Menu Plan Monday

I loved doing this a couple weeks ago. It made my week so much more organized. It was worth the time I spent on it and plan to continue doing it even if I don't post it.

I used to plan our meals at least a week out, but my habit went out the window a couple years ago during the days of dehydration and misery called pregnancy. Now I see why I did it. I feel like a much better wife and mom. I am less stressed. It motivates me to keep adding back other things I used to do that helped me stay on track. And it blesses my family to see the menu plan hanging on the fridge. And maybe just a little but more taken care of. Even the big guys. This makes them look forward to dinner time. And maybe one day, when they leave this nest, the memories of it will call them back to my table.

Some of the meals I posted from a couple weeks ago will be repeated because we were given food for several meals. I took Anthony to another political thing and they had tons of leftovers from their BBQ. So we got enough already BBQ'd beef brisket for a meal+ and enough kielbasa for two meals. I used it in casseroles.

Then my high school friend overmade enchildas for her daughter's grad party and gave one pan of it to us, so we got that for yesterday when my nephew came for a visit. I love having a plan but I don't mind being flexible!
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Monday: Turkey Burgers served with Napa Cabbage Salad
Note: I found this recipe for Turkey Burgers through Menu Plan Monday. I don't really care if Oprah liked it or if it was an old family friend who recommended it. Point is, the ingredients looked interesting and I love poultry with apples or pears so I thought it was worth trying.

It was! I loved it.

I did not mind spending 6 bucks on Major Grey's Chutney, one of the ingredients, when I thought I was only using a little. However, I wasn't willing to spend enough to purchase the quantity needed for the extra sauce (after all, the recipe is served to the Rich and Famous) . So I did not make the sauce. Instead, I spread the patty with Major Grey's Chutney and placed a thin slice of pear atop immediately upon removing from heat. You could also sprinkle a little cinnamon but I didn't. This is a more affordable way to get all of the tastes in w/o spending a bundle. I also sprinkled a tad of feta cheese on top.

Tuesday: Taco Salad

Wednesday: Chalupa (Our recipe is a little different but basically the same idea. I like to play with spices to fit my family's tastes) served with tortillas, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, etc. (Crockpot Meal, my son is having surgery so I will be gone and busy with him most of the day)

Thursday: Lemonade Chicken over rice, steamed broccoli

Friday: Company MacNCheese (I have made this for years and it is the only homemade MacNCheese I like better than Kraft. I know, it's shameful. I like the stuff.) Serve with sausages for some protein, and veggie sticks.

Saturday: Fab Summer Blackened Chicken Salad

Sunday: Father's Day! Shredded French Dip served with sauteed onions and mushrooms, topped with mozzarella cheese on toasted deli buns. (crockpot meal so it will be ready and the house will smell good when we get home from church). My mother-in-law is bringing Broccoli Salad. And strawberries are just now ready. My hubby loves berries. So I will make shortcake for dessert. I will have to make the Amaretto Cake I was planning another time.