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January 30  – February 6,  2011 

Sunday – Chicken PotPie with Cheddar Biscuit Topping (Very good Add to Site)/ Salad/ French Silk Pie (very good add to site)

4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 pkg (12oz) frozen broccoli and cheese sauce
1 can (10-3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken and mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (10-34 oz) condensed cream of Mushroom soup, undiluted
2 medium potatoes, cubed
3/4 cup chicken broth
2/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 tsp pepper

Topping:
1-1/2 cups biscuit/baking mix
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup milk
3 Tbsp. butter, melted

In a dutch oven, combine the first nine ingredianents; bring to a boil.  Transfer to a greased 13 x 9 baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients; spoon over top.  Bake, uncoevered, at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until  bubbly and topping is golden brown.  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.   

Monday – Sausage Rice Casserole /Brocolli

Tuesday – Stir Fry and Rice

Wednesday – (Mom working late) – Easy Pot Roast

Thursday – Country Ham and Cheese Macaroni/ Vegetable

Country Ham and Cheese Macaroni Casserole

1 lb. smoked cooked ham, chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 lb. elbow macaroni
2 c. shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (80z)
1 c. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 c. margarine, melted
1 c dry, plain bread crumbs


Boil noodles according to package instructions along with diced onion, until noodles are done. Drain. Meanwhile, mix together rest of ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cooked noodles/onion and add to oven safe casserole dish (greased). Pour bread crumbs evenly over noodles and then pour melted butter over the crumbs.

Bake for 30-45 minutes at 375 degrees or until cheese is well melted.

 

Friday – Battered Fish with Tatar Sauce on Buns/ Steak Fries

Saturday – Crustless Quiche, Sausage, Cantloupe and Biscuits

Sunday – Roast Sticky Chicken (Crockpot) /Wild Rice/ Corn

Ideas for Future Menus:  
Three Cheese French Onion Soup – Taste of Home Simple and Delicous – Oct/Nov 2010 – pg 19
Panera Brocolli Cheese Soup and Bread Sticks – Soup is VERY GOOD!!!
Chicken Broccolli and Rice (stove top – 15 mins?) – Good Add To Website – 
Meatball Subs
Philly Steak and Cheese
Lasagna Soup
Twice Baked Potato Casserole

 

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and particpate in Menu Plan Monday.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

 

Menu Plan Monday: 1/24/11

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January 23  – January 29,  2011 

We tried a number of new recipes last week.  The following were hits with the family and will be added to our online cookbook.

Baked Teriyaki Chicken (Add to Site) 
Hash Brown Casserole  (Add to Site)
Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti (Add to Site) 
Triple Chocolate Cake
Honey Mustard Chicken (Add to Site)
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup (Add to Site)
WeekNight Raviolli Bake (Add to Site)

Sunday – Sausage Rice Casserole

Monday – Lasagna Roll Ups – Salad – Garlic Bread

Tuesday – Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich 

Wednesday – Jeff’s Chicken Casserole – Green Beans

Layer cream of chicken soup
Diced uncooked chicken breast
Cr of Chicken Soup
Stovetop Stuffing

Bake at 350 for 1 hour. 

German Potato Pancakes

Thursday – Country Ham and Cheese Macaroni/ Vegetable

Country Ham and Cheese Macaroni Casserole

1 lb. smoked cooked ham, chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 lb. elbow macaroni
2 c. shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (80z)
1 c. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 c. margarine, melted
1 c dry, plain bread crumbs

Boil noodles according to package instructions along with diced onion, until noodles are done. Drain. Meanwhile, mix together rest of ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cooked noodles/onion and add to oven safe casserole dish (greased). Pour bread crumbs evenly over noodles and then pour melted butter over the crumbs.

Bake for 30-45 minutes at 375 degrees or until cheese is well melted.

Friday – Pizza Burgers – Curly Fries

Saturday – French Toast, Eggs and Bacon

Sunday – Roast Sticky Chicken (Crockpot) /Wild Rice/ Brocolli

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!  Just remember that a bit of planning will sure make your week go smoother, giving you more free time and saving you money!  For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Weekly over 400 bloggers share what they have on their menu. 

Happy Eating!!!

Menu Plan Monday: 1/15/11

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January 15th – January 22nd

 

Saturday – Baked Teriyaki Chicken (Add to Site)  served with Hash Brown Casserole  (Add to Site)& Broccoli

Sunday – Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti (Add to Site) / Salad  – Triple Chocolate Cake

1 pkg White Cake Mix
1/3 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 cup (8oz) sour cream
2/3 canola oil
2 Tbsp. Baking Cocoa
1/2 Cup Miniature Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup Chocolate Frosting
2 Tbsp milk

In a large bowl. combine the cake mix, sugar, eggs, sour cream and oil.  Beat on low for 1 minute; beat on medium for 2 minutes.  Pour half of batter in to a large bowl.  Stir in cocoa until blended. Fold chocolate chips into white cake batter.

Spoon batter alternately into a greased and floured 10 inch fluted tube pan.  Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 15 minutes before removing from pand to a wire rack to cool completely. 

In a small bowl, combine frosting and milk.  Spoon over top of cooled cake. 

Monday – Holiday – Out To Eat for Jen’s Birthday

Tuesday –  Honey Mustard Chicken (Add to Site) /Cheesy Broccoli

2 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts

(1 T olive oil, 1/3 c Dijon mustard, 3 T honey,

1 t curry, 1 t dried tarragon)

24 oz broccoli

1 c shredded 2 % sharp cheddar cheese

Cut chicken into tenders and place in a large sprayed baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Bake for 35 min @ 350º or until done.Steam broccoli until tender. Top with cheese.

Wednesday – WeekNight Raviolli Bake

Thursday – Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Friday – French Bread Pizza

Saturday – Sausage Rice Casserole

 

Other things I want to try: 

Creamy Ranch Pork Chops (193 cal), Ranch Quinoa (182 cal), Spinach, Salad

http://thematzats.blogspot.com/2011/01/pizza-burgers.html

Roast Sticky Chicken (Crockpot) /Wild Rice/ Brocolli

 

Just remember that a bit of planning will sure make your week go smoother, giving you more free time and saving you money!  For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Weekly over 400 bloggers share what they have on their menu. 

Happy Eating!!!

Getting on track in the new year…..

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It is hard to believe that 2010 is nearly over.   I think the years go by faster and faster as I get older.   Which comes to my next thought…..as we leave 2010 behind, I will also be leaving my 30’s behind.  I am not sure how I feel about turning 40.  Somedays….it really doesn’t seem possible that I could be that old.  I certainly don’t feel 40, but then again what does 40 feel like?  

financial-peace-class

As many of you may have heard about, hubby and I started and completed Financial Peace University at our church.  We sort of took the class on a whim, but found it to be very needed.  It is wonderful to be on the same page financially with my hubby.  We are working hard to make progress, though we did slack off a bit in December with the holidays.  Now it is time to get intense again!  I am excited to see the progress me make in 2011.   If you have not heard of this class…..check out Dave Ramsey’s website or radio show.  I am sure my family is tired of hearing on Dave Ramsey!   Either way we have once again celebrated Christmas without putting anything on a credit card.  With that said, we have not used a Credit Card in over 6 months.  

But I will say we were over budget with Christmas so it is a little tight still so shopping today was interesting.  I had to add some of my fun money to the mix to complete our errands.   But we do have groceries for the next two weeks.   So that is good!

Errands….12/30/10

grocery Groceries

Aldi – 130.02

Sam’s – 38.64

Walmart – 15.00

Total – 183.66 (16 days of menu)  – $11.47/day or $80.35 per week.  

Household Items/ Clothes (2 pants Tommy)

Walmart – $40.75

Luckily, I was already use to meal planning as we have been able to keep our food budget under $100 a week.  This is very good skill to have.  We are excited for the journey we are on financially so I am sure you will be hearing more about it. 

Happy Savings!!

Menu Plan Monday: January 3rd

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December 30th – January 14th

Happy New Year!!  It feels good to be getting back to my familiar routines.  I truly am a creature of habit.  I feel very out of control if I don’t have a plan for meals each night.  By the time I get home from work, it is a mad dash to get supper on the table before 7:00.   This year I am trying to add more vegetables and fruit to our diet.  My kids are all great about eating most things, so it is just a matter of planning and making more.  I would also like to make dessert once a week.   I will plan it and we will see how that goes!  

We had a wonderful Christmas with family.  The food was amazing!  My BIL, Danny is a great cook and always brings the main course for our Christmas Celebration.  I will be off for 2 weeks over the holidays.  the first week I truly spent reading,  relaxing and hanging out my with kiddo.   I am now starting week two of vacation and this week means work! We are getting my Father in Law moved into the assisted living facility and his wife will join him in a few weeks.  So this weekend will be spent packing and moving.   I have two more days off and those will be spent getting things done around my house before returning to work.  I want to return to work being caught up on the laundry as well as a few other things. 

NewYear2011a

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year!!!!!!!!!!!   May you find much happiness and joy in 2011!

Menu Plan

Thurday 30 – Taco Bake, Corn and Salad  (very quick meal – Good at to Site) 

Friday – 31 – Frozen Pizza – Packing Day at Inlaws

Saturday – 1 – Order in – Moving Day for Inlaws

Sunday – 2 – Rotisserie Chicken/ Mac n Cheese/ Green Beans – Apple Pie –

Mon -3 – Baked Tilapia, Uncle Ben’s Rice and Veggie

Baked Tilapia (good add to site)

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp. Oregano
4 Tilapia Fillet

In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese, garlic salt, and oregano.  Coat Fillets in crumb mixture.  Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. 

Bake at 425 for 8-12 minutes or until fish flake easily with a fork.

Tuesday – 4 – Paprika Chicken with Sour Cream Sauce, Rice, Brussels Sprouts, Salad  (hubby liked…not sure I do)

Wednesday – 5 – Working Late – Baked Teriyaki Chicken (very Good add to site) served with Hash Brown Casserole  (very Good Add to site) & Broccoli

Thursday – 6 – Chilli / Corn Bread

Friday – 7 – Chilli Dogs/ Fries

Sat -8 – Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Strips and Vegetables with Cheese Sauce

2 Pkg Frozen California – Blend Vegetables
1 – 8 oz of Velveeta Cubed
3 Tbsp. Milk

Microwave Vegetable blend according to the package directions.  In a small saucepan, combine cheese and milk. Cook and stir over low heat until melted.  Serve with vegetables. 

Sunday – 9 – Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti / Salad  – Triple Chocolate Cake

1 pkg White Cake Mix
1/3 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 cup (8oz) sour cream
2/3 canola oil
2 Tbsp. Baking Cocoa
1/2 Cup Miniature Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup Chocolate Frosting
2 Tbsp milk

In a large bowl. combine the cake mix, sugar, eggs, sour cream and oil.  Beat on low for 1 minute; beat on medium for 2 minutes.  Pour half of batter in to a large bowl.  Stir in cocoa until blended. Fold chocolate chips into white cake batter.

Spoon batter alternately into a greased and floured 10 inch fluted tube pan.  Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 15 minutes before removing from pand to a wire rack to cool completely. 

In a small bowl, combine frosting and milk.  Spoon over top of cooled cake. 

Monday- 10 – Book Group – Mom’s Mac and Cheese / Brats

Tuesday -11 –  South Seas Pork Chops, Pineapple Slices, Green Beans, Salad

Wednesday -12 – Meat Loaf/ Mashed Potatoes/ Corn

Thursday – 13 – Board Meeting – Spaghetti

Friday – 14 – Sloppy Joes , Chips

 Just remember that a bit of planning will sure make your week go smoother, giving you more free time and saving you money!  For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Weekly over 400 bloggers share what they have on their menu. 

Happy Eating!!!

Reading: Best of 2010

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I am going to share this here as well as on my book blog, Reading in White Bear Lake.  It has been another slow year of reading for me.   Life and work have gotten in the way of my sitting around and reading into the wee hours of the night.  Though on my recently vacation I have been reading many hours each day.   Alas, I have only read 31 books in 2009, but some very good ones!!  You can check out the entire list of books I have read in 2010 on my website.   (which sure needs a overhaul!)

 

Jen’s Best Books of 2010

  1. Gone With the Wind – Margaret Mitchell (5/5)
  2. The Room – Emma Donoghue – 5/5
  3. The Help – Kathryn Stockett  (4.5/5)
  4. Sarah’s Key – Tatiana de Rosnay  (4.5/5)
  5. The Promised World – Lisa Tucker  (4/5)
  6. The House Rules – Jodi Picoult (4/5)
  7. The Reliable Wife – Robert Goolrick – (4/5)
  8. The Girl Who Plays with Fire – 4/5
  9. Look Again – Lisa Scottsline – 4/5
  10. Still Missing – Chevy Stevens – 4/5

I had a very hard time getting this list down to the to top 10 Books of 2010.  I had many more books that I also rated 4/5 – Reccommend/Good

BookPage, recently posted their Top 40 Books of 2010, so I have added many to my reading list for 2011.  What was your favorite book of 2010??? 

I love making my list of best books each year.  I forget about all the great books I read in the beginning of the year!  Next, I will enjoy reading other book bloggers lists which will certainly make my “To Be Read” list even longer!

 
Happy Reading!!!
 

Menu Plan for the Holidays

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Menu Plans

Wednesday – 22 – Country Ham and Cheese Macaroni Casserole, Spinach Salad

Country Ham and Cheese Macaroni Casserole

1 lb. smoked cooked ham, chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 lb. elbow macaroni
2 c. shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (80z)
1 c. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 c. margarine, melted
1 c dry, plain bread crumbs

Boil noodles according to package instructions along with diced onion, until noodles are done. Drain. Meanwhile, mix together rest of ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cooked noodles/onion and add to oven safe casserole dish (greased). Pour bread crumbs evenly over noodles and then pour melted butter over the crumbs.

Bake for 30-45 minutes at 375 degrees or until cheese is well melted.

 

 

Thursday – 23 – Parmesan Chicken, Coucous, Corn

Ribbon Pumpkin Bread

CHOCOLATE-OATMEAL DROPS – MOM’S RECIPE

1 stick butter
1/2 c. milk
1/3 c. cocoa
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 1/2 to 3 c. quick oats

Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil on stove for 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly. After mixture thickens, remove from heat and add vanilla. Stir in quick oats and drop by spoonful onto wax paper on a cookie sheet. Refrigerate.

Brown Sugar Caramels – Magic of Christmas – Pg 22

Friday 24 – Christmas Eve Appetizers -2010
Church at 4:00
Movie:  The Nativity Story 

Buffalo Wild Wings – Making our own
Deviled Eggs


Guacamole/Hummus Dip with Veggies

Mozzarella Sticks (Simple and Delicious Sept/Oct 2009)
12 pieces String Cheese
12 eg roll wrappers
Oil for Deep-fat frying
Marinara or Spaghetti sauce

Place a piece of string cheese hear the bottom corner of one egg roll wrapper (keep remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel until ready to use).  Fold bottom corner over cheese.  Roll up halfway; fold sides towards center over cheese.  Moisten remianing corner with water; roll up tightly to seal.  Repeat with remaining wrappers and cheese. 

In an electric skillet, heat 1/2 in of oil to 375.  Fry Sticks, a few at a time, for 30 to 60 seconds on each side or until golden brown.  Drain on paper towels.  Serve with Marinara Sauce.  Yield: 1 Dozen.

Shrimp Cocktail
Variety Pack of Breaded Shrimp (Bake at 400 – 15 minutes)
Hot Artichoke Dip – (350- 20 minutes)
Egg Nog

Saturday – Christmas Day
Brunch/Breakfast
Pull-Apart Sticky Bun Ring – (Simple and Delicious May/June 2009)
Hearty Breakfast Egg Bake (Simple and Delicious Nov/Dec 2008)

Supper
Ham
Glazed Carrots
Party Potatoes
Dinner Rolls
Apple Pie
Sparkling Juice

Sunday -Get Groceries

 

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December 4  – December 12,  2010 

Saturday, 4th – Oven Fried Fish and Chips

Sunday, 5th – Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich  (bake cookies and concert)

Monday, 6th –  One Pot Cabbage Sausage Supper  (40 minutes)

Tuesday, 7th –    Italian Casserole/ Salad – Adli 353 (School Christmas Program)

Wednesday, 8th – Hashbrown Soup/ Salad/ Biscuits  (Off – Dietician Appointment)

Thursday, 9th – Poppy Seed Chicken/Rice/Green Beans/Strawberries  (Scrip/ Board Meeting)

Friday, 10th – White Castle Sliders and Fries

Saturday, 11 – Chicken Noodle Soup Crockpot/ Crackers & Cheese – Aldi 354 (Send Christmas Cards)

Sunday, 12th – Cookie Exchange Party

Cocoa Mix  – Chocolate Mint Candies Cookies

French Onion Stuffed Mushrooms
Artichoke Heart Dip
Shrimp
Christmas Cheese Ball

Make for the School Bake Sale:

Original Chex Mix
Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix

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December 13  – December 18,  2010 

Monday, 13th – Beef & Cheese Enchiladas/Tortilla Chips/Salad = Aldi 353

Tuesday, 14th – Leftovers  (FPU/Supper there)

Wednesday 15th – Brocolli and Cheese Soup/Rolls/Fruit Salad 

Thursday, 16th –  Italian Baked Chicken/Brocolli/Coucous – Aldi 354

Friday, 17th – Bacon Ranch Toasted Subs/Fries/Celery & Dip – Aldi 354

Saturday, 18th  – Seven Layer Salad     (Coyan Christmas)

 

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November 21  – November 28,  2010 

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.  We have had a busy weekend again with getting ready to go to my parents for Thanksgiving and roller skating party.  This morning I volunteered at the church info desk and had many suggestions for my menu from friends at church.  That sure made it easier to plan our meals!   I wish I could plan meals with friends every week!  So we will be trying a few new recipes this week. 

Sunday, 21st – Ham and Hashbrown Casserole – Carrots

Monday, 22st – Tater Tot Hotdish

Tuesday, 23rd – Spaghetti and Meatballs, Garlic Bread Sticks 

Wednesday, 24th  – Out of Town – heading to SD

Thursday, 25th – Out of Town

Friday, 26th – Out of Town

Saturday, 27th – Out of Town

Sunday, 28th  – Out of Town – Soup and Grilled Chesse Sandwiches

 

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November 29th  – December 4th,  2010 

Monday, 29th – Suzanne’s BBQ Ribs (crockpot) & mac and Cheese (blue box) and corn

Tuesday, 30th – Rotisserie Chicken (crockpot),  Rice Dish and Peas

Wednesday, 1st – Jeff’s Chicken Casserole – Green Beans

Layer cream of chicken soup
Diced uncooked chicken breast
Cr of Chicken Soup
Stovetop Stuffing

Bake at 350 for 1 hour. 

Thursday, 2nd – Tacos for a Crowd

Friday, 3rd –  Steak and Cheese Sandwiches with Fries

Saturday, 4th – Oven Fried Fish and Chips

Grocery Shopping Totals for 11/21

Aldi – 111.53

Festival – 7.62

Walmart – $16.46

Grand Total for 2 weeks:  135.61 /2 = $67.81 per week for family of 5

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!  I love the excitement of holiday planning.  We have much going on, but hope to fit in all our normal holiday traditions.  Menu planning is definitely going to be a time saver this holiday season.  Just remember that a bit of planning will sure make your week go smoother, giving you more free time and saving you money!  For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Weekly over 400 bloggers share what they have on their menu. 

Happy Eating!!!