All posts by Nichole

menu plan Monday

The weekend of a lot and the menu plan that followed

I've never braved the ski lift that runs from end to end at the fair, but based on the pictures other people took from its terrifying heights I might try it. Next year. Maybe.
I’ve never braved the ski lift that runs from one end of the fairgrounds to the other, but based on the pictures other people took from its terrifying heights I might try it. Next year. Maybe.
Which exciting story of our weekend would you care to hear? The one where we spent hours and hours at the soccer fields? The one where we went to the fair with a gaggle — a herd? a pack? a pod? a convocation, crackle or charm? What is the appropriate collective noun in this instance? — of homeschoolers? The one where I went to the grocery store alone? The one with both sleepovers and birthday parties? Or perhaps the one where I hurt my back whilst emptying the kitty litter?

As you may have surmised, it was a very busy weekend. I think that, instead of telling you any of those riveting tales, I will share with you our menu plan for the week and go back to my heating pad.

Monday: Chicken Parm Meatballs
It would seem that I’m on a Rachael Ray kick again. Her Chicken Parm Meatballs are the first of two RR recipes this week. We’ll have them with orzo and a salad.

Tuesday: Tacos
Taco Tuesday, but with more avocado and less kragle.

Wednesday: Chicken & Dumplings
Remember when my dad was coming to town and he wanted chicken & dumplings so I put them on the menu again? We went out to eat instead. He’s stopping by again after spending the weekend at my brother’s house, though, so here again are the chicken & dumplings.

Thursday: Out?
We’ll probably go out, but we may just have cereal instead.

Friday: Pizza
Screamin’ Sicilian frozen pizzas are (1) delicious and (2) usually above my self-imposed frozen-pizza price-acceptability guidelines, but they were super-crazy on sale this week.

How was your weekend? I hope it was fun and free of feline-related hijinks and/or injury.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the Menu Plan Monday link up at OrgJunkie.com!

menu plan Monday

Menu Plan Monday on a Tuesday. What is this world coming to?

Rockford is gearing up for another Big Work Trip, so I am having kind of a tough week. The few days before he leaves are harder on me than when he’s actually gone, for some reason. I suspect it’s because that’s the way my anxiety likes to handle things. My dad will be visiting while Rockford’s away this time, and while Rockford is sad that he won’t get to hang out with his golf buddy, I will be glad to have some grown-up company.

Tuesday: Lasagna Primavera
A friend has a fresh new baby at home, and I wanted to make dinner for her family one night this week. Martha Stewart’s Lasagna Primavera is one of my favorite dishes for such occasions, because they can stick it in the freezer if they don’t want to eat it right away. (Also, it’s delicious.) And if you’re making one lasagna, you may as well go ahead and make another for yourself, right?

Wednesday: BBQ
I thought Dad would be here to go out for barbecue with us, so I put the new barbecue restaurant near our house on the menu. Turns out he won’t be here yet, but Rockford’s parents will be in town for the day so we’re still going for barbecue. (Don’t worry, Papa. We’ll go again when you’re here.)

Thursday: Chicken & dumplings
Hopefully Dad will be here in time for dinner Thursday, because he requested chicken and dumplings. Also, he might have to actually make them because soccer practice runs late on Thursdays.

Friday: Pizza
I will probably order pizza.

Need more inspiration? Check out OrgJunkie’s Menu Plan Monday linkup!

menu plan Monday

I am still waiting for you, autumnal weather

I’ve been yearning for fall weather — just like I always do this time of year — so over the weekend I tried to conjure up some cooler weather by making Mrs. Happy Homemaker’s Beef Stew for dinner. It purports to be the Best Beef Stew Ever, and it is pretty terrific. It has a nice flavor and the beef was really tender, but I felt like the potatoes were working overtime to make up the bulk of the dish. Next time I’ll add a few more carrots and maybe also some red wine in place of some of the water.

I started the stew in the slow cooker around 10:30am and didn’t have to touch it again until dinnertime. I need to remember to put the slow cooker to use more frequently on the weekends. It helped us have a super-relaxed Sunday.

Monday: Chicken and dumplings
Yesterday’s beef stew was tasty, but it didn’t quite convince fall to make an appearance. Maybe Rachael Ray’s chicken and dumplings will do the trick.

Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner
Breakfast for dinner is generally a very basic affair. This week, though, I’m going to make a hashbrown casserole a la Cracker Barrel.

Wednesday: Spaghetti
I’m going to let you in on a secret: I already don’t want spaghetti for dinner on Wednesday. But I had pasta and sauce in the pantry, so we’re going to use it. By golly.

Thursday: Poppyseed chicken casserole
I used to make a lot of recipes that called for cream-of-something soups. I’ve mostly stopped making them, but there will never be a day when Poppyseed Chicken isn’t in my recipe box.

Friday: Pizza

What’s your favorite slow cooker recipe?

Want more menus? Check out Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie.com.