and therefore have no idea whether it is good or not. :) If the link leads to a posted recipe here on my blog, it means that it is a tried & true family recipe that we love. I will also revisit some of the recipes I link to and leave comments about how they turned out for us the following week.

I am really excited about this week's plan. Everything sounds yummy.. and fun! Here's what we have on the menu...

Dinner Menu :: September 14th - 20th 2009

Monday
Slow Cooker London Broil
I am not making sandwiches out of this - using a London Broil, adding fresh sliced mushrooms, 2 sliced carrots, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon of worcestershire sauce to this recipe.
Mashed Potaoes (I do believe it will be instant for us)
Green Beans (The canned kind, simmered in bacon for about an hour on the stove.)

Tuesday
Leftovers from Monday.

Wednesday
Black-Eyed Peas and Tortillas (I am using chopped pickled jalapenos in place of the fresh one and adding sour cream as a condiment.)
Salsa Rice
Avocado Slices

Thursday
Baked Spaghetti Squash with Beef and Veggies
Texas Toast (store bought)

Friday
Greek Chicken
Slow Cooker Stuffing
Canned Cranberry Sauce

Saturday
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (with buns)
Bacon- Cauliflower Tossed Salad
French Fries

Sunday
Clean out the refrigerator night!

If you try anything listed here, I'd love to know how it turns out for you! For more menu ideas, or to submit your own plan, visit orgjunkie.com.

Alright, so I was a complete menu planning slacker last week and didn't prepare one. I suppose that it's going to happen once in awhile. I'm only human. And a very busy human at that. I did miss not having a plan. I really did. We ended up scrambling around at the last minute trying to figure out what to feed the kids (and ourselves). As a result, we had much less interesting meals. A frozen pizza here, Harris Teeter's 'Grab and Go Meal' there (which isn't that bad, but isn't that great either). So, I am happy to now be back on track. :)

I do want to mention a few things from the June 15th - 21st 2009 menu. The Ultimate Roast Beef Sandwich was to die for. Seriously. Brett and I were talking about it for days afterwards. Had to be the best roast beef sandwich either of us have ever had. And that says a lot. The Red Broccoli Salad I made to go with it was really good, too. That one's going into the rotation, for sure. The Candied Sweet Potatoes were... really sweet. But, exactly what I was craving. They were super yummy, although best right out of the oven the first night. The leftovers... not so hot. I think it has something to do with the marshmallows browned on top. When I went to pull it out the second night, they had disintegrated. Boo!

I reference everything on the menu with a link to the recipe, unless it's something that doesn't require one. If the link directs you to another website, it means that I have not tried the recipe, and therefore have no idea whether it is good or not. :) If the link leads to a posted recipe here on my blog, it means that it is a tried & true family recipe that we love. I will also revisit some of the recipes I link to and leave comments about how they turned out for us the following week.

I am really excited about this week's plan. Everything sounds yummy.. and fun! Here's what we have on the menu...

Dinner Menu :: June 29th - July 5th 2009

Monday
Spiedies
Spiedies originate from New York state, and we had the pleasure of enjoying them at a cookout held here a few years ago by some of Brett's co-workers. You can use chicken, pork or lamb (or a combo). I will be using whatever is on sale this week. :) They key is marinating the meat cubes for at least 3 days. Some people marinate for up to two weeks in a controlled environment. Holy e Coli! Um, I think we'll stick with 3 days. You then grill the meat on skewers and slap it on slices of fresh-baked Italian bread (another must). No condiments are needed (in fact, that would be an insult). I must say, we thought they were super tasty. Here's to hoping we can replicate them with this recipe.
Fresh-baked Italian Bread (I will buy ready-made dough or a mix for my breadmaker... whatever I can find.)
Dill Potato Salad
Grapes

Tuesday
Leftovers from Monday.

Wednesday
Pineapple Ham Loaf
Oklahoma Cheese Grits
Green Beans (The canned kind - yes, I know... but we love them. I simmer them in bacon for about an hour on the stove. Yum!)

Thursday
Leftovers from Wednesday.

Friday
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Baked Brie (I bake it with raspberry jelly on top. Then, sprinkle it with some sliced almonds that I've toasted.)
Apple Slices & Crackers

Saturday - 4th of July!
We plan to have a picnic in a park area near our home where we can watch the fireworks out over the intercoastal waterway. They will be far enough away so it is not so loud for the kids. My parents will be joining us from Greensboro, so we are looking forward to some fun family time.
Confetti Cheese Salsa
Avocado and Ham Sandwiches
Corn and Chickpea Salad
American Flag Cake
Watermelon (A must-have on the 4th of July!)
Freshly Brewed/Made Sweet Tea and Lemonade

Sunday
Clean out the refrigerator night! Peanut butter & jelly for the kiddos. :)

If you try anything listed here, I'd love to know how it turns out for you! For more menu ideas, or to submit your own plan, visit orgjunkie.com.

Well, last week's noteworthy recipes were the Beef Enchiladas and the Mexican Bean salad. The salad was wonderful, much like a traditional marinated bean salad with a kick. The leftovers were great used as a chunky "dip" with tortilla chips. The enchiladas were loved by both Brett and the kids. Brett and Gavin are not fans of tomatoes, especially the canned variety. Since this recipe doesn't call for them (which is unusual for a mexican dish) it suited them just dandy! I ended up making them into a sort of layered casserole after my corn tortillas just fell apart the instant I rolled them up. I thought it was pretty good that way, though. I'll be making it again... and I don't make things more than once unless they are REALLY good. There are just too many recipes out there to try!

I reference everything on the menu with a link to the recipe, unless it's something that doesn't require one. If the link directs you to another website, it means that I have not tried the recipe, and therefore have no idea whether it is good or not. :) If the link leads to a posted recipe here on my blog, it means that it is a tried & true family recipe that we love. I will also revisit some of the recipes I link to and leave comments about how they turned out for us the following week.

So, here's what we have on the menu this week...

Dinner Menu :: June 15th - 21st 2009

Monday
(Featuring recipe classics by my two beloved & missed grandmothers.)
Lima Bean Barbeque
Grammy's Simple Salad
Packaged corn bread muffins.

Tuesday
Ultimate Roast Beef Blues Sandwiches
Red Broccoli Salad

Wednesday
Leftovers from Tuesday.

Thursday
Tropical Grilled Pork Chops
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Corn on the cob.

Friday
Leftovers from Thursday.

Saturday
Angel Chicken Pasta
Easy Cheesy Cauliflower
Raw carrot sticks and grape tomatoes.

Sunday
Out to dinner for Father's Day to honor the best dad I know (well, besides my own :).

If you try anything listed here, I'd love to know how it turns out for you! For more menu ideas, or to submit your own plan, visit orgjunkie.com.