April 13th  – April 29th, 2014

Sunday – 13th (soccer) – Rotis Chicken/Stuffing/ Corn

Monday – 14th (soccer) – Garden Fresh Chef Salad (April/May Simple – Pg 26) & Baked Potato

Tuesday – 15th  – Country Meatloaf,  Mashed Potatoes and Corn

Wednesday – 16th (Chiro) – Family Favorite Nachos (Emeals 527)

Thursday – 17 (Sorting) – Beef Enchiladas and Spanish Rice

Friday – 18 (Good Friday) Fish and Chips (April/May Simple – Pg 42)

Saturday – 19th (soccer) – Crockpot Sticky Chicken (marinated over night) Parmesan Cheese Noodles and Corn

Sunday –20th (Easter) (Soccer) – Spiral Ham, Chive Carrots Carrots (April/May Simple – Pg 15), Dilled New Potatoes

Monday – 21st (4:00 HV) – Quick Taco Wraps (April/May Simple – pg 27)

Tuesday – 22nd – Skillet Beef Tamales (April/May Simple pg 18)

Wednesday –23 (Chiro) – Cheese Burger Sliders/Seasoned French Fries (Emeals 527)

Thursday – 24 (Book Group – Our House) – Turkey Focaccia Club Sandwiches (Simple & Delicious: Oct/Nov 2013 – pg 21) Bean Salad, Fruit Salad, Apple Dessert.

Friday –25th – Pot Pies

Saturday – 26th – Ravioli / Garlic Bread

Sunday – 27th – Hamburgers/ Fries

Monday – 28th – Pizza

Tuesday – 29th – Spaghetti & Meatballs/ Garlic Bread

Food Budget:  We decided to start tracking how much we spend on food/household expenses each month again in hopes to budget appropriately.  Wanting to keep our budget at $100 per person each month.   We are a household of 4 adults, 1 growing boy who eats like an adult.

April 13th

Aldi – 

Walmart – Sam’s Club – $

Total of food : $ per person or  $  per week on groceries.
This is our big shop of the month – this happens every other time.  We buy three cases of protein drinks and other things Grandpa needs each month.  This time we also added some Easter Candy to fill eggs for Church.  But I am thinking it will average out for the month, hopefully???

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Need help getting started menu planning –  Emeals is a great solution.  Many meal plans to chose from at a very affordable price.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Happy Cooking!!

March 30th – April 13th, 2014

Sunday, March 30th – Make Your Own Salad – Turkey

Monday, March 31st (soccer) – Chicken Tortilla Soup (Emeals # 516)

Tuesday, April 1st – (FPU) – Egg Salad Sandwich/ Chips / Fruit – (Allrecipes April/May 2014-pg 45)

Wednesday, April 2nd (CSG Orientation) – Baked Spinach and Cheese Ravioli  (Emeals 526)

Thursday, April 3rd – (Work Late) – BLT/ Chips/ Fruit

Friday, April 4th – (movie night) – Fish Sticks/ Fries/ Veggies

Saturday, April 5th – (Wedding Shower) – Chicken Pot Pies – (Allrecipes April/May 2014-pg 119)

Sunday, April 6th – French Country Beef Stew –  (Emeals 527)

Work Potluck:  Easy Asian Chicken Slaw (April/May TOH 24) & Vanilla and Choclate Éclair Cake

Monday, April 7th – Sausage and Gravy Biscuits, Scrambled Eggs

Tuesday, April 8th – (Last FPU) Beef Enchiladas and Spanish Rice
Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars (Simple & Delicious: Oct/Nov 2013 – pg52)

Wednesday, April 9th – Pasta Alfredo, Garlic Bread

Thursday, April 10th – Chicken Soup – Pesto Grilled Cheese

Friday, April 11th – (Movie Night) – Burrito Bowls
Chipotle Black Beans
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Saturday, April 12th- (Gift for Growth Gala) – Left Overs – Pizza

Sunday, April 13th  – Rotisserie Chicken, Stuffing, Corn

Food Budget:  We decided to start tracking how much we spend on food/household expenses each month again in hopes to budget appropriately.  Wanting to keep our budget at $100 per person each month.   We are a household of 4 adults, 1 growing boy who eats like an adult.

March 3/30/14
Aldi – $149.64
Walmart – $136.88
Sam’s Club – $215.13

Total of food : $ 501.65  = $ 100.33  per person or  $  250.82 per week on groceries.
This is our big shop of the month – this happens every other time.  We buy three cases of protein drinks and other things Grandpa needs each month.  This time we also added some Easter Candy to fill eggs for Church.  But I am thinking it will average out for the month, hopefully???

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Need help getting started menu planning –  Emeals is a great solution.  Many meal plans to chose from at a very affordable price.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Happy Cooking!!

It’s Friday, in our house that means I need to find a meatless or fish recipe that everyone will like.  My hubby is not a huge fan of fish.   Tonight’s fish recipes was a hit, even with the hubby!

Happy Cooking!

This recipes makes a lot of sauce – so we usually make a 1/2 recipe!  This sauce is wonderful over corned beef – and actually everyone loves it over the potatoes and cabbage too!!! It’s delicious!

· 1/2 cup butter

· 1/2 cup flour

· 2 tsp. salt

· 1/2 tsp. pepper

· 4 cups milk

· 1 cup remaining corned beef cooking juices

· 4 tbsp. horseradish (mine is from the jar)

· 4 tbsp. Dijon mustard

· 2 tbsp. A1 Steak Sauce

Melt butter, stir in flour and gently cook for 2 minutes whisking constantly.

Add remaining ingredients.

Cook stirring frequently (don’t boil) until thickened.

Our recipe for Slow Cooked Corned Beef

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Happy Cooking!!

You will need: a crockpot large enough to hold your corned beef brisket, potatoes, carrots, cabbage and the corned beef brisket.

Scrub your potatoes and carrots and cut into 1-2″ chunks (whatever works best for your family) and set aside.

In a small bowl mix together 2 teaspoons yellow mustard, 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar. Add contents of seasoning packet from corned beef (or if you don’t have the seasoning packet, use 1 1/2 tsp. pickling spice).

Rinse corned beef (there probably isn’t a real reason to do this, I just do it ) and place in crockpot. Rub with the mustard mixture to completely cover the top and sides (and bottom if you have enough).

Add 1 cup of water (I generally pour this around the sides to avoid washing off the rub that I just put on the meat).

Add potatoes and carrots on top of the meat. Cover, and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours.

We cook our cabbage on the stovetop. 

I will have to have my hubby share his amazing gravy he makes for this meal.   Hopefully, I will get that from home later. 

Happy Cooking!!

March 16th – March 30th, 2014

Sunday, March 16th –  (Soccer) Country Meatloaf,  Mashed Potatoes and Corn

Monday, March 17th – Corned Beef, Cabbage

Tuesday, March 18th – FPU – Crockpot Sticky Chicken (marinated over night) Parmesan Cheese Noodles and Corn

Wednesday, March 19th – Spaghetti and Meatballs

Thursday, March 20th – Chicken Noodle Soup

Friday, March 21st – Baked Tilapia, Roasted Potato Wedges and Veggie (Emeals 524)

Saturday, March 22nd –

Beef Stroganoff

1 lb ground beef
8 oz sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom soup
(1 t salt, 1 t onion powder)
(¼ c water, 1 t beef bouillon cube)
1 pkg egg noodles
1 pkg frozen peas

In large skillet, brown the ground beef; drain.  Add sour cream, soup, salt, onion powder and water to skillet. Heat to a low boil; add bouillon.  Stir to dissolve; reduce heat to simmer.

Boil noodles while preparing meat mixture. Serve stroganoff over cooked noodles. Serve with steamed peas

Sunday, March 23rd – Broccoli Cheese Soup

Monday, March 24th – Garlic -Rosemary Chicken, Steamed Veggies and Apples (Slow Cooker)  (Emeals #522)

Tuesday, March 25^th – FPU – Mac and Cheese

Wednesday, March 26th – Hearty Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Peas (Simple/Delicious April/May 2014 – Pg 25)

Thursday, March 27^th – Turkey, Cheddar And Apple Sandwiches – French Fries and Strawberries  (Emeals #522)

Friday, March 28th – Shrimp Scampi over Angel Hair – Salad – (Emeals # 524)

Saturday, March 29th – Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup – Tortilla Chips  (Emeals #522)

Sunday, March 30th – Smoke Sausage and Potato Casserole – Crescent Rolls (Emeals # 524)

Food Budget:  We decided to start tracking how much we spend on food/household expenses each month again in hopes to budget appropriately.  Wanting to keep our budget at $100 per person each month.   We are a household of 4 adults, 1 growing boy who eats like an adult.

Month of March Totals
Aldi – $105.39 +72.50  = $ 177.89
Walmart – $ 89.71+$85.19 = $ 174.90
Sam’s Club – $48.48 + 174.51 = $ 222.99

Total of food for March: $575.78 = $ 115.16 per person or  $143.95 per week on groceries.

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Need help getting started menu planning –  Emeals is a great solution.  Many meal plans to chose from at a very affordable price.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Happy Cooking!!

 March 2nd – March 16th, 2014

Saturday, March 1st – Rotisserie Chicken, Stuffing and Corn

Sunday , March 2nd – (Soccer) – Mom’s Mac N Cheese (Double) – Sausage

Monday, March 3rd – (Soccer)(Working Late)  Crockpot Chili

Tuesday, March 4th – (FPU) – Tater Tot Hotdish

Wednesday, March 5th – Chicken Salad and Croissants – Pasta Salad

Thursday, March 6th – (Sorting) – Slow Cooked Beef Stew

Friday, March 7th – Turkey, Cheddar And Apple Sandwiches – French Fries and Strawberries  (Emeals #522)

Saturday, March 8th –  Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce (Wknd) (30 mins) (Emeals – #519) Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Rutabagas

SUnday, March 9th – (Soccer) Crockpot Sticky Chicken (marinated over night) Parmesan Cheese Noodles and Corn

WEEK #2

Monday, March 10th – (Soccer) – Hearty Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Peas (Simple/Delicious April/May 2014 – Pg 25)

Tuesday, March 11th – (FPU) – Chicken Tacos (Crock Pot), Corn Sassy Black Beans (Emeals #522)

Wednesday,  March 12th – Easy Beef Macaroni and Cheese

Thursday,  March 13th – Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup – Tortilla Chips  (Emeals #522)

Friday,   March 14th – Philly Cheese Brats – Potato Chips  (Emeals #523)

Saturday, March 15th – Garlic -Rosemary Chicken, Steamed Veggies and Apples (Slow Cooker)  (Emeals #522)

Sunday, March 16th –  (Soccer) Country Meatloaf,  Mashed Potatoes and Corn

Food Budget:  We decided to start tracking how much we spend on food/household expenses each month again in hopes to budget appropriately.  Wanting to keep our budget at $100 per person each month.   We are a household of 5 adults, 1 growing boy who eats like an adult and 1 toddler.

Shopping Trip:  3/1/14
Aldi – $72.50
Walmart – $ 85.19
Sam’s Club – $174.51

Total for 2 weeks of food: $332.20/6.5   (count baby as 1/2) = $ 51.10 per person or  $166.10 per week on groceries.

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Need help getting started menu planning –  Emeals is a great solution.  Many meal plans to chose from at a very affordable price.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Happy Cooking!!

Cake & Pie

Chocolate Delight Dessert

Cookies

February 17th – March 2nd, 2014

Saturday 15^th – Sloppy Joes and Corn Soufflé (Wknd) (1+ hrs) (Emeals – #519)

Sunday 16^th – Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce (Wknd) (30 mins) (Emeals – #519) Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Rutabagas

Monday 17th – (Holiday) Paul’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Tuesday 18th – FPU – Pizza Casserole – (1hr 20 mins) (Emeals – #519)

Wednesday 19th – Spicy Pork Noodle Bowls – Egg Rolls (35 mins) (Emeals #519)

Thursday 20th –Biscuit and Gravy, Scrambled Eggs –

Friday 21st – Pizzeria Burgers & Seasoned Fries (Simple & Delicious – Dec/January 2013)

Saturday 22nd – Crispy Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Corn

Sunday 23rd – (Soccer) – Pioneer Woman’s Baked Ziti and Cheddar Bacon Salad

Week #2

Monday 24th – (Soccer) – Soup and Grilled Cheese

Tuesday 25th – FPU –  Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Wednesday 26th – French Toast, Scrambles Eggs and Bacon

Thursday 27th – Crockpot Chili

Friday 28th – Hot Dogs with Chili and Fries

Saturday, March 1st – Mom’s Mac N Cheese (Double) – Sausage

Sunday – 2nd – Classic Lasagna/ Garlic Bread (Emeals – 473)

Food Budget:  We decided to start tracking how much we spend on food/household expenses each month again in hopes to budget appropriately.  Wanting to keep our budget at $100 per person each month.   We are a household of 5 adults, 1 growing boy who eats like an adult and 1 toddler.

Shopping Trip:  2/15/14
Aldi – $  136.50
Walmart – $ 44.78
Sam’s Club –  $ 147.09
Festival –  $ 13.88

Total for 2 weeks of food: $  342.25/ 6.5 (count baby as 1/2) = $52.65 per person or  $171.13 per week on groceries.

February Food/Household Total –  $383.88 (2/1)+ 342.25 (2/15) = $ 726.13
Monthly Total:  $111.71 per household member. 

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Need help getting started menu planning –  Emeals is a great solution.  Many meal plans to chose from at a very affordable price.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Happy Cooking!!

February 1st – February 16th, 2014

Week #1

Saturday 1^st – Sunday Chops and Stuffing (Simple & Delicious –Dec/Jan 2014 – pg 13)
Dessert:  German Apple Cake (need to use up some apples that are getting a bit too ripe)

Sunday 2^nd – (Super Bowl) Chili Con Carne, Seven Layer Dip, Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Monday 3rd – (6:00 Soccer – Mom Working Late) – Rosemary Chicken and Vegetables (Crockpot 6-8hrs) (Emeals # 518)

Tuesday 4th– Creamy Burrito Casserole and Avocado Rice (50 mins) (Emeals # 518)

Wednesday 5th– (4:00 Meeting) – Spicy Pork Noodle Bowls – Egg Rolls (35 mins) (Emeals #519)

Thursday 6^th – (7:15 Soccer) – Seasoned Chick Strips / Mac and Cheese and Carrot Sticks (30 mins) (Emeals # 518)

Friday 7^th – (6^th Grade Retreat) – Bacon Ranch Toasted Subs / Fruit and Chips (25 mins) (Emeals – #519)

Saturday 8^th – Pizza Casserole – (1hr 20 mins) (Emeals – #519)

Sunday 9^th – Country Fried Steak Bits and Gravy and Mashed Potatoes (40 mins) (Emeals – #519)

Week #2

Monday 10^th – (6:00 Soccer) – Chicken Broccoli and Rice (quick meal) – Salad

Ingredients:
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups water
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cups Broccoli (I use frozen, straight out of the freezer)
2 cups Instant Rice

Process:
In a large skillet, make sure that you chicken is warm and put aside in a bowl. Then mix water and soup together and bring to a boil (now is when you add any seasonings). Turn down and mix in all ingredients remaining. Cover and cook on medium/low for 5 minutes. If you are using frozen broccoli it will take up to another 5 minutes.

Tuesday 11^th – (6:30 FPU) – Tacos for a Crowd (Crock Pot)

Wednesday 12^th – (4:00 Meeting) – Cheesy Bakes Fish, Parmesan Pasta and Green Bean Tomato Salad (30 mins) (Emeals # 518)

Thursday 13^th – (3:30 Meeting/7:15 Soccer) – Beef Fried Rice and Salad (45 mins) (Emeals # 518)

Friday 14^th – (Valentine’s Day)  Baked Shrimp Scampi/ Wild Rice/ Vegetable

Dessert: No-Bake Cheery Cheesecake

Saturday 15^th – Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce (Wknd) (30 mins) (Emeals – #519)

Sunday 16^th – Sloppy Joes and Corn Soufflé (Wknd) (1+ hrs) (Emeals – #519)

Food Budget:  We decided to start tracking how much we spend on food/household expenses each month again in hopes to budget appropriately.  Wanting to keep our budget at $100 per person each month.   We are a household of 5 adults, 1 growing boy who eats like an adult and 1 toddler.

Shopping Trip:  2/1/14
Aldi – $ 190.87
Walmart – $ 123.15
Sam’s Club –  $ 67.45
Kowalski’s –  $2.41

Total for 2 weeks of food: $ 383.88 / 6.5 (count baby as 1/2) = $59.06 per person or  $191.94 per week on groceries. A bit over budget, but we did buy some special items for Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day meal.

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Need help getting started menu planning –  Emeals is a great solution.  Many meal plans to chose from at a very affordable price.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Happy Cooking!!