tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75049192024-03-12T20:20:57.792-07:00the eensy weensy spiderRamblings and mumblings about fibromyalgia, housework, college classes, homeschooling, cabbages and kings, children, bentos, and menu plans.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-16464380524828588432015-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:002015-02-01T11:12:08.244-08:00Book of Days - Jan. 30, 2015<b><i>Outside my window...</i></b><br />
The acacia trees in my neighbors yard are currently full of berries, and those berries are attracting lots of birds. When I look really carefully at the branches, I see LOTS of little happy finches enjoying lunch.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I am thinking...</i></b><br />
I need to journal/blog more and use Facebook less.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I am wearing...</i></b><br />
A black Alternative Tentacles zip up hoodie, a grey t-shirt, jeans, and the pink flip flops that I wear everywhere.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I am creating...</i></b><br />
Ruby Red grapefruit cordial (which I guess is like a "grapefruitade" concentrate). The fruit flies are pretty interested in the fruit bowl, and I'm trying to use up what people aren't interested in eating right now.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I am going...</i></b><br />
...to be in a car for several hours today on a slightly stressful errand.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>I am wondering...</i></b><br />
...how to get back on track with menu planning and batch cooking. My health and energy levels are a lot different than they were a few years ago, which actually makes it both difficult AND necessary to do this planning.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I am reading...</i></b><br />
<i>The Handmaid's Tale</i> by Margaret Atwood. I first read it nearly 20 years ago, which is a strange thought. I don't feel 20 years older than I did then. Was that really half of my life ago?<br />
<br />
<b><i>I am eating...</i></b><br />
I had scrambled eggs with radish homefries for breakfast. I haven't really had lunch yet, and am wondering how to make a can of sardines interesting without a lot of effort (or suddenly surrounding myself with curious cats and a dog all wanting a bite).<br />
<br />
<br />Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-35707953075791881752012-10-13T16:21:00.005-07:002012-10-13T16:23:01.775-07:00All this for $25.88!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9UK_MbnecY/UHnsVuupsWI/AAAAAAAAG0E/hM0NvzzWFjo/s1600/12+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9UK_MbnecY/UHnsVuupsWI/AAAAAAAAG0E/hM0NvzzWFjo/s400/12+-+1" width="400" /></a></div>
Using coupons and sale prices, we were able to get all of this from Food Maxx today. Some were completely free, so we ended up with a couple of treats that we might not usually buy.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>honey wheat berry bread <i>[FREE!]</i></li>
<li>3 lbs. Gala apples <i>[FREE!]</i></li>
<li>2 dozen eggs</li>
<li>3 lbs. yellow onions</li>
<li>3 lbs. frozen broccoli</li>
<li>1 lb. frozen peas & carrots</li>
<li>several cans of diced tomatoes (which were badly needed, we were out!)</li>
<li>2 lbs. ricotta cheese</li>
<li>5 lbs. rice</li>
<li>12 oz. sliced cheddar cheese</li>
<li>64 oz. apple juice <i>[FREE!]</i></li>
<li>2 liters root beer <i>[FREE!]</i></li>
<li>Armour Lunchmakers ham & cheese cracker stackers <i>[FREE!]</i></li>
</ul>
Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-64291368748142963682011-11-21T17:44:00.000-08:002011-11-21T17:53:18.335-08:00Thanksgiving 2011 prep/cooking schedule<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.freeclipartnow.com/d/25521-1/thanksgiving-dinner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 226px;" src="http://www.freeclipartnow.com/d/25521-1/thanksgiving-dinner.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Proving yet again that I'm more Type A than I care to admit.<p> </p><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>Monday:</strong></span></p><ul><li>make the Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes that everyone liked last year</li><li>clean part of kitchen</li><li>make Pomegranate-Cranberry Sauce, put in fridge in jars</li><li>have epiphany that this is more jelly-like and that the cranberry eaters like a more relish-like sauce</li><li>decide to have the pom-cran sauce this year anyway, but vow to make a low-sugar cran-orange relish next year</li><li>make Butternut Squash Puree, freeze flat in ziploc bags</li><li>dice celery & onion, put in containers in fridge</li><li>worry that the fridge is already looking full</li></ul><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>Tuesday:</strong></span></p><ul><li>more kitchen cleaning</li><li>wash and trim Brussels sprouts</li><li>move Halloween items to garage</li><li>pull pie crust out of freezer, put in fridge to thaw</li><li>pull pumpkin puree out of freezer, put in fridge to thaw</li><li>pull turkey breast out of freezer, put in fridge to thaw</li><li>pull turkey stock out of freezer to use in stuffing, put in fridge to thaw</li><li>have Sage do more vacuuming</li></ul><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>Wednesday:</strong></span></p><ul><li>locate matching placemats & napkins</li><li>mix up turkey brine, brine to boil, cool</li><li>wash gravy boat</li><li>more vacuuming</li><li>scrub out brining cooler</li></ul><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>Wednesday night:</strong></span></p><ul><li>make pie, leave on kitchen island covered with tea towel</li><li>prep herbs for turkey and roasted pears, leave on counter work area</li><li>put new stick of butter in butter dish</li><li>make sure there is enough butter in fridge for stuffing</li><li>measure out butter for Roasted Balsamic Pears, put in container in fridge</li><li>put can of green beans (hey, they were requested that way!) on counter work area</li><li>pull blueberry sweet rolls out of freezer, put in fridge to thaw (if possible -- otherwise leave in freezer & use alternate cooking instructions)</li><li>put jar of honeyed almonds on counter work area</li><li>pull bag of Butternut Squash Puree out of freezer, put in fridge to thaw</li><li>brine turkey breast overnight</li></ul><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>Thursday morning:</strong></span></p><ul><li>drain brine out of cooler, pat turkey breast dry, but leave in cooler</li><li>scramble eggs, bake sweet rolls, turn on Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade</li><li>pull out side dishes to come to room temp</li><li>put bottles of cranberry juice and Spicy Cider in fridge</li><li>eat breakfast</li><li>preheat oven for turkey breast</li></ul><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>After breakfast:</strong></span></p><ul><li>put turkey breast in oven</li><li>set starters/snacks on table</li><li>dot potatoes with butter</li><li>toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt, put on baking sheet</li><li>put Butternut Squash Puree in casserole dish, dot with butter</li><li>put cornbread stuffing together</li><li>start making sausage/apple/mushroom stuffing</li><li>preheat toaster oven to 350F</li></ul><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>After turkey is finished:</strong></span></p><ul><li>set turkey breast on top of stove, tent with foil, turn oven up to 375F.</li><li>put sprouts, mashed potatoes, and squash in oven</li><li>put cornbread stuffing in toaster oven</li><li>warm gravy, add stock if needed</li></ul><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>After sides finish:</strong></span></p><ul><li>turn oven up to 425F</li><li>heat green beans in microwave</li><li>put rolls in oven</li><li>have Sage set table</li><li>pull beverages out of fridge</li></ul><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>After rolls finish:</strong></span></p><ul><li>turn off oven, put pie in oven to warm</li><li>pull butter for pears out of fridge</li><li>EAT!</li></ul><p>When ready for dessert:</p><ul><li>pull pie out of oven, turn oven on 400F</li><li>roast pears</li><li>enjoy dessert</li></ul>Wow, that's a crazy list. At the same time, I'm wondering what I left out. I tried to simplify things this year, and yet it still complicated itself.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-68951489939679500952011-07-22T14:00:00.001-07:002011-07-22T14:03:04.456-07:00how strange!For some reason all of my previous posts have been pushed to a different page rather than appearing below. I wouldn't think too much about it if I hadn't been making some recent posts, and now my blog looks pretty empty.<br /><br />Odd. Anyone know why this happened?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">EDITED TO ADD:</span> Never mind! I removed a picture from the last post and it all looks fine now!Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-77898624197095973962011-07-22T13:17:00.000-07:002011-07-22T14:02:12.757-07:00to do today<ul><li>make <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/roast-sticky-chicken-rotisserie-style/Detail.aspx">Sticky Chicken</a> for tonight's dinner</li><li>work on/finish paper for Marine Biology</li><li>gather remaining paperwork for SFSU</li><li>work on field trip questions for Monterey Bay Aquarium field trip</li><li>menu plan for next week? (may wait till tomorrow night - schoolwork taking priority today)</li></ul>Maybe that's it for now.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-67756380985645866702011-07-17T15:41:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:45:48.218-07:00to do<div><img src="http://health.unl.edu/images/checklist.jpg" /></div>Hello, neglected blog.<div><br /><div>Today:</div><div><ul><li>roast the lemon-rosemary-bay brined chicken (no recipe, just based it off of <a href="http://www.smoker-cooking.com/how-to-brine-chicken.html">this</a> formula for brining and added chunked up lemons and some rosemary to the brine)</li><li>pull chicken off of the bones, set aside in 3 cup portions</li><li>do some research for my marine biology paper</li><li>clean some more off of my desk</li><li>prep veggies for the week - snap ends off of beans, trim kale & broccoli, wash lettuce, scrub carrots</li><li>pack lunch for the week (already have 2 packed, will be doing a picnic lunch on Thursday)</li><li>print out form for SFSU</li><li>clear at least 23 things out of the kitchen cabinet</li><li>throw away 23 things off of the kitchen table </li><li>finish menu planning for the rest of the week</li></ul></div></div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-15548618671354466062011-01-10T22:57:00.000-08:002011-01-11T17:32:41.115-08:00Menu Planning Monday: Jan 10 - 16<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TSwSaXAkOiI/AAAAAAAAAPo/RkeEUAmITKU/s1600/mpm2-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 145px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TSwSaXAkOiI/AAAAAAAAAPo/RkeEUAmITKU/s320/mpm2-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560839883958008354" border="0" /></a><br />Classes started again, so I'm short on time. Here's this week's menu plan:<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Monday:</span> <a href="http://www.weareneverfull.com/low-and-slow-even-more-succulent-pernil-but-only-if-you-have-the-time/">pernil</a>, sweet potatoes, broccoli<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span> <a href="http://newrecipenight.blogspot.com/2009/12/tuscan-chicken-and-white-bean-stew.html">Tuscan Chicken and White Bean Stew</a> (from the freezer, but I got the recipe from The Working Mother Cookbook), baguette (from Costco)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> BBQ pork sandwiches, macaroni & cheese, sauteed cabbage<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> Leftover Buffet<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span> cheese ravioli (from <a href="http://www.thetreasurebox.org/">Treasure Box</a>) with red sauce, Italian sausage, green beans (or something from the <a href="http://www.liveearthfarm.net/">CSA</a> box)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span> <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Rice-and-Chicken-Casserole/Detail.aspx">Chicken & Rice Casserole</a>, CSA veggies (something green)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span> tomato basil soup (from <a href="http://www.angelfoodministries.com/">Angel Food Ministries</a>) and grilled cheese sandwiches<br /><br />For more menu planning ideas, check out the Menu Planning thread at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2011/01/menu-plan-monday-jan-10th.html">I'm An Organizing Junkie!</a>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-35962364093010159852011-01-03T20:12:00.000-08:002011-01-06T17:09:18.266-08:00Menu Planning Monday: Jan 3 - 9<span style="font-style: italic;">(I thought I posted this days ago! I guess something went wrong?)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>Monday:</span> turkey rice soup (made from leftover turkey, turkey stock, chopped up veggies from the NYE veggie tray, and brown rice), cheese & crackers<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span> meatloaf (made from a mixture of ground beef and leftover ground roast turkey), roasted veggies, Romanesco cauliflower<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> crockpot corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peppercorn-chicken-with-lemon-spinach-recipe/index.html">Peppercorn Chicken with broccoli</a> (the original recipe calls for spinach, but I think broccoli will do)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span> Leftovers Buffet<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span> <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/roast-sticky-chicken-rotisserie-style/Detail.aspx">Sticky Chicken</a>, roasted veggies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span> spaghetti with red sauce & meatballs, green beansKellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-18292777790640408982010-12-29T15:32:00.000-08:002010-12-29T16:58:02.550-08:00Menu plan for Dec. 26 - Jan. 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TRvKKVMikxI/AAAAAAAAAPc/UTJ7vfdjiM0/s1600/holidaympm-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 258px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TRvKKVMikxI/AAAAAAAAAPc/UTJ7vfdjiM0/s320/holidaympm-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556256844128883474" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, dear.... it's Wednesday again, isn't it? I guess this is actually "Menu Planning Wednesday" instead, but I don't have a graphic with the right title.<br /><br />Here's what we had and will have:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span> roast turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/11/spanish_green_beans_a_yummy_thanksgiving_side_dish/">Spanish Green Beans</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span> beef barley vegetable soup (made from leftover prime rib meat, stock made from the prime rib bones, and frozen veggies), blueberry muffins<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> BBQ turkey pizza (based off of <a href="http://www.howto-simplify.com/2010/04/bbq-chicken-pizza.html">this recipe</a>), fruit (lots of fresh fruit leftover from Christmas)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> turkey enchilada pie (based off of <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/speedy-layered-chicken-enchilada-pie/275c0ecc-a643-43df-a7aa-7cf6f8997f64">this recipe</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Year's Eve:</span> our traditional NYE meal of appetizers/party food - taquitos, veggie tray & dip, pizza, chicken nuggets<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Year's Day:</span> kielbasa, fried cabbage, pierogies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span> Leftovers Buffet (or turkey chili, depending on what's left)<br /><br />For more menu planning ideas, go to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday">I'm An Organizing Junkie!</a>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-52927656121855961172010-12-22T00:00:00.001-08:002010-12-29T16:59:02.564-08:00Christmas Week MenuIt's been so busy, I've neglected sitting down and plotting out a menu. Same old story. So here's what's in line for the rest of this week:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Earlier tonight (Wednesday):</span> <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/roast-sticky-chicken-8782">Roast Sticky Chicken</a>, waffle fries, and green beans<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> hamburgers, waffle fries (we have 10 lbs of them -- seriously!), stir fried carrots and bok choy<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas Eve:</span> shrimp cocktail, spaghetti with meatballs & Italian sausages, garlic bread, salad, grape juice<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TRG_Yc4ovmI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/hgr0CymVXn0/s1600/santa05.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 81px; height: 124px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TRG_Yc4ovmI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/hgr0CymVXn0/s320/santa05.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553430242316041826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas breakfast: </span>quiche made with ham, cheddar, and broccoli, orange juice<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas dinner:</span> roast prime rib, baked potatoes, rolls, green beans, mini dessert cups (found at Costco)<br /><br />For more menu planning ideas, go to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday">I'm An Organizing Junkie!</a>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-88366312508735628852010-12-21T23:54:00.001-08:002010-12-21T23:56:01.997-08:00The Shortest Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TRGu8PDNaEI/AAAAAAAAAPI/uaLG6oVa5uA/s1600/shortest_day_sunrise_richmo_400x300.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TRGu8PDNaEI/AAAAAAAAAPI/uaLG6oVa5uA/s320/shortest_day_sunrise_richmo_400x300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553412165379909698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >And so the Shortest Day came and the year died<br />And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world<br />Came people singing, dancing,<br />To drive the dark away.<br />They lighted candles in the winter trees;<br />They hung their homes with evergreen;<br />They burned beseeching fires all night long<br />To keep the year alive.<br />And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake<br />They shouted, revelling.<br />Through all the frosty ages you can hear them<br />Echoing behind us - listen!<br />All the long echoes, sing the same delight,<br />This Shortest Day,<br />As promise wakens in the sleeping land:<br />They carol, feast, give thanks,<br />And dearly love their friends,<br />And hope for peace.<br />And now so do we, here, now,<br />This year and every year.<br /><br />~ by Susan Cooper<br /></span>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-22994541797317212952010-11-23T01:40:00.000-08:002010-12-23T01:14:30.093-08:00Thanksgiving cooking/prep<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TOuNVSSsjbI/AAAAAAAAAO8/qm1RnL0y8Z8/s1600/RoastTurkey.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 183px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TOuNVSSsjbI/AAAAAAAAAO8/qm1RnL0y8Z8/s200/RoastTurkey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542679163236552114" border="0" /></a>Here's the cooking/prep schedule:<br /><p><strong>Saturday:</strong> pick up turkey, stick in cooler with plenty of ice<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Sunday:</strong> dice celery and onion for stuffing, put in containers in fridge<br />mix up green bean casserole (minus the onion topping) in oven safe dish, put in fridge<br />cut up sugar pie pumpkin, saving the seeds<br />bake pumpkin pieces, scoop cooked pumpkin out of the shell<br />make pumpkin puree for pie, put in cheesecloth lined colander in the fridge</p><p><strong>Monday:</strong> make the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/11/delicious_creamy_mashed_potatoes/">Make-Ahead mashed potato recipe</a> found on the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Pioneer Woman</a> website<br />put drained pumpkin puree in sealed container in fridge<br />buy bread for Thursday (rolls for dinner, gingerbread bagels for breakfast)<br />clean part of the kitchen<br />realize the probe thermometer is broken & there is no way to properly cook the turkey without it</p><p><strong>Tuesday:</strong> more kitchen cleaning<br />wash & trim Brussels sprouts<br />pull apple pie filling out of the freezer and put into the fridge to thaw<br />pull pie crusts out of the freezer to thaw<br />move things from family room to the garage<br />get Munchkin to vacuum the front room<br />clean off island in kitchen (I hope?)<br />buy a new probe thermometer</p><p><strong>Wednesday:</strong> locate matching placemats and napkins, wash if needed<br />scrub out big 5 gallon beverage cooler (used only for turkey brining)<br />mix up turkey brine, bring to a boil, let cool<br />locate & wash gravy boats<br />get Munchkin to vacuum family room</p><p><strong>Wednesday night</strong>: make pies, leave on island to cool, cover with tea towel<br />cut up squash, save seeds, put squash pieces in container in fridge<br />unwrap & rinse off turkey, put giblets in container in fridge<br />put turkey brine, turkey, and ice in the brining cooler<br />mix up frittata for breakfast, put in fridge<br />prep mushroom filling ingredients for pastry shells<br />gather aromatics for turkey, place on counter near work area<br />put new stick of butter in butter dish, put jar of cranberry-apple butter next to butter dish</p><p><strong>Thursday morning:</strong> make breakfast frittata, toast bagels, turn on Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade<br />pull out side dishes to come to room temperature, preheat oven to 500F<br />put sparking juice and Spicy Cider in the fridge<br />drain brine from cooler, pat turkey dry, put on rack in roasting pan (with turkey neck in pan underneath the rack)<br />steep turkey aromatics in microwave, stuff them in the turkey, rub turkey with oil<br />roast turkey for 30 mins<br />toss pumpkin/squash seeds with oil and roast in toaster oven, salt to taste<br />eat breakfast using paper plates</p><p><strong>Thursday, after breakfast:</strong> turn oven down to 350F, then leave alone until turkey reaches 161F.<br />after turkey has roasted for an hour, rub squash with olive oil and roast in toaster oven for an hour<br />set appetizers/snacks out on table<br />dot mashed potatoes with butter, top casserole with onion topping, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil in a baking dish</p><p><strong>After the turkey is finished: </strong>set turkey on top of the stove to rest, tent with foil<br />place mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and Brussels sprouts in the oven<br />warm mushroom gravy, make turkey gravy<br />make the mushroom filling<br />heat green beans (not casserole) in microwave</p><p><strong>After side dishes are finished: </strong>turn oven up to 400F<br />Put rolls and pastry shells in oven<br />Have Munchkin pull beverages out of fridge and set table</p><p><strong>After rolls & shells are finished:</strong> Turn off oven<br />Fill pastry shells with mushroom filling, call people to table<br />put pies in still warm oven to hold while everyone eats<br />enjoy Thanksgiving dinner!</p><p>I'm sure I've left out something.</p>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-18286943037616168352010-11-23T01:32:00.000-08:002010-11-23T01:39:20.854-08:00Thanksgiving dinner menu - 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TOuLsR4slPI/AAAAAAAAAO0/4ci_Q74pxe4/s1600/wantbig.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TOuLsR4slPI/AAAAAAAAAO0/4ci_Q74pxe4/s200/wantbig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542677359241237746" border="0" /></a>Here's what we're eating:<p><em><span class=" fbUnderline">Snacks/appetizers to munch on while waiting for the main meal to finish cooking</span><span class=" fbUnderline"> </span></em></p><ul><li>marinated asparagus & roasted red peppers</li><li>crackers with assorted cheeses</li><li>hummus and pita crisps and/or carrot sticks</li><li>sweet potato chips</li><li>roasted pumpkin seeds (maybe)</li></ul><p><em><span class=" fbUnderline">Main meal</span></em></p><ul><li>turkey</li><li>mushrooms in puff pastry shells (for the non-turkey eaters)</li><li>stuffing</li><li>mashed potatoes (2 batches - one vegan, one dairy)</li><li>gravy (2 batches - one turkey, one vegan mushroom)</li><li>green bean casserole (for the ones who think Thanksgiving will be all wrong without it)</li><li>green beans (for the ones who don't like green bean casserole)</li><li>roasted Brussels sprouts</li><li>baked Sweet Dumpling squash</li><li>orange-cranberry sauce</li><li>buttermilk rolls with cranberry-apple butter (or just plain butter -- or both!)</li></ul><p><span class=" fbUnderline"><em>Desserts</em></span></p><ul><li>apple pie</li><li>dairy-free pumpkin pie</li><li>possibly a raisin pie if I have time or room for leftovers</li><li>vanilla ice cream and vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream to go with the pies</li></ul><p><em><span class=" fbUnderline">Drinks</span></em> - sparkling cranberry-cabernet juice or TJ's Spicy Cider</p><p>We've taken a few shortcuts. The vegan potatoes and gravy were purchased, but I might do them from scratch in the future (the potatoes look pretty simple... potatoes, olive oil, vegetable stock, salt & pepper). The fresh orange-cranberry sauce is also purchased; I can make this from scratch, but this one tastes exactly like it would if I made it and saves me a little time. The rolls are a higher end brown-n-serve variety. The stuffing base is a seasoned mix (but not Stove Top!) that I'll enhance with sauteed vegetables and stock. The pies will be a bit of a contradiction -- while I know how to make pie crust, I'm using purchased frozen pie crusts this time. On the other hand, all of the pie filling is made from scratch (including from fresh pumpkin).</p>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-69610061192441870052010-11-21T00:39:00.000-08:002010-11-21T00:47:45.637-08:00Tawny Pumpkin Pie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TOjcpiyDyWI/AAAAAAAAAOk/cG1hg4doDhA/s1600/pumpkin.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/TOjcpiyDyWI/AAAAAAAAAOk/cG1hg4doDhA/s200/pumpkin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541921947748911458" border="0" /></a><br />This is the pumpkin pie I've made for Thanksgiving for decades. It's from one of the Farm Journal cookbooks.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tawny Pumpkin Pie</span></span><br /><ul><li>1-1/4 c. cooked mashed or canned pumpkin<br /></li><li>3/4 c. sugar.</li><li>1/2 tsp. salt.</li><li>1 tsp. ground cinnamon.</li><li>1/4 tsp. ground ginger.</li><li>1 tsp flour.</li><li>2 eggs, slightly beaten.</li><li>1 c. evaporated milk.</li><li>2 tblsp. water.</li><li>1/2 tsp. vanilla.</li><li>1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell</li></ul> <ol><li>Combine pumpkin, sugar, salt, spices and flour in a mixing bowl.</li><li>Add eggs.</li><li>Mix well.</li><li>Add evaporated milk, water and vanilla.</li><li>Mix well.</li><li>Pour into pie shell.</li><li>Bake in 400 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.</li><li>Cool on rack.</li></ol> <p>Makes 6 to 8 servings.</p>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-11911849531006191112010-10-27T12:32:00.001-07:002010-10-27T13:49:04.525-07:00long time, no blog... and needing some menu suggestionsHello, little blog. I've thought of you often, yet I've had a hard time stopping by to talk with you. Life always seems to get in the way. I know, I know... you've noticed that I've been hanging out a lot with the <a href="http://twitter.com/spiderdust">little blue bird</a>, but he doesn't require much of my time. Mere seconds, really. But I do need you, dear blog. Life seems to run so much better when I remember to visit you more often and discuss my weekly plans.<br /><br />That being said...<br /><br />I need some help figuring out menus for the next month. I feel as if I've fallen into a rut and I'm using a lot of the same things over and over again. I have several things that I need to use up, especially since we're trying to empty out one of our freezers so we can unplug it.<br /><br />Here's what I have to work with:<br /><br />4 lbs. chicken leg quarters<br />3 lbs. whole split chicken<br />1.5 lbs. boneless pork roast<br />1.5 lbs. beef tips in gravy (I'm worried that it's more gravy than beef... might have to stretch it by adding veggies & using it in a stew)<br />1.5 lbs. boneless turkey breast<br />1.75 lbs. fully-cooked breaded party chicken wings<br />1 lb. beef hot dogs<br />20 oz. steak fajitas (I think this is a mixture of beef strips, pepper strips, and sliced onions... so it won't go terribly far among 5 people. What can I do with this other than making fajitas?)<br />1 lb. battered fish pieces<br />1 lb. ground beef<br />several lbs. of breakfast sausage links<br />several lbs. of smoked sausages<br />1 lb. frozen green pepper and onion mixture<br />3 lb. frozen green beans<br />1 lb. frozen peas & carrots<br />several lbs. frozen corn<br />20 oz. frozen shoestring fries<br />1.5 lbs. frozen rice with red & green peppers<br />4.5 lbs. frozen potato medley (diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion... definitely a soup/stew mixture)<br />1 lb. dried 16-bean soup mix<br />several lbs. of pinto beans<br />several lbs. of black beans<br />several lbs. of rice<br />corn muffin mix (as well as other flavors of muffin mix)<br />several boxes of mac & cheese<br />3 lbs. sweet potatoes<br />2 heads of cabbage (1 red, 1 green)<br />lots of fresh apples<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->lots of potatoes (both red and smallish white or Yukon)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">lots</span> of carrots<br />lots of onions<br />lots of beets<span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class=" on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Italic" title="Italic" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 4);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span>This is by no means an exhaustive list of what we have in our freezer/fridge/pantry.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span>There's also the usual pantry staples like cans of soup, tuna, powdered milk, pasta, etc.<br /><br />Any tips? I welcome any and all suggestions (although the simpler the better).<br /></span></span><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class=" on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Italic" title="Italic" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 4);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-84806729854908643252010-03-14T12:32:00.000-07:002010-03-15T11:23:57.553-07:00The Growing Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/?page_id=41"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/S51Cxh5nUtI/AAAAAAAAAMg/QU_tjZvgpcQ/s320/growing_challenge_200x200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448584542869213906" border="0" /></a><br />I signed up for the <a href="http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/?page_id=41">Growing Challenge</a> at <a href="http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/">One Green Generation</a>'s blog. The main rules for the challenge are (copied from the website):<br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <h6 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:small;">#1</span><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 23px;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;" ><strong>: G</strong><span class="style_5"><strong>row one additional type of fruit or vegetable than you did last year, and <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">grow it from seed</span></strong>. </span></span></h6><h6 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:small;">#2</span><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 23px;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;" ><span class="style_2"><strong>: If rule #1 is not enough of a challenge for you, </strong><strong><span class="style_5">you may make your own rules</span></strong>.</span></span></h6><h6 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:small;">#3</span><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 23px;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;" ><span class="style_2"><span class="style_5"><strong>: P</strong><strong>ost about gardening o</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 23px;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;" ><span class="style_2"><span class="style_5"><strong>nce each week</strong>.</span> This could be a post about researching different plants, ordering seeds, buying pots, digging beds, planting the seeds, pruning, adding compost, all the way to preparing</span></span></h6><h6 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 23px;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;" ><span class="style_2"> a meal that includes the food you grew. <strong></strong></span></span></h6><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><h6 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:small;">#4</span><span style="font-size:small;"><span class="style_5"><strong>: Check In. E</strong><strong>very week [she] will write a check-in post at <a title="1 Green Generation" href="http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/" target="_self">1 Green Generation</a>. </strong><strong>Please come comment and let everyone know what you’re up to – </strong>t</span>his is a really great way to learn from one another!!</span></span></h6><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><h6 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:small;">#5</span><span style="font-size:small;"><strong><span class="style_5">: When signing up, make sure to include your zone and where you’re located.</span></strong><span class="style_6"> </span><span class="style_7"> </span></span><span style="font-size:small;"><em>(Fi</em></span><em><span style="font-size:small;">nd your zone: <a title="Arborday.org: Hardiness Zone Lookup, based on new 2006 map" href="http://www.arborday.org/treeinfo/zonelookup.cfm">U.S.</a>, <a title="Australian National Botanic Gardens: Plant Hardiness Zones for Australia" href="http://www.anbg.gov.au/hort.research/zones.html" target="_blank">Australia</a>, <a title="The Atlas of Canada: Plant Hardiness Zones" href="http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/environment/forest/forestcanada/planthardi" target="_blank">Canada</a>, <a title="Backyardgardener.com: Europe Hardiness Zones" href="http://www.backyardgardener.com/zone/europe1zone.html" target="_blank">Europe</a>, <a title="Backyardgardener.com: South America Hardiness Zones" href="http://www.backyardgardener.com/zone/sazone.html" target="_blank">South America</a>, <a title="Backyardgardener.com: China Hardiness Zones" href="http://www.backyardgardener.com/zone/china.html" target="_blank">China</a>.</span></em><span style="font-size:small;">)</span></span></h6><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><h6 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:small;">#6</span><span style="font-size:small;"><strong><span class="style_5">: Let [her] know in the comments [below the <a href="http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/?page_id=41">original post</a>] if you’re joining in the fun!</span></strong></span></span></h6><h6 style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 23px;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;" ><span class="style_5"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/S51DTLKVD7I/AAAAAAAAAMo/ze3zY68Fjg8/s1600-h/urbanfarmers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/S51DTLKVD7I/AAAAAAAAAMo/ze3zY68Fjg8/s320/urbanfarmers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448585120880857010" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></h6> Last weekend we started this year's garden. We've tried container gardening before and had very minimal and disappointing crops, but everything I had read lately seemed to indicate that starting from seed (rather than with pre-sprouted plants) might be more successful.<br /><br />We built our 4'x4' raised bed for our garden and then mixed in soil and compost (the girls had a lot of fun with that part). Then we sectioned off square foot sections of the bed and planted seeds in each section according to information we had found on square foot gardening.<br /><h6 style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/S51BJetNjyI/AAAAAAAAAMY/pvULy0BSeFo/s1600-h/plantedgarden.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/S51BJetNjyI/AAAAAAAAAMY/pvULy0BSeFo/s320/plantedgarden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448582755305492258" border="0" /></a></h6> I'll be thrilled if even 50% of this grows... that'll be more than we've ever gotten from a garden! I'm still surprised at how many plants we might have in such a small space. In all, we planted 8 tri-color beans, 18 Easter Egg radishes, 12 butter lettuces, 36 beet medleys (red, gold, and Candy Stripe), 20 rainbow chards, and 16 red onions. The only vegetables out of the bunch that we've grown before are lettuce, and never that variety.<br /><br />Crossing our fingers!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><a title="The Growing Challenge" rel="lightbox[pics16]" href="http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/growing_challenge_150x150.jpg"> </a></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-75923538628738224132009-12-21T17:01:00.000-08:002009-12-21T19:23:03.982-08:00Christmas Week - Menu Plan Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SzArL_wb19I/AAAAAAAAAL4/3xVsa50xZ0Q/s1600-h/2123529-Evergreen-in-Snow-0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SzArL_wb19I/AAAAAAAAAL4/3xVsa50xZ0Q/s200/2123529-Evergreen-in-Snow-0.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417877836819847122" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, the week we've waited for all year! It seems like each year the month of December gets shorter and shorter, and we end up not having enough time to do it all. I keep reminding myself to slow down, to not worry about doing everything, and to just focus on the important stuff. The presents will be shipped out late, we won't get to all of the holiday activities in town, but that's ok... we'll enjoy time together as a family and have a couple of really nice days with each other.<br /><br />And to ensure that the next few days are a little less hectic, here's the menu plan for this week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SzAeQGtsKAI/AAAAAAAAALw/opSJ0WE9Nxs/s1600-h/holidaympm-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 258px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SzAeQGtsKAI/AAAAAAAAALw/opSJ0WE9Nxs/s320/holidaympm-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417863613755697154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfasts<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span>scrambled eggs w/ bacon or sausage (we're using up the powdered eggs in my pantry), assorted toasts (might be frozen waffles, bagels, etc.)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas morning:</span></span> Breakfast Bread Pudding (from Dream Dinners), sausage, orange juice<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinners</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Winter Solstice: </span></span>turkey medallions w/ cranberry sauce, apple-sausage stuffing, green beans<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span></span> chicken with roasted root veggies (beets, rutabagas, turnips, carrots) and leeks<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span></span> Leftovers Buffet<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas Eve:</span></span> shrimp & crab cocktail*, spaghetti and meatballs, sourdough bread (shaped like a Christmas tree!), salad, grape juice<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas:</span></span> prime rib roast (Dream Dinners), roasted potatoes with rosemary, green beans, chocolate cheesecake<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Boxing Day:</span></span> homemade chicken vegetable soup, sourdough bread, applesauce<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span></span> Leftovers Buffet or chicken fried rice and orange segments<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">* - Growing up, we always had fish, bread, and grape juice on Christmas Eve. I tried carrying on this tradition as an adult and we had a similar meal for several years. A couple of years ago I realized that most of the family disliked fish and actually dreaded the meal. We decided to instead have spaghetti each Christmas Eve and we've all been happy with the new tradition. All the same, I try to have some kind of seafood on Christmas Eve in homage to my childhood traditions. ;)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />j</span></span></span><span>For more menu planning ideas, go to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com">I'm an Organizing Junkie!</a><br /></span>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-73857140043110181602009-08-09T21:27:00.000-07:002009-08-09T22:38:11.552-07:00this week's menu plan (posted on Sunday, but called Menu Plan Monday)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sn-iGTuwQEI/AAAAAAAAALU/K4eB1TeOWNM/s1600-h/mpm2-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 145px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sn-iGTuwQEI/AAAAAAAAALU/K4eB1TeOWNM/s320/mpm2-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368187510108209218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span> beef stir-fry -- sliced beef, Napa cabbage, peppers, carrots (and possibly some mushrooms that have been hiding in the pantry) -- and rice, egg rolls (from the freezer)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><u>Prep tonight:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></u> soak beans for tomorrow's dinner; pull Monte Cristo Chicken from freezer, put tray in fridge to thaw</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span> crockpot chili -- ground beef and ground pork (really need to use up the pork), beans, canned tomatoes, peppers and onions (from CSA basket), spices, other veggies -- and leftover rice from yesterday<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><u>Prep tonight:</u></span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Pull corned beef out of freezer, put in fridge to thaw</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> Monte Cristo Chicken (<span style="font-style: italic;">Dream Dinners</span> entree... we haven't made any new entrees there in a while; still using up the freezer stash!), green beans<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> <u><span style="font-style: italic;">MUNCHKIN COOKS</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">DINNER</span></u><span style="font-style: italic;"></span> -- meatballs (from freezer) and spaghetti, homemade garlic bread, peas (she picked out this menu by herself)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span> pot roasted (in the crockpot) corned beef with root veggies (carrots, potatoes, beets), onion, and green beans<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span> leftovers or quick homemade soup<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span> <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Easy-Inexpensive-Lentil-Tacos-304604">lentil & rice tacos</a> (with shredded lettuce or cabbage, salsa, avocado, etc. -- this feels like it needs a side dish, but I'm stumped. If we load the tacos up with veggies, do we *need* a side dish?<br /><br />Wednesday and Friday are busy days, so I hope I've planned accordingly. I've posted the little reminders so I remember to pull stuff out of the freezer in time!<br /><br /><u><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfasts:</span></u> toast/eggs, <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Amish-Baked-Oatmeal-117211">baked oatmeal</a>, yogurt & fruit parfaits*, cold cereal <span style="font-style: italic;">(with almond milk)</span>/scrambled eggs<br /><br />* - <span style="font-style: italic;">(tricky since we seem to be becoming lactose intolerant, but we need to use up the yogurt & are crossing our fingers with the hope that we'll be ok with yogurt -- we aren't ok anymore with glasses of milk or heavy cheese dishes)</span><br /><br /><u><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunches:</span></u> English muffin pizzas, soup & peanut (or almond) butter sandwiches, sliced chicken sandwiches, hummus vegetable wraps, green smoothies & hummus with tortilla chips<br /><br />For more menu planning ideas, see <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/">I'm an Organizing Junkie!</a>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-5346447344020215682009-08-02T22:22:00.000-07:002009-08-02T23:26:15.376-07:00Menu Planning Monday (need better titles for these posts)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SnaC4bqOP4I/AAAAAAAAALM/qsYVMqYaBfc/s1600-h/mpm8-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 140px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SnaC4bqOP4I/AAAAAAAAALM/qsYVMqYaBfc/s320/mpm8-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365619912067661698" border="0" /></a><br />In a hurry tonight (baby needs my attention soon), so here's this week's menu plan without the usual chatter that I like to include. We're out of the house a lot this week, so some of the meals are ones that can be quickly prepared or don't require a lot of attention.<br /><br /><u><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dinners</span></u><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span> oven fried chicken, green beans, spoonbread<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span> teriyaki meatballs with stir-fried veggies and rice<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> stuffed pork chops, mixed veggies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> no one at home -- some of us will be at a wedding and having dinner at the reception, the rest will be eating elsewhere<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span> Hawaiian chicken with jasmine rice <span style="font-style: italic;">(Dream Dinners entree)</span>, broccoli<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span> leftovers<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span> Breakfast for Dinner - scrambled eggs, sausage, English muffins, fresh berries... or maybe we'll get industrious and make red flannel hash with eggs (we've got beets that we don't know what to do with this week!) and serve them with the English muffins and some applesauce<br /><br /><u><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfasts</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">(the ones during the morning)</span></u><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> eggs & English muffins, eggs & waffles, eggs & cold cereal (there was a really good sale on eggs this week), yogurt and berries<br /><br /><u><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunches</span></u><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> peanut or almond butter & jelly sandwiches, cioppino <span style="font-style: italic;">(Dream Dinners)</span>, leftovers, frozen "TV dinners" from the back of the freezer (not sure how long they've been there & they need to be eaten!)<br /><br />For more menu planning ideas, join in this week's fun over at <a href="http://thehappyhousewife.com/menu-plan-monday-turn-off-the-oven-edition/">The Happy Housewife</a>!Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-25719271541105515422009-07-26T20:52:00.000-07:002009-07-26T23:17:18.432-07:00camping out with Menu Plan Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sm0lbW1uTfI/AAAAAAAAAKs/z7Ibcn1iBPA/s1600-h/mpm8-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 140px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sm0lbW1uTfI/AAAAAAAAAKs/z7Ibcn1iBPA/s320/mpm8-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362983883185737202" border="0" /></a>We're going camping in Yosemite tomorrow! This means I had to plan the menu for this week a little more carefully, taking into account the meals that have to be eaten at the campsite (dinner on Monday, all of Tuesday's meals, and breakfast on Wednesday) and cooking after we get home. We're having some of the leftover ham from last Saturday's dinner for a few meals and making use of some of our dehydrated foods. Since I know we're likely to be tired when we get home, we're relying on one of our freezer meals for an easy dinner after traveling back.<br /><br />I'm also planning on making a big green smoothie to drink before heading out and another when we get back since we're not going to have a lot in the way of fresh produce while camping. I'll also be taking a few packets of <a href="http://www.greenstogo.com/">Greens To Go</a> along with us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sm1GSSAbthI/AAAAAAAAALE/g7G1enB4BC4/s1600-h/why-we-go-to-yosemite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sm1GSSAbthI/AAAAAAAAALE/g7G1enB4BC4/s320/why-we-go-to-yosemite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363020011153372690" border="0" /></a><br /><u><span style="font-weight: bold;">Camping Day Meals</span></u><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span></span> [B] eggs, toast, fruit [L] peanut butter or almond butter & jelly sandwiches, canned peaches, pickles [D] BBQ pork sandwiches, green beans<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span></span> [B] scrambled eggs, ham, grits [L] cheese, crackers, ham, apple slices [D] baked beans, hot dogs, blueberry applesauce, green beans<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span></span> [B] bacon fried rice, [L] burgers at Sonic on the way home, [D] chicken enchiladas <span style="font-style: italic;">(Dream Dinners entree)</span>, summer squash<br /><br /><u><span style="font-weight: bold;">The remaining dinners</span></u><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span></span> chicken vegetable soup with butternut squash ravioli <span style="font-style: italic;">(added instead of noodles)</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span></span> sloppy joes, CSA veggies (no idea what's coming yet)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span></span> Cornflake Crusted Chicken <span style="font-style: italic;">(Dream Dinners entree)</span>, buttered potatoes, CSA veggies<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span></span> all the fabulous leftovers!<br /><br />For more menu planning ideas, go to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/">I'm an Organizing Junkie!</a>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-66692518232618724022009-07-20T20:26:00.000-07:002009-07-20T22:04:44.413-07:00another Menu Planning Monday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SmU2Slrm-wI/AAAAAAAAAKM/ghC7FPg1q1c/s1600-h/mpm2-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 145px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SmU2Slrm-wI/AAAAAAAAAKM/ghC7FPg1q1c/s320/mpm2-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360750624435010306" border="0" /></a><br />Here's what we're having this week...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span> ham & beans, sliced beets, corn<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span> hot dogs, sodas, cotton candy <span style="font-style: italic;">(we're going to the beach boardwalk for their 75 cent night)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> Honey Garlic Orange Chicken <span style="font-style: italic;">(Dream Dinners entree)</span>, rice, carrots<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> teriyaki pork tenderloin, rice, stir fried veggies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span> spaghetti & Italian sausages, garlic bread, <a href="http://www.parents.com/preschoolers/eating-nutrition/nutrition/mollie-katzen-teaches-kids-how-to-cook/?page=5">Zucchini Moons</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SmVL-JM_nuI/AAAAAAAAAKc/MlN0NvGkOUo/s1600-h/tree4.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 55px; height: 71px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SmVL-JM_nuI/AAAAAAAAAKc/MlN0NvGkOUo/s200/tree4.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360774462448836322" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Christmas</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">in</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">July!</span> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">- ham, green bean casserole, glazed carrots, sparkling apple cider, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, Christmas cookies</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span> all the awesome leftovers<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfasts:<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span>eggs & toast, eggs & cereal, smoothies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunches:</span> leftovers, bean & rice burritos, egg salad & crackers with fruit, PB&J, canned soup<br /><br />For more meal planning ideas, check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com">I'm an Organizing Junkie!</a>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-63104846224207181022009-06-22T23:38:00.000-07:002009-06-23T00:21:14.904-07:00green smoothies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SkCCY6DijiI/AAAAAAAAAJs/a9G0Bb28dgM/s1600-h/green_smoothie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 187px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SkCCY6DijiI/AAAAAAAAAJs/a9G0Bb28dgM/s200/green_smoothie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350419721728724514" border="0" /></a><br />Everyone's talking about green smoothies lately, and I have to admit I've hopped on the bandwagon. Not only do they help me to use up the produce in the fridge before I have to toss it in the compost, but I actually <span style="font-style: italic;">feel</span> better on the days that I drink them.<br /><br />Yeah, I know. It sounds like propaganda, right? It's just vegetables, fruit, and sometimes water!<br /><br />Maybe it's the chlorophyll content in the vegetables. After all, a mango-banana smoothie doesn't make me feel the same way... adding some spinach or kale to that combination makes a big difference. Maybe it's the vitamin content, or maybe there's more oxygen in the leafy greens? Maybe it's all in my head?<br /><br />Either way, it's been getting me to eat more vegetables and that's always a good thing.<br /><br />Here's a few of my favorite green smoothie combinations:<br /><ul><li>kale, apples (1 or 2, depending on how sweet they are), and a big handful of mint *** #1 FAVORITE ***<br /></li><li>pineapple, collards, and banana</li><li>green grapes and celery</li><li>cucumber, tomato, avocado, and celery (savory smoothies are still good! Think gazpacho)</li><li>pomegranate-blueberry juice, pineapple, spinach, banana, and blueberries</li><li>parsley, pineapple, apple</li></ul>Sometimes I add ice, but usually just 1/2 a cup of water in the bottom of the blender (unless I use juice in the smoothie) is enough.Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-40630142990599827992009-06-21T21:22:00.000-07:002009-06-22T01:06:45.649-07:00Weekend at the farm + Menu Plan Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj8tMuchSxI/AAAAAAAAAIs/4BQ3dxdEgcY/s1600-h/indigofarmstraw2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj8tMuchSxI/AAAAAAAAAIs/4BQ3dxdEgcY/s200/indigofarmstraw2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350044578988772114" border="0" /></a>We had a nice, relaxed couple of days this weekend. Saturday we went to our <a href="http://www.liveearthfarm.net/">CSA</a>'s community day at the farm. This was Chickadee's first visit to the farm, although Munchkin has visited there several times. We got to see their new baby goats, pick <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj8uEyKnsyI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Mwb7VpZHlbA/s1600-h/munchkinwithbroom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj8uEyKnsyI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Mwb7VpZHlbA/s200/munchkinwithbroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350045542060110626" border="0" /></a>blackberries, meet the farm dogs, and the kids climbed all over the straw bale forts. Chickadee had a great time pulling handful after handful of straw out of the bales!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj8xwskjagI/AAAAAAAAAJE/N1DlSSeuxO4/s1600-h/goatseatingappletree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj8xwskjagI/AAAAAAAAAJE/N1DlSSeuxO4/s200/goatseatingappletree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350049595007396354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Father's Day breakfast was the traditional cinnamon rolls and orange juice, and the girls presented Daddy with a bound picture book titled "Daddy's Adventure Book" (inspired by the scrapbook from the movie <span style="font-style: italic;">Up!</span>). The book showed pictures of him with the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj80b-5btEI/AAAAAAAAAJM/0PzTW5LWuy0/s1600-h/indigodaddyfarm1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj80b-5btEI/AAAAAAAAAJM/0PzTW5LWuy0/s200/indigodaddyfarm1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350052537684440130" border="0" /></a>girls (mostly Munchkin since Chickadee is less than a year old, and has had fewer years to accumulate pictures) from 2001 to the present. He cried and said it was the best present ever. :)<br /><br />The rest of the day was spent dismantling Munchkin's bed and rearranging her room in preparation for her new bed arriving tomorrow morning. She has slept in one of those lofted beds with a ladder and a slide for the last 6 years, but she's a bit too big for it now. While she's going to miss her old bed, she's pretty excited about the new one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj82rbpQsEI/AAAAAAAAAJc/YnBA5m2sp1c/s1600-h/mpm2-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 145px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Sj82rbpQsEI/AAAAAAAAAJc/YnBA5m2sp1c/s320/mpm2-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350055002122530882" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfasts:</span><br />eggs & cold cereal/toast/waffles, sausage or bacon, radish hash browns<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunches:</span> leftovers, green smoothies, tuna salad and crackers, <a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/monterrey-chicken-quesadillas/">Monterey Chicken</a> quesadillas, cioppino (maybe... we have some in the freezer and only two of us like it, so it's a better lunch option than one for dinner)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Monday:</span> pulled smoked pork w/ BBQ sauce, collards, cornbread<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span> linguine with chicken & Alfredo sauce, salad or broccoli<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> veggie chili (from freezer), salad or broccoli<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> <a href="http://www.raleys.com/www/apps/recipes/recipe.jsp?recipeid=935243">Teriyaki Tomato Rice & Beef</a>, zucchini<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span> Leftover Buffet or grilled sausages, peppers and onions<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span> Blackberry Balsamic Chicken (Dream Dinners entree from freezer), salad, cornbread<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span> soup (canned or a simple homemade veggie soup) & grilled cheese sandwiches<br /><br />For more meal planning ideas, go to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/">I'm an Organizing Junkie!</a>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-14672918350987282952009-06-08T20:17:00.000-07:002009-06-08T21:08:13.194-07:00This week's menu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Si3VLalfwOI/AAAAAAAAAIU/pTF8kQncCWo/s1600-h/greenmpm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 139px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/Si3VLalfwOI/AAAAAAAAAIU/pTF8kQncCWo/s320/greenmpm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345162724850516194" border="0" /></a><br />Kind of an odd week -- trying to use up things in the freezer, so we have to make sure we schedule enough time for thawing. We're seeing <span style="font-style: italic;">Up!</span> one night this week (thanks to <a href="http://www.cameracinemas.com/diaper.shtml">Diaper Days</a> at Camera Cinemas) and I have a meeting on Friday, so we also have to schedule around those events.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span> Italian sausages and hotdogs, sauteed mushrooms with peppers and onions, carrots<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span> pizza (from the pizza place next to the movie theatre)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> Orangey Asian Chicken (from freezer - never got around to this last week), rice, stir fried asparagus with onions and mushrooms<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> stuffed shells (from freezer), summer squash, garlic bread (if there's any left in the freezer)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span> leftovers? (or dinner out, depending on length of meeting)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span> Monte Cristo Chicken (from freezer - Dream Dinners), veggies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span> Breakfast for Dinner (using waffles and sausage from freezer)<br /><br />For more menu planning ideas, go to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com">I'm an Organizing Junkie!</a>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7504919.post-45951887454012008152009-06-01T14:06:00.001-07:002009-06-01T16:25:13.967-07:00Finally - Menu Plan Monday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SiRDBGWOdvI/AAAAAAAAAIM/CPRhscY1KG0/s1600-h/bbqmpmbutton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 141px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ftcDd_cIKa4/SiRDBGWOdvI/AAAAAAAAAIM/CPRhscY1KG0/s320/bbqmpmbutton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342468744131016434" border="0" /></a><br />It's been a while (again) since I posted a menu... for the past few weeks we've kind of followed one that was hurriedly jotted down on paper, but I'd rather get back into the habit of posting these again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span> <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Sunday-Lunch-Corned-Beef-Casserole-224692">Corned Beef Casserole</a> (minus the cheese and potato chips), summer squash<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span> ham & beans (from freezer), sauteed greens, cornbread<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> turkey soup with rice & vegetables (made with meat and stock from $0.49/lb. organic turkey backs that I bought on Christmas Eve and cooked over the weekend), fruit<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> steak (cut from $1.49/lb. beef tenderloin purchased 2 months ago, sauteed fava beans & carrots (a variation on <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-10804-Oakland-Fresh-Foods-Examiner%7Ey2009m5d22-Garden-to-table-Fava-beans">this</a> recipe), Israeli couscous<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span> Orangey Asian Chicken (frozen <span style="font-style: italic;">Dream Dinners</span> meal - and yes, it's really spelled that way!), rice, stir-fried mei qing choi (similar to bok choy) & whatever other vegetables we need to use up<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span> The elder child keeps asking for pizza, and I may just give in. We have a couple in the freezer that I could pull out.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday:</span> canned soup & grilled cheese sandwiches or Leftovers Buffet<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfasts:</span> frozen waffles (because they're taking up a lot of room in the freezer), eggs & toast, corned beef hash (made with radishes instead of potatoes)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunches:</span> tuna salad or PB&J sandwiches, frozen veggie "chicken" nuggets with ketchup, leftovers from dinner; apples or chips or pretzels on the side<br /><br />For more menu planning ideas, visit <a href="http://orgjunkie.com">I'm an Organizing Junkie!</a>Kellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05938673081731672113noreply@blogger.com0