Monthly Menu- January

Wow! I can hardly believe how fast 2010 has flown by! Travis and I have now been married more than a year and a half, and we've lived here in Cusick almost as long! It has been a very joyful year in many ways, but we've had our hard times and struggles too. One of my great joys, however, has been cooking! Ever since watching Julie and Julia last year, I have endeavored to try to be more adventurous in my cooking, and I think I have succeeded! I have made many things I had never attempted before! Like a turkey, hams, homemade bread, squash, trout, salmon, ground turkey, fish tacos, pumpkin, Brussel sprouts, and many others! Well, as 2011 begins, here's to trying even more new things!

Monthly Menu- January

Week 1 (Jan. 4-10)

Tuesday

Chicken Caesar Salad with Rolls

This is a delicious, light dinner! The chicken makes the salad a meal, and it's very easy to put together.

Wednesday

Sloppy Joes with Raw Veggies

In the tradition of "crock-pot Wednesday" I'm putting my favorite sloppy joe recipe in. I usually just make it on the stove top, but I think simmering for a couple of hours might do it some good!

Thursday

Chicken Stir-Fry with White Rice

Easy and so healthy and delicious!

Friday

Whole Wheat Pepperoni Pizza with a Green Salad

Saturday

Crock-Pot Minestrone Soup with Sweet Corn Muffins

A new slow cooker recipe from my "Today's Creative Crock-Pot Slow Cooker Cookbook" (Boy, that's a mouthful! We should just call it "TCCPSCC"...well, maybe not...)

Week 2 (Jan. 11-17)

Tuesday

Balsamic Chicken with Brown Rice and Butternut Squash

Wednesday

Cider Pork Roast with Potatoes and Onions

I have never cooked a pork roast before, but I picked one up at WinCo and thought I'd give it a shot- I am excited to have the leftovers to make pulled-pork sandwiches!

Thursday

Lemon Pepper Tilapia with Roasted Red Potatoes and a Green Salad

A delicious seafood seasoning made by my grandpa's company. Light and yummy!

Friday

Turkey Hamburgers with Fresh Fruit and Chips

We like to have our burgers with bacon and fried onions! Mmm!

Saturday

Chicken Tortilla Soup with Tortilla Strips and all the trimmings!

This is a definite favorite of my hubby! It is so warm and delightful!

Week 3 (Jan. 18-24)

Tuesday

Teriyaki Meatballs with Rice and a Green Salad

At hubby's request, I'm bringing back my "famous" meatballs with homemade teriyaki sauce.

Wednesday

Chicken & Dumplings

A new recipe for "crock-pot Wednesday"! The dumplings are actually refrigerator biscuits!

Thursday

Pulled-Pork Sandwiches with Raw Veggies

Friday

Mac 'n' Cheese with Pigs in Blankets

Saturday

Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Week 4 (Jan. 25-31)

Tuesday

Tilapia Fish Tacos with Fresh Fruit

Wednesday

BBQ Chicken with Brown Rice

A bottle of "Sweet Baby Ray's", a few shakes of Dean's BBQ seasoning, a little bit of brown sugar and honey and a few hours in the slow-cooker. This is so delicious!

Thursday

Whole Wheat Pepperoni and Olive Pizza with Fresh Fruit or Veggies

Friday

Crepes with Fresh Fruit

Not sure yet if these will be sweet or savory...

Saturday

Hamburger Soup with Rolls

From the freezer! :)

A Tale of Two Soups (Turkey Chowder/Beef-Barley Soup)

This is a tale of two soups that I made
Both in the crockpot and both blogposts delayed.
I am rhyming this post for no apparent reason
Maybe I've lost it- maybe it's just the season.
On any account I hope you enjoy it
If I ever finish and don't decide to destroy it!
Getting back to the soups- well, one was a chowder...
But they both were a hit, so I couldn't be prouder.
One began as a turkey, the other a roast
I was satisfied with each, so I'll try not to boast.

The week before Thanksgiving I cooked the turkey
I wanted my own leftovers, you see.
So when we were done with what we could eat
To the freezer went the rest of the meat.
Later on when we'd come back
I took the turkey out of it's freezer sack
And popped in the crockpot this recipe dear
One I'd found online after Thanksgiving last year.
It came from a place called Recipezaar
I if I would rate it, I'd give it more than one star!
Probably five, it's really that good
If you have turkey, then try it you should!
It involves mostly veggies and broth, of course
Chicken, unless you make turkey broth straight from the source!
I guess what makes it a chowder is the flour
Which you cook with the onion before simmering for hours.
A special flair that you put in this dish
A half cup of apple juice which makes it delish!
Homestyle goodness and a tangy flavor
This is one chowder that you'll want to savor!

The second soup, as I said, was a roast
But it was bad news- I might even say "toast!"
The meat was fatty and chewy and gross
I thought I might thow it out- and came close.
But I hoped maybe I could redeem it with soup
We'd just see if my meat could jump through that hoop!
It needed some tenderizing- maybe soup would be just the thing
And a church dinner was coming and I needed something to bring.
So later I trimmed all the fatty parts down
And chopped up the good parts- I sure went to town!
I added some veggies (corn, peas, garlic, potato
Celery, carrot and even tomato)
Bay leaf, basil and barley too
Better add broth or this will be stew!
Better Homes & Gardens is the one that I owe
For this delicious recipe that I have to show.
"Beef-Barley Soup" proved to be just right
Savory and warm, comfort food to the last bite!

Both of these soups (excuse me...chowder- oh well)
Create in your home a lovely food smell.
They simmer away in the crockpot all day
Ready when you are to keep hunger at bay.
Both can be served with a side that you choose
But here are a few suggestions for what you should use:
Rolls are always a pleaser- that's true

Or you could always go for something that's new.

Biscuits are also an option that's swell

If you use Bisquick, I swear I won't tell!

Cornbread is good, using Jiffy or no

Bread soup-sides are good, however you go!

Hope you will try one or both of these treats

They make quite a lot so you can freeze the rest of the eats.

I love having frozen soups on hand

They make a great quick dinner if you're in a jam.

I think my rhyming's getting poorer- I'd better stop now

But make sure and read the recipes below!

Turkey CHOWDER
(printable version)

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 cup sliced celery

2 TB butter

2 TB flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried thyme

5 cups chicken broth (or 3 cans)

2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup sliced zucchini

1/2 cup apple juice (or cider)

3 cups chopped cooked turkey

Cook onion and celery in butter. Stir in flour, salt, pepper and thyme. Slowly add the chicken broth. Combine broth mixture and remaining ingredients in slow cooker. Cover, cook on low 4-6 hrs.

Beef-Barley Soup
(printable version)

12 oz. beef stew meat (or leftover roast!), cut into 1-in. cubes (if not using leftover roast, brown meat in oil before following rest of recipe)

4 14 oz.cans beef broth (or more if needed)

1 cup chopped onion (1 lg)

1/2 cup chopped celery (1 stalk)

1/2 cup chopped carrots

1 tsp dried oregano or basil, crushed

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (I used 1/2 cup peas & 1/2 cup corn)

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained (may use the Italian variety)

1 cup 1/2-in. cubes peeled potato

2/3 cup regular barley

Combine all ingredients in 6-qt slow cooker. Cover, cook on low for 8-10 hrs or high for 4-5 hrs.

Monthly Menu- December

Wow! I can't believe I haven't written a post since my last monthly menu! That's awful of me. So sorry! I guess I didn't feel like I made anything very interesting last month...but I will try to do better.

It's already December! It's not hard to believe, as I sit here and type, watching more flakes fall onto the already deep piles of snow outside my window. Winter has landed in full force on the Inland Northwest! Last week she showed her full strength when we came back from our Thanksgiving trip to Oregon to water all over our kitchen floor due to a broken pipe during extreme winter temperatures. But even with all that mess to clean up, fans still blaring in the background, trying to dry the carpet (which is buckling up in spots), I have to admit that it's beautiful. I have never lived in a place that gets as much snow as this place does, so I'm not quite acclimated, but even so, I have to succumb to the charm of this white-blanketed rural valley. It is lovely, and it feels like Christmas every day!

In respect to the following list, I was very glad that Travis and I ventured out yesterday, as tired as we were, to get our month's shopping done. The snow has been falling steadily all day, and we seem to be in for another storm tonight. It feels good to have full cupboards and a stocked fridge and freezer!!

Monthly Menu- December

Week 1 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6)

Tuesday

Turkey Pot Pie

Looks like a great use for leftover turkey! This is an easy version of a pot pie, which has a Bisquick biscuit crust and carrots and broccoli tucked inside.

Wednesday

Golden Mushroom Pork and Apples with a Green Salad

In the tradition of "crock-pot Wednesday" I'm trying a new recipe out of my Rival Crock-Pot book. It looks easy and pork chops are always nice and tender in the slow cooker.

Thursday

Lemon-Herb Chicken with Brown Rice and Roasted Asparagus

Another winner from Allrecipes.com, this skillet chicken is easy and simply flavorful. Asparagus was on sale, so it will make a delicious side!

Friday

Whole Wheat Pepperoni Pizza with Fresh Veggies

Saturday

Turkey Chowder with Corn Muffins

I discovered this leftover turkey soup recipe last year, and it will be the perfect thing to come home to after a friend and I go to Spokane to Christmas/birthday shop for our husbands!

Week 2 (Dec. 7-13)

Tuesday

Beef Rib Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Wednesday

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice with Asparagus

Another Rival Crock-Pot recipe. Looks like a comfort food. Mmm.

Thursday

Lime and Pepper Tilapia with Roasted Potatoes

Must be the simplest way to prepare tilapia. But it's so tasty too!

Friday

I think I may be doing something for hubby's birthday...

Saturday

Beef and Cabbage Soup with Rolls

Since these soups always make a lot, the leftovers will be great to share at our Christmas Cantata Sunday night!

Week 3 (Dec. 14-20)

Tuesday

Chicken Tacos with Fresh Fruit

Wednesday

Slow Cooker Tamale Pie with a Green Salad

Allrecipes.com. :) We'll see if this is better than the slow-cooker lasagna! I think I might try making it with ground turkey instead of beef...

Thursday

No-Meat Spaghetti with Green Beans

Friday

Whole Wheat Pepperoni and Olive Pizza

Saturday

I think we might be having our "2nd Annual" open house Christmas party this day, so if that's the case, we'll just eat leftovers.

Week 4 (Dec. 21-27)

Tuesday

Shepherd's Pie with Mixed Veggies

I'm not sure yet which day we are leaving to go to Trav's parent's for Christmas, but in case we don't leave till Wednesday, I've got a backup! :) The following week after we get home, I have canned soups and frozen tacquitos on hand, as well as frozen leftover soup.

Odds and ends: Today I made some cookies for the church board meeting tonight. Later on this week, I will be taking dinner to a lady in our church. This weekend is our monthly church potluck, which I will likely bring soup to...and maybe rolls. Next weekend we have a Christmas Cantata which all the ladies bring food for, and then the weekend after that, I will be hosting a Christmas party which will likely feature my cheese ball, my pumpkin gingerbread, and some new festive cookies I want to try! :)

Monthly Menu- November

Now, I realize it is already November 10, and I've been putting off or forgetting to get my monthly menu up, but better late than never- so here it is! Some of these are already in the past, of course... If you need to understand this menu thing, revert back to the monthly menu for October. :)

Monthly Menu- November

Week 1 (Nov. 1-7)

Tuesday

Chicken Stir Fry with White Rice

Travis helped me get this one cooked up in a jiffy after we went for a work out!

Wednesday

Crock-Pot Lasagna with a Green Salad

I am trying to come up with crock-pot dinners for Wednesday evenings, since we now have Awana and by the time we get home at 8, I don't feel like throwing something together. This lasagna wasn't the easiest, and it wasn't the tastiest either. Indicator: the leftovers are still sitting in the fridge. I might give another go someday, but I'd definitely make some changes of my own.

Thursday

Maple Chicken with Rice and Acorn Squash

Easy and delicious! I just put a little butter and some sugar-free maple syrup on the chicken and baked it! It paired wonderfully with the spiced acorn squash.

Friday

Crock Pot Beef Roast with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans

I simply used an onion soup mix and a few splashed of Worcestershire sauce and it was delicious! Yummy to come home to after a busy day!

Saturday

Delicious salmon at a friend's house...no cooking for me! :)

Week 2 (Nov. 8-14)

Tuesday

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese with Steamed Broccoli

This recipe was actually posted on a fertility website because of it's great health benefits! It uses whole wheat pasta shells and combines the unique flavors of pumpkin and Gouda cheese! It is delicious, though not completely fat free! :)

Wednesday

Crock Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken Sandwiches with Corn on the Cob

Easy. Yummy. Throw chicken and BBQ sauce in pot. Shred. Put on bun. Eat. :D

Thursday

Tilapia Tacos with Roasted Potatoes

Easy and yummy fish tacos!

Friday

Turkey Hot Dogs with Raw Veggies

I go to a Zumba class Friday nights, so this is nice, quick meal that is also healthy!

Saturday

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Rolls

Week 3 (Nov. 15-21)

Tuesday

Turkey with Sweet Potatoes

Even though we are going to my parent's house for Thanksgiving, I had to buy a turkey, because I really want the leftovers!!

Wednesday

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki with Rice and Corn

Another new crock pot recipe for my busy Wednesday night!

Thursday

Skillet BBQ Pork Chops with Acorn Squash

Friday

Homemade Wheat Crust Pizza with Chicken, Spinach and Olives

Or Pepperoni. Depends on how energetic I am. :)

Saturday

Leftover Roast Beef Soup

With barley and vegetables!

Week 4 (Nov. 22-30)

Tuesday night we will be leaving for Oregon and gone until Saturday, so the rest of the month is pretty well taken care of! :) When we get home we'll probably have Shepherd's Pie or some soup from the freezer!

Welcome to My Pizzeria! (Whole Wheat Pizza Crust)

I love pizza! I don't know very many people who don't love pizza, come to think of it... :) My family used to have pizza and movie nights every Sunday when I was growing up (and I think they still do!) and for many years my sisters and I made our own homemade pizza crust. I have tried many recipes for crust, all of which were good. But a few months ago, I think I stumbled on my favorite crust yet. I was on a diet (still should be, haha!) and looking for a low calorie, thin crust I could use with some healthy toppings. I can't remember where I found it, actually, so I'm not sure who to give the credit to! But the last two times I've made it, I have gone the healthier route and used whole wheat flour, which I think improved it even more- not only is it good for you, but the whole wheat gives it a great flavor! If you haven't tried a homemade crust, and you like your crust a bit on the thin side, you've got to give this recipe a try. It's easy and tastes fabulous with any toppings! We have tried ham & pineapple (for all you Hawaiian fans!), pepperoni with or without olives, and I've even used leftover sloppy Joe or taco meat for a topping- yum! It depends on what I have between the cupboard and the freezer! But I think our favorite is the ever-being-modified chicken pizza. But I need to start at the beginning!

First things first- as all good recipes start: preheat the oven! This is the only recipe I have ever made where you heat the oven to 500. Yeah. That's hot. :) While the oven is warming up to this insane temperature, I mix the yeast and sugar with warm water and let it sit while I mix the flours and salt together and cook the chicken. After about 8 minutes, I pour the yeast mixture over the flour and stir with my favorite wooden spoon. Then I form the dough into a ball and knead it for about 2 minutes, then press it into a semi-round shape. Then comes the fun part! You can do it however it seems to work for you, but I like to hold the dough in my hand and keep turning it around and around while I gently pull the edges out. I usually do this until it starts to tear a little, then I put it on the greased pizza sheet and begin pressing it out toward the edges of the pan (if you make it pretty thin, it will fit one 15" pizza sheet, but you can go smaller if you like it a bit thicker- experiment!). If any holes appear, just pinch them shut with your fingers!

Next, spread your sauce of choice on top. I like Ragu Homemade style (since we are going homemade here...). Chicken pizza is also delicious with white garlic sauce, but I haven't tried that at home yet. Spread as generously as you like (I go pretty thin- I don't like really saucy pizza), but don't forget to leave the edges sauce-free for the crust! Cheese goes on top of this, of course, and again you can choose your preference! I usually go with all mozzarella for the chicken pizza, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for pepperoni, Hawaiian and other varieties. I have also used a blend of mozzarella and feta for the chicken pizza, which is also very yummy. However, feta isn't something I usually have on hand!

The last step in the pizza-building process is the toppings! I think my chicken pizza turns out just a bit different every time, depending on what I have around to add to it!

Tonight's version included: one diced chicken breast, pan-fried in olive oil and sprinkled with Pizza seasoning (a mixture of oregano, basil, marjoram & garlic) and garlic powder, two fresh diced Roma tomatoes, a can of sliced olives, and generous amounts of fresh spinach. A note on the spinach: add this last and don't be afraid to cover pretty much the whole pizza with it. It shrinks lots during cooking, so if you don't put on very much, you'll regret it. If you cover the whole thing, it shrinks up to be just the right amount. This is what our pizza consisted of tonight, but don't be afraid to experiment with your own favorite flavors!

Once all the toppings are situated, pop that pizza in the oven! The blazing 500 degrees cook it in only about 10-12 minutes (or maybe less, depending on your oven!).

One of the best things about making pizza at home is getting your creative juices flowing and creating your own masterpiece! Experiment with flavors. Cheeses, meats, veggies. The possibilities are endless! This is the stuff traditions are made of.

Homemade Whole Wheat Thin Pizza Crust
(printable version)

(if you don't want whole wheat, just use all white flour)

makes 1 pizza

1 .25 oz. package of active dry yeast

1/4 tsp sugar

3/4 cup warm water

1 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup white flour

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Italian herbs

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. In small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Allow to rest for 8 min. Mix flours, salt and herbs in another bowl. Pour yeast mixture over flour and mix with sturdy spoon. On lightly floured surface, knead dough for about 2 min. Allow dough to rest covered with a cloth about 5 min. Press into a 12" circle. You may also lift off of counter and rotate in hands, pulling dough gently into a circular shape. Place on lightly greased pizza sheet, stretch and press dough to edges. Spread with sauce and add desired toppings. Bake 8-12 min. or until edges are golden brown. Enjoy!

Tilapia, Get Your Groove On! (Fish Tacos)

Looking for a way to spice up your mild, white tilapia fillet? Read on!

I have never in my life eaten a fish taco. Why? I don't really know, except that most places one finds tacos, one would not be too sure about the quality of the fish. I usually only trust seafood places to have good fish. And fish that is not good is...well, not good. However, I have always been curious about fish tacos, so when trying to come up with something different to do with tilapia (I bought a big bag of frozen fillets at WinCo), the idea dropped in my mind to try making my own! This being said, I still have no clue what a normal or truly Mexican fish taco tastes like- but...I do like my own! :) I found a recipe on the site of a woman who lived in Colombia for a time, and makes many Colombian or Central/South American flavored dishes. I figured I could probably trust her! :)

The recipe is very simple, with only a few common spices and flavors, so it isn't overly bold or spicy. I sprinkled the thawed fillets with cumin, salt & pepper and chili powder, then drizzled them with lime juice and olive oil, while a little more oil was heating in a skillet. Then, while the fish browned lightly on both sides (about 4 min per side), I made avocado salsa.

The recipe called for diced avocados, chopped onion, lime juice, cilantro and olive oil, but I kind of made my own variation. I didn't have any cilantro, so I skipped that, and to make it more like salsa, I added a couple of diced Roma tomatoes to the mix. It turned out sort of like guacamole, except less mushy and a little zestier (lime juice instead of lemon?).

I was surprised how easy this meal was! Once the fish was done, I used a fork to break it up into flaky chunks, warmed up tortillas in the microwave (you can also do this in a hot, non-stick, ungreased skillet) and tore up some green leaf lettuce. We then piled the fish, salsa and lettuce into our tortillas and enjoyed them with some roasted potatoes and fresh mango chunks. It was a light, delicious dinner! Travis really enjoyed it, and he isn't really even a fish fan! :) The fish was sweet and mild, with just the faintest zing, and the salsa was delicious! It's a keeper!

Tilapia Fish Tacos
(printable version)

by My Colombian Recipes

serves about 4

1 lb. tilapia fish

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp chili powder

juice of 2 limes, divided

salt and pepper

tortillas

2 TB chopped fresh cilantro

2 TB diced onion

1 avocado, diced

1 TB olive oil

1-2 Roma tomatoes, diced (optional)

Shredded Lettuce

Place fish on plate and sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and juice of 1 lime.

Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook until golden on the outside (about 4 min. per side). Remove from skillet and transfer to a plate. Shred lightly.

Combine cilantro, onion, avocado and tomatoes (if desired) and set aside.

Heat tortillas.

To assemble tacos, place an equal amount of fish in each tortilla, along with a big spoonful of the avocado mixture and top with shredded lettuce.

Source: MyColombianRecipes.com

Monthly Menu- October

I've decided to begin posting a monthly menu (copying my sister-in-law's "weekly menu" series), in case anything looks interesting to you that I don't get around to blogging about! As I have mentioned before, we do our shopping once a month in Spokane at WinCo, which is an hour south of us, since we live in a rural area (Safeway is 17 mi. away!). Although my menu often changes throughout the month, depending on what comes up, I always plan out one for the whole month before we do our monthly shopping trip. We will be heading down today, so I spent a lot time yesterday brainstorming and checking the cupboards. Side veggies often depend on what is on sale or what is in season and I don't usually know for sure until I get there, so I may make some changes to this after we get home! :)

A few notes on the menu: I don't usually plan anything on Sunday or Monday nights because those are my cooking "days off" (since Travis is a pastor, Sundays are very wearing days for both of us and Monday is our official day off) when we eat pretty light and either make canned soup, smoothies, eggs, sandwiches, throw taquitos in the oven, go out to eat or something else that requires minimal energy. Twice a month Travis and I have Date Nights on Mondays (ex. this month it is Oct. 4 and Oct. 18). He picks the days ahead of time so I can plan what to wear! ;) Then he either surprises me or we mutually decide where to go. Wednesday and Thursday nights are soon to be church activity nights (Awana and Home Group, respectively), so I tried to plan for something rather quick and uninvolved since we will be eating early. Saturdays I have just designated as "Soup Saturdays!" It is beginning to get chilly around here and Travis and I both love a good bowl of homemade soup!

Monthly Menu- October

Week 1 (Oct. 3-9)

Tuesday

Jewel's Pineapple Chicken with Rice and Roasted Asparagus

My sister just sent me this recipe for pineapple smothered baked chicken and I can't wait to try it!

Wednesday

Tilapia Fish Tacos with Avocado Salsa and Fresh Fruit

I have never tried fish tacos, but I'm excited for a new way to cook tilapia. This recipe actually come from a website of a lady who cooks Colombian food, so it should be good! :) Tilapia is one fish that hubby doesn't mind eating, so I sneak it in here and there as part of a healthy diet!

Thursday

Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice and Chow Mein Noodles

Yep, I'm cheating. I have stir-fry veggies in the freezer and stir fry packaged seasoning in the cupboard. One of these days I'll get around to making it from fresh vegetables!

Friday

Pizza with Homemade Whole Wheat Crust and Fresh Raw Veggies

I have a delicious thin crust recipe and it works well with whole wheat. I think we'll have garlic chicken, spinach and tomato pizza.

Saturday

Bean & Barley Vegetable Soup with Whole Wheat Honey Buttermilk Biscuits

I haven't tried this soup yet, but I wanted to try a vegetarian soup with barley, so I'll let you know how it goes. My friends from out of town will be here, so they can help with the slicing and dicing. The biscuits are amazing!

Week 2 (Oct. 10-16)

Tuesday

Spice Rubbed Pork Chops with Acorn Squash

I have made this several times and they are so quick and easy and soooo delicious! The combination of brown sugar, dry mustard and coriander give the meat a smoky flavor.

Wednesday

Beef Spaghetti and Green Salad

Classic. Need I say more?

Thursday

Slow-Cooker Lime Chicken and Rice with Corn on the Cob

New recipe from allrecipes.com. Rice and chicken cook together in the pot. Sounds easy!

Friday

Venison Chops and Roasted Potatoes

I still have these venison chops in my freezer, but I haven't decided how to cook them yet. I've made fajitas with them, but the best way was when I put them in the crock-pot with some cream of mushroom soup and served it over rice. They were rich, tender and delicious!

Saturday

Chicken Tortilla Soup with Tortilla Strips (of course) and all the trimmings

From the freezer. Always a favorite and always delicious!

Week 3 (Oct. 17-23)

Tuesday

Chicken with Garlic-Balsamic Reduction with Brown Rice and Brussel Sprouts

This is a delicious dish. Full of robust flavor and not too time consuming either. The brussel sprout recipe is one I want to try from Ruth Reichl's book "Garlic and Sapphires."

Wednesday

Breakfast Burritos with all the trimmings

Don't you love breakfast for dinner sometimes? This is a hearty one, warm tortillas stuffed with eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, cheese and sour cream. Yum!

Thursday

Baked Potatoes with Chili and toppings

Friday

Pan-fried Tilapia with Pepper and Lime served with Potatoes

A simple, quick and lightly delicious way to serve tilapia.

Saturday

Ham and Navy Bean Soup with Corn Muffins

From the freezer.

Week 4 (Oct. 24-30)

Tuesday

Ginger Pork Chops with Acorn Squash

A new recipe from a cookbook called "Fix It and Enjoy It" (healthy, quick and simple recipes).

Wednesday

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Rice and Roasted Onions

A new recipe from allrecipes.com. In lieu of a barbecue, I will be using my George Foreman counter top grill.

Thursday

Homemade Pizza with Fresh Fruit and Veggies

Pepperoni and olives on top!

Friday

Turkey Dogs with Chips and Fruit

Saturday

Chicken Noodle Soup and Grilled Cheese (or leftover Bean and Barley, if there is any!)

Yes, out of a can. Campbell's is a classic, you know! :)

Extras

We have potluck this Sunday, and I plan on bringing Cheesy Potatoes.

I've signed up to bring a meal on Tuesday to a dear lady in our church who is in the later stages of cancer, so I've decided to bake her a chicken breast with some roasted potatoes.

We have a board meeting later in the month (which I always make goodies for) and I will likely be making either Chocolate Cinnamon Cookies or my famous Snickerdoodles.

I am going to revamp my breakfast plan this month and try bran muffins and yogurt instead of cereal, so I'm going to make my own Bran Muffins (with real wheat bran!) and freeze them. I found a recipe for "Deep Dark Old Bran Muffins" on allrecipes.com that looks just like the ones I used to make for my mom!

Well, there it is! Happy cooking!