Goals for 2011

I don't know about you, but at the beginning of the year, I like to reevaluate my life and decide where I need to tweak things and make improvements. So I thought I would put in my blog the areas of my life where changes need to be made, goals I am setting for myself, areas that need more consistency, etc. Maybe this will inspire and motivate you to do the same. I've heard it said that new year's resolutions go in one year and out the other. Let's not let that happen this year.

Home:

I want to create a warm and loving atmosphere in my home. That starts with my attitude. I've been too whiny and complaining of late. I want to begin using kind words, be an encourager, pay attention, and lighten up.

Make a cleaning schedule in an attempt to keep the house in visitor worthy shape in order to avoid the mad rush to get the house clean from top to bottom before holidays and overnight visitors. We did the mad dash several times this year, and it isn't fun.

Get daughter in on this action - she is old enough to be helping her mom and dad keep the home picked up and clean. I am going to make her a chore chart in an attempt to help her help me.

Continue to declutter and give to our favorite local charity. We decluttered quite a bit this year, some left the house, but a lot of it is still in the garage.

So, clean the garage!

Retile entrance from garage into basement. Paint basement bath. Do a little redecorating in there.

Replace toilet in master bathroom. Look for marked down new vanity top for master bath. Ours is showing little cracks in the sink bowl near the drain. I am afraid it may leak. This could be pricey, so I am going to look at local salvage stores for this. We have brushed stainless faucets to be installed but a vanity/sink top should go in first.

Paint master bedroom and bath.

Continue to purge no longer needed or wanted books and sell to McKays for extra dollars.

Sell items on eBay or Craig's list for extra dollars.

Clean and organize master bedroom closet. I've put this off for too long.

Take down outside lamps on front porch and deck and spray paint a nice oil rubbed bronze color.

Paint front door. Touch up outdoor trim paint.

Pressure wash deck and fencing. Stain deck. Plant pretty flowers in my deck planters.

Consider and pray about selling home and downsizing to a home in order to eliminate a house payment.

Family:

Consider doing new things together as a family. We really do enjoying sitting on our butts in front of the telly together, but a little variety might be nice!

Institute more family nights - game night, movie night with theme dinners, etc.

Be more consistent with family devotions at meal time. We like taking turns reading from our devotion book at the dinner table.

Sit at the table together as a family for at least one meal a day. We are spending too much time in front of the tv in the den eating our dinner. This is okay on occasion but I do not want it to become a habit.

As a family, we need to eat more healthily and incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our diet. That is my responsibility and I need to be more consistent in this area. I plan our menus and do most of the grocery shopping.

I would like to start baking our own bread. I used to make sourdough bread and it was so good. I could substitute half of the bread flour for whole wheat to make it healthier for us. Bread in the store is getting to be very expensive. Especially, the healthier natural bread.

I want to grow a vegetable garden again this year. I didn't do it in 2010 because I was having so much back trouble in the spring. Homegrown veggies are so good. I really enjoyed my zucchini, green peppers and tomatoes in 2009 and need to do this again. I want to add summer squash, green onions, and leaf lettuce. Maybe even more. We'll see.

Homeschool:

I have a goal to get daughter caught up on her school work and I want to be an encourager to her to want to learn and read more for pleasure. I love to read and loved to read when I was her age. In today's age of modern technology, I am finding it hard to "hook" her on reading for fun.

I need to take a more hands on approach to her schooling. I think, as an only child, she finds homeschooling on her laptop to be sorta boring and lonely. I need to be present more and assist her with her lessons.

I have a couple of bible study books I want to do with her this semester. How to Study Your Bible for Kids by Kay Arthur and God What's Your Name by Kay Arthur.

Personal:

Generally, I need to take my vitamins and exercise more consistently. More vegs and fruits are also needed in my diet. I have a very nice treadmill sitting in my den that makes a nice purse/handbag holder! On those beautiful days, a nice brisk walk could be just what I need. It will lift my spirits as well as exercise my old body!

More consistent time in God's Word and prayer. I read from Genesis through Isaiah this year and then some. But I would like to completely read the Bible from cover to cover this year. Our church has made this a challenge for each of us and they are even going to post our daily readings on Facebook. Isn't that great.

I also have several books with study guides that I would like to read and do. Many of them have to do with women's issues as wives and mothers.

I would like to read more books this year. I have started reading at bedtime while my melatonin kicks in. I was doing crosswords every night but now I am finding reading before sleeping to be quite enjoyable.

On that note, I have been attempting to get to bed earlier and would like to be in bed by 10 or 11 at night. That would allow me a little time to read before going off to the land of Nod. I have set 7:00 a.m. as goal for getting up and starting my day.

I would like to improve my crocheting skills. My favorite teacher moved away. Now I must try to teach myself or find a new friend with crocheting abilities.

I would like to get caught up on my scrap booking. This is fun and I enjoy it. But with hubby being unemployed, printing photos just hasn't been in our budget. I have plenty of scrap booking supplies from my time as a Creative Memories consultant, so that is not a problem budget wise. My craft room also needs some cleaning and organizing.



Psalm 51:10

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

I'm taking advantage of my leftover ham this week and incorporating it into several of my meals.

Monday, 12/27:

B-Ham and Cheese 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


L-Minestrone Soup, Cheese and Crackers

Minestrone Soup
8 servings, 1 cup soup and five crackers each

2 cans (14-1/2 oz. each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (16 oz.) no-salt-added stewed tomatoes, undrained, coarsely chopped
2 cups cooked kidney beans (prepared without salt)
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 cup shell macaroni, uncooked
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
PREMIUM Unsalted Tops Saltine Crackers
COMBINE all ingredients except crackers in large saucepan. Bring to boil on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low.

SIMMER 20 min. or until macaroni is tender.

SERVE with the crackers.


D-Freezer Meal- Cavatini, Salad, Texas Toast

Tuesday, 12/28:

B-Ham and Cheese Crescent Pizza, Fruit

Ham and Eggs Crescent Pizza

8 oz. pkg. crescent rolls
¼ c. onion, chopped
1 T margarine, melted
1 c. finely chopped cooked ham
1 c. shredded Swiss cheese
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ c. milk
½ t. salt
¼ t. pepper
1 T chopped fresh or frozen chives

Unroll crescent rolls and place in ungreased 13-x 9x2 pan. Press ½ inch up sides to form a crust; seal perforations. Bake 375 degrees for 5 minutes on lower rack of oven; set aside. Cook onions in butter in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until crisp tender. Stir in ham and mix thoroughly. Spoon mixture over dough. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over cheese. Sprinkle with chopped chives. Bake 350 degrees 25-30 minutes or until set.

L-Leftover soup

D-Gen. Tso Chicken, Asian Rice and Veggies, Egg Rolls

Wednesday, 12/29:

B-Eggs, Sausage, Toast

L-Grilled Cheese, Veggies and Dip

D-Pork Filet (make in crock pot), Mac and Cheese, Green Veggie, Rolls

Thursday, 12/30:

B-Pancakes

L-Egg Sammies

D-Ham and Broccoli Bake, Salad

Ham and Broccoli Bake

2 cups cooked macaroni
1 1/2 cups blanched broccoli
2 cups cooked ham -- diced
1 can cheddar cheese soup
2 Tablespoons dried onion flakes
1/2 cup water -- (1/2 to 3/4)
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 Tablespoons melted butter

Layer macaroni and broccoli in 9 X 13 baking dish. Heat soup with onion flakes and enough water to make the consistency of thick cream. Stir ham; heat through. Pour evenly over macaroni and broccoli. Blend crumbs with butter. Sprinkle over top. Bake at 350 until hot through and brown on top. Serves 4

NOTES--I use whatever kind of soup I have on hand. I mix all the ingredients except the bread crumbs together and put it in a freezer bag. I put the crumbs in a separate bag. Freeze. When ready to use just let it thaw and put it in a baking dish. Put the bread crumbs on top and bake at 350.


Friday, 12/31:

B-One Eyed Sailors, Fried Bologna

L-Leftovers or Sammies

D-LF Spinach Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread

Low-fat Spinach Lasagna

2 cups fat free cottage cheese
3 cups reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
½-1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 oz. frozen chopped spinach
27 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
¼ cup water
6-9 uncooked lasagna noodles

Mix cottage cheese; mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese in bowl; set aside. Cook spinach according to package directions; drain. Heat spaghetti sauce and water in saucepan; add spinach and simmer 15 minutes. Spread 1/3 in 9 x 13 inch dish. Layer ½ of uncooked noodles, cheese mixture and remaining spinach sauce; repeat layers. Bake covered with foil 325 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. 6-8 servings.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

B-Cinnamon Rolls

L-Freezer Meal - White Chicken Chili, Cornbread

D-Freezer Pizza, Veggies and Dip

Sunday, January 2, 2011

B-Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

L-Mixed Beans, Fried Potatoes and Onions, Fried Cabbage, Cornbread
D-C.O.R.N. (Clean Out Refrigerator Night)

I've already decided to change my menu. I'm going to switch Saturday's lunch with Sunday's lunch and I'm going to add a collard greens recipe that I just found by looking at other menus. Here it is:

Smoked Sausage and Collards

Ingredients:

* 1 lb sausage (smoked or kielbasa) cut into coins
* 2 large bunches of collards
* salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Rinse the collards three times. Three shalt be the number thou shalt rinse, and the number of the rinsing shall be three. Four shalt thou not rinse, nor either rinse thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then. . .

Sorry, I got carried away. Once the collards have been rinsed tear from the main stem and into bite sized pieces. Discard the tough woody stems.

In a large, non-aluminum pot heat the sausage , covered over medium heat until browned. Add the collards. Cover, stir occasionally until they have reached their desired tenderness. Season to taste.

I like mine with hot sauce.

Master Bedroom update

My retreat is coming right along. I am washing and drying the mattress pad cover and sheets as I type. The room has been completely defuzzed and cleaned. My cat, Tabby, came up and explored. She gave her approval. She especially likes that I put the dust ruffle on the bed. It makes a nice hiding place for her where she can jump out and scare her brother Toby.

My husband was a big help in getting this room "spring" cleaned. I told him we shouldn't wait so long next time to deep clean. But it was really low on our list of priorities. I think if I do a better job of regular cleaning, the deep cleaning won't seem so bad. Now, I haven't gone through all our dresser drawers or closet. I will do that after the holidays and get those all sorted and organized then. You have to eat an elephant one bite at a time.

As soon as the sheets are dry, I'm going upstairs to put the bed all together. I even pulled out my micro suede duvet from the linen closet and put it over the shabby comforter. This will have to do until we have the money to buy a new outfit for the bed. At least it is all clean. The curtains match the duvet and they are nice and clean and look much better without all the dust across the tops of them. Hubby is going to hang my decorative plaques from Southern Living above the headboard tomorrow. I think they will look really good there.

Later today, I am going to finish cleaning the master bathroom. There is not one square inch on the double sink vanity that is clear or clean. I need to toss and put things away just so I can give it and both sinks a good scrubbing. We would like to replace the light above the mirror. We also have to replace our toilet. It's not working, and we have been using our daughter's down the hall. And as I mentioned in an earlier post we have new faucets to install as well. We are going to get to those projects after Christmas.

I will have hubby take a few photos for me and post them this week, as well as photos of our bathroom on the main that I have been promising you, my two or three faithful readers. lol Then in the spring when we paint and clean the carpet you will have a before and after to compare. I wouldn't dare have shown you a photo before this week. No way.

Back to the grindstone.

Pam

Menu for week of December 20th

Monday, December 20

B-Bacon and Egg Pizza

7 ½ oz. can biscuits
3 eggs, beaten
1 T skim milk
1 t. dried onion flakes
¼ cup bacon bits
1 c. shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12 inch pizza pan with buttered Pam. Separate and flatten biscuits onto pan to form a crust.

In medium bowl, combine eggs, milk and onion flakes. Pour evenly over crust, sprinkle bacon and cheese over top. Bake 16-22 minutes until crust is golden and eggs are set.

Let sit 5 min. and cut into 6 wedges.
6 servings, 4 pts. Each, 196 cal., 8 g. fat, 2 g. fiber

L-Soup, Cheese and Crackers

D-FM-Pulled Pork and Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Cornbread


Tuesday, December 21

B-Blueberry Mini-Wheats

L-PB&J, Sliced Apple

D-Spaghetti Casserole, Salad

Spaghetti Casserole

(Makes 2 casseroles, 6 servings each)

16 oz. pkg. angel hair pasta
1 ½ pound ground beef (I use ground chicken or 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.

Wednesday, December 22

B-Sausage, Eggs and Toast
L-Leftovers
D-Hamburger Helper (use ground chicken or turkey), Green Veggie, Rolls

Thursday, December 23

B-Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

L-Soup and Grilled Cheese

D-Pizza night!


Friday, December 24

B-Overnight Crock Pot Oatmeal

Overnight Crock Pot Oatmeal

1 cup steel cut or regular oats (NOT Quick Oats!)
4 cups water
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 TBS butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon

Combine all in crock pot and cook on low for 8 hrs. Serve with milk & cinnamon sugar.

Mom and Dad's for Christmas Eve (taking Sausage and Cheese Balls, Chocolate No Bake Cookies, Red Velvet Cookies)

Saturday, December 25

B-Cinnamon Rolls

Christmas Appetizers, Sausage and Cheese Balls, Mock Brie, Pimiento Cheese Stuffed Celery, Shrimp, Wassail

Christmas Dinner-Ham, Honey Glazed Carrots, Broccoli Casserole, Stouffer's Mac and Cheese, Sister Schubert Rolls, Deviled Eggs, Watergate Salad

Dessert: Chocolate Bread Pudding, Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie

Sunday, December 26

B-Pineapple Banana Smoothie, One Eyed Sailors and Fried Ham


Pineapple Banana Smoothie

1 ripe banana
1 c. unsweetened pineapple juice
1 cup milk

Peel banana. Mash well with a fork and put in blender. Add pineapple juice. Blend. Pour in milk and continue to blend for a few seconds or until ingredients are blended. Serves 2

L & D - Leftovers!

Feeling more industrious today.

I felt a little more industrious today. It was warmer. I think it may have reached the 40's today. A heatwave. So off flew the fleece throw and laptop and up the stairs I climbed.

I worked in my bedroom for a few hours today. It's embarrassing, but my dresser was covered in dust bunnies. There were dust bunnies on top, down the sides, underneath and behind the dresser. The dresser was covered with stuff until there was no room for anything else to be piled on. I had taken a ton of mismatched socks up there sometime back and today I finally tried to match them up. Worn out ones were used to dust with and then tossed. I pulled the dresser out and sucked up all those dust bunnies in the back as well. Whew. What a mess. It looks so much nicer now. I can even see myself in the mirror!

I proceeded to the opposite corner of the room and went through a bunch of books. Some are going to be sold, some going to our reference shelf, some I'm keeping, you know, that kind of organizing. Most are still in neat little piles but I'm going to finish that task tomorrow.

A couple more days of defuzzing my room, cleaning the windows, washing the curtains and rehanging them, and then I'm headed to the closet to declutter and clean in there. Then it's on to the bathroom. Hubby is going to replace the toliet in there and our bathroom faucets. We've had the faucets for a while. It's been on the honey-do list but hubby would like my dad's supervision when he replaces them. That means I need to go stay with my mom for the day while my dad comes here and helps hubby. We just haven't gotten around to doing that yet.

Slowly, but surely, my room is starting to look like the retreat it should be. Come spring, we are going to paint it and clean the carpet. I have a set of plaques that I bought from Southern Living that I want to hang above the bed. I've had them so long, I've forgotten what they look like. They are still in the box. I think they are an antique copper look. I also have new towels for the bathroom once it is painted. I've had the towels for a while too. I'm a big planner. I'm just now following through on my plans. lol

Baby it's cold outside!

We have had single digit temps here in East Tennessee. Brrr...so I'm keeping warm by the fire. I love building fires in our fireplace. Hubby doesn't like it much because he's the one who has to bring in the wood and take out the ashes. But I'm the one who builds the fire.

We have been going to bed earlier and rising earlier just as planned. I have been doing my daily bible reading, but generally the only thing getting done around here the last few days is loading and unloading the dishwasher, hand washing dishes, cooking meals, and doing laundry. It's just been so cold, I haven't wanted to attack any projects. I've mainly been staying under a fleece throw, laptop on my lap, fire in the fireplace and watching the telly. Hubby even did the grocery shopping for me this week. Isn't that nice?

Stay warm.

Pam

Something needs to change around here.

I'm talking about my home. You see, my family is not very disciplined. Myself included. So, with a husband out of work for a couple of years, a daughter being homeschooled, me, being a sahm mom, we really don't have a schedule we stick to and it shows. We often run around in our jammmies at all hours of the day, meals are sometimes when we get hungry. Often breakfast is very late, which pushes lunch up into the day and then dinner is at dark forty. Our house seems to be in constant disarray, hence the name of my blog> So something has got to change.

After a family discussion last night, we have decided to institute a bedtime of 11:00, most nights and to wake up at 7:00 most mornings. I was up about 7:30 this morning. It's after nine and hubby is still in bed. So much for that! No, actually he fell yesterday in the street retrieving our mail and is feeling very sore this morning. In any event, we are going to do our best to adhere to this schedule.

I am hoping for my weekdays to look more like this:

7:00 rise and shine
coffee and Bible time
7:30 prepare breakfast
8:00 or so, shower time
8:45 treadmill treading
Then on with my day, laundry, KP duty, general picking up and what housework or project is on my agenda for the day and supervision of homeschooling.
9:00 dd should be dressed and doing her homeschooling by this time.
Later, I will check blogs and email, Facebook and the like. We need to limit our computer time in the house. We seem to go in spurts. Lately, we seem to be online too much. I don't play games, but do visit a lot of blogs and read the news and play with my recipes and menu playing on my laptop. Dd likes the games and has her daddy doing some of them too to benefit her.
We want to eat dinner in the dining room most every night and have family devotions. This month we have been doing Advent readings.
Evenings are generally spent together as a family and lately, watching Christmas programs on TV.
11:00 bedtime

I am hoping the earlier bedtime and rising will motivate us to accomplish more around our house so I can change the name of my blog from "Can't Have Anyone Over Cottage" to "Come on Over!"

How about you? What works for your family?

Pam

Menu for week of December 13th

Monday, December 13

B-Cereal and Toast
L-Leftovers?
D-Hearty Bean Soup and cornbread

Hearty Fiesta Bean Soup

1 - 15 oz can chicken or vegetable broth
1 - 16 oz can fat-free refried beans
1 - 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 - 15.25 oz can corn, drained and rinsed
1 - 10 oz can tomatoes and chilies

Put the broth and refried beans into a soup pot and heat, while whisking together, until the beans have incorporated fully into the broth.
Add the rest of the ingredients and heat, while stirring until the soup is boiling.
Serve with a variety of toppings: fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, light sour cream, or Tabasco.


Tuesday, December 14

B-Pancakes
L-Leftovers?
D-Freezer Meal-Pizza Pasta Casserole, Salad



Wednesday, December 15

B-Blueberry Oat Muffins
L-Sammies, Veggies and Dip
D-Turkey Burgers and Fries



Thursday, December 16

B-French Toast and Sausage
L-Soup, Cheese and Crackers
D-Mr. Food's Chicken Kiev, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli and White Cheddar Sauce


Mr. Food's Chicken Kiev

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon chives
3 tablespoons bread crumbs
Salt, to taste

Flatten the chicken breast pieces inside a plastic bag by pounding. Sprinkle with garlic powder, parsley and chives. Place a pat of butter onto the center of each breast and roll up. Stuff each rolled up breast into a greased muffin tin with the sides neatly tucked into the tin. Sprinkle with salt and bread crumbs. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes. (edited to add that it takes these breasts much longer to cook. I cooked mine, fresh, for 30 minutes and they still needed a lot more time. So check your oven and allow for extra baking time. The breasts were large but I did pound them out but once rolled up and put in the muffin tins, they are very dense. So just remember to allow for that.)

TO FREEZE: Just freeze the chicken in the muffin tin, then pop them out after frozen and into a Ziplock bag. Label, date, seal, and freeze. When ready to cook, put them back into the muffin tins.

TO SERVE: Defrost and continue with the above directions.

Friday, December 17

B-Oatmeal
L-Freezer Pizza, Veggies and Dip
D-Cowboy Bake and Salad

Cowboy Bake

1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 T olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 10.oz can tomatoes
1 C frozen corn kernels
pinch of chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 C of your favorite cheese, grated.

For topping:

1 8.5oz package of corn muffin mix

Preheat oven to 350. Coat a 9 inch pie pan with cooking spray. In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic for 2 minutes in oil.

Add chicken and brown, then add tomatoes, corn, chili powder and salt. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into the pie pan.

If serving, same day:

Top with grated cheese. In a mixing bowl, prepare muffin mix according to package. Spread evenly over chicken mixture and bake for 30 minutes.

If freezing:

Reserve cheese in sandwich bag and do not mix corn muffin mix until the day you serve. Label, freeze with baggy of cheese. To serve, thaw, top with mix and cheese and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.


Saturday, December 18

B-Omelets, Biscuits
L-Leftovers
D-Freezer Meal- Dump Cranberry Chicken, Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Sweet Potatoes



Sunday, December 19

B-Coffee Cake
L-Tacos (using ground chicken)
D-Leftovers

Week of December 6th

Monday, December 6

B-French Toast, Sausage
L-Lovely Leftovers
D-Easy ABC Soup, Cheese and Crackers

Easy A-B-C Soup

2 c. cubed, cooked chicken or turkey
2 c. frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/4 c. chopped onion
1/4 tsp. thyme leaves
1 bay leaf
6 c. chicken broth
1 c. alphabet macaroni (or you can use the little rings if you can't find the A-B-C pasta.)
salt & pepper

In 4 qt. Dutch oven combine chicken or turkey, frozen veg., celery, onion, thyme, bay leaf & broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat & stir in macaroni. Simmer 12 - 15 minutes or 'til veg & macaroni are tender. Remove bay leaf. Season to taste.

Yield: 10 (1 1/4c.) servings

Tuesday, December 7

B-Eggs, Toast, Fried Bologna
L-Lovely Leftovers
D-Baked Ziti, Salad, Red Lobster Biscuits

Baked Ziti

1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef (I use ground chicken)
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces Provolone cheese, sliced
1 1/2 cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.

In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted. Freezes well, cover with saran wrap then foil. Thaw in refrigerator.

Wednesday, December 8

B-Cinnamon Roll Toaster Strudel
L-Sammmies, Veggies and Dip
D-Pintos, Fried Potatoes, Cornbread

Thursday, December 9

B-One Eyed Sailors, Fried Bologna
L-Leftovers?
D-Nuggets and Fries, veggies and dip

Friday, December 10

B-Cereal and Toast
L-Soup and Sammie or Leftovers
D-Freezer Pizzas, Veggies and dip

Saturday, December 11

B-Pancakes
L-Soup and Sammies
D-Chicken Noodle Casserole, Corn, Mayo Rolls

Chicken Noodle Casserole
(adapted from a recipe in Mama Dip's Kitchen)

1 package (8-ounces) noodles
4 cups cooked, cubed chicken
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup (I use Healthy Request)
1/2 stick butter, melted
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4+ cup bread crumbs, mixed evenly with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain. Mix noodles with other ingredients, except buttered bread crumbs. Pour into a baking dish (I use a lasagna-size Pyrex) and sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over top.

Bake at 400° for 30 minutes.

Sunday, December 12

B-Snicker Doodle Muffins
L-Chicken Fried Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Italian Green Beans, Macaroni and Cheese, Rolls
D-C.O.R.N. (clean out the refrigerator night)

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus

Why Jesus Is Better Than Santa Claus - Author Unknown

• Santa lives at the North Pole, but Jesus is everywhere.
• Santa rides in a sleigh, but Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
• Santa comes once a year, but Jesus is an ever present help.
• Santa fills your stockings with goodies, but Jesus supplies all your needs.
• Santa comes down your chimney uninvited, but Jesus stands at your door and knocks.
• You have to wait in line to see Santa, but Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
• Santa lets you sit on his lap, but Jesus lets you rest in His arms.
• Santa doesn't know your name, but Jesus knew our name before we did.
• Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly, but Jesus has a heart full of love.
• All Santa can offer is "HO HO HO," but Jesus offers health, help, and hope.
• Santa says, "You better not cry," but Jesus says, "Cast all your cares on me."
• Santa's little helpers make toys, but Jesus makes new life and mends wounded hearts.
• Santa may make you chuckle, but Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
• While Santa puts gifts under your tree, Jesus became our gift and died on a tree.

Advent

We are celebrating Advent for the first time as a family this year. I was not familiar with Advent but had seen Advent calendars and wreaths here and there. So I began a search on-line to find out more about it. There is a lot online so I suggest you google it and find out more about it too, if you are like me, and didn't grow up in a household where this was practiced. I'm too cheap to buy an Advent wreath, so we are using an existing votive holder that I already had, as we move through the month. Maybe, next year, when finances are better, we will buy an Advent wreath with the correct colored candles. lol

We are also trying to do something Christmasy (my word) every night. We started out with putting up the tree and doing some decorating. We will do things like listen to Christmas music and hymns, have Bible reading and prayer together, drive around town to view the Christmas lights, watch Christmas movies together, do Christmas baking and cooking together, address Christmas cards, watch a local parade, attend our church's Christmas music program, help stuff socks with goodies to give to the homeless, (a church sponsored activity), etc. But, most importantly, concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas.

How about you? Do you do anything special to prepare for Christmas? Do you have any holiday traditions?

Pam

Menu for week of November 28th

Monday, 11/29

B-Cereal and Milk
L-running errands so may get something out
D – Tuna Egg Foo Yung for Hubby – Not sure about me???

Tuesday, 11/30

B-Eggs, Bacon, Biscuits
L-Turkey Dawgs, Veggies, Chips and Dip
D-Spaghetti Casserole, Salad

Spaghetti Casserole

(Makes 2 casseroles, 6 servings each)

16 oz. pkg. angel hair pasta
1 ½ pound ground beef (I use ground chicken)
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.

Wednesday, 12/1

B-Pancakes and Sausage
L-Leftover Spaghetti
D – Chicken/Fish and Tots or Fries

Thursday, 12/2

B-Muffins
L-Soup and Sammie
D – Freezer Meal-Cheesy Chicken Bundles, Rice, Frozen Mixed Vegetables, Rolls

Friday, 12/3

B-Oatmeal and Yogurt
L-PB&J
D – Taco Casserole


Taco Casserole – Double this recipe

* 1 pkg (14-oz) Mac and cheese deluxe
* 1 lb ground beef (I use ground chicken)
* 1 pkg taco mix
* ¾ water
* ¾ cup sour cream
* 1 ½ c shredded cheese
* 1 c salsa

Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Make noodles according package directions. Brown ground beef. Drain and rinse. Add water and taco mix. Simmer according to package directions. Drain noodles. Add cheese sauce and sour cream. Mix well. Layer in a greased casserole, ½ noodles, meat, 1 c cheese, rest of noodles, salsa. Bake covered for 15 minutes remove cover add cheese and bake 5 minutes more

Frozen directions: Thaw completely in refrigerator and bake at 350-degrees for 45 minutes adding cheese the last 5 minutes. Or cook in microwave for 15 minutes, stir add cheese and cook for 2 minutes more.


Saturday, 12/4

B-Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake

2 c. Bisquick
2 T sugar
1 egg
2/3 c. water or milk
Streusel topping (below)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease round pan. Mix all ingredients except topping; beat vigorously 30 seconds. Spread in pan; sprinkle with topping. Bake 20-25 minutes. 8 servings.

Streusel topping: Mix 1/3 c. Bisquick, 1/3 c. packed brown sugar, 1/ 2 t. cinnamon, and 2 T firm margarine until crumbly.

L-Leftovers
D – Freezer Meal-Lasagna Roll-ups, Salad, Garlic Bread

Sunday, December 5

B-Oatmeal
L-Since we were out of town for Thanksgiving, I'm making a dinner at home today so, Turkey Breast, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Stuffing, Yams, Green Beans, Cranberry Crunch and Rolls

Cranberry Crunch

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup flour
½ cup margarine
1 can whole cranberry sauce

Mix first four ingredients; spread half on bottom of greased 8 x 8 inch pan. Next spread the cranberry sauce. Cover with remaining oat mixture. Bake 350 degrees 45 minutes.
D-Clean Out Refrigerator Night

That's my week. How about you?

South Carolina week

We are in South Carolina this Thanksgiving week so I didn't post my menu yesterday. I brought several freezer meals with me. Sunday we had Cavatini with Garlic Bread Sticks and a Spinach Salad. Yesterday we had Chicken Cordon Bleu, Corn on the Cob and Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese. Today we will be having Jody's Chicken and Noodles, more Salad and Rolls. Wednesday we will have White Chicken Chili with all the fixings and Turkey day we are eating at Cracker Barrel. Friday we will clean out the fridge! I brought Butterscotch Banana Bread from the freezer as well to enjoy with our coffee in the morning and tide us over with breakfast until we went shopping.

Bringing freezer meals has made my vacation so much easier. We went to the store yesterday and bought breakfast and lunch items and a few things to round out my freezer meals. This saves us a lot of money. Plus this is much yummier than most things we could find at the restaurants.

I am thankful we were able to get away for this trip. Hubby had BP gift cards he had earned to pay for our gas and I had some baby sitting money put back to pay for some expenses. God is good! I am so thankful for his provision to us during Robert's unemployment. Keep praying for him to be given a job soon!

Have a super happy Thanksgiving.

Pam

Menu for week of November 15th

Okay, so we all have had colds. Actually, still have colds. So, I didn't stick to the plan last week. I did make some of the meals. I really liked the Breakfast Crescents. The whole family enjoyed those. I made spaghetti tacos for Robyn's sleepover. Those things were just plain messy. And trying to put the boiling hot spaghetti into those crispy corn taco shells, was plain difficult! What are these? A joke? Thank you icarly.

So here's the plan this week:

Monday:

Breakfast-One Eyed Sailors (this sounds good to my stuffed up nose) and Juice
Lunch-Soup (we've been opening a lot of cans of Progresso and Chunky soup around here)
Dinner-Hamburger Helper (made with ground chicken), Green Beans

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Cereal and Milk (Blueberry Mini-Wheats)
Lunch-Sammies
Dinner-Spaghetti Casserole (recipe below)-freeze 1/2, Salad

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Toast with Peanut Butter and Sliced Banana
Lunch-English Muffins with Egg, Ham and Cheese
Dinner-Freezer Meal-Taco Soup

Thursday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal and Yogurt
Lunch-Freezer Pizzas
Dinner-Breakfast for dinner (probably something with Pancakes)

Friday:

Breakfast-Sausage and Cheese Muffins
Lunch-Soup and Grilled Cheese
Dinner-Chicken and Dumplings, Broccoli Cornbread

Saturday:

Breakfast-More Sausage and Cheese Muffins on the road with our coffee to go and headed out of town. Yipee!!!

I am taking plenty of meals from my freezer to eat at our condo while we enjoy a week a way. My plans are to bring: Cavatini, Jody's Chicken and Noodles, White Chicken Chili, Chicken Bundles and a Banana Butterscotch Bread from the freezer. This will free up more room for me in the freezer as well as make my meal planning on vacation a breeze. And we will eat at Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving Day.

Spaghetti Casserole

(Makes 2 casseroles, 6 servings each)

16 oz. pkg. angel hair pasta
1 ½ pound ground beef
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.

Have a terrific week!

Pam

Menu for the week of November 8th

Monday:

Breakfast-Coffee Cake,
Lunch-Lovely Leftovers
Dinner-Broccoli Ham Bake (recipe below), Salad

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (extras to freeze), Yogurt
Lunch-Lovely Leftovers
Dinner-Mr. Food's Chicken Kiev, Green Beans, Rice Pilaf

Wednesday:

Breakfast-One Eyed Sailors, Bacon
Lunch-Soup, Peanut Butter Sammies
Dinner-Sloppy Joes, Fries, Apple Crisp

Thursday:

Breakfast-Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Yogurt
Lunch-15 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Shrimp
Dinner-Breakfast Crescents (recipe below), Scrambled Eggs, Fruit

Friday:

Breakfast-Pancakes and Bacon
Lunch-Sammies, Veggies and Dip
Dinner-Freezer Pizzas for Hubby and I, Spaghetti Tacos for daughter and her sleepover friends (it's an I-Carly thing!), Popcorn and snacks

Saturday:

Breakfast-Donuts and Hot Cocoa
Lunch-Soup and Cheese and Crackers
Dinner-Cowboy Bake (recipe below), Salad

Sunday:

Breakfast-Toaster Strudel, Yogurt
Lunch-Ham and Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Biscuits
Dinner-Clean Out the Refigerator Night (CORN)

Broccoli Ham Bake

2 lbs frozen chopped broccoli
2 lbs frozen hash browns (southern style - the
little cubes)
2 cups milk
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
2 cups ham -- cubed (2 to 3)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Spread hash browns in two greased 9x13 inch baking dishes. Sprinkle chopped broccoli and ham over hash browns. In separate bowl, blend soups and milk until smooth and pour over the casseroles. Wrap baking dishes, label and freeze. Place cheese shreds in two smaller freezer bags and attach to baking dishes.

To serve: Thaw. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top of casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

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.

Breakfast Crescents

8 crescent rolls (refrigerator type)
8 sausage links
8 slices cheddar cut into thin slices

Cut a slit lengthwise across the top of each sausage link, then stuff each with 1 slice cheese. Place cheese side down at wide end of crescent triangle. Roll and place cheese side up on ungreased baking tin. Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Cowboy Bake

1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 T olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 10.oz can tomatoes
1 C frozen corn kernels
pinch of chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 C of your favorite cheese, grated.

For topping:

1 8.5oz package of corn muffin mix

Preheat oven to 350. Coat a 9 inch pie pan with cooking spray. In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic for 2 minutes in oil.

Add chicken and brown, then add tomatoes, corn, chili powder and salt. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into the pie pan.

If serving, same day:

Top with grated cheese. In a mixing bowl, prepare muffin mix according to package. Spread evenly over chicken mixture and bake for 30 minutes.

If freezing:

Reserve cheese in sandwich bag and do not mix corn muffin mix until the day you serve. Lable, freeze with baggy of cheese. To serve, thaw, top with mix and cheese and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.


Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Something for your left over ham :)

2 lbs ham - chopped into bite sized chunks
6 medium potatoes - peeled and thinly sliced
2 medium onions - peeled and chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded Colby cheese

Combine ham with potatoes and onions and place in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour cream of mushroom soup over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. About an hour before serving stir in cheese.

Okay, here's the run down.

The dryer works! Who hoo!!! I am so proud of my hubby for stepping out of his comfort zone and actually repairing the dryer. Before he was unemployed, he would have called a repair man, or just bought a new dryer. Now, since money is tight or nonexistent, he tackled the job himself. With a little research and pointers from my dad and help from a buddy to get it out of the nook and back in, viola! we have a working dryer. I was so excited last night I immediately washed three loads of clothes.

But....big but here...the washer is leaking. At first, we thought it was water coming from the dyer. It sat out on the deck under a tarp while he painted the nook and put down new vinyl tile. Hubby found a hole in the tarp and a little water got in the machine. But them we looked and the water was coming out from under the washer. So...hubby will be doing a little research on this and, hopefully, will be able to repair it as well.

He painted the remainder of the little bathroom and had quite a lot of seepage under the tape so has lots of touching up to do. Also, he hasn't removed the toilet yet, in order to paint around it and lay the remainder of the tile. Hopefully, he will get to finish this chore on Saturday as today he is out and about with his mom helping her with a genealogy quest. At some point, I want to paint the frame around the mirror and the vanity cabinet, but there is no hurry to do that. Maybe a chore for this winter or early spring?

My daughter goes on a Fall Overnight with the church this evening and she is very excited. She has never gone to camp so this will be a way to give it a try for only one night. She is taking a sleeping bag and is very excited to make new friends. As an only child, and now a homeschooled student, it is important that she make friends at church all the more.

While Robyn is gone, Robert and I are going to have a nice quite date night. I had planned on us staying home and having a candlelight dinner and maybe watch a movie together or at the very least visit our favorite bookstore and enjoy conversation over a cup of joe and then guess what? My sweet neighbor, and pastor's wife, Julie, whom you can read all about at http://comehaveapeace.blogspot.com/, brought us a gift card to Panera Bread. What a nice surprise! Now hubby and I can go there and enjoy a cup of coffee and sweet roll or soup and sandwich thanks to her generous and thoughtful heart. Thank you Lord for your gift of friendship!

So that's the run down of things going on around here. Stay tuned for the promised photos of the bathroom and laundry nook.

Pam

It's Election Day!

Remember to go out and cast your vote!

We are going out later in the day to vote. Right now I am just taking a break from working in my kitchen. I have my Cranberry Chicken cooking in the crock pot and have been cleaning and organizing my kitchen pantry.

I have a large pantry with two bi fold doors and a lot of things get stashed in there. It is also where I keep larger appliances and a small tool box or two, a box of batteries, extra paper towels, extra pans for freezer dinners, plastic cups and paper plates for our small groups,etc. It can get really messy. And lately, I'll go the pantry to get something, and it will not be there. Or, at least, I cannot find it. So, I thought an inventory was in order. I have already inventoried my garage freezer and I know what is down there. I just have to remember to update it when I go to the store and add to it, and when I use something in it. I find these inventories really help me when it comes time to menu plan. I am going to try to plan some menus around what I already have. I do have a hard time not buying things on sale and that I have coupons for. I will probably continue to do that while using up my stock.

Hubby is still working on our main bath/laundry nook. He has gone to buy some goof-off for a few paint mistakes and is going to paint the bathroom half today. Tomorrow, we are going to go look for a new, inexpensive toliet. Photos tomorrow.

Pam

Menu Plan for week of November 1st

Monday:

Breakfast - Toaster Strudels and Bagels
Lunch-Chinese Take-out
Dinner-Turkey Burgers and Fries

Tuesday:

Breakfast - One Eyed Sailors
Lunch - Soup and Crackers
Dinner - Dump Cranberry Chicken (recipe below) Eat a serving and freeze extras), Green Bean Casserole, Corn

Wednesday:

Breakfast - Oatmeal and Yogurt
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner - Lasagna Roll-ups, Salad

Thursday:

Breakfast - Pancakes and Link Sausage
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner - 15 Bean Soup (recipe below), Super Moist Cornbread (recipe below) (freeze leftover soup)

Friday:

Breakfast - Quick Crustless Quiche (recipe below), Fruit
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner - Lil' Cheddar Meatloaves (recipe below), Scalloped Potatoes (recipe below), Broccoli with White Cheddar Sauce (frozen side), Crescent Rolls

Saturday:

Breakfast - French Toast, Turkey Sausage
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner - Pizza Pasta Casserole (recipe below), Salad, Texas Toast

Sunday:

Breakfast - Toaster Strudels
Lunch - Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken (recipe below), Baked Beans, Creamy Potato Salad (recipe below)
Dinner - Clean Out Refrigerator Night (CORN)

DUMP CRANBERRY CHICKEN
2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce
1/4 cup Orange Juice
1/8 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Just pour the ingredients into a bag with chicken, pork or beef. Freeze. When you take the bag out from the freezer you will either dump it into the crockpot or dump it into a baking dish (some can even be dumped into a frying pan and cooked on the stove top if they are cut into chunks). 350 for 20-40 minutes depending on the size of your meat.


15 Bean Soup

* 15 bean soup dried beans package
* 1 can diced tomatoes
* a small onion, sauteed (from freezer)
* chili powder or chili seasoning packet to taste (I used 2 packets)
* ham, if desired (from freezer)

Rinse beans in a colander and check to be sure there are no stones or other debris. Place beans in a dutch oven and cover with water so that the water is twice as deep as the beans. Heat to boiling and boil for 2 minutes. Turn heat off and cover, let sit for 1 hour. Drain beans in colander and rinse pot. Place beans in slow cooker and cover with water, making sure the water is twice as deep as the beans. Drain tomatoes and add tomatoes and seasoning to beans. If using meat (ham is preferable), add now. Cook on Hi for 5 hours or Low for 8-10 hours.

Super-Moist Cornbread

2 c. S.R. Cornmeal
2 c. buttermilk
1 large egg
1 T sugar
1/3 c. butter

Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Melt butter in 8 inch cast-iron skillet in a 425 degree oven 5 min. Tilt skillet to coat evenly with butter. Pour cornbread batter into the buttered skillet. Bake at 425 deg. For 25 minutes or until golden. Remove cornbread immediately from skillet, and let cool.

Little Cheddar Meat Loaves

1 egg
¼ cup milk
4 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup quick cooking oats
½ cup chopped onion
1 t. salt
1 lb. lean ground beef (I use ground chicken)
2/3 cup ketchup
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 ½ t. mustard

In a bowl, beat the egg and milk. Stir in cheese, oats, onion, and salt. Add the beef and mix well. Shape into 8 loaves; place in greased 13X9X3 in. dish. Combine ketchup, brown sugar and mustard; spoon over loaves. Bake uncovered 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Very tasty. Freezer Friendly. This is a Taste of Home favorite recipe.

Scalloped Potatoes

1 quart potatoes, pared, and sliced
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
2 T flour
1-2T grated onions
2 T butter or margarine
2 c. milk

Wash and pare potatoes; slice thin. Place half of the potatoes in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the salt, pepper, flour, onion and bits of butter; repeat the process. Add sufficient milk so that it can just be seen between the top slices. Cover and bake in a 350 degree oven about 30 minutes; remove cover and continue baking about 30 minutes or until tender and brown.

*with cheese-prepare as directed above; sprinkle each layer with grated cheese.

Pizza Pasta Casserole**TNT**

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion -- chopped
2 jars (28 oz. each) spaghetti sauce
1 package (16 oz.) spiral pasta -- cooked and drained
4 cups (16 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces sliced pepperoni

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink;
drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and pasta. Transfer to two greased 13 x
9 inch baking pans. Sprinkle with cheese. Arrange pepperoni over the
top. Cover and freeze one casserole for up to 3 months. Bake the second
casserole, uncovered, at 350F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Each casserole serves 8-10. To use frozen casserole: Thaw in the
refrigerator overnight. Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes or until heated
through.
Per serving: 3984 Calories (kcal); 341g Total Fat; (78% calories from
fat); 200g Protein; 16g Carbohydrate; 951mg Cholesterol; 5247mg Sodium
Food Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 28 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 0
Fruit; 52 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates

NOTES : This was a big hit with everyone, from the 9 year old to her
visiting 70-something grandmother! They licked the casserole clean. The
frozen casserole took longer to cook than the recipe says. Even though I
thawed it overnight, it was still frozen at dinnertime. I cooked it for
about 30 minutes, then covered with foil and cooked another 20 min. I
used boiled hamburger/onion mix rather than browning the ground bbeef in
a pan.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Serves 6

Ingredients

* 4 chicken breasts - can be frozen
* 2 cups ketchup
* 4 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon vinegar
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Mix together all ingredients (except chicken) in slow cooker. Add the chicken, coating each piece in sauce. Cook on high for four hours. Remove chicken and shred/pull with forks. Return to pot and stir in sauce to coat. Serve on toasted buns.

Creamy Potato Salad

6 medium boiling potatoes (about 2 lb.)
1 ½ cup mayonnaise
1 T white vinegar
1 T mustard
1 t. salt
¼ t. pepper
2 medium stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium onion, chopped (½ cup)
4 hard cooked eggs, chopped

Cook potatoes; cool slightly. Cut potatoes into cubes. Mix mayo, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in large bowl. Add potatoes, celery and onion; toss. Stir in eggs. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours to blend flavors and chill. Cover and refrigerate any remaining leftovers.

Quick Crustless Quiche

3 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup biscuit/baking mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup cooked ham, diced
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 -2 diced green onion, green tops only

In a mixing bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Beat on low speed for 3 minutes or until blended. Transfer 2/3 the mixture to a greased 9-in. pie plate. Sprinkle with ham, cheese, and green onion; pour remaining 1/3 of batter over the ham, etc. Be careful because the pie plate will be very full. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Sort of a Menu Plan

We went out of town for a few nights and days to hubby's aunt's lake house and my menu plan went awry. Here it is Tuesday and we are getting take out tonight and going to enjoy a movie. So here is my plan for the remainder of the week:

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Bagel and Yogurt
Lunch-Soup and Grilled Cheese
Dinner-Quick Chicken Pie, Frozen Veggies Entree (New Potatoes with Green Beans), Salad

Quick Chicken Pie

1 cup canned boned chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can refrigerated biscuits

Place chicken and soup in casserole dish. Stir to mix. Place biscuits on top. Bake 400 degrees 15-20 minutes until biscuits are browned.

Thursday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal and Toast
Lunch-Egg Salad Sammies
Dinner-Parsley Parmesan Chicken, Italian Green Beans, Rice Pilaf

Parsley Parmesan chicken

(freezer meal) - This has become a "hit" in our house.
Ingredients:
2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6-8 chicken breasts)
1/3 bottle of Italian salad dressing
1/2 c shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 c dry bread crumbs (used Seasoned Italian bread crumbs)
1 1/2 T parsley flakes
1/2 T paprika
Salt & Pepper

Assembly Directions:
Marinate chicken in dressing overnight.
Mix the remaining ingredients and bread each breast with coating.

To Freeze: Lay chicken breasts side by side on baking sheets and place in freezer for 1 to 2 hours to firm up. Place chicken in labeled gallon size Freezer Bag and freeze.

Cooking Directions:
Thaw & bake at 350 uncovered for 30 minutes or until done.

Friday:

Breakfast-Eggs, Turkey Bacon, Biscuits
Lunch-Hot Pockets
Dinner-Slow Cooker Chili (freeze extras)

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.

Saturday:

Breakfast-Cinnamon Rolls
Lunch-15 Parmesan Pasta, Salad

15 minute Parmesan Pasta

8 oz. pkg. Pasta, cooked
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ c. olive oil
¾ c. grated Parmesan cheese

Place pasta in large serving bowl; keep warm. Saute garlic in olive oil until golden and tender. Pour over pasta. Add cheese; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately. 4 servings.

Dinner: Taco Salad (made with leftover Chili)

Sunday:

Breakfast-Oatmeal, Yogurt
Lunch-Breakfast Casserole, Fruit, Mayo Rolls

Sausage Casserole, Fruit

Sausage Casserole
(Kingdom Heirs)

1 lb. ground sausage, crumbled and cooked
2 c. grated cheddar cheese
1 c. Bisquick
4 eggs
1 c. milk

Butter 9 x 13 inch dish. Layer the sausage and then the cheese. In blender mix milk, eggs and Bisquick. Pour over sausage and eggs. Bake 350 degrees 30-35 minutes. May be frozen and cooked later.

Dinner-Mummy Wraps, Oven Fries, "Boo" Nutter Butter Cookies

That's my plan and I'm sticking to it!

Pm

I'm being a bit lazy today.

I dug out my thermal jammies last night to sleep in and I stayed in them all day! I'm being a bit lazy today. Now, I have fed my family lunch. Hubby made breakfast (English Muffings, nothing difficult) and I do have dinner cooking. I did load my dishwasher and it is washing away and my sink is full of dishes to hand wash. Darling daughter has done her homeschooling today as well. I posted my menu last night and I'm working on my grocery list for this week. So I haven't been totally lazy. But it's been nice!

Here are our plans for this week:

Tomorrow-post office to mail back package
Shop for paint for the laundry nook/half bath. We have leftover paint from other projects but we are not sure if it is enough to give two good coats.
Shop for cheapish vinyl tile to put down in laundry nook/half bath. We would also like to retile the entrance to the basement from the garage and the half bath down there but that will be a little later this year. We, ideally, want to use the same tile.
Quick tidy of main floor.
Community group here at house in the evening.

Wednesday:

I really need to finish cleaning out the laundry nook so that hubby can start painting and laying tile.
Groceries
Wednesday night class at church and Awana for darling daughter.

Thursday:

Begin working on decluttering bedroom. Believe it or not, there is still some carry over in there of things from the guest room and Robyn's room declutter project. Also I need to clean out my closet and all our drawers for items to take to our favorite local charity. This is a job that will take a while. I can't give it a full day(s) work and have to spread it out. It may be next week before I am finish with this job. Also, included in this job is a deep clean of our master bathroom.

Friday:

More of Thursday.
Pack for a few nights out at the lake house.
Late afternoon-drive to Aunt's lake house.

Saturday-Tuesday afternoon:

Lots of R & R the Lake House. We'll watch movies, play board games, read books and do little homeschooling too. We will be back in the afternoon on Tuesday to get ready for our Community Group at our house.

Pam

Menu for week of October 18th

Monday, 10/18

Breakfast – English Muffins, Jam
Lunch – Grilled Cheese, Grapes
Dinner – Potato Soup, Spinach Salad

Tuesday, 10/19

Breakfast – Pancakes and Sausage
Lunch – Leftovers
Dinner – Sloppy Joes, French Fries, Grapes

Wednesday, 10/20

Breakfast-Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

CHOCOLATE CHIP PUMPKIN BREAD

1 c packed brown sugar
1 c sugar
2/3 c butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
2 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 1/2 c canned pumpkin
1/2 c water
2 t baking soda
1 t ground cinnamon
1 t salt
1/2 t ground cloves
2 c semisweet chocolate chips, 12 ounces
In a mixing bowl cream sugars, butter and eggs. Add flour, pumpkin, water and baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cloves. Mix thoroughly. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour into four greased and floured 6x3 inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Lunch – Leftovers or Soup
Dinner – Lasagna Roll-ups (didn't get to this one last week), Salad, Garlic Bread

Thursday, 10/21

Breakfast – One Eyed Sailors, Turkey Bacon
Lunch – Sammies or Leftovers
Dinner – Lil'Cheddar Meatloaves (freeze extras for another meal), Green Veggie, Rice Pilaf

Little Cheddar Meat Loaves

1 egg
¼ cup milk
4 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup quick cooking oats
½ cup chopped onion
1 t. salt
1 lb. lean ground beef (I use ground chicken)
2/3 cup ketchup
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 ½ t. mustard

In a bowl, beat the egg and milk. Stir in cheese, oats, onion, and salt. Add the beef and mix well. Shape into 8 loaves; place in greased 13X9X3 in. dish. Combine ketchup, brown sugar and mustard; spoon over loaves. Bake uncovered 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Friday, 10/22

Breakfast – Oatmeal and Yogurt
Lunch- Hot Pockets, Carrots and Dip
Dinner – Taco Casserole (freeze one casserole), Salad or Green Veggie


Taco Casserole – Double this recipe

* 1 pkg (14-oz) Mac and cheese deluxe
* 1 lb ground beef (I use ground chicken)
* 1 pkg taco mix
* ¾ water
* ¾ cup sour cream
* 1 ½ c shredded cheese
* 1 c salsa

Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Make noodles according package directions. Brown ground beef. Drain and rinse. Add water and taco mix. Simmer according to package directions. Drain noodles. Add cheese sauce and sour cream. Mix well. Layer in a grease casserole, ½ noodles, meat, 1 c cheese, rest of noodles, salsa. Bake covered for 15 minutes remove cover add cheese and bake 5 minutes more

Frozen directions: Thaw completely in refrigerator and bake at 350-degrees for 45 minutes adding cheese the last 5 minutes. Or cook in microwave for 15 minutes, stir add cheese and cook for 2 minutes more.

Saturday, 10/23

Breakfast – French Toast, Link Sausage
Lunch – Hot Dogs, Chips, Veggies and Dip
Dinner – Baked Ziti (freeze one casserole), Salad, Garlic Bread


Baked Ziti

1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef (I use ground chicken)
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces Provolone cheese, sliced
1 1/2 cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.

In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. (I use two square dishes and bake one and freeze the other). Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted. Freezes well, cover with saran wrap then foil. Thaw in refrigerator.


Sunday, 10/24

Breakfast – Toaster Strudel, Yogurt
Lunch – Hot Pockets, Veggies and Dip

Dinner– Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops, Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Rolls

Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

6 pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
1 packet dry Ranch Dressing Seasoning
10 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup
4 lbs peeled, cubed potatoes
5 Tablespoons real butter
1 Cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
6 cloves roasted garlic (click for directions how to roast garlic)
1- 1 1/2 Cups warm skim milk (any milk will do, I just happened to use skim)
1 Tablespoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, or to taste

1. Place pork chops, Ranch seasoning and soup into a medium sized crock pot over high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 6 hours.

2. Place potatoes into a large pot of cold water. Place onto stovetop over high heat and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, cook for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain and transfer to the work bowl of a stand or electric mixer. Mix on low until potatoes are mashed then add butter, parmesan, garlic, milk, salt and pepper. Season to taste if needed. For thinner mashed potatoes add more milk, slowly until your desired consistency.

3. Scoop mashed potatoes onto serving plates and top with pork chops and soup gravy from crock pot. Enjoy!

That's my plan and I'm stickin' to it!

Menu for the week of October 11th

Monday, 10/11

Breakfast – Oatmeal and Yogurt, Toaster Strudel for daughter

Lunch - Soup and Sliced Apple

Dinner Chicken Cordon Blue (eat two servings and freeze four), Broccoli, Rice

Chicken Cordon Bleu
recipe courtesy 30 Meals in One Day

6 small boneless skinless chicken breast
2 Tbl Dijon mustard
6 slices ham
6 slices Swiss cheese
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 cup dry bread crumbs

Place each chicken breast half between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound until thin. Spread mustard on each piece of chicken. Wrap cheese in ham and place on chicken. Roll chicken around cheese and ham. Secure with a toothpick. Dip chicken first in evaporated milk then in bread crumbs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake on greased baking sheet for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake an additional 25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Cover chicken on baking sheet with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 3 hours. When frozen transfer to a freezer bag. Label and freeze.
To serve: Thaw. Heat in microwave or in oven. 6 Servings


Tuesday, 10/12

Breakfast – Eggs, Turkey Bacon, Biscuits

Lunch – White Chicken Chili (from the freezer)

Dinner – Turkey Burgers and Fries

Wednesday, 10/13

Breakfast - Sausage Casserole, Fruit

Sausage Casserole
(Kingdom Heirs)

1 lb. ground sausage, crumbled and cooked
2 c. grated cheddar cheese
1 c. Bisquick
4 eggs
1 c. milk

Butter 9 x 13 inch dish. Layer the sausage and then the cheese. In blender mix milk, eggs and Bisquick. Pour over sausage and eggs. Bake 350 degrees 30-35 minutes. May be frozen and cooked later.

Lunch – Egg Salad Sammies

Dinner – Church or Hamburger Helper

Thursday, 10/14

Breakfast – Pancakes or French Toast, Turkey Sausage Patties

Lunch - PB&J and Sliced Apple

Dinner – Smoked Turkey Sausage, Fried Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Pinto Beans (from freezer)

Friday, 10/15

Breakfast – Ham and Eggs, Toast

Lunch - Leftovers or Sammies

Dinner – Taco Soup (put extra servings in freezer)

Saturday, 10/16

Breakfast – Cereal and Milk

Lunch - Sammies or Leftovers
Bake a cake to take to Mom and Dad's tomorrow.

Dinner – Lasagna Roll ups, (extra roll-ups to be frozen), Salad, Garlic Bread

Lasagna Roll Ups
-6 lasagna noodles
-1/2 lb. sausage
-chopped onions
-1 (15.soz) jar spaghetti sauce
-1 (8oz) pkg. shredded pizza blend cheese

-Cook lasagna noodles according to pkg. directions.
-Rinse and drain; set aside.
-In a skillet cook the sausage and onions.
-Drain.
-In a bowl mix 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce and sausage together.
-Spread 1/4 cup of the meat sauce onto each lasagna noodle.
-Top with 1 Tbls. cheese.
-Carefully roll up each noodle and place seam side down in an 8x8 baking dish.
-Spoon remaining sauce over top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
-Bake @ 350 for 20-30 minutes........

Sunday, 10/17

Breakfast – Banana and Butterscotch Bread from the Freezer, Yogurt

Lunch-Mom and Dad's (Dad turns 76!)

Dinner CORN (Clean Out Refrigerator Night) or Freezer Pizza and Veggies and Dip

That's my week. For more ideas go to: http://orgjunkie.com/

What's happening?.

Hasn't this fall weather been absolutely gorgeous! I am really enjoying the milder temperatures. I could really live somewhere with this type of climate all year round. It's so comfortable. A few nights this past week it got rather chilly in the house and I lit our first fire in the fireplace. It was actually warmer outside than in. I love a good fire!

I didn't make it to church this morning. I woke up early and turned off the alarm and then fell back asleep. Hubby, who takes less time to do his morning ablutions, made it to Sunday School without us. I will listen to the service on line as our community group study is sermon based. You can listen to it at http://www.west-park.org and click on sermon media. I love my church. It is soon to celebrate 50 years of age and I committed to praying for it every day for 50 days starting on October fourth.

Robert returned Saturday afternoon from his first men's retreat. They went to Fort Bluff Camp in Dayton, Tennessee. He took lots of photos for the church photo team and really enjoyed their speaker, Matthew St. John. You can read more about him at
http://www.pastormatthew.net/blog09/


We are plugging away on the homeschooling of Robyn. We are determined to do better this week and get caught up. We are a little bit behind schedule. She cannot play on any commputer games, Wii, Ds, etc. until she is caught up. She has agreed to this and understands.

Robert is going to attempt to fix our dryer this week. We are hoping it is repairable and we don't have to buy a new one. While he has the dryer pulled out of the laundry nook, I am going to clean, clean, clean in there and paint and would love to put down some inexpensive self-sticking tile to give it a clean and fresh appearance for very little money. I am sure we even have paint in the garage that we can use and not go to any expense there. It's a teeny-tiny laundry nook and you cannot clean around the appliances while they are in there. I am afraid to find out what is behind/beside that dryer and washer. Yuck. To be honest, we knew we wouldn't be able to clean, paint or retile until one of the appliances died. It's just that difficult to work in there. It's a closet really.

I am hoping that Robert will finish his carpet steaming and we can be done with that for the season, except for our master bedroom, which is not ready for having the carpet cleaned yet. Hopefully very soon though.

Well, enough jibber jabber about the happenings around my house. I hope all of you are enjoying your families, homes, and the beautiful autumn weather as well! Have a great week!

Pam

Menu for week of October 4th

Monday, 10/4
Breakfast-Biscuits
Lunch – Soup, Sliced Apple
Dinner – Freezer Meal-One Pot Pepper Soup, Cheese and Crackers

Tuesday, 10/5
Breakfast- One Eyed Sailors, Turkey Bacon
Lunch- PB&J, Sliced Apple
Dinner- Cheesy Chicken Bundles (putting extras in freezer), Macaroni and Cheese, Corn, Crescents Or Mayonnaise Rolls


Cheesy Chicken Bundles

Makes 6 servings Preheat: 350

1 cup bread crumbs
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan, grated plus 1/4 cup for topping
1 t salt
¼ t pepper
6 boneless chicken breasts
½ cup butter, melted plus 2 T. butter melted for topping

Mix together bread crumbs, cheeses, salt and pepper. Dip chicken pieces in melted butter and then in cheese/bread crumb mixture. Roll the breast up to form a little bundle.

(To freeze: wrap each raw chicken bundle in plastic wrap and then place in freezer bags. Thaw and follow baking directions below.)

Place in large, shallow baking dish. Pour remaining butter on top and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 1 hour, until chicken is crispy.

Wednesday, 10/6
Breakfast – Toaster Strudel, Juice
Lunch- Leftovers or Sammies
Dinner – Hamburger Helper or Church

Thursday, 10/7
Breakfast-Muffins from Freezer
Lunch-Grilled Cheese and Soup
Dinner – Breakfast for Dinner (just me and daughter as husband is going to the church men's retreat)

Friday, 10/8
Breakfast-Cereal and Milk
Lunch – Chicken and Tots
Dinner – Beefy Cornbread (freezing extras) Refried Beans (me and dd again)

Beefy Cornbread

1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/2 c. frozen corn
1/4 c. salsa
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
3/4 c. corn meal
3/4 c. flour
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
3/4 c. milk
2 tbsp. canola oil

-Brown ground beef with chili and cumin until no longer pink. Drain fat.
-Stir in corn and salsa
-Line the cups of a muffin tin with foil baking cups
-Spoon meat mixture into muffin cups; fill about 2/3 full
-Top with cheese
-In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar and salt
-Beat eggs in a small bowl
-Add milk and oil
-Add to the cornmeal mixture stirring just until moistened
-Spoon batter over cheese to cover
-Bake at 375 for 15 minutes
-Allow to cool
-Set pan in freezer until frozen
-Remove from pan and place in a gallon size freezer bag

To serve:
-Thaw upside down on a microwave safe plate
-Remove foil liners
-Microwave until heated through.

Saturday, 10/9
Breakfast- Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Juice
Lunch-Leftovers or Sammies
Dinner – Freezer Queen Turkey and Gravy, served over bread, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole (a hubby favorite)



Sunday, 10/10
Breakfast – Toaster Strudel, Juice
Lunch Crock Pot Chops, Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli, Biscuits
Dinner – CORN (Clean Out Refrigerator Night)

Lots of activity around here

My house has been turned upside down! Lots going on. We were given furniture and a couple of tvs recently. We didn't have a place ready to put them in. So this is what we had to do. We had a very nice pub table set in the kitchen and we moved it to the garage, temporarily. Hoping to make room in a corner of the basement for it and use it for a game table. Our Aunt also gave us a nice oak table with six chairs. We don't need a table that big or that many chairs in our kitchen. We took out the leaf and it became a cute round table Now it resides in our eat-in kitchen with four chairs. Looks good. Will post a photo later.

Hubby emptied all the toys out of the basement and steam cleaned the carpet down there. Our old den sectional was moved down there with help from a friend One piece of that sectional has a hide away bed in it and it is extremely heavy! With the den being nearly empty, hubby steam cleaned the carpet in there too. Next, he was able to move the new sectional to the den from the dining room. Yes, the dining room. You couldn't get in there for a week! I like it. It is very comfortable.

Last night, hubby steam cleaned one half of the dining room and today we will shift every thing over to the clean side and steam clean the other side. Tomorrow we will dust all that furniture and get that room all decorated for fall. We will be ready for our community group tomorrow night. I promise!

Now, for the tv's. Hmmm. We are going to be switching around tv's upstairs and getting rid of some older ones. So that job is next on our agenda. Anyone need a tv? lol

Monday: Dinner at Friend's
Tuesday: Sloppy Joes (made with ground chicken), Fries
Wednesday: Dinner at Church
Thursday: BBQ Pork, Baked Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread
Friday: Grilled Chicken, Italian Green Beans, Rice Pilaf
Saturday: Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti and Marinara Sauce, Salad, Garlic Bread
Sunday: Tacos

That's my plan. How about you?

Pam

Menu for week of September 20th

We went out of town last week for a little get away. We didn't go far. We stayed right here in Tennessee. But we always find fun things to do. It's nice to get away and not drive all day to get there and drive all day to get back home. That's what I think anyway. How about you?

We had a nice restful week away except for the last day when hubby had the car all loaded up when he discovered his drivers side rear tire was flat! This is two flats in two weeks. My car surprised him with one earlier. Weird, huh? Fortunately we have AAA and they came out and put his spare on for him. It needed air, which they fixed, and then we were on our way. It's always nice to get back home.

Here is what I plan on feeding my family starting on Monday.

Monday, September 20

B-Cereal and Milk
S-Sliced Apples/Banana
L-Leftovers or Sammies and Carrots and Dip
D-White Chicken Chili, Dad's Mexican Cornbread
(We will eat one meal of this and put the other in a freezer bag for another meal)


White Chicken Chili

3 lbs Chicken Breast (seasoned and grilled)
1 1/2 cups chopped onions (pre-sauteed)
1 large chopped green pepper (pre-sauteed)
2 cloves garlic
6 cans navy beans
1 can chopped green chiles
4 tsp. ground cumin
2 tbsp. chili powder
5 or 6 cans chicken broth
1 16 oz bag frozen white corn
2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Cut chicken into bite sized pieces. In a large stock pot, combine all ingredients, and cook at least 30-45 minutes.

Freezing Instructions:
Double line two large cereal boxes with gallon size baggies. Ladle in cooled chili. Seal 1st bag well and tuck in label and directions. Seal 2nd bag well. Place one cup cheese in a sandwich bag and insert in each box.

Serving Day Instructions:
Thaw chili in refrigerator over night. Warm on medium heat on stove top. Serve with chopped green onion, cheese and hot sauce (if desired). This chili goes well with cornbread or tortilla chips.

Dad's Mexican Cornbread

2 cups self rising meal
1 cup self rising flour
3 beaten eggs
1 cup creamed corn
2/3 cup oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 large jalepeno, chopped
½ green pepper, chopped
1 t. salt
1 c. shredded mild Cheddar cheese

Mix all ingredients except cheese. Pour ½ of batter in greased and floured pan. Sprinkle half the cheese and add remaining batter and top with rest of cheese. Press in cheese lightly with spoon. Bake 375 degrees 45 minutes. Use 10 inch iron skillet or 14X9X2 inch pan. 8 servings.

6:30 Team Meeting@Hub



Tuesday, September 21

B-One Eyed Sailors, Bacon, Juice
S-Sliced Apple/Banana
L-PB&J, Fruit
D-Chinese a la Kent

6:30 Community Group – Brownies, Coffee

Wednesday, September 22

B-Pancakes and Turkey Sausage
S-Sliced Apple/Banana
L-Leftover Chili and Cornbread
D-Church or Turkey Burgers and Fries

6:30 Awana/New Life Class

Thursday, September 23

B-Oatmeal and Raisins
S-Sliced Apple/Banana
L-Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
D-Fish and Chips (for Robyn and Robert)

LNO (Ladies Night Out) with a tailgating theme so taking Creamsicle Cake to represent the Vols. Go Big Orange!

Creamsicle Cake

1 Duncan Hine's orange cake mix
2 small boxes orange jello
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 small instant vanilla pudding mix
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
8 oz. cool whip, thawed

Bake cake as directed in 9x13 pan. When done, use meat fork and poke holes. Let cool. Mix 1 box of the jello with 1 c. hot water and 1 c. cold water. Pour over cake. Refrigerate 2-3 hours. Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add remaining box of jello (dry), instant pudding mix, milk and vanilla. Beat well. Fold in cool whip. Spread on cake. Keep refrigerated.

Friday, September 24

B-Cereal and Milk
S-Sliced Apple/Banana
L-Egg Salad Sammies, Carrots and Dip
D-Jody's Chicken and Noodles, Steamed Veggies, Mayo Rolls
(eating one meal and freezing another)

Jody's Chicken and Noodles (freezer friendly)

12 oz. extra wide egg noodles
3 cans cream of chicken soup
5 cups cooked chicken, diced
8 oz. chicken broth, only needed if freezing-not if just eating

Prep noodles apd. In stockpot, mix chicken and soup on medium heat until heated through. Add noodles and mix well. Serve.

Freezing directions: Do not heat chicken and soup. Instead, mix together adding 8 oz. chicken broth. Place in gallon freezer bags and freeze.

To serve: Thaw, heat on stovetop or put in slow cooker until heated through. 4-6 servings.


Saturday, September 25

B-Freezer Biscuits, Eggs and Ham, Juice
L-Leftovers or Turkey Hot Dogs and Chips
D-Cavatini, Salad, Garlic Bread
(eating one meal and freezing another)


Cavatini

This will make enough for two meals.

4 cups of different sized pasta - such as 1 cup macaroni, 1 cup shells, etc..
2 lbs ground round, browned
1/2 lb pepperoni
2 medium onions, finely chopped and pre-sauteed
2 small green peepers, finely chopped and pre-sauteed
1 large can mushrooms, drained
2 quarts of spaghetti sauce (that you made earlier)
2 cups mozzarella cheese

Boil all pasta together - a little less time than package directs because you will freeze it. While water is boiling, cut pepperoni into Fourths and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 30 seconds. Mix together, meats, onions, pepper, mushrooms and sauce. When pasta is ready, drain and mix with meat mixture. Divide mixture between 2 9X13 pans. Sprinkle about a cup of cheese over each, pushing a little into the mixture.

Freezing instructions - when cool, wrap with plastic wrap, foil, and label or attach directions.

Serving Day Instructions - Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Remove Plastic Wrap. Tent Foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.



Sunday, September 26

B-Butterscotch Banana Bread, Fruit, Coffee

Butterscotch Banana Bread (I made them muffins)

¼ cup canola oil
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ cup skim milk
½ c. butterscotch chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a non-stick 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan (or a muffin tin) with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat together the oil and brown sugar. Add the eggs, bananas, and vanilla, stirring well.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Gradually combine the dry ingredients and the milk with the with the banana mixture, stirring only until combined.

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (I cooked the muffins for 18 minutes.)

L-Lovely Leftovers
D-CORN (Clean Out Refrigerator Night)

That's my week. Go to orgjunkie.com to see what everyone else is eating this week.

Pam