Foodie Pen Pal - Month 2

It is month two of participating in the Foodie Pen Pals program and this month comes with exotic fruit! This month I was matched with Melissa in Florida who is a yoga instructor and Holistic Health Coach. She doesn't have a blog - YET! She seems to have a lot of good info to share that I think the blog world would really enjoy...come on Melissa! We've already had a few emails about how I can get back into a regular yoga routine which I hope to do very soon. I'm always surprised at how much better I feel once I'm back at it. Anyway, back to the FOOD!

Here are the goodies:
Fresh lychees! I've never had these before. They look a little odd, but that is something I love - odd looking fruits, veggies, and flowers!
Mango - fresh from the tree. So much better than the half ripe ones we get in the grocery stores in Alaska.
TJ's Balsamic Glaze
TJ's Harvest Grains Blend
Sorghum Syrup
Homemade superfoods mix

They don't have Trader Joe's where Melissa lives in FL and I don't have them here, but I love, love, love TJ's and always try to stop at one when I travel. Melissa took time out while she was traveling to New York to stop and TJ's and pick me up some goodies. How sweet! She noted from looking at my blog that I love balsamic and picked me up a balsamic glaze, and a grain mix. Both are on my must-try very soon list.

The lychees were very good. Surprisingly refreshing and tropical. And you just can't go wrong with fresh mango. I love them so much!

The Harvest Grains Blend has Israeli couscous, orzo, baby garbanzo beans, and red quinoa! Sounds like a great combo! I can't wait to try it.

The superfoods mix is delicious. I broke into that before I even had the box unloaded.

Looking forward to trying the sorghum syrup. I've never tried it before. Melissa says it is and old fashioned sweetener that is high in antioxidants. Would I use it in place of sugar or more like molasses?

Without going into graphic details I will say I've been sick since just after the box came and I have not yet been able to try the grains mix, glaze, or syrup. They have just been sitting on the counter mocking me day after day. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll break into them.

Thank you Melissa for a wonderful box of goodies and several good email chats.

If you'd like to see what I sent to Ryan at Spicy Richmond you can head over to her blog.

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If you want to join the fun of Foodie Pen Pals hosted by Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean here is the info:

Here’s a detailed explanation of the program:

-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.

-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!

-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!

-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)

-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.

- Foodie Penpals is open to US, Canadian residents & UK residents.

Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. So, I’m going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada! 

***If you’re in the UK, please contact Carol Anne from This Is Rock Salt at rocksalt@thisisrocksalt.com to get involved!

Menu Plan Monday #50 - June 4

Summer in Alaska - time for parties, weddings, potlucks, visitors from outside (a.k.a. the Lower 48), and lots of running around. Makes for an interesting menu plan. This week's menu plan actually came together pretty quickly. Some days it just works.

Monday: Friends over for dinner. Fettuccini Marsala with Chicken & Mushrooms from WW Tastier than Takeout cookbook, 7 PPV per serving. Also, salad and stuffed zucchini. *since I'm writing this on Tuesday I'll say that fettuccini was really good and may go in the regular rotation.

Tuesday: Taco Soup (pulled from the freezer)

Wednesday: Meatloaf Muffins. I've exhausted my supply in the freezer and need to replenish.

Thursday: Salmon Thursday! And having an "outside" visitor over for dinner. Might as well show off our spectacular Wild Alaskan Salmon! Also on the menu for that night, roasted asparagus, and couscous.

Friday: Dinner in Anchorage with that same "outside" visitor.

Saturday: Freezer, or leftovers from earlier in the week.

Sunday: Birthday dinner for my niece. Not sure what the plan is for that but I think I'm making carrot cake.

Check out all the other great menu plans over at Menu Plan Monday.

Menu Plan Monday #49 - May 14

Looks like I've missed a couple of weeks of menu plans. Not like we didn't eat anyway! But there were definitely a couple of evenings I was so busy and couldn't figure out what to make. This week will be better.

I don't know if I've said it before, but our menu plans are primarily for the main course. We always have a veggie or two with our dinner and usually a salad too. The only time I really write out the plan for the whole meal is if we're having a family gathering or holiday meal at our place.

Monday: HG Island Insanity Burger - Meatless Monday dinner and seems to be what comes to mind when I think of Mondays now. Quick and easy - always a plus for Monday!

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Carnitas - something like this recipe

Wednesday: Cauliflower Crust Pizza and grilled veggies (I didn't get to this pizza the last time it was on the menu)

Thursday: Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes - I have some in the freezer and since we'll be in Anchorage during the day taking a cooking class (French Dinner Party! I'm so excited!) I thought something quick from the freezer would be helpful.

Friday: Almost always a dinner out!

Saturday: Halibut Teriyaki (from WW Tastier than Takeout cookbook p. 144)

Sunday: Pork & Mushroom Mu Shu Rolls (also from WW TTT cookbook p. 156)

 Check out all the other great menu plans at OrgJunkie.com.

Menu Plan Monday #48 - April 23

Monday: Hungry Girl Island Insanity Burger - like I've said before a perfect Meatless Monday dinner and quick to put together when we get back from yoga.

Tuesday: Grilled flat iron steak - not sure of marinade yet. Served with Black Bean Salad. Recipe & review to follow hopefully this week!

Wednesday: Chicken Pad Thai  - from WW Comfort Classics cookbook. 8 PointsPlus in 1 1/4 cups - didn't get to this a couple weeks ago when it was planned and I have been craving Pad Thai ever since!

Thursday: Salmon Thursday

Friday: out

Saturday: Cauliflower Crust Hawaiian Pizza - pizza crust made from cauliflower. Recipe recommended by a friend. Will post my review later on.

Sunday: Freezer, leftovers, or family get together at my mom's house.


To Try:

earthquake cake - Looks delicious I think I can lighten to make more WW friendly.

Hungry Girl Crazy Crumbly Super Yummy Coffee Cakes - sounds interesting and I already have everything to make them.

Split Mung Beans from tinyskillet.com - I've been meaning to try this for a while now. Hope to fit it in somewhere along the way this week. Maybe for a lunch.


Find tons of other menu plans at Menu Plan Monday at Orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday #47 - April 9

This week I'm not really planning. Hubby will be traveling part of the time and I just don't know what I'd like to eat. Was thinking of doing mostly veg while he's gone to help jump-start / get back on the right weight-loss path. We'll see. I'm just gonna fly by the seat of my pants I guess.

Monday: Meatless Monday - after yoga - maybe another of those HG teriyaki burgers. They come together pretty quickly when we get home after 8pm. Never mind that we are well into "summer time-like" sunshine & daylight hours. It's so deceptive and makes it hard to get dinner at a normal hour and forget wanting to go to bed when it's so light out!

Tuesday: Salmon Tuesday!

Wednesday: TBD

Thursday: Out with Girlfriends

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday: dinner at my mom's I think. Delayed Easter dinner since she was out of town.



Additional recipes I'd like to try:

Detox Salad - I've never had the version from Whole Foods, but this sounds delicious! This was amazing! Look for a blog post to come soon! This is going to be a regular in my recipe box for sure!!

Carrot and Zucchini bars these sound so good! Carrot Cake - YUM! Zucchini Bread - Yum! Combine them?! It HAS to be good!! I may try to replace the oil with applesauce or something to lower the points.

Focaccia Rolls from Budget Bytes

Shaved Asparagus & White Bean Salad

agedashi tofu 

Linking up with Menu Plan Monday yet again! Hundreds of great menu plans to peruse when you're not glued to Pinterest!

Menu Plan Monday #46 - April 2

And the detours continued last week. Early in the week (but after the menu planning was done) we decided to go to Anchorage for the weekend. When your office is in your home sometimes you have to physically leave the residence to get a true break away from the work, to-do lists, and client emails. A couple of the dinners I had planned were moved around and a couple were skipped all together because we weren't home. I'm thinking I'll try to get to them this week since they still sound good and I think I've got everything on-hand already.

Monday: Roasted Vegetables (radish, celery root, carrots, mushrooms, whatever else I may find in the crisper & a potato for the hubby) with Hungry Girl Island Insanity Burger - this is a quick easy dinner for Meatless Monday, especially when I'm planning the weekly menu after 4:00pm on Monday!

Tuesday: Chicken Enchiladas - something like this recipe

Wednesday: Veggie Fried Rice

Thursday:  Salmon Thursday!!

Friday: Regular Friday dinner out

Saturday: Chicken Pad Thai  - from WW Comfort Classics cookbook. 8 PointsPlus in 1 1/4 cups

Sunday: No idea. Maybe we'll grill!


Some additional recipes I'd like to try this week:

English Muffin Bread - sounds quick & easy

Detox Salad - I've never had the version from Whole Foods, but this sounds delicious!

Skinny Chocolate cake - it's been a while since I've had anything like a chocolate cake...mmm...cake...

Check out tons of other great Menu Plans on Menu Plan Monday at Orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday #45 - March 26

Short and sweet. Here it is. The weekend will be re-vamped since we decided on Monday that we would have a mini-getaway this weekend and go to Anchorage. Friday, Saturday and Sunday's dinners may all be different. I know for sure we will be gone Saturday.


Monday: Slow Cooker Chicken Pho - from WW Cookbook Slow Good. 7 PointsPlus in 2 1/2 cups.

Tuesday: Leftover Taco Soup from Sunday

Wednesday: Pork Chops, Stuffed Zucchini and Mashed Potatoes

Thursday: Salmon Thursday

Friday: out

Saturday: Chicken Pad Thai  - from  WW Comfort Classics cookbook. 8 PointsPlus in 1 1/4 cups

Sunday: Something from the freezer


Find tons of great menu plans at Menu Plan Monday at Orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday #44 - March 19

Last week's menu plan took a detour, or rather a couple of detours. We made it okay through Thursday if you count the change earlier in the week. After that, nothing was as planned. No big disasters or anything, just dinners didn't end up as planned. Hopefully this week and next will be better.

On the up side, we have a TON of daylight now! Nearly 12 hours. If only the snow was gone we could really get some things done. I'm ready to garden. Oh, and someone in our neighborhood has been grilling the last few nights. Yeah, we grill summer or winter, doesn't matter. It is a little hard when it's below 20° but anything above that is great for grilling! Maybe next week we'll grill.  We would have to do some more shoveling though...

Monday: Meatless Monday - tofu noodles with HG Alfredo sauce and steamed broccoli

Tuesday: Chicken Rollatini (a detour from last week)

Wednesday: Meatloaf Muffins (another detour, but at least I don't have to think of something new!)

Thursday: probably out. Have to run my mom to the airport

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Salmon Saturday - maybe Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes (also from last week)

Sunday: Taco Soup


Extra's I'd like to try this week:

Carrot and Zucchini bars these sound so good! Carrot Cake - YUM! Zucchini Bread - Yum! Combine them?! It HAS to be good!! I may try to replace the oil with applesauce or something to lower the points.

Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

This menu is linked up to Menu Plan Monday at Orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday #43 - March 12

Started to put together a menu plan last week but didn't get back to it, and since I'm running behind I'm not going to link this one up with the other Menu Planners - but I will share a picture I took in London! I took this the first night we were there (after we'd had a little nap!). Imagine stepping out of the subway station and looking up to this!

It's only Wednesday and we've already had a change to the plan, but that's okay. At least I have a plan. This week is pretty busy, and I just now changed out tonight's dinner idea for two reasons. 1. When I made the menu plan I thought we would be here for dinner. Then we were supposed to be in Anchorage tonight, then that plan changed and now we will be here. 2. I didn't thaw yesterday was I was supposed to for tonight, so I moved the Meatloaf muffins to Sunday and now I feel like I'm coming down with a cold so I want soup. Just found a yummy sounding recipe for Chicken Pot Pie Soup and luckily I have everything on hand.

Monday: Boca Chik'n Parm w/spaghetti - the "spaghetti noodles" I used were actually the tofu shiritaki noodles and they were really good. Not to mention they are 0 PointsPlus for 1 serving!

Tusday: Crockpot pulled pork

Wednesday: Chicken Pot Pie Soup - another recipe I'm trying from Skinnytaste. She has the BEST recipes!

Thursday: dinner out in Anchorage. Was supposed to be Wednesday so I'm moving Salmon Thursday to Friday.

Friday: Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes

Saturday: Chicken Rollatini - this was so good last time I just have to make it again!

Sunday: Meatloaf Muffins - I'm excited to make these again. They are really tasty and they make enough for leftovers or to put in the freezer for another night.




Here's another crazy London photo taken near Camden Lock. It's a whole store of mannequin legs modeling tights. I love it!

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Menu Plan Monday #42 - March 5

Hmmm. I just opened my "draft" version of this week's menu plan expecting to see a couple of links to recipes I wanted to remember to try this week but it's empty. Apparently I intended to put a couple of links here during the week but was so busy I never made it back.

This week is busy again, but hopefully not much running around. Just busy with work, starting to gather the tax info, and Dave working on the game. No sewing "extra credit projects" to cram in but I will try to make a couple anyway. My brain needs a change of pace and break from the computer.

Monday: Veggie Fried Rice - Meatless Monday and following yoga class. Something I can throw together quickly.

Tuesday: Crockpot Taco Soup - ready and waiting for me when I get home. Now if I can just remember to make the cornbread earlier in the day.

Wednesday: Chicken Divan, Lightened Up - another Skinnytaste recipe that sounds delicious. Pulled forward from last week. Last week's menu was a little mixed up.

Thursday: Salmon Thursday

Friday: out I hope :)

Saturday: Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic glaze, mashed potatoes and green beans or asparagus

Sunday: something noodley


Other recipes to try this week - these are from last week too. I just didn't get to them. Here's hoping:

Banana Bread Donuts - Chocolate Covered Katie - she makes everything look good!

Skinnytaste Carrot Cake

homemade laundry soap - again, this is not edible, but I do hope to make a batch this week.

and these two from last week two weeks ago(?) that I just didn't get to.

apple cranberry crumble - this has become one of our favorite recipes at a restaurant in Anchorage. Would love to find a suitable recipe to make it at home (and lighter!).

Homemade skinny Chocolate Cake - been waiting to try this until I knew I wouldn't have to eat the whole pan myself, but I might just do that anyway. 

This menu is linked to Menu Plan Monday at Orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday #41 - Feb. 27

Planning two weeks at one time - today it's more of a struggle than it was last time. Maybe because I can't seem to find anything besides casseroles today. Imagine if I planned a whole month at once. I'm sure we would end up eating casseroles and chili one month and the next month would be all salads. Better if I stick to just two weeks at a time I think. And today I'm going to start a draft of the next two weeks and work on them as I come across recipes this week.


Monday: Lemon Basil Pasta - Meatless Monday! Goes together quickly after yoga class.

Tuesday: Chinese BBQ Pork - bumped from couple weeks ago.

Wednesday: Chicken Divan, Lightened Up - another Skinnytaste recipe that sounds delicious.

Thursday: Salmon Thursday

Friday: Out

Saturday: leftovers

Sunday: TBD



Other recipes to try this week:

Banana Bread Donuts - Chocolate Covered Katie - she makes everything look good!

Skinnytaste Carrot Cake

homemade laundry soap - again, this is not edible, but I do hope to make a batch this week.

and these two from last week that I just didn't get to.

apple cranberry crumble - this has become one of our favorite recipes at a restaurant in Anchorage. Would love to find a suitable recipe to make it at home (and lighter!).

Homemade skinny Chocolate Cake - been waiting to try this until I knew I wouldn't have to eat the whole pan myself, but I might just do that anyway. 



This menu plan is linked to Menu Plan Monday at orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday #40 - Feb. 20

I think we all have cabin fever. The days are starting to get noticeably longer and we're all getting antsy for spring. The dogs are getting more wild and wanting to play and go on walks. This lingering wintery weather ( our highs are in the mid 20s all week) makes me feel very casserole-y. Every recipe that calls my name this week is for something baked and cheesy. Not so good for the waistline, but we'll see what I come up with.

I'm also trying to make two weeks worth of menu plans so I can do one shopping trip. Hopefully. Last week that didn't work out very well. I think I did 3 mini-runs to the store, and that included a trip to Walmart for things they only have there. Thankfully I only do that about once every 3 months. It's my least favorite place to shop.


Monday: Hawaiian Crunch Halibut - bumped from last week

Tuesday: Meatloaf Muffins - from the freezer

Wednesday: Salmon Thursday is moved to Salmon Wednesday this week. Baked Seasoned Fries from Skinnytaste.

Thursday: Having guinea pigs, recipe testers, family over for dinner. Yay! I get to try out a couple of new recipes - my favorite thing to do! Salad, Chicken Rollatini stuffed with zucchini & mozzarella, sweet potato biscuits, side dish, and I think my mom is bringing a cheesecake. **ha ha! I just noticed that I left "side dish" in the menu for Thursday. That was supposed to be a marker to remind me I needed a side dish. I think it's going to be couscous.  **This chicken rollatini was a huge hit! Everyone loved it! Can't wait to have it again. I made 1 1/2 batches then sent leftovers with most everyone and the ones we kept here hubby ate while I was at quilt class. Will have to make more for me.

Friday: probably our regular dinner out

Saturday: Chinese Beef & Broccoli - a recipe I have in email. Will review in coming weeks.

Sunday: Taco Soup and garlic bread - or whatever kind of soup I find in the freezer. :-)



A few recipes I'd like to try this week:

apple cranberry crumble - this has become one of our favorite recipes at a restaurant in Anchorage. Would love to find a suitable recipe to make it at home (and lighter!).

Homemade skinny Chocolate Cake - been waiting to try this until I knew I wouldn't have to eat the whole pan myself, but I might just do that anyway. 


This menu plan is linked to Menu Plan Monday at orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday #39 - Feb. 13

Time for another menu plan. Actually, as I write this I'm only 2 days into the current menu plan but haven't made it to the grocery store yet this week so I figured I would start on next week's and see if I could only shop once and make it for 2 weeks. I'm sure there will be something I forget, or we'll run out of dog food or toothpaste or whatever, but at least an attempt will help keep me on track.
Update: It's Monday now, and I will have to go to the store this week. :( but only for a couple of things. Paper towels, eggs, strawberries & asparagus (on sale this week!) and...well, now I've forgotten the other item. But this morning I was so glad to have spent the extra few minutes making 2 menu plans last week I think I'll keep this up (I've already got 2 more started!). It definitely saved me time and got me planning ahead a little. Even looking forward to different meals and remembering "oh yeah, it's on next week's plan!"

Monday: Autumn Risotto with Cranberries - I've been missing Meatless Monday, and we're back to yoga class on Monday nights, so I'm thinking something quick but filling. This will take a few minutes when I get home, but sounds so good right now and I have everything on-hand already.

Tuesday: Chinese BBQ Pork - I received this recipe in a Holiday Card Recipe Exchange - will review next week.

Wednesday: Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas - sub ff evap milk for heavy cream, and make in 2 8x8 dishes. Freeze one to bake later.

Thursday: Salmon!!

Friday: out - we never go out on Valentine's day because the restaurants are so crazy-busy. We always go out the Friday after. So this will be our Valentine's dinner.

Saturday: Hawaiian Crunch Halibut

Sunday: leftovers

I've found several new recipes to try. Thank you Pinterest! Anyone else get on there and get into some kind of time warp and lose track of what you were doing?

Some extras I'd like to try:

Skinnytaste Carrot Cake

Pumpkin Cream Bread - found the link on Pinterest!

Make your Own Foamy Handsoap - not an edible recipe, but one I'm going to try. Also found on Pinterest.

Tub & Shower Magic - I think this was on Pinterest too. I get so caught up in things there. Review: I made this the other night and sprayed it on our extra shower head (the one on a hose I use for dog baths and cleaning the shower) to see how it would do on the mineral build up and soap scum stuff. It did a great job! Also sprayed it on the spout for the tub and it came out so sparkling and I didn't even have to scrub or wipe it. Just rinsed it off. Awesome.

My menu plan is linked up with hundreds of other great menu plans at OrgJunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday #38 - Feb. 6

Wow time for another menu plan! Did everyone survive the Super Bowl parties and all that food? We had people here, and as always I had too much food. Partly because 3 people weren't able to make it. I know, how can 3 people make a difference? Well the ones that were here did eat a bit, but the others would have taken some home with them. So, now I have leftovers for a bento lunch!

And on to the menu plan. The first few days of this week are shaping up to be busy, no idea what the rest of the week will bring so I better get a plan together. Life is so much simpler this way.

Monday: Delicious sounding Smoky Manhattan Style Clam Chowder - and a review to follow later in the week (fingers crossed!). Tonight we plan to get back into a regular yoga class so I'm going to put this together this afternoon and let it cook itself in the crockpot. Yoga runs a little late, we get out at 8:00 so by using the crockpot I don't have to slave over the stove when we get back, I actually eat what I've planned to eat, and we can eat before 9pm.

Tuesday: We'll be in Anchorage for an appointment, so Dinner Out!

Wednesday: Meatloaf Muffins - making a double batch so lots to freeze

Thursday: Salmon!

Friday: TBD

Saturday: leftovers or something from the freezer

Sunday: homemade pizza


On my list of things "to try" this week:

Grits Cake from a friend in SC. It's not a savory thing, it's actually a sweet cake with a gooey top that has grits in it! I'll post the recipe and pics once I've sampled it.

Vegan Fudge from Chocolate Covered Katie. I've wanted to try this for at least a month now, just haven't taken the time to do it.

This menu is linked up with Menu Plan Monday at Orgjunkie.com

Super Bowl Menu (with recipe links)

Time for another Super Bowl Menu! We aren't excited about either team this year. I actually told my hubby we should boycott the game and just watch the commercials! :-) They're the best part if your team isn't playing.

At this point I don't even know how many people will be here. Probably just a few plus the two of us so nothing too crazy. Actually for me it's always easier to plan the desserts - except for narrowing them down. I should probably just throw dessert parties rather than having people expect regular food. It would be so much easier.

Stuffing Spinach Balls

Veggies with ranch dip

7-Layer Dip or Skinny Taco Dip & Chips

Hungry Girl Wonton-quitos - these are really good. I've made them several times. Great finger food.

Skinny Baked Mozzarella Sticks - I just found this recipe and it had to go on the list right away! In college we would often hang out in the snack shop late nights and we were always getting the fried mozzarella sticks. Mmmm. So good, and so bad for you. Can't wait to try these baked sticks!

Hungry Girl Turtle Cheesecake - it's been a while since I've made something like cheesecake. Last time I think was this pumpkin swirl recipe, or a variation of it. Skinnytaste has several good "cheesecake-ish" recipes. Lemon and strawberry swirl are really good.


I don't think we'll have enough people to warrant making more food, but if we do I want to try this Pizza Puffs recipe.and.soon!

Menu Plan Monday #36

Another Monday, another menu plan. Where did the last week go?! This week is a little crazy-busy so I'm glad to have the plan in place and not really need much from the store.

Monday: Porcupine Meatballs (I had some of the meat mixture leftover last week so I froze it and will make another round of meatballs tonight)

Tuesday: Crockpot BBQ Chicken. another busy day saved by the crockpot!

Wednesday: Salmon Thursday on Wednesday!

Thursday: dinner in Anchorage!

Friday: Skinny Mac & Cheese Soup from Skinnytaste. This looks so delicious I can't wait to try it!

Saturday: leftovers

Sunday: homemade pizza

My menu plan is linked to Menu Plan Monday on Orgjunkie.com

This week I hope to have time to finish up a few posts that I've started and just haven't had time to finish. Also have a mini-list of recipes I'd like to try - mostly sweets.

Menu Plan Monday #35

Trying to plan this week's dinner menu around my first ever pantry challenge with myself. I'd like to eat from the pantry and freezer as much as possible (with the exception of Wed.). Breakfasts and lunches are whatever we have on hand.


Monday: Sweet & Sticky Sesame Chicken from Hungry Girl and egg drop soup from the pantry. New to me recipe. Haven't tried before but her's usually work out pretty well and I just happen to have everything except the scallions on hand.

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Flank Steak taco salad with black bean & corn salad (recipes to follow whenever I remember!) :) I ♥ the slow cooker for those days when I'm not going to be home to make dinner. Again, everything on hand except a jar of salsa for the black bean salad.

Wednesday: Lasagna for a crowd based on Easy Lasagna II from Allrecipes, rosemary parm bread knots, green salad, and angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream - it's my mom's birthday and we're having her over along with my niece and her 1 mo. old baby & bf, my nephew and his wife & 3 kids, my other niece and her bf, and the 2 of us. Yep a crowd.

Thursday: Salmon Thursday! Found a recipe I want to try (review to come) Potato Crusted Salmon!

Friday: we almost always eat out on Friday

Saturday: I like to use Saturday to pull something quick from the freezer that we've had leftover from another dinner.

Sunday:  Veggie Pizza from the freezer

This menu is linked to hundreds of other great menu plans at Org Junkie.

01/23/2012 Recap of last week:
Dave really liked the sesame chicken. I thought it was okay. I'll probably make it again.

The flank steak in the crockpot was really good. I put down a base of sliced onions, the flank steak, and then topped it with part of a can diced tomatoes. When I got home I pulled it all out with a slotted spoon and shredded the meat. We had it as shredded beef taco salad. I totally forgot to make the black bean & corn salad.

The lasagna turned out great. Those bread knots . . . mmmm. . . drool.

Didn't use the salmon recipe I had in mind. Modified another recipe that's been awaiting my review/post. Fingers crossed that happens soon.

Friday we did eat out. Saturday we had frozen pizza. Sunday. . . oh yeah, we had my niece and her b/f over for dinner. Made halibut breaded in the parm crusted chicken recipe, and those blueberry bars that everyone loves.

Menu Plan Monday #32

Off to another week of menu planning to retain my sanity. Luckily this week will be less busy, but next week - look out! Crazy is coming! (and clearly the crazy came a little early since I didn't get around to actually posting this until Saturday!)

I have already found a couple of recipes I want to make next week and am planning what to do with the fresh ripe contents of my CSA box. I won't receive it until next Friday, but really that works perfectly with my schedule because I'll have the weekend to try out my new recipes!

Monday: Autumn Risotto with Chicken & Cranberries (replace chicken w/TVP for Meatless Monday). Going to try to lighten this recipe  for WW. As written it is 11 ppv per cup! Yay! With revisions I have it down to 8ppv!

Tuesday: BBQ Chicken drumsticks & veggies

Wednesday: picking up a friend at the airport - dinner in Anchorage.

Thursday: Salmon Thursday

Friday: probably out.

Saturday: Gone All Day Dinner - Fix It & Forget It Lightly cookbook

Sunday: Potato Soup


Coming in my CSA box is a batch or 2 of tomatillos! I also made sure to add in a bunch of cilantro. As you know I've become addicted to canning recently and if this tomatillo salsa recipe works it will be canned! I also came across this one for Tomatillo, Black Bean, Avocado, Cilantro & Lime salsa, but I don't think you can can (ha ha the can-can!) avocado, so I would just stir in the avocado when it's ready to serve.

It already feels like fall in Alaska. The leaves are starting to change, the crab apples are almost ripe, and we've turned the heat back on in the house. I'm ready to start making some comforting fall food, and I found several cans of pumpkin in the pantry. This recipe doesn't use much of the pumpkin, Pumpkin Spiced Oatmeal Pecan Cookies, but I can also make Gina's Pumpkin Butter recipe and . . . can some pumpkin butter! I'm going to have to get more canning jars very soon! Wouldn't it be fun to give out jars of pumpkin butter for Thanksgiving?!

I don't think I'll make this one this week, but here is a Marshmallow Molten Lava cake for you to drool over. Sounds decadent and evil! 

Menu Plan Monday #31

 Happy Labor Day! I'm enjoying the extra-lazy day off. I didn't even get dressed until noon. But, tomorrow we are back to a busy schedule. Luckily, I don't think the menu planning will be very complicated.

Monday: One last hurrah at the State Fair.

Tuesday: Crockpot TVP Taco Soup - my regular taco soup recipe but replacing the meat with 1/2 cup dry TVP. - this was really tasty and an easy way to have a "meatless" meal.


Wednesday: Halibut


Thursday:  Dinner in Anchorage following a board meeting

Friday: Hmmm. Regular Friday dinner out

Saturday: Something leftover or from the freezer


Sunday: chili ?



New things I'm hoping to try this week:

Canning: I have a bunch of tomatoes and I want to can them into either Salsa or Bruschetta

Peach Souffle or Peach Cobbler


Blueberry Oat Bars - these have been on here before, I just haven't gotten to them yet.


My "to try" list is pretty much endless, so I'll stop here for now.

Menu Plan Monday #30

Well, last week I never got around to making a menu plan, and every day I was wondering, last minute, what would be for dinner. So, I'm back at it. This week we also got our first ever extra freezer. I've been cramming my little fridge-freezer beyond capacity for some time now. It will be so nice to have a place to store extra dinners and actually be able to see what's there!

Monday: State Fair foods - mmmm

Tuesday: Eggplant something. I picked up some pretty eggplant the other day and am at a loss as to what to make with them. Suggestions? This is one I just came across. Eggplant Snack Sticks. Sounds really good and I have everything on-hand already. I'll have these as a side with our favorite pork tenderloin recipe.

Wednesday: Hungry Girl Wonton Quitos - I just came across this recipe tonight and it sounds good. I've already got wonton wrappers, but will need to roast a chicken. I don't do canned chicken. Now I just need a side dish or 2.

Thursday: Salmon Thursday

Friday: Out maybe

Saturday: Either leftovers or something from the freezer.

Sunday: I'm angling for another trip to the State Fair for yummy once-a-year foods.


Check out all the other great menu plans at Org Junkie.