Sunday, December 27, 2009

Menu for this week:



Monday:

Breakfast-Pancakes
Lunch-Turkey Sammie
Dinner-Broccoli Ham Au Gratin (eat one-freeze one)

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Bacon and Eggs, Biscuits
Lunch-Leftovers or Sammie
Dinner-Split Pea Soup with Ham

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal and yogurt
Lunch-soup
Dinner-"out"

Thursday:

Breakfast-Peanut Butter on Toast
Lunch-Quesadillas
Dinner-Homemade Pizza

Friday:

Breakfast-Muffins
Lunch-Egg Sammies
Dinner-Pintos, Fried Potatoes, Fried Cabbage, Cornbread

Saturday:

Breakfast-Crescent Sausage and Cheese Roll-ups
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Chili

Sunday:

Breakfast-Muffins
Lunch-Spaghetti Casserole (eat one-freeze one), Salad
Dinner-Leftovers

Broccoli Ham Au Gratin

1 Onion, chopped
1 tb Butter, melted
1 cn Cheddar cheese soup
6 oz Sharp process cheese roll (using Cheez Whiz)
1/2 t Garlic powder
8 oz Mushrooms, sliced, drained
10 oz Chopped broccoli, thaw & drain
3 c Cooked rice
2 c Ham, cooked and diced
2 oz Pimiento, diced & drained (I omit)
1 cn Fried onion rings

Saute onion in butter in a Dutch oven until tender. Add soup, cheese, garlic powder; stir until cheese melts. Add mushrooms, broccoli, rice and ham. Gently stir in pimiento, and spoon into a lightly greased 12 x 8 x 2" baking dish. Cover and chill 8 hours. To bake, remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Bake, covered, at 350 for 40 minutes. Sprinkle onion rings over casserole, and bake an additional 5 to 8 minutes. Note: Unbaked casserole may be frozen. To bake, thaw in refrigerator 24 hours. Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Bake, covered, at 350 for 40 minutes. Sprinkle onion rings over casserole, and bake 5 to 8 minutes. From: Southern Living.


Spaghetti Casserole

(Makes 2 casseroles, 6 servings each)

16 oz. pkg. angel hair pasta
1 ½ pound ground beef (I use ground turkey)
26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
2 cans (8 oz. each) tomato sauce
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 c. shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

Cook pasta. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, over medium heat, cook beef, drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce. Remove from heat. Drain pasta. Combine soup and sour cream. In two 8 inch square baking dishes, layer half of the meat sauce, pasta, soup mixture and cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and freeze one casserole for up to 3 months. Cover and bake the remaining casserole 350 degrees 55-65 minutes or until cheese is melted.

To use frozen casserole: Thaw in fridge overnight. Remove from fridge, 30 minutes before baking. Bake as directed.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas to all!



This is our tree in our dining room. Robyn decorated it this year all by herself. I think she did a very good job.

My house if filled with wonderful Christmas scents today. I can smell the broccoli and cheese casserole and the green bean casserole baking in the oven. I can smell the Cider Wassail heating on the stove. We will be taking these to my mil's today for Christmas dinner. Yum-o!

I just want to wish all my family and friends a very joyous and merry Christmas from me and my family. Please have fun today and enjoy your family and God bless you.

Christmas Blessings,

Pam

Sunday, December 20, 2009

I need some accountability.

So, I'm going to start a weekly post on my tasks that I need to accomplish for the week. This is what my week of December 21st looks like:

Monday: Grocery Shopping, Clean-up Main Floor of House, Photograph dd for Christmas card (I know, I know...nothing like getting those cards out early! Dh is the photographer in the family for the Christmas cards). Guests at 6:00 for Pizza, Soda and Sweets!

Tuesday: Take dd to my folk's house to spend a couple of nights. Possible lunch date with dh. Pick up stocking stuffers. Wrap dd's gifts while she is gone. Quiet evening with dh.

Wednesday: Do some Freezer cooking. See this week's menu. Clean up kitchen afterwards and as I go along.

Thursday: To my folk's house to spend afternoon celebrating Christmas Eve with them and bringing dd back home and to church for 6:00 Christmas Eve services. Later, cookies and hot cocoa by the fire as Daddy reads "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Robyn doesn't believe in Santa Claus, she's 10 ya know. But fairies, Tinkerbell, you betcha! "Fairies aren't real!" Dems fighting words!

Friday: Christmas Day! Watch dd's excitement as she opens her gifts. Off to mil's to spend the day and have Christmas Dinner. Daddy is going to read Luke 2, the Christmas passage.

Saturday: Do some work here in the house-hmmm...where to begin, probably in the master bath and bedroom and under kitchen sink, as the garbage disposal died and we need to get a plumber here to replace it. Must get all the junk out from under there so he can do his work! Ugh!

Sunday: Church, no Sunday School services today. Home for a day of rest and menu/grocery shopping planning (shouldn't have much of that to do as I am well stocked right now). Just some good quality time with family. Next week there will be much more to accomplish around this house as well as taking down of Christmas decorations. Seems like we just put them up!

What's your week look like?

Blessings,

Pam

Okay, it's Wednesday and here is where I am. Haven't gotten groceries yet. That will happen today after the plumber gets here and leaves. Garbage disposal died and he is putting in the new one that dh bought today. Dd is at her grandparent's house and we didn't pick up any stocking stuffers yet or done the Christmas wrapping. We will do that tonight too. Just being honest here. I'll update more later in the week.

Okay, it's Sunday afternoon and I've stuck to everything but working in the Master Bedroom. So, not too bad. How did you do? Did you accomplish everything on your "to-do" list?

My Menu This Week-Lots of Freezer Recipes



All three meals this time (subject to change as the cook desires!) And extra freezer meals to feed the freezer as well as the ones planned to eat this week.

Monday:

B-Yogurt and Oatmeal
L-Leftovers
D-Evening here with friends, pizza, soda, sweet treats!

Tuesday:

B-Pancakes and Bacon
L-Going to visit folks-maybe lunch out with dh at favorite Chinese Restaurant
D-Turkey and Biscuit Pie (freezer friendly-one to eat now and one to freeze for later) recipe to follow

Wednesday:

B-Yogurt and Oatmeal
L-Spicy Bean and Ham Soup
D-Freeze Ahead Burritos (a freezer friendly vegetarian meal-this will make for some good future lunches or dinners), chips and salsa

Thursday: Christmas Eve

B-Breakfast Casserole, OJ
L-To folks to spend the day and pick up dd
D-Planning to make Lasagna Roll-ups for the Freezer-may take some to folks-we may or may not eat dinner here

Friday: Christmas Day!

B-Leftover Breakfast Casserole, Cinnamon Rolls, OJ
L-Going to mil's to have Christmas Dinner-here is what she has planned: Ham and Turkey, Dressing, Roasted Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy, Rolls, Broccoli and Cheese Casserole (I'm bringing), Green Bean Casserole (I'm bringing), Deviled Eggs, Wassail (I'm bringing), and desserts (she wouldn't tell us what it's a surprise!)

Saturday:

B-One Eyed Sailors, Bacon, OJ
L-I'm sure we will come home from mil's with plenty of leftovers!
D-Ham and cheese Ziti (Freezer friendly-one for now, one for later), Spinach, Tomato and Basil Salad

Sunday:

B-Crescent Sausage Rolls, Fruit
L-Turkey and Noodles Soup (from turkey carcass in freezer), Homemade bread of some sort
D-Lovely Leftovers

Freezer Friendly Turkey and Biscuit Pie

2 cups cooked diced turkey or chicken
1 cup frozen green beans
10 oz. Can cream of chicken soup
1 ½ cup frozen corn
½ c. chicken broth canned or prepared with bouillon

In large mixing bowl, combine diced turkey, green beans, soup, corn and chicken broth. Transfer to a greased 2 quart casserole dish. Cover and freeze up to three months.

To prepare:

1 tube buttermilk biscuits

Thaw casserole in fridge or microwave. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange biscuits across top of casserole slightly overlapping. Bake 30-40 minutes.

Lasagna Roll-Ups

12 lasagna noodle -- cooked and drained
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese -- shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese -- grated
1 pound lean ground beef

Brown the ground beef and let cool. While noodles are cooking, mix the cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese in with the meat. Drain noodles. Lay out flat and spread some of the meat mixture over the length of it. Roll up noodle, place seam side down on cookie sheet and continue with rest of noodles. (You can cut the rolled noodles in half if desired). Freeze and store in ziplock bag.
To cook: Place amount needed of frozen lasagna rolls in shallow casserole dish. Cover with cheese sauce or spaghetti sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until roll is heated through and sauce is bubbly.
I keep a lot of these made up in the freezer.

Ham & Cheese Ziti

2 16oz packages ziti noodles
1 cup butter/margarine
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup flour
2 tsp salt
8 cups milk
2 tsp Dijon mustard
8 cups Colby cheese, shredded
16oz cooked ham (deli style), cut into thin strips
1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated

This recipe makes 2 13x9 casseroles.

Cook and drain pasta according to instructions (you may need to do it in two batches if your larges pot isn't large enough.

In large saucepan or deep skillet, melt butter on low heat. Add garlic and saute for about 30-40 seconds, stirring the entire time. Next add flour and salt, using a whisk to ensure no lumps remain. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring the entire time, until there are no lumps and the mixture begins to bubble.

Slowly add milk, stirring the whole time, while you bring it to a boil. Once boiling, allow to continue to boil for 1 minute, then add mustard and Colby cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted. Add ham and pasta, stirring well. Pour into 2 13x9 casserole dishes. Cool and freeze.

On cooking day:
Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole dish (uncovered) into oven and bake 30-45 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Serve.

Freeze Ahead Burritos

2 cans black beans
2-3 cups rice, cooked
1 large onion
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 T combined dried basil, cumin, chili powder, cayenne to taste
1 pkg. flour tortillas, burrito size
1 small can tomato sauce

Sauté onion and garlic in a little oil. When onions are soft add spices, cook 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat. in large bowl combine 1 can beans with juice and 1 can drained. Add tomato sauce. Mash beans. Add cooked rice and onion mixture. Stir well. Roll up burrito style. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. Reheat in microwave.

Spicy Bean and Ham Soup

1 cup cubed cooked ham
1 cup salsa
15 oz. black beans, rinsed and drained
14 oz. chicken broth
1 green onion, chopped

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours. 4 servings



I also plan to take advantage of good chicken/turkey prices here and do some meals for my freezer to eat later in the winter. Here is my plan:

Chicken - Taco bake

2 cups cooked rice -- (2 to 3)
2 cups cooked shredded turkey or chicken -- (2 to 3)
1 can tomato sauce -- 8 oz.
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 can refried beans -- (1 to 2)
1 cup grated cheese. -- (1 to 2)

we like brown rice, but you can use white instead....I have even used ham and
crumbled ground beef if you happen to have it on hand. Layer in a 9x13 baking dish the cooked rice. In another bowl, mix taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Add shredded chicken and coat it well with tomato mixture. Layer this chicken mixture on the rice in pan. "Frost" the chicken layer with the refried beans. It may take up to 2 cans for that, especially if you want a good thick layer. Top off with grated
cheese.

Wrap for freezing and pop it into the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw
and bake uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes or until hot all the way through
and the cheese is nice and bubbly. Enjoy!

I have made this chicken-taco recipe before and it is good.


Chicken Enchiladas

1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion -- chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 cups cooked chicken -- chopped
1/2 cup Monterey jack and cheddar cheese mix
8 " round flour tortillas --

NOTE: next time try with salsa added to chicken mixture.
Melt butter in skillet, add onion and cook until tender, add chili powder and
chicken. In small bowl mix together sour cream and soup. Add 1/4 cup of
soup mixture to chicken, you want to make the chicken mixture nice and moist.
Fill tortillas with approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup chicken mixture and roll
tightly. Spread a little of soup mix on bottom of pan. Put tortillas in and spread remaining soup mix on top. Sprinkle with cheese. (Can be frozen at this point) Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. For 2 people makes two 8x8 casseroles.


Chicken Tetrazzini

10 oz dry spaghetti -- (10 to 12)
3 cups grated cheese - Jack or Cheddar
3 Tbs. margarine
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup -- (10 3/4 oz)
1 can cream of chicken soup -- (10 3/4 oz)
1 10 3/4 oz soup can milk
3 cups cooked -- diced chicken
salt & pepper

Cook spaghetti as directed until al dente; drain. Sauté onions in margarine.
Mix onions and remaining ingredients with spaghetti in a large bowl. Put
mixture in containers and freeze. To prepare for serving, thaw tetrazzini and put in a baking dish. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350* oven until bubbly, about 30-40 minutes. (or can microwave or heat on stove) For 2 people makes 5 casseroles.


MEXICAN CHICKEN BAKE


1 can cream of mushroom soup -- (10-3/4 oz.)
1 can cream of chicken soup -- (10-3/4 oz.)
1 3/4 cups milk
2 cups cooked chicken -- chopped
1 large onion -- finely chopped
1 cup salsa
2 1/2 cups grated cheese
12 corn tortillas -- each cut into 8
pieces

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly butter two 8 inch square pans. In a medium bowl combine soups and milk. Stir to blend well. Add chicken, onion, salsa and 2 cups of the grated cheese. Divide between both pans. Layer tortilla and chicken mixture topping with remaining grated cheese. Freeze. Bake thawed casserole 35 - 45 minutes or until bubbly on edges and hot in the center.

Mexican Chicken Rolls

1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 package Monterey jack cheese with
peppers ( 8 oz) cut crosswise into 8
equal slices
1/3 cup butter or margarine melted

Combine first 5 ingredients in a shallow dish; set aside. Place each chicken breast between 2 sheets of wax paper; flatten to 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Place a slice of cheese on each chicken breast. Rollup from short side, and secure with wooden picks. Dip chicken rolls in butter, and dredge in bread crumb mixture. Place rolls, seam side down, on a baking sheet. Cover and freeze until firm; transfer to a largeheavy-duty plastic freeze bag and return to freezer. Freeze up to 6 months.
To serve, place frozen chicken rolls in a lightly greased
11- x 7- x 1 1/2-inch baking dish; bake at 400 ° F for 30 minutes.

These are really good.

You can use your own homemade cream of "whatever" soups in these recipes. I do that sometimes or buy Aldi's brand of soup which is very inexpensive.

Have a blessed week,

Pam

I Corinthians 13-A Christmas Version




1 CORINTHIANS 13 – – A CHRISTMAS VERSION -

By an unknown author

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy anothers home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Monday, December 14, 2009

The girl has pierced ears!




My daughter now has pierced ears! She was adamant that she would never have pierced ears. I knew this would change. She is a girly-girl after all. We went to Claire's at West Town Mall and she was nervous but did just fine. She said it didn't even hurt! I'm so proud of her. I look forward to all the pretty earrings she will get to wear when her ears are healed.

Pam

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Turkey Corn Chowder

I made this recipe this week and Robert and I really liked it. Thought I would share.

Turkey Corn Chowder

1 chopped onion sauteed in 1/2 stick of butter
2 cups chicken broth
3 cups diced cooked turkey or chicken
1 c. sliced celery
5 cubed potatoes

cook until the potatoes are tender then add:

1 can whole kernel corn and 1 can creamed corn
1 quart milk

Heat well, but don't boil. I generously sprinkled with salt and pepper to taste.

My Menu This Week




Stuck to last week's menu pretty well. Didn't make the chicken soup as the turkey chowder lasted longer than I thought and didn't make the chicken and black beans with cream cheese as I ended up making a big pot of mixed beans Saturday with the leftover ham bone and we decided to eat those after church. Yum-o!

Here is my plan for this week:

Monday-Apples and Pork Chop Bake, Brussels Sprouts, Macaroni and Cheese, Rolls

Tuesday-Brushetta Chicken Bake, Tossed Salad, Recipe found at http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/bruschetta-chicken-bake-65546.aspx

Wednesday-Good ole leftovers!

Thursday-Baked Ziti, Salad, Garlic Texas Toast

Friday-Spicy Beans (black) and Ham, Dad's Sausage Cornbread

Saturday-Leftover Buffet!

Sunday-Hamburger or Chicken Helper (made with ground chicken or turkey), Fruit, Crescent Rolls

You can find more menu ideas at http://orgjunkie.com/

Pam

Thursday, December 10, 2009

I haven't forgotten.

Remember my post of September 9th? I do. It's been hanging over my head ever since I posted it. I haven't forgotten, really. I am just still in the list making mode. Yeah, that's it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. lol

I have a ham cooking in the oven today. It smells sooo good. I feel very nesty. Well, actually, I feel pretty nesty all the time. Especially in my red recliner. Yes it is mine, and you better not be sitting in it! lol Since my pc needs more ram, I have been using my laptop a lot. I sit in my red recliner and just surf away. It's very addicting. Oh, you didn't know that? lol I especially like a roaring fire, my red recliner and my laptop nowadays.

Well, anywho, we are expecting a little friend of dd's over this evening to spend some good quality girlfriend time together. Aren't 9-10 year olds sweet? They have even made a schedule so that they can get in everything they want to do in the little time they have together. Ahhh...

Well, off to unload the dishwasher and reload it. I call this rebooting the dw. You can use that saying too, if you want too. lol I am way too goofy today.

Pam

Sunday, December 6, 2009

My Menu This Week

Well, I stuck to last week's menu plan to a tee. This week I am going to try a few new recipes. If I like them I will post them here later. Here is this week's dinner plans:

Monday: Yummy leftovers from Sunday (I did a crock pot boneless turkey breast, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato casserole, stuffing and crescent rolls.) It was yummy and the leftovers will be just as good.

Tuesday: Turkey Corn Chowder (new recipe), Tossed Salad, Biscuits or Crescent Rolls

Wednesday: Beans and Franks, Corn Bread

Thursday: Ham, Hash Brown Casserole, Brussels Sprouts, Peach Cobbler

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Crock Pot Chicken Soup,(new recipe) Homemade Bread

Sunday: Crock Pot Chicken with Black Beans and Cream Cheese (new recipe), Tortillas

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Who doesn't like breakfast for dinner?

Hubby and daughter have gone to mil's house to get her Christmas decorations down from the attic. I am going to surprise them with breakfast for dinner when they get back. I am going to make Breakfast Pizza, throw together a fruit salad with odds and ends and make Pillsbury's cinnamon rolls pour some orange juice and put on a pot of decaf. The pizza uses crescent rolls. The stores around here have those Pillsbury thingies on sale every week and with coupons they are a bargain too hard to pass us. And oh so convenient! I have been looking up recipes using cresent rolls and will be incorporating those into my future menus. Here is the breakfast pizza recipe.

Breakfast Pizza

Serving Size : 6

1 pound ground pork sausage (my dad buys this fresh for us)
1 (8-ounce) can refrigerator crescent rolls
1 cup (4-ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup (4-ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese (don't have this so will just double the cheddar)
5 large eggs -- lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Brown sausage in a large skillet, stirring until it crumbles; drain. Set aside. Unroll crescent rolls, separating into 8 triangles. Place triangles with elongated points toward center on a greased 12-inch pizza pan. Press perforations together to form a crust. Bake at 375' for 8 minutes on lower rack of oven. (Crust will be puffy when removed from oven.) Reduce oven temperature to 350'. Spoon sausage over dough; sprinkle with cheeses. Combine eggs and remaining ingredients; pour over sausage mixture. Bake at 350' on lower rack of oven 30 to 35 minutes or until crust is golden. Cut into wedges to serve.

Pam

Sunday, November 29, 2009

It's good to be back home.



We had a nice and restful week way in South Carolina. It was good to get away but it
always feels good to me to get back home. I guess that is a good thing. Here are a couple of photos of dear daughter at the ocean.







Here is my menu plan for this week:


Monday:

Breakfast: Oatmeal for dh and I; One Eyed Sailor for dd
Lunch: Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese
Dinner: Turkey Smoked Sausage, Kraut, Mac and Cheese, Corn Casserole, Cookies for Small Group

Tuesday:

Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos (from the freezer), dd-pancakes
Lunch: Bologna Sammies, Veggies and Dip
Dinner: Leftovers

Wednesday:

Breakfast: Pancakes
Lunch: Chef Salads
Dinner: Breakfast for Dinner (going to try a casserole using sausage, crescent rolls, eggs, cheese, etc.), Fruit Salad

Thursday: Oatmeal
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Spanish Rice (made with ground turkey), Salad, Tex Mex Biscuits

Friday:

Breakfast: Sweet Rolls
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Sloppy Joes, Oven Fries, Salad

Saturday: Eggs, Bacon, Biscuits
Lunch: Hopefully, doing a belated Thanksgiving Dinner here.
Dinner: Christmas Party at church

Sunday: Sweet Rolls
Lunch: Hopefully, yummy leftovers
Dinner: Maybe a $5 Little Caesars Pizza

Monday, November 23, 2009

South Carolina this week

I will post some photos when we get home of our week here in South Carolina. We are usually here every Thanksgiving. It's nice and peaceful at the beach this time of year.

I have taken the time to plan out some work for myself and dh to do when we get back home. There is lots of work that needs to be done in our home to prepare for the Christmas season and even if it wasn't that time of year, it just needs to get done anyway. Dh is really gonna love me when we get home! lol I'll take those promised before and after photos too.

I will go ahead and post my menu for the week even though we are out of town. Yes, I even plan menus on vacation. I actually brought several freezer meals from home to cut down on costs.

Breakfasts here have included my famous Sausage and Cheese Muffins, (which I made before we left town), Cinnamon Rolls, Orange Rolls, Oatmeal, and breakfast from Hardees. Lunches are leftovers or soup and sammies. Here are my dinner plans for this week:

Monday: We had Sesame Chicken (OAMC recipe), Roasted Asparagus, Alfredo Fetticine, Salad and Rolls

Tuesday: Lazy Day Lasagna (another OAMC recipe), Salad, Garlic Bread

Wednesday: Leftover Lasagna dinner

Thursday: Turkey Dinner from a local grocer and I will add Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese to the dinner to please dd

Friday: Leftovers day. Clean out the Fridge!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Pam















Saturday: On the road again!

Sunday: Something easy after church.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Dear Daughter sees the eye doctor today.

Dear Husband was hoping she had my "eyes." I didn't need eyeglasses until about 4 years ago and my prescription is for distance to clear things up a bit. I do use reading glasses, but that is because my eyes are getting older and I can't make my arms grow any longer! Robert began wearing eyeglasses in grade school. Robyn is actually excited that she may need glasses! Go figure.

We are going to Surfside for a week and we are looking forward to getting away. Away from the stresses we have been facing, especially Robert's lack of finding employment. It is a tough world right now. Our condo was a gift from my parents and we only have to pay the maintenance fee every year. So a week away for us is just cost of gas money to and from. I take Once A Month Cooking (OAMC) meals already prepared from my freezer with us. That means less groceries to buy for the condo and less eating out. We will go to the beach, visit our favorite bookstore for a cup of java, take Robyn for walks, and do crafts at the community center. They have fun activities planned daily for the children. We enjoy the beach at this time of year. No crowds, mild weather, and even Black Friday is nicer there than here. We usually go see a family holiday movie together at the mall there. It's become a tradition.

I do hate being away during Thanksgiving from the rest of the family but we like to travel around Robyn's school breaks. Better Thanksgiving away that Christmas!

We will either eat at Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving (like in the past) or buy a prepared dinner from a local grocer. If we do the latter, it means we could eat earlier in the day, eat again in the evening (oh yeah!) and have leftovers the next day and bring a nice carcass home to make stock and soup. I'm thinking I might want to try that. Anywho, what are your Thanksgiving plans?

Thanksgiving blessings to you all,

Pam

Sunday, November 15, 2009

My Menu for this week:




Yep, I'm back and feeling much better. So I hope to stick to the plan this week.

Monday: Cheesy Chicken Bundles (from the freezer-love those handy meals!), Green Beans, Alfredo Noodles

Tuesday: Pinto Beans, Sauteed Cabbage and Onions, Fried Okra and Cornbread (a good ole southern meal!)

Wednesday: Chili (I will use my leftover pintos for this) and Cornbread as well as good ole cheese and sour cream for toppings (any leftover chili will be frozen and used another time)

Thursday: Sausage Quiche, Fruit and Crescent Rolls

Friday: Good ole pantry meal that I stock up on when on sale and I have coupons, Hamburger/Chicken Helper (I use ground chicken or turkey in place of the beef), Green Veggie from the freezer (not the healthiest meal but quick and easy!)

Saturday: We leave to go out of town so we will be eating breakfast and lunch out. I am taking some freezer meals from the freezer to eat on our vacation so we won't have to spend so much out and at the grocery store. Have a good week!

Pam

Saturday, November 14, 2009

I have a cold.

Yep, it's that time of year. I've had a cold all week. Looking forward to getting better. I haven't been cooking much. We've been batching on sammies and soup and take out. Dh actually cooked tonight. He made chicken nuggets and hash brown patties. It was quite good and I was so proud of him. I told him he could cook in my kitchen anytime!

I'll be back Monday to post my menu and then Saturday we leave to go out of town for the holidays. But I'll take my laptop with me and be checking in.

Have a good Sabbath and Sunday and I'll see ya on Monday!

Pam

Monday, November 2, 2009

Menu week of November 2nd.




November 2nd? Wowzers! Anywho here is my plan for this week.

Breakfasts will consist of oatmeal, muffins, eggs and bacon, etc.

Lunches will generally be leftovers or sammies.

Monday: Crock Pot Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Salad

Tuesday: Crock Pot Fajitas, Tortillas, Mexican Rice

Wednesday: Little Cheddar Meatloaves, Noodles, Peas

Thursday: Golden Chicken and Noodles, Salad or Green Veggie

Friday: Leftover Buffet!

Saturday: Various Appetizers at Game Night

Sunday: Sausage Quiche, Fruit, Appetizers

More more menus check out:

Monday, October 26, 2009

My Menu This Week-All 3 Meals



Monday:

Breakfast-Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuits
Lunch-Leftover Brunswick Stew
Dinner-Dum Dum Depression Casserole (never got to this last week), Mayonnaise Rolls and Tossed Salad

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Pancakes and Link Sausage
Lunch-More Stew or Leftovers
Dinner-Golden Chicken and Noodles (another recipe I didn't get to make), Salad

Wednesday:

Breakfast-One Eyed Sailors, Bacon
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Probably more leftovers!

Thursday:

Breakfast-Bagel with Egg, Cheese and Canandian Bacon
Lunch-Soup and Sammie
Dinner-Lil' Cheddar Meat Loaves (freeze extras), Scalloped Potatoes, Peas

Friday:

Breakfast-Sausage and Cheese Muffins
Lunch-Egg Sammie
Dinner-Pintos, Leftover Scalloped Potatoes, Fried Okra, Cornbread

Saturday:

Breakfast-Cinnamon Rolls
Lunch-Macaroni and Cheese, PB Sammies
Dinner-Easy Chili

Sunday:

Breakfast-Biscuits, Eggs, Bacon, Fried Potatoes
Lunch-Crock Pot Chops, Noodles, Corn, Crescent Rolls, Pumpkin Pie
Dinner-Leftovers

Monday, October 19, 2009

A few recipes I will be making this week:

This is a family favorite of ours. I have made it several times and for company.

Texas Lasagna

1 lb. lean beef or ground turkey
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
½ cup chopped onion
28 oz. salsa, drained
cooked lasagna noodles
2 c. shredded light Cheddar cheese
2 c. shredded light Mozzarella cheese
16 oz. fat free cottage cheese

Brown the meat in a skillet, stirring until crumbly. Add the taco seasoning mix and onion. Cook until the onion is tender; drain. Add the salsa. Simmer for 35 minutes. Reserve a small amount of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese for topping. Alternate layers of meat sauce, noodles, cottage cheese and cheeses until all ingredients are used ending with the remaining cheeses. Bake 350 degrees 45 minutes. 6 servings.


No sure where the title for this one came from. I believe I found it in one of my Depression cookbooks.

Dum Dum Depression Casserole

In a buttered casserole, arrange sliced potatoes and onion rounds. Fry pork sausage and pour off grease. Alternate with a can of whole kernel corn and seasoning. Pour a can of tomato soup on top (or use canned tomatoes). Bake till done, depending on size of casserole.

This is a new one. It comes from a cookbook I bought at Dollywood recently.

Brunswick Stew

1 very well cooked 3 lb. chicken with bones removed
4 whole potatoes
3 sliced carrots
4 large diced onions
1 quart tomatoes
Cook these ingredients in chicken broth until tender. Add enough water until it's the consistency you like, along with:
1 box frozen lima beans (I'll cook fresh)
1 large can corn
1 T sugar
lots of pepper and a small piece of butter
Stir well and low simmer for about 30 minutes, or cook in a slow cooker for a few hours on low.

Sounds yummy to me! Have a great day!

Pam

What's on my menu this week:




Today:

Breakfast-me and dh, McD's biscuit; dd, grilled cheese (I know, I need to go shopping!)
Lunch-dd packed and took homemade chicken and noodle soup, pb sammie and homemade chocolate pumpkin muffin (1 WW point!)
Dinner-homemade vegetable soup, rolls - later at small group, grapes and brownies

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal
Lunch-Leftover soup
Dinner-Dum Dum Depression Casserole (I know, dumb title!) and cornbread

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Eggs, Bacon, Biscuits
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Brunswick Stew, Leftover cornbread

Thursday:

Breakfast-Whole Wheat Toast with Peanut Butter, Banana
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Texas Lasagna, Texas Toast, Salad

Friday:

Breakfast-Pancakes and Sausage
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Leftover night

Saturday:

Breakfast-Bacon, Eggs, Fried Potatoes
Lunch-
Dinner-Crock Pot Chops, Noodles, Brussels Sprouts, Mixed Fruit

Sunday:

Breakfast-Muffins and Yogurt
Lunch-Pot Luck at Church-tailgaiting theme
Dinner-Golden Chicken and Noodles, Layered Salad, Rolls

Monday, October 12, 2009

Menu this week.




Monday:

Breakfast-Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Yogurt
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Grilled Cheese and Soup, Cantaloupe.

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Eggs and Sausage
Lunch-Sammies and Grapes
Dinner-Chicken Breast Casserole and Salad

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal, Mixed Fruit
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Little Cheddar Meatloaves (extras go in freezer), Cabbage Au Gratin, Noodles

Thursday:

Breakfast-Peanut Butter on Whole Wheat Toast
Lunch-Soup and Sammies
Dinner-Beans and Franks, Cornbread

Friday:

Breakfast-One Eyed Sailors, Link Sausage
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Sesame Grilled Chicken, Rice, Salad

Saturday:

Breakfast-Pancakes
Lunch-Pizza
Dinner-Taco Soup, Fritos, etc.

Sunday:

Breakfast-Bacon, Eggs, Biscuits
Lunch-Crock Pot Fajitas
Dinner-Clean Out The Fridge Buffet

Sunday, October 4, 2009

My Menu for this week:




Breakfasts: Choose from Oatmeal, Eggs, Bacon and Toast, Cereal, Muffins, etc.

Lunches: Dd buying lunch at school most days, dh and I eat leftovers or sammies and soup.

Monday: Soup, Grilled Cheese, Grapes
Tuesday: Crustless Chicken Quiche (made with Sunday's leftover chicken), Mandarin Spinach Salad
Wednesday: Dinner at church-pizza
Thursday: Taco Turkey Burgers, Veggies and Dip, Cantaloupe
Friday: Hungry Jack Casserole, Salad, Brownies
Saturday: Easy Oven Fried Chicken, Oven, Fries, Salad
Sunday: Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Noodles, Green Bean Casserole, Veggies and Dip

I am trying several new recipes this week. If we like them, I will post the recipes later in the week.

Pam

Friday, October 2, 2009

October, already?

Okay, it's October and I love fall. But man it seems to arrive earlier every year! I have my fallish flag flying out front. That's the extent of my fall decor! lol I would love to buy some pretty mums but am not spending money on extras right now. I am more of a Christmas decorating type of girl anyway. I am sure it will be here before we know it.

Last week, my nephew came over and helped with some much need yard work. He weeded and mulch and seeded the bare spots in our lawn. He is handy that way. Thank you Travis!

Tomorrow, we are going to head out to visit Dollywood. It's supposed to be a nice day and I like going there when the temps are mild. We may try to go again during the Christmas season when all of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg celebrate the season with lot of Christmas decoration and lights. It's so pretty and festive.

Dh is still actively job searching. He is sure hoping that the employment rate picks up soon. It is discouraging but we are keeping our faith in the Lord and that He will provide Robert with the job He wants him to have and in His good time. You gotta have faith! Keep him in your prayers.

Well, gotta go. Got stuff to do around my chaotic cottage. Dishwasher needs to be rebooted (unloaded and reloaded), lunch prepared, pick up the house, put away clean clothing, and I haven't even showered or dressed yet today! Yikes! Must drink more coffee, must get motivated, must hit the to do list and accomplish good things today! Have a good one!

Pam

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

What's baking in my house today.

This is a tried and true recipe. I thought the cooler weather was just speaking to me today to bake something with pumpkin in it. I am going to replace one cup of the sugar with Splenda to lower the sugar content.


Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

4 eggs
2 c. sugar
3 c. flour
16 oz. pumpkin
1 ½ c. oil
2 t. soda
2 t. b. powder
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. salt
12 oz. mini chocolate chips

Beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil. Add flour and spices. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into 24 greased muffin tins. Bake 400 degrees 15-20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from tins.

Do you have a favorite(s) pumpkin recipe?

Monday, September 28, 2009

My Menu this week-September 28-October 4




Monday:

Breakfast-Pork Chops and Eggs
Lunch-How about a nap? lol
Dinner-Pigs in Blankets (made with chicken smoked sausage), Veggies and Dip

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Breakfast Burritos (from the freezer)
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Cheesy Chicken Bundles (from the freezer), Corn on the Cob, Slaw

Wednesday:

Breakfast-One Eyed Sailors, Link Sausage
Lunch-Leftovers or Sammies and Slaw
Dinner-Pizza Casserole (from the freezer), Mixed Green Salad

Thursday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal
Lunch-Leftovers or Peanut Butter on Celery with Raisins (ants on a log)
Dinner-Cajun Beans and Sausage

Friday:

Breakfast-Chocolate Chip Muffins (freezer) Yogurt
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Stuffed Peppers, Spaghetti and Sauce

Saturday:

Breakfast-Eggs, Bacon, Biscuits, OJ
Lunch-PB&J Sliced Apples
Dinner-C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

Sunday:

Breakfast-Sausage and Cheese Muffins, Fruit
Dinner-Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken, Green Bean Casserole, Salad

Lots of meals from the freezer this week. Yipee!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Nothing new here

You are probably wondering what is going on with my journey to transform my home. Nothing really new here. We have managed to keep the main floor of the home decluttered and picked up. That is because we have a small group that meets here on Monday nights and that helps us to be more intentional in our picking up and putting away. I haven't started on any house cleaning projects yet.

Today, I need to gather dd's old school uniforms and ready them for a consignment sale at school. I need to press some things and put all items on hangers along with tags marking the size, price, etc. This may take some time.

If I get time today, I need to do my grocery shopping. I didn't do any big shopping last week and we just picked up items as needed. I've noticed a trend where I do my bigger shopping every other week. It's been working for us and we spend less money that way.

My nephew is coming over later in the week to help us with some outside chores. We are going to mulch some beds and cut down some trees that haven fallen over in the woods. That will supply us with some wood later on in the winter. We still have wood leftover from the last two winters that will warm our fireplace when the temperatures turn chilly. I love burning a fire. It's so cozy. A mug of hot chocolate, a blanket, a good book, and I'm all set! I just wish our fireplace had a high hearth. Getting up and down from the floor to build a fire is hard on the old knees!

Have a wonderful day!

Pam

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Menu for this week:




Monday:

Breakfast-Pancakes for Robyn, Breakfast Burrito for Robert, Protein Shake for me (need to use these babies up)
Lunch-Ham Sammies, Veggies and Dip (Robyn's school lunch-Turkey Sammie, Baked Chips, Sliced Apple, School Milk)
Dinner-Small Group-Snacks. I may make brownies and have coffee and sodas available.

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Protein Shake for me, One Eye Sailors and Sausage for Robert and Robyn
Lunch-PB& J with Sliced Apple; Robyn's Lunch-probably a repeat of yesterday but with Cantaloupe
Dinner-Chicken and Dumplings, Fried Okra, maybe some Pintos

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Protein Shake for me, Chocolate Chip Muffins and Yogurt for Robert and Robyn
Lunch-Leftovers for us (Robyn's school lunch-Pasta and Spaghetti Sauce, Cheese Stick, Grapes, School Milk)
Dinner-Dinner at Church-they are serving breakfast-Yum-o!

Thursday:

Breakfast-Protein Shake for me, Pancakes for Robyn, Breakfast Burrito for Robert
Lunch-Egg Sammies possibly or PB&J for us (Robyn's lunch, Homemade Chicken and Noodle Soup, Cheese Stick, Ritz Crackers, Grapes, School Milk)
Dinner-Hamburger Helper (made with turkey or chicken), Cantaloupe for Robert and Robyn. I'm going to Ladies Night Out and will be eating there.

Friday:

Breakfast-Protein Shake for me, Sausage and Cheese Muffins and Yogurt for Robert and Robyn
Lunch-Lean Pockets and Grapes for Robert and I; (Robyn's lunch-Turkey Rollup,Baked Chips, Sliced Apple, School Milk and School Ice Cream Treat)
Dinner-Quick Chick Trick (old tried and true recipe), Salad, Canned Fruit

Saturday:

Breakfast-Bacon, Eggs, Biscuits, OJ
Lunch-Leftovers or Homemade Soup and Grilled Cheese
Dinner-Baked Pork Chops and Rice, Brussel Sprouts, Mayo Rolls (then out for a date-night, maybe get coffee and a dessert somewhere-hint, hint)

Sunday:

Breakfast-Muffin and Yogurt
Lunch-Slow Cooker Chili, Fritos, Sour Cream and Cheese
Dinner (C.O.R.N) Clean Out Refrigerator Night!

I make up muffins and keep them in the freezer for quick breakfasts. Same with the breakfast burritos. My Chicken and Noodle Soup is already portioned and frozen as well as the Pasta and Spaghetti Sauce. The chicken for the Quick Chick Trick is already cooked and cut up and in the freezer. This will thaw quickly for going into the casserole. The Lean Pockets and Hamburger Helper are here because they were on sale and I had coupons! Yay coupons! By planning my menus around sales I can save a lot of money on my grocery bill. Planning my meals saves us from those quick trips to the store or the drive-through for dinner and spending more than we should.

Quick Chick Trick

4 chicken breasts
8 oz. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
40 Ritz crackers
1 stick butter

Boil and debone chicken, tear into small pieces and line bottom of dish. Mix together soup and sour cream; heat just until boiling and pour over chicken. Crumble all crackers over mixture. Melt butter and pour over crackers. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees.


Baked Pork Chops and Rice

3-6 pork chops
1/3 cup rice, uncooked
1 can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup
1 c. water
½ package dried onion soup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix rice, soup and water. Put in greased 9X13 inch pan. Arrange pork chops on top and cover with dried onion soup. Bake uncovered 1 ½ hours.

Slow Cooker Chili

2 lb. ground beef
2 cans kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained or homemade
2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
8 oz. tomato sauce
2 medium onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 T chili powder
2 t. salt
1 t. pepper

In skillet, brown beef, drain. Transfer to crock pot and add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or high 3-4 hours. Makes 10 servings.

Pam

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Crazy Love

Our church does Community Groups or some call them Small Groups. I still want to call them that. Any way, we are hosting one at our home on Monday evenings. We are doing the book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It is am awesome book and I highly recommend it. We also watch a few minutes of a DVD where he speaks to us. Here is a quote:

"I urge you to consider and actually live as though each person you come into contact with is Christ."

Crazy Love
by Francis Chan
w/ Danae Yankoski

Can you imagine doing that? I'm gonna try. And I'm gonna start with my family first!

Pam

Sunday, September 13, 2009

My menu plan this week




It's flu season around here. So, time for lots of Orange Juice, Fruits and Vitamins!

Monday:

Breakfast-One-Eyed Sailors, Orange Juice
Lunch-Sammies, Veggies and Dip
Dinner-Potato Soup with all the good stuff like Sour Cream, Bacon and Shredded Cheese, Crackers and Sliced Cheese, Cantaloupe and Grapes and Cookies (feeding small group)

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Scrambled Eggs, Blueberry Muffins from the freezer, Orange Juice
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Fried Chicken, Bow tie Pasta Salad, Biscuits

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Pancakes and Sausage, Orange Juice
Lunch-Leftovers or Egg Sammie
Dinner-Grilled Sesame Chicken, Rice, Green Beans, Pears

Thursday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal, Yogurt, Orange Juice
Lunch-Cheese Quesadillas, Fruit
Dinner-Pork and Beans with Polish Sausage, Corn Fritters, leftover Pasta Salad

Friday:

Breakfast-Sausage and Cheese Muffins, Orange Juice
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Chicken and Noodle Casserole, Broccoli with Cheese Sauce, Grapes

Saturday:

Breakfast-Cereal, Toast, Orange Juice
Lunch-Leftovers or Sammies
Dinner-Fresh Green Beans with Potatoes, Sliced Garden Tomatoes, Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, Cornbread, Green Onions

Sunday:

Breakfast-Sausage Crescents, Orange Juice
Lunch-Cajun Chicken, Leftover Sides from yesterday
Dinner-? Maybe C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I'm on a journey-come along!

You may have wondered about the name of my blog-Chaos Cottage. It comes from something I read on Flylady years ago. Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome. Yep, most the time that is the way I feel about my home. You know, please let us know days ahead of time if you are coming for a visit. Arghh...

I struggle with homemaking. I know, I probably shouldn't. I am a stay-at-home mom with 1 daughter who attends a Christian school. My husband is unemployed at the moment and is able to run many errands and take dd to and from school. I have the time and the ability to take extra special care of my family and my home. Excuses? I haven't any, really. Oh, sometimes I think I have the excuses of "I don't feel so well", or "I didn't sleep well", or "my back hurts", and my favorite, "I need a nap." These can all be true some days, but honestly, I have no good excuses most days.

Oh, I have really good intentions. I make plans. I am the queen of list making. It's something I find very relaxing. I always get my menu planning done on Sunday. I look forward to it really. Maybe it is because I love to eat. I don't know. I love looking at other ladies blogs and seeing how much they are accomplishing in their homes and reading their daily schedules. I ooh and aah over their accomplishments. I must admit I do get a little envious sometimes. Then I look at my home and I am sad. Having a list does help me some. But you have to look at it.

I think I know the real reason I always fall short. It is sin in my heart. Yep, I think it is selfishness and rebellion. I do what I WANT to do and housework ain't one of them. Sounds childish, doesn't it?

I am childish, but I am also a child of God. And as a child of God I am very blessed. I don't deserve all the things that the Lord has blessed me with, but He has blessed me just the same. So, I think it is time for confession for sure. But also doing a 180 and making the needed changes in my life to do the job the Lord has asked me to do. Be a wife and a mother. Count it all JOY. Do my work pleasingly as unto the Lord.

So, I'm going on a journey. I want to please the Lord and my family and give them the home they deserve. I hope that you'll stay with me on this journey. And I do ask for your prayers in this area my friends. It means so much to me to know that I have your support! I may even post a before and after photo here and there. That is, if I am not too ashamed to show you the before. Oy!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

I 'm just really sad today.

I'm trying not to be. I am usually very upbeat. But lately, I have been feeling a little down. You see, I have several friends, who are going through marital difficulties. It makes me so sad. I value marriage. I am committed to my marriage. Marriage is tough. Sometimes, it is downright hard. But I'm here for the long haul.

God hates divorce. It's no wonder he does. It's a horrible thing. For everyone.

I'm praying for my friends. Won't you join me?

Pam

Monday, September 7, 2009

My Menu for this Week:




Monday: Happy Labor Day!

Breakfast-Bacon, Eggs, Biscuits, O.J., coffee
Lunch-Out
Dinner-Turkey and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Macaroni and Cheese, Rolls

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Sausage and Cheese Muffins
Lunch-Leftovers or Grilled Cheese Sammie (Robyn's school lunch-Turkey Sammie, Chips, Cantaloupe)
Dinner-Polish Kielbasa Stew, Mayo Rolls

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal, Yogurt
Lunch-Leftovers (Robyn's school lunch-Same as yesterday)
Dinner-Sausage Casserole, Corn Casserole

Thursday:

Breakfast-Pancakes, Link Sausage
Lunch-Leftovers (Robyn buying lunch at school)
Dinner-Spaghetti and Stuffed Green Peppers from the Freezer, Salad, and Garlic Bread Sticks

Friday:

Breakfast-Eggs, Sausage, Blueberry Muffins
Lunch-Meatloaf (from freezer)Sammies
Dinner-Chicken Noodle Casserole, Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

Saturday:

Breakfast-Breakfast Burritos (make extras for freezer)
Lunch-Leftovers or Grilled Cheese
Dinner-Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, Cantaloupe

Sunday:

Breakfast-Chocolate Chip Muffins, Yogurt
Lunch-Lazy Day Lasagna (freezer meal), Salad, Garlic Bread Sticks
Dinner-?

Monday, August 31, 2009

My Menu for this Week:



Monday:

Breakfast-Snickerdoodle Muffins (from the freezer), Yogurt
Lunch-Taco Soup (from the freezer)
Dinner-Pizza Casserole (from the freezer) and Salad
Sounds like a freezer meal day! Whoo Whoo

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Cereal/Toast
Lunch-Homemade Chef Salad
Dinner-Mexican Chicken Roll-up (from the freezer), Refried Beans, Homemade Salsa, Tortilla Chips

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal
Lunch-Quesadillas
Dinner-Hamburger (turkey?) and Cabbage Casserole, Corn Casserole

Thursday:

Breakfast-Pancakes and Sausage
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-White Beans and Ham, leftover Corn Casserole

Friday:

Breakfast-Eggs, Bacon, Orange Rolls (from the can)
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Mexican Chicken Bake, Salad

Saturday:

Breakfast-Sausage and Cheese Muffins, Yogurt
Lunch-leftovers
Dinner-Leftover Buffet or Pizza from the Freezer

Sunday:

Breakfast-Cereal/Toast
Lunch-Chops in a Crock Pot, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Rolls
Dinner-Sammies

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Garden Blessings



Thank God from whom all blessings flow...

Thank you Lord for my humble garden. We have already enjoyed the zucchini beyond measure and now You are blessing us with tomatoes and peppers. I feel some homemade salsa coming on!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

My menu this week:




Monday:

Breakfast-Malt O Meal (chocolate) and Toast for dd; Breakfast Casserole Muffins for dh and I
Lunch-Crockpot Hamburger Soup for dh and I; Turkey Sammie, Carrots and Ranch Dip, Sliced Apple for dd's school lunch
Dinner-Cheesy Chicken Bundles (extras for freezer), Corn on the Cob, Salad

Tuesday:

Breakfast-French Toast, Sausage
Lunch-leftover soup for dh and I; Spaghetti and a Spinach Salad for dd
Dinner-Pinto Beans with Kielbasa, Corn Muffins

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal, Toast
Lunch-Leftovers for dh and I; PB Sammie, Sliced Apple, Rice Cakes for dd
Dinner-Bourbon Chicken (extra for freezer), Brown Rice and Asian vegetables

Thursday:

Breakfast- Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sammie
Lunch-Leftovers for dh and I; dd buying lunch at school
Dinner-Back to the 50's Casserole, Salad

Friday:

Breakfast-Muffins and Yogurt
Lunch-Leftovers for dh and I; Turkey Dawg, Chips, Cookie for dd
Dinner-Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers, Mexican Rice, Salad

Saturday:

Breakfast-Cinnamon Rolls, Eggs, Bacon
Lunch-BBQ Ranch Salad
Dinner-Hot Dog and Bean Casserole, Slaw

Sunday:

Breakfast-Muffin, Yogurt
Lunch-Crock Pot Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Brussels Sprouts, Rolls
Dinner-Leftover Buffet

New Recipe I made this week-very economical

Sausage Quiche

1 lb. sausage, browned and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2 regular pie crust (not deep)

Beat eggs, add cheese, milk and sausage; stir. Divide mixture evenly between pie crusts. Bake 40-50 minutes at 300 degrees. Extra cheese may be sprinkled on after putting mixture in crusts, if desired. Makes 2 pies. Have one now and freeze one for later!

I served this with grapes and crescent rolls this week. My family and guests really enjoyed it.

Try it. I think you'll like it too.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Snickerdoodle Muffins

Not sure where I found this recipe. It is a good one. My house smells like Snickerdoodles today! Just a simple recipe full of simple homemade goodness!


Snickerdoodle Muffins

Topping:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Batter:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup quick cooking oatmeal, uncooked
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare 36 mini-muffin pan cups or 12 standard muffin pan cups with nonstick cooking spray or paper liners.

Prepare topping by combining sugar and cinnamon in small bowl and set aside.

Make batter by combining flour, oatmeal, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Mix well.

In a small bowl, combine milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract. Blend well. Add to dry ingredients all at once. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not over mix. Fill muffin cups two-thirds full. Sprinkle topping evenly over tops of muffins. Bake: 12 to 14 minutes for mini-muffins and 18 to 22 for regular muffins, or until light golden brown. Cool muffins in pan on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from pan. Serve warm.

What's on my menu this week:




Monday:

Breakfast-Snickerdoodle Muffins, Chocolate Milk for Robyn
Lunch-Crock Pot Soup
Dinner-Mexican Taco Salad

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Pancakes, Link Sausage, Juice
Lunch-Out, special treat-daughter's first day at school (half-day)
Dinner-Cranberry Chicken, Hot Spinach Salad, Rice Pilaf

Wednesday:

Breakfast-One Eyed Sailors, Bacon, Juice
Lunch-(Robyn's school lunch-Turkey Sammie, Carrots and Dip, Sliced Apple, Milk) Us-leftovers
Dinner-Sausage Quiche (make two-one for freezer), Fruit Salad (canned fruit, grapes, banana), Crescent Rolls

Thursday:

Breakfast-Sausage and Cheese Muffins (freezer meal), Fruit
Lunch-(Robyn's school lunch-Hotdog (in thermos with hot water), Bun, Spinach Salad, Chips, Milk) Us-PB&J Sammies
Dinner-Hamburger Helper (made with chicken or turkey), Green Veggie

Friday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal and Toast, Juice
Lunch-(Robyn's school lunch-Chicken and Noodle Soup, String Cheese, oyster crackers, ice cream day) Us-Grilled Cheese, Fruit
Dinner-Grilled Sesame Chicken (make extras for freezer), Layered Salad, Alfredo Noodles

Saturday:

Breakfast-French Toast (make extra for freezer), Link Sausage, Juice
Lunch-At Mom and Dad's
Dinner-Crock Pot Pork Chops, Baked Beans, Leftover Layered Salad

Sunday:

Breakfast-Muffins (choose from freezer muffins)
Lunch-At Church-Community Guide Training
Dinner-BBQ Ranch Salad, Corn on the Cob, Leftover Baked Beans

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Can you say yum?

Here is a recipe I made this week. It was loved by all including picky daughter!

Chewy Lemon Bars
1 lemon cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup butter, melted
3-3/4 cups powdered sugar
2 eggs, beaten
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together cake mix, egg and butter. Spread into a greased 9 by 13-inch pan.

In a separate bowl, mix together powdered sugar, beaten eggs, softened cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over bottom layer.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes until top layer turns a light golden brown.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Getting Ready for School-Breakfast

Do you plan your child's breakfast on school mornings? I like having already prepared foods in the freezer. I am NOT a morning person. I need all the help I can get on school mornings. Here are some of the foods I prepare and freeze. I have included recipes at the end.

Sausage and Cheese Muffins
Breakfast Casserole Muffins
Pancakes
Muffins-Chocolate Chip, Blueberry, etc.
Breakfast Biscuits (prebake biscuits and fill with egg, bacon or ham, sometimes cheese, you know, like Mickey Dee's)
Breakfast Burritos
Ham and Cheese Muffins
French Toast

I buy Eggo's on special and sometimes I will even buy the frozen pancakes, although it is much cheaper to just make those yourself. I like to serve those quick heat and serve sausage links with these. I find a protein rich breakfast sticks with you and a cereal breakfast doesn't. We have bought quite a bit of cereal over the summer with sales and coupons, but we don't really eat it all that often. It seems to become more of a snack rather than a meal. Adding fruit to it does make it more filling.

Other breakfast foods my daughter likes are Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal-very quickly made in the microwave and chocolate Malt-O-Meal.

Sometimes I do take the time to cook fresh eggs, over easy or scrambled with bacon and toast, etc. Sometimes she gets Peanut Butter on Whole Wheat Bread and a time or two, peanut butter on the spoon as she runs out the door! :/

My dd doesn't care for granola or granola bars. She isn't a fan of plain oatmeal either. I know these are healthy for her so I have to sneak her oatmeal into her muffins and other foods.

So, what do you do to make your breakfasts preparation easy for you and you family?

Breakfast Casserole Muffins


1 lb. sausage, browned and drained
6 eggs
1 C. Bisquick
2 C. half-and-half (you can substitute milk)
1/2 Tsp. salt
1/4 Tsp. pepper
2 C. grated cheese

Place drained sausage evenly in muffins tins which have been sprayed with Pam. Mix eggs, Bisquick, half-and-half, salt and pepper together. Pour evenly over the sausage. Top with grated cheese. Bake for 25 minutes in 350 oven. Makes 24 muffins.

Ham and Cheese Muffins

2 c. self rising flour
½ t. b. soda
1 c. milk
½ c. mayonnaise
½ cup finely chopped cooked ham
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a large bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Combine remaining ingredients; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 425 deg. 16-18 minutes or until muffins test done. 1 dozen

Breakfast Burritos

12 eggs, beaten
sausage, bacon or ham (cooked)
½ cup salsa or picante
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
24 flour tortillas
opt. ingredients:
green pepper
hashbrowns, fried
onion, garlic, tomato

Scramble eggs; stir in meat and cheese and salsa. Warm tortillas in microwave 20-30 seconds. Place ½ cup egg mixture on tortilla; roll up burrito style. Freeze burritos in single layer on lightly greased cookie sheet. When fully frozen, wrap individually; place wrapped burritos in large ziplock freezer bags; refreeze.

To serve: cook in microwave around 2 minutes or thaw, wrap in foil and bake 350 degree for 10 minutes.

Sausage and Cheese Muffins

1 lb. sausage, cooked and drained
2 cups self rising flour
½ stick butter, melted
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 ½ c. Cheddar cheese

Make a well in flour and add butter, egg and milk. Mix until blended. Stir in sausage and cheese. Bake in greased tins 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Breakfast Sandwiches

24 English muffins toasted or biscuits, buttered
2 dozen eggs
cooked bacon, sausage, ham or Canadian bacon
24 thin slices cheddar cheese

Scramble eggs in skillet. Put sandwiches together. Wrap each sandwich individually in a paper towel, and then place several in large ziplock freezer bag and freeze. To serve: microwave 1-2 minutes or thaw, rewrap in foil and bake 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Tip: cook eggs inside greased canning rings to maintain a round shape.

Frozen French Toast

Make, package, and freeze French toast when you have dry bread on hand.

4 eggs, beaten
2 t. sugar
½ t. salt
¼ t. ground nutmeg
¼ t. vanilla
1 ½ c. milk
8 slices day old bread (very dry)
margarine

Combine eggs, sugar, seasonings, vanilla and milk in a large bowl; beat well. Dip each bread slice so it will absorb as much egg mixture as possible. Brown bread on both sides in margarine in skillet over moderate heat. Cool. To freeze: lay slices on greased sheet; put in freezer. When frozen stack slices with foil or freezer paper in between. Wrap, seal and freeze. 2-3 month storage. To serve: thaw in toaster.

Blueberry Oat Muffins
1 ¼ c. flour
1 c. quick oats
½ c. sugar
1 t. b. powder
½ t. b. soda
¼ t. salt
2 egg whites
½ c. water
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

Topping:
2 T sugar
¼ t. ground cinnamon

In a bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. In another bowl, beat egg whites, water and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Fill paper-lined muffin cups or cups sprayed with Pam. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over muffins. Bake 400 degrees 18-22 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. 177 calories each, 1 ½ starch and 1 fat.

Cream Cheese/Chocolate Chip Muffins

5 tablespoons Butter or Margarine -- melted and cooled
2/3 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1/4 teaspoon Salt
8 ounces Cream Cheese -- softened
1 Egg
3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 1/2 cups Flour
3/4 cup Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter,
sugar, vanilla, salt, cream cheese, and egg. Mix well. Stir in baking soda
and baking powder. Add flour and stir until well combined. Stir in
chocolate chips. Fill paper-lined or greased muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for
18 minutes or until done. Cool.

(These muffins freeze very well. This makes them perfect for those rushed
mornings when you don't have time to make anything. Just pop into the
microwave on defrost for 30 seconds, and you have a great breakfast!)

Blueberry Muffins

2 c. biscuit mix
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. sour cream
1 egg
1 c. blueberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine biscuit mix, brown sugar, sour cream, egg and blueberries in a large bowl. Fill large muffin cups 2/3 full and bake 20-25 minutes. Made 5/5/09-Robert really liked these.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Menu this week:




Well, I sure didn't do a very good job of blogging this week, did I? I vow to do better this week. Here is my menu plan for this week with a few flow overs from this past week that I didn't make:

Today-Instead of ham we are having: Crock Pot Roasted Chicken, Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and Yeast Rolls (doesn't this sound like Grandma's house?) All that is missing is apple pie. Hmmm...

Monday:

Breakfast-Pancakes, Link Sausage (make extra pancakes for the freezer)
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Layered Ham Dinner, Salad, Cheesecakes (Atkins-style) with Raspberries

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Cereal and Banana
Lunch-Leftovers or Wrap made with Ham, Grapes
Dinner-Bacon Wrapped Turkey Dawgs, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni and Cheese

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Snickerdoodle Muffins (extra go into freezer)
Lunch-Leftovers or Soup
Dinner-Chicken Casserole, leftover Broccoli Salad

Thursday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal and Raisins
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Pork Chop Packages on the Grill, Salad, Watermelon

Friday:

Breakfast-Eggs and Bacon, Sliced Tomatoes
Lunch-Wraps or Leftovers
Dinner-Crispy Chicken and Rice Casserole (one to eat-one to freeze)

Saturday:

Breakfast-Breakfast Biscuits (freeze leftovers for quick microwave breakfasts)
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-Red Snapper and Vegetables on the Grill

Sunday:

Breakfast-Cereal and Banana
Lunch-Potluck with Sunday School Classmates
Dinner-Clean out the fridge!

Feed my Freezer plan this week: Pancakes, Breakfast Casserole Muffins (done), Sausage and Cheese Muffins (done), Snickerdoodle Muffins, Cooked Chicken for future casseroles, Chicken Noodle Soup, Breakfast Biscuits, Crispy Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Meals now in freezer: Chicken Tetrazzini, Pizza Casserole, Stuffed Peppers, Taco Soup, Mexican Chicken Rolls, Shrimp Scampi, Breaded Fish Fillets, Blueberry Muffins, Cornbread Muffins, Breakfast Casserole Muffins and Sausage and Cheese Muffins.

Monday, August 3, 2009

What's Happening?

Last week, one of my bestest friends from high school was passing through town with one of her daughters and her two grandchildren and I got to meet up with them. We ate "Linner" at Famous Daves. It was so good to see her again and meet her grandchildren. It is still hard for me to imagine my friends, my age, having grandchildren. I guess it's because I married and became a mom much later in life. I will be really old, if and when, I become a grandmommy!

Robert is still actively job hunting. Nothing so far. I am considering going back to work myself. If nothing else, to help financially, until he finds a job, and then to rebuild our savings again because we are using it up quickly. I do not look forward to the job hunt and the interviews and everything that goes with it. Ugh...pray for me to see if this is the Lord's will for me and my family at this time. Oh, that reminds me. I need to update and blow the cobwebs off my resume.

Robyn has a dentist appointment today. It's her six month check-up. She had a headache yesterday and tossed her cookies. She seemed to feel much better after that. I am hoping she doesn't have a bug and it was just a "sick" headache like her daddy occasionally gets.

Also, on my agenda today, is to finish the laundry and put it away. Yes, no more searching through the hampers for clean clothes. Ugh, I didn't used to do this. Now, if you can't find it in the closet or drawer, it's "look through the laundry basket!" Are you guilty of this too?

We are going to all go grocery shopping today. I am going to hit all my favorite stores for bargains. Every little bit of savings helps. I enjoy it when my family goes shopping with me. I send them on scavenger hunts to find items. Robyn likes going with a coupon to find the item and get the best price.

Robert is finally getting over his summer cold. I actually let him sleep in bed with me last night. He had been sleeping on the pull out bed or sometimes the recliner in the den. He slept pretty well last night and wasn't coughing. We went to church yesterday, even though he was still feeling pretty rough that morning. Praise the Lord he is better today.

Tomorrow, we will take Robyn up to my mom and dad's for one more visit before school starts again. She will spend a couple of nights with them. She really enjoys my dad's cooking.

We still have some back to school shopping to wrap up. Last week Robert purchased many of her back to school supplies, including a new Tinkerbell backpack and lunch box. She was really excited about those purchases. Anything to get her hyped about going back to school. I always thought new school supplies helped to get me into the back to school mode. We have to take her to get new school uniform polos and maybe some khaki pants. I have ordered her some jeans. They should come this week. Oh, and she needs new athletic shoes and I think that should just about do it. And a haircut. Time to cut it shorter and eliminate all the tangles she gets in her thick head of hair.

Her Grand "mama" and Great Aunt took her shopping last week and bought her some end of summer specials. She will be going on a cruise with them after Christmas and now is the time to buy clothes for that. Can you imagine trying to find summer shorts, bathing suits, skirts, etc. in December? She modeled all her new clothes for me and they were all so cute. I ordered her a pair of capri black leggings to wear under a colorful tunic that she got. It will look really cute with some black flip flops. She is getting excited about the cruise and I am getting excited for her. This will be a first for all of us. I don't know what Robert and I will do with her gone all week on vacation without us! I have six months to get myself prepared for this.

A few years ago, I read through the bible with a daily bible that puts it in chronological order. It's a neat way to read it. So, I've started it again. I just picked up on August lst and am going from there. I'm in Jeremiah. But that's okay. I'll just finish it on July 31st 2010. This is a handy way to read the bible in a year. The one I am using is called the Daily Bible.

Well, enough jabbering about my life for today. What's happening in your world?

Sunday, August 2, 2009

My Menu for this Week:




Monday:


Breakfast-Blueberry Muffins, Yogurt (extra muffins will go into the freezer)
Lunch-Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Dinner-BBQ Wieners, Deviled Eggs, Slaw, Watermelon

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal
Lunch-Salad or Wrap, Grapes
Dinner-Yummy Summer Chicken Marinade (A Julie Sanders Recipe), Leftover Slaw, Deviled Eggs and Watermelon (extra uncooked chicken with marinade will be frozen for another time)

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Eggs, Bacon
Lunch-Salad with Grilled Chicken
Dinner-Layered Ham Dinner, Atkins Cheesecakes with Strawberries

Thursday:

Breakfast-Cereal
Lunch-Leftovers
Dinner-CP15 Bean Soup (leftover soup will be frozen)

Friday:
Breakfast-Snickerdoodle Muffins, Yogurt (leftover muffins will be frozen)
Lunch-Chef Salad
Dinner-Mexican Chicken Roll-Ups, Broccoli Salad (extra roll-ups will be frozen for another time)

Saturday:
Breakfast-Breakfast Casserole Muffins (extra muffins will be frozen)
Lunch-Taco Soup (from the freezer)
Dinner-Pork Chop Packages on the Grill, Layered Salad

Sunday:

Breakfast-Pancakes, Link Sausage
Lunch-Crock Pot Ham, Green Bean Casserole, Leftover Salad
Dinner-Hmmm...who knows?

I am continuing to "feed" my freezer will yummy foods to make breakfasts and dinners easier and stress-free in my home.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Taco Soup

Tonight, some ladies from my Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF), others may refer to this as their Sunday School, met to make Taco Soup for the freezer. I made 3 batches. Here is the recipe:

Taco Soup

(makes enough soup for two 8 cup containers)

Brown two pounds of ground turkey with 1 pkg. mild taco seasoning and 1 pkg. dry ranch dressing.

Add remaining ingredients: (don't drain cans)

1 large can (29 oz.) tomato sauce (or two cans diced tomatoes)
1 can tomato soup
2 cans whole corn
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can light red kidney beans
1 can black beans

Mix all together and freeze in the containers of your choice. To heat: Thaw completely and simmer about 20 minutes before serving. Top with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips or corn bread.

I highly recommend this recipe. It is especially good for beginning cooks who want to try Once A Month Cooking recipes.

Monday, July 27, 2009

My menu for this week




Monday:

Breakfast-Cereal (so exciting!)
Lunch-PB Sammies, Apple Slices
Dinner-Sausage Quiche, Canned Fruit

Tuesday:

Breakfast- Fajita Fittata
Lunch-Lettuce Wraps (turkey, cheese)
Dinner- Possibly meeting friend for dinner or Chicken Soup, Watermelon

Wednesday:

Breakfast- Oatmeal with Blueberries
Lunch- Chef Salad, more Watermelon
Dinner-- Rotel Spicy Meatloaf (extras for freezer), Corn on the Cob, Green Beans

Thursday:

Breakfast-Eggs and Bacon
Lunch-Good ole Leftovers
Dinner-Exceptional Pinto Beans, Cukes and Ranch Dressing

Friday:

Breakfast-Mock Egg Burrito (no tortilla)
Lunch-Good ole Leftovers
Dinner-Picnic Chicken (extras for freezer), Baked Beans, Veggies and Ranch Dip

Saturday:

Breakfast-Banana Bread (from freezer), Yogurt
Lunch-BLT Wraps, Fruit
Dinner-Lovely Leftover Buffet

Sunday:

Breakfast-Cereal
Lunch-Polish Kielbasa Stew, Sauteed Cabbage, Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Dinner-Free for All!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

A first for me

Today I had my first colonoscopy. It wasn't bad at all. Now, the saline laxative wasn't so great. I had to drink two bottles over two days. I also had to drink only clear liquids for two days, well actually two and a half by the time I got back home from the hospital. No food. That was the hardest part. I really think my insides were touching each other when I arrived at admissions this morning! My doctor was great. My results were excellent. He told me he doesn't want me to darken his door for 6-7 years. I'm okay with that.

Guess what dear Robert brought me in my recovery room? Dunkin Donuts coffee. He's just the best! I felt fine and drank it right down. I hadn't had coffee either. I was give the Michael Jackson drug and it was fantastic. I highly recommend it for any proceedure that requires sedation. It is called Propofol.

Dd has gone to spend a couple of nights with my parents and it gives me time to recoop and relax before getting back into the swing of things.

Monday, July 20, 2009

My Menu Plan This Week:




Monday:

Breakfast-Sausage and Cheese Muffins from the freezer
Lunch-PB&J Sammies, Apple Slices for me, Bread Fish Fillets and Oven Fries for Family
Dinner-Chicken and Rice, Asparagus

Tuesday:

Breakfast- Pancakes, Link Sausage
Lunch-Egg Sammie, Celery and Dip
Dinner-Rotel Spicy Meatloaf (make extra for freezer), Macaroni and Cheese, Sauteed Cabbage

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Egg McMoms (extras for freezer)
Lunch-Leftovers or Soup
Dinner-Shrimp, Fetticine Alfredo

Thursday:

Breakfast-Cereal and Toast
Lunch-Turkey Sammies, Apple Slices
Dinner-Daddy's Treat???

Friday:

Breakfast-French Toast, Sausage
Lunch-Grilled Cheese, Watermelon
Dinner-Hot dogs in Cornbread, Coleslaw

Saturday:

Breakfast-Sausage Quiche, Fruit
Lunch-Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup, ABM Bread
Dinner-Refried Beans, Cheese Quesadillas

Sunday:

Breakfast-Cereal and Toast
Lunch-Pam's Chicken Dish for the Crock Pot, Sauteed Zucchini, Noodles
Dinner-Any leftovers in the fridge

Sunday, July 19, 2009

A New recipe I tried. It's a keeper!

Black Bean, Zucchini and Tomato Quesadillas

1/2 cup chunky salsa plus more for serving
1 c. drained black beans
1 zucchini, shredded
8 flour tortillas
Monterey-Jack Cheese, grated, 2 cups
Sliced grape tomatoes (optional)

Combine salsa, beans and zucchini (tomatoes). Spread over tortilla, top with cheese, cover with another tortilla. Heat pan over medium heat, brown on both sides about 4-5 minutes per side. Can keep warm in 170 degree oven while cooking the rest.

This recipe came from: http://newlyweds.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/zucchini-quesadillas/#comment-5798

Yum-o! Dear hubby swallowed these down with zesto. He really loved 'em. He's been a good sport about all the zucchini lately too. Who knew you could make so many yummy dishes with it?

Try this one. I think you'll like it too.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Freezer Cooking

Okay, besides the Sausage and Cheese Muffins I froze yesterday, I froze some Cornbread Muffins (six I think) and today I made stuffed green peppers. I really don't have a recipe for this. I cooked some ground chicken and seasoned to taste with various seasonings. When this was done I added 16 oz. of tomato sauce and about a cup or so of frozen corn. Then I added cooked brown rice. Then I halved the green peppers and stuffed them. After it cooled I individually wrapped the halves and placed them in a container for the freezer. Now all I have to do is just grab how many halves I want to fix and then either bake them or put them in a crock pot or even cook them in a pan on the stove. I probably would throw in a can of diced tomatoes to make a sauce or use spaghetti sauce when I cook them. Easy Peasy!

Oh, I also made the Deep Dish Pizza Casserole that was on my planned menu this week. It was soooo good. I ended up just making a small one for hubby and I and them made 3 more small ones to put in the freezer. I used those 8x8 Glad reusable black pans with the clear lids that you can also bake in. These are not much more expensive than plain old foil throw away pans. So I have 3 of these meals in the freezer for future meals. Yay me!

I haven't posted my menu for the upcoming week yet, but I already have a few things planned to double for the freezer. They are: Chicken and Rice and Rotel Spicy Meatloaf (I like making little loaves). I didn't get around to making the Breakfast Burritos this week so that will be moved to the upcoming week along with some French Toast and possibly some Egg McMoms. These already made breakfast meals will make school day mornings so much nicer. School is just around the corner!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Sausage & Cheese Muffins

This is probably my all time favorite breakfast recipe. I make these all the time to take to my Sunday school class. You can make then in mini muffin pans but most times I just use my regular muffin pan. These freeze well. Today I am making up a double batch so I can put some in the freezer for quick breakfast treats.

Sausage and Cheese Muffins

1 lb. sausage, cooked and drained
2 cups self rising flour
½ stick butter, melted
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 ½ c. Cheddar cheese

Make a well in flour and add butter, egg and milk. Mix until blended. Stir in sausage and cheese. Bake in greased tins 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

I love coffee!!!

I have coffee first thing in the morning. Then I have another cup. That is my usual limit but have been know to have another if I am out at a bookstore or visiting a friend. I like mine with Splenda and Half and Half or a flavored creamer. How about you?