Menu for Nov. 30- Dec. 6

December?!  What?!?!  Craziness!!
And I haven't posted since the first week in November.  Oops.


Sunday--Sweet and Sour Meatballs, zucchini and carrots (cooked in coconut oil and pink Himalayan salt), couscous

Monday--  One Pot Paleo Chicken Curry Stir Fry

Tuesday--Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Wednesday--  Beef Stroganoff 

Thursday-- Baked chicken (like chicken dipped in egg and then in bread crumbs), salad, corn

Friday-- My school's Christmas party

Saturday-- Christmas party at a friend's house

Menu for November 1-8

Saturday-- Chicken Quesadillas (we never had them last week)

Sunday-- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Monday-- Baked Spaghetti, salad

Tuesday-- Chicken Stir Fry (using this recipe for the sauce) with veggies and rice

Wednesday-- Sloppy joes, sweet potato fries, peas

Thursday-- Waffles, sausage, eggs

Friday-- ??

Saturday-- ??

Menu for October 26-November 1

Sunday--Sweet and Sour Meatballs, zucchini and carrots (cooked in coconut oil and pink Himalayan salt), couscous

Monday--White Chicken Chili (I realize that it's still like 823984724 degrees down here, but it's October and I want chili!)

Tuesday--Chicken Quesadillas, Spanish rice

Wednesday--Beef Stroganoff, salad

Thursday--Gymnastics/ last home game...probably gonna stop at Subway. Survival.  It's all about survival.  And sanity.  That helps, too.

Friday--Halloween!!  Homemade pizza.  (I buy whole wheat pizza crusts, organic pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.  I also cook some peppers and add those.  Super good.  Super easy.)

Menu for Oct. 12-18

The last few weeks have been more insane than usual.  Therefore, I am only planning for one week this time.  I can't handle much more.  I also don't have the time to care.  Just taking it one week at a time for now!

Sunday-- Homemade pizza (whole wheat store-bought crust, organic pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni)

Monday-- Grilled Chicken Salads (with Mac and Cheese for the kiddos so they can take the leftovers in their lunches the next day)

Tuesday--"Wegular Wed Spaghetti" (as Harp calls it), salad

Wednesday-- Chicken Tacos, quinoa, fruit

Thursday-- Cheeseburger wraps, peas, sweet potato fries

Friday--Game

Saturday/ Sunday--Too far away to think about that right now!

Menu September 28-October 11

Sunday-- Hot dogs, sweet potato fries, peas

Monday--Tacos and salad

Tuesday--Chicken salad sandwiches, veggies (like raw carrots, cucumbers, and peppers) and fruit

Wednesday-- Pulled Pork, green beans, organic corn

Thursday-- Roasted potatoes, peppers, and sausage

Friday-- Game!

Saturday--

October 5-11

Sunday--

Monday-- Slow Cooker Quinoa Tex Mex (This is a vegetarian dish, but I'm gonna add ground turkey.  Because.. well... Adam will be happier!)

Tuesday-- Chicken curry, brown rice, carrots

Wednesday-- Teriyaki Pork Chops, broccoli, couscous

Thursday--  Chicken Parmesan Casserole, salad

Menu for September 14-September 28

September 14-21

Sunday-- Red spaghetti, salad

Monday-- Sloppy joes, peas, organic corn

Tuesday-- Baked chicken (like chicken dipped in egg and then in bread crumbs), salad, carrots

Wednesday-- Chicken Fajitas

Thursday-- Pizza Bake

Friday-- Game!

Saturday-- Cheesy Chicken and Rice (not a freezer meal)

Sunday-- Steak, baked sweet potatoes, green peppers

September 22-28

Monday-- Baked Ravioli, salad

Tuesday-- Sweet Garlic Chicken, broccoli, corn

Wednesday-- Hawaiian Chicken (new recipe), rice, carrots

Thursday-- One Pot Paleo Chicken Curry Stir Fry 

Friday-- Game!

Saturday-- ?!?!!??  Who knows?!  I've been sitting here watching General Hospital and making this menu for like over an hour.  My back hurts.  I'm over it! :)

Menu for August 31-September 13

Here is my plan for the next two weeks.  I haven't done a two-week plan in a while, but I don't want to spend every weekend making meals.  Plus, it saves me money if I buy for two weeks at a time.  Instead of going to the store every weekend.  (Except for like milk and that kind of stuff.)

We only have after school activities on Wednesdays--for now.  So, I really just need a crock pot meal one day a week.  But, I like having most of the meals made ahead of time.  Makes life a little bit easier.

Anyhow!  Here you go!

August 31- September 6
Sunday-- Chicken/ steak, zucchini, baked sweet potatoes

Monday--Nachos (using leftover chicken from last week's quesadillas)

Tuesday-- Marinara Chicken and Veggies,

Wednesday-- Chicken tacos, salad

Thursday-- Chicken Stir Fry-- Not a crock pot meal (Chicken, rice, broccoli and carrots-- using this recipe for the Teriyaki sauce)

Friday-- Game!  Harp gets to cheer with the cheerleaders.  She's beyond excited!

Saturday-- ??

September 7- 13
Sunday-- ??

Monday-- Cauliflower Pizza,--Not a crock pot meal, salad

Tuesday-- Cheeseburger Wraps,--Not a crock pot meal, Peas, Salad

Wednesday-- Crock Pot Western Beef Casserole

Thursday--One Pot Chicken Lo Mein-- Not a crock pot meal

Friday-- Game!

Meal Plan for August 24-30

Sunday--Caribbean Jerk chicken with Mango and Cucumber Salsa, carrots and zucchini

Monday--Lasagna, (that I froze a few weeks ago), salad

Tuesday--Chicken Quesadillas (using this crock pot recipe for the chicken), corn, black beans

Wednesday-- Sesame Chicken, rice, broccoli

Thursday-- Pancakes (or waffles), sausage, eggs

Friday--  Football game.  Who knows what we will eat.

Saturday--  Grill out!  Chicken/ steak, salad, baked sweet potato

Meal Plan and My Process! :)

OK, friends.  A few disclaimers before I get started.

First, none of these recipes are mine.  I am not claiming to be this awesome cook that has tons of recipes to share.  I like to cook.  And I like to be organized and prepared.  I started this blog for me, myself, and I.  So I could have all of the recipes that we like in one place.  It's just totally easy to share with y'all.  I will credit the original posts that I found these recipes from.  And I don't mind sharing my process with you--but that doesn't make me an expert.

Second, we try to eat as clean as possible.  That doesn't mean that every single part of every single meal is "clean."  I do the best I can--based on what we can afford during that particular shopping trip and on what I can find.  You don't have to buy exactly what I do to make these meals.  I normally take "regular" recipes and make them as clean as possible--you can do whatever your little heart desires!

OK, enough of that!  Here's what I did today.  It took me about 3 1/2 hours.  The kids were watching a movie with Adam so I was able to take my time.  I also stopped about half way through to clean up and sit down for a second.  My back was killing me! Anyhow.  I only made meals for this next week.  I will do more next weekend.  I didn't want to spend so much time in the kitchen on my last few days left.  But, it was raining today--so... here's how I spent my afternoon!

The Meal Plan:
Saturday (tonight)-- Lasagna (doubled the recipe so I could freeze one) and salad
Sunday--Grilled chicken and steak, grilled veggies, baked sweet potatoes (no recipe needed for this!)
Monday--Crustless Zucchini Enchilada Quiche from ifoodreal and a salad
Tuesday-- (first day back for teachers!) Crockpot Salsa Pineapple Chicken from Who Needs a Cape?, green beans, carrots
Wednesday-- Cheeseburger wraps from Mostly Homemade Mom, peas, organic corn
Thursday-- Pulled Pork, sweet potato fries, ??

I didn't make a plan for Friday.  Adam will have football and I will figure it out then.

The Process:
First thing I do is turn the radio on :)  I can not function without music playing.  Then I pull up my blog on my Kindle and get that set up.

Next, I get my bags ready, pull out the pitcher I'm gonna use, and get coffee.  Coffee is also a must.

I started browning the meat for the Cheeseburger Wraps first. I always buy this meat from Lowes Foods.  Whatever ground beef you want to use is totally fine.

While the meat was browning, I started with the easiest recipe I had--Pineapple Salsa Chicken.

First, I put the ziploc bag inside the pitcher and wrapped the edges around the side.  Then, I drained the pineapple and dumped that in.  Then the salsa.  The chicken went on top.  I used already frozen chicken tenderloins.  Chicken breasts freak me out.  :)

Next, I did the Pulled Pork.  Again, I put the meat in last.  The pork wasn't frozen--I bought it yesterday.

Then I put those two in the freezer.

Before I started the Crustless Zucchini recipe, I cleaned up the kitchen and added the ingredients to the Cheeseburger wrap meat.  After it simmers a while, remove it from the heat to cool down before placing it in a bag.

The Crustless Zucchini Enchilada Quiche required some effort.  And patience.  Kind of tedious.  I have never tried this one before, so if it doesn't turn out good, I will let y'all know!

First, I made the homemade enchilada sauce that she recommends in the recipe.  I let that simmer while I did the rest.  It smelled so good!

 Then, I was supposed to shred the zucchini.  I just grated it! haha   

Two large zucchinis made the 3 cups that the recipe called for.  I had to squeeze the water out of the pile of zucchini that I had after I grated it.  I used a paper towel.  Annoying.  Kinda gross.  Oh well.  Once I had the zucchini done, I cut up the tortillas.  I used whole wheat.  She uses corn, I think.  You use what you want!

After I combined everything, I let it cool.  I did not add the cheese yet.  I will stir that in before I bake it on Monday.  

Next, I made lasagna! I doubled the recipe so I could freeze one for later.  I also used one pound of ground beef, and one pound of ground turkey.  Not much of this meal is clean.  It's hard to find whole wheat lasagna noodles.  I also have a hard time finding good cheese.  And I don't feel like making my own sauce.  Like ever.  Oh well.  You need a cheat meal every once in a while! :)

OK, so in the big pot is the sauce and meat.  The two smaller ones are the noodles.  I boiled 1 1/2 boxes of noodles.  I wasn't sure how many I would need.  After the sauce simmered for a while and the noodles cooked, I dumped the noodles in the strainer in the sink.  Make sure you let them cool off before trying to layer them in your pan!  Just sayin!

While the noodles were cooling, I poured the quiche filling into a ziploc bag and put that in the freezer.

Then, I started layering the noodles into the pan that I was going to use for dinner tonight.

After that finished, I popped it in the oven!  I bought a disposable aluminum pan for the one to freeze.  So, I did that one next.  Everything was cool by now, so the cheese didn't melt when I put it on.  Then I wrapped the pan in foil.  Then I put the plastic lid on top.  Just to protect it some.  Make sure you slide a baking sheet underneath the aluminum pan before moving it to the freezer.  Especially if your freezer is in the garage.   Dropping it would be a disaster.  A disaster I barely avoided.  

I had a lot of sauce and noodles left over.  So, I decided to make some lasagna roll-ups.  But, I didn't add any cheese.  I just spread some sauce on each noodle and then rolled them up!  I froze them in pairs.  I figured we could take them for lunch when school starts.  I ended up with 4 "packets."

And then I STILL had sauce leftover.  So I froze it! haha  We will use it someday!

By this time, dinner was ready!

These sweet faces were happy!  They love lasagna and ate it all!

Here's what my freezer looks like now.  I put a piece of cardboard on each shelf when I was cleaning it out this summer.  One day last school year, one of my bags busted.  I think it slipped through one of the openings of the wire shelf.  I remember like not having time to clean it out.  Well, I didn't clean it until this summer.  It was a frozen, disgusting mess.  So, I added the cardboard to hopefully prevent that from happening again.

OK friends.  I am exhausted.  My back pain is on a whole new level right now! :)

I will have more meals next week.  Well, I will make more.  From the list I posted the other day.  I don't think my post with be this detailed.  Depends on my mood! :)

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

This was on the list of meals that I was going to make before school started.  But, I needed something new for dinner last night.  So.... here it is!

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken (click here for the full recipe)

Ingredients1 1/2 pound boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dried onion
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 3 Tablespoons water
Sesame seeds

When it was close to dinner time, I started the rice.  We don't eat a lot of carbs.  When we do, I try to make it as healthy as I can.  So, we had this rice:  ( Local people, it's from Lowes Foods)

 While the rice was cooking, I spread some coconut oil on the bottom of this dish.  Then I put some broccoli on top and put it in the oven.  (350 degrees for like 30ish minutes)

Then I took the chicken out of the crock pot and added the cornstarch and water to the sauce.  I was supposed to cut the chicken up.  I was lazy.  I just used that wooden spoon and kinda shredded it.  Eh.  Whatever.

The sauce was supposed to thicken up.  Mine never did.  I got impatient, the rice and broccoli got done, the kids got hungry.  So I dumped the chicken back into the crockpot and sprinkled some sesame seeds on top.

Here's what Adam and I had.  The kids don't like broccoli and they don't like their food to be all touching like this.  So, they had rice, "brown" chicken as Harp calls it, raw green peppers, and an orange.

This doesn't look anything like the picture from the website where I found this recipe, but it tasted good and the kids ate it!  It's a keeper! 

If you want to make this a freezer meal, put all of the ingredients in a ziploc bag (except the cornstarch and water) and put it in the freezer.  Allow it to thaw some in the fridge the night before you want to cook it.  In the morning, put it in the crock pot!  High for 4 hours, or low for 6ish.  Whatever you feel like! :)

Back to School Freezer Meals!

Hey Y'all!  Here are the meals I'm planning on freezing before school starts.  I was going to make the meals and take pictures of the stuff in the bags and all of that jazz.  But, like what's the point?!  Anyhow.
Most of these are new.  As in, not ones that I've tried before.  Maybe they aren't new to you.  Either way... I plan to make these before school starts.  Thought I'd share! :)

If it's your first time making freezer meals, read this first:  Tips and Tricks for Freezing Meals


Homemade Freezer Chicken Taquitos  (makes enough to save some for lunches too.  Not a crock pot meal) NEW!

Southwest Chicken Bake (add the cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips before baking--not before freezing.  Not a crock pot meal) NEW!

Crustless Zucchini Enchilada Quiche (Mix everything together except the cheese.  Put everything in a ziploc bag and freeze.  Add cheese before baking it--not a crock pot meal) NEW!

Cheeseburger Wraps

Tacos using this seasoning (double this recipe--one pound for taco night, one pound for nachos)

Slow Cooker Pineapple Salsa Chicken NEW!

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli  NEW!

Pulled Pork

Teriyaki Pork Chops 

Pizza Bake (makes two meals)

Crockpot Sesame Chicken  NEW!

Mamma's Lasagna NEW!  (For this one, buy a disposable rectangle pan.)

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry NEW!

Waffles NEW! (This is our favorite waffle recipe, but it's the first time I've posted it on here.)

Pancakes NEW! (Very similar to the waffle recipe above.  I will make these "little" pancakes for Harp's benefit.)

OK friends!  That's all I've got!  Good luck with your meals!  Let me know if you have any questions :)

Mamma's Lasagna

This is the recipe my mom uses when she makes lasagna.

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef,
1 lb. box of lasagna noodles
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 large and 1 small jar of spaghetti sauce
15 oz. can of tomato sauce
1 teaspoon of seasoning salt

Brown the meat and then drain.
Simmer everything (except the noodles and cheese) for at least 45 minutes.
Cook the noodles while it's simmering.
Spray pan.  Layer noodles, sauce, cheese, etc.
Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for 45 minutes.

OR, let everything cool before layering.  After it cools, layer like it says above and then cover the pan with tin foil and freeze.  Make sure you put it in the fridge the night before eating to allow time to thaw.  And then bake it for 45 minutes at 350.

Joni's Pre-Baby Meals! :)

OK, I copied and pasted a lot.  So you wouldn't have to click each website.  But, if you need to see the original post, you can click on the title of each recipe.

Also, here's a link to lots of healthy freezer meals.  I haven't tried any of them, but you can check them out if you want.  http://thrivinghomeblog.com/healthy-recipes-index/healthy-freezer-meals-recipes/

I tried to choose meals that were healthy, but also easy.  We don't eat a lot of carbs, so you could always leave out rice or bread if the recipe calls for it.

Teriyaki Pork Chops 

Write on gallon-sized Ziploc bag: Teriyaki Pork Chops,  Cook on low 6-7 hours

Put Ziploc bag inside a large pitcher and wrap the edges of the bag around the pitcher.  Put all of the ingredients inside the bag.

5-7 pork chops, depending on size (or enough for your family)
salt and pepper
2 cloves minced garlic
2 Tblsp brown sugar
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/3 c. chicken broth

Squeeze to mix, lay flat, freeze

Pizza Bake

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef 

1 medium onion (optional), diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

8 oz sliced pepperoni

4 oz (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese

8 oz (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese

12 oz Rigatoni noodles, cooked                 

15 oz pizza sauce

26 oz Spaghetti sauce

1. Brown meat, onion and pepper in frying pan.

2. Drain grease and add pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce

3. Combine all ingredients in a large crock pot (spray with non-stick spray first).

4. Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes and then LOW for 2 or 3 hours until the cheese melts.

Note:  This makes a lot of food, so I usually freeze half before cooking it.  Later it can be thawed and cooked in the slow cooker as directed above.  

(I divided this into two freezer “Tupperware” dishes and stuck them in the freezer.  I didn't add the cheese yet. Add the cheese when it's time to cook it.  I didn't cook them in the crock pot because the noodles always burn when I do it that way. I baked it until it was heated through.  Make sure you remember to thaw it out in the fridge the day before, otherwise it will take forever to cook.)

Chicken Tacos

Write "Chicken Tacos, Cook on low 8 hours, or high 4-6 hours" on the outside of a large gallon Ziploc bag.

Put the bag inside a large pitcher.  Wrap the edges of the bag around the outside of the pitcher.  Put all of the ingredients inside the bag.

Chicken (enough for your family)

1-2 TBS of taco seasoning (homemade recipe is below, or you can use a store-bought brand)

1 can corn  (We use organic)

1 can black beans

1 can diced tomatoes

1 TBS of green chili

Day of Cooking: Throw it in the crock pot, cook all day. Serve over baked potatoes, on tortillas, on a salad, etc!

TACO SEASONING (from http://cavemanfood.blogspot.com/2009/04/taco-salad-and-homemade-taco-seasoning.html)

ingredients:
2 T chili powder
1-1/2 T cumin
1-1/2 T paprika
1 T onion powder
1 T garlic powder
2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Marinara and Chicken with Veggies

Write on gallon-sized Ziploc bag: Marinara Chicken and Veggies,  Cook on low 6-7 hours, High 4 hours

Put Ziploc bag inside a large pitcher and wrap the edges of the bag around the pitcher.  Put all of the ingredients inside the bag.

Ingredients:

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or whatever works for your family)

4 cloves garlic

1 can of diced tomatoes & green chiles

4 ribs celery, chopped

2 small zucchini, chopped (about 2 cups)

1 green pepper, chopped

2.5 cups of spaghetti sauce

1 t. basil

bowtie noodles (or another version of your favorite)

 I added one can of tomato sauce to this because I didn’t feel like it was enough sauce for chicken and noodles and vegetables.

Directions:

1.    Chop Vegetables.

2.    Place all ingredients into slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours.

3.    Cook noodles about 10 minutes before dinner.

4.    Shred chicken with a fork

5.    Mix cooked noodles with the chicken marina mixture

6.    Top with cheddar cheese and/or parmesan cheese.

7.    Enjoy!

If you’re planning to do this in the Freezer to Slow Cooker way, you’ll first chop the vegetables and then mix all of the ingredients into a freezer safe bag (except noodles).  Be sure to label it.  Freezing it flat takes up the least amount of room in your freezer. 

Pulled Pork

Write on gallon-sized Ziploc bag: Pulled Pork,  Cook on low 6-7 hours, or high 5-6 hours

Put Ziploc bag inside a large pitcher and wrap the edges of the bag around the pitcher.  Put all of the ingredients inside the bag.

            1 (4 pound) pork shoulder roast  

·         1 cup barbeque sauce

·         1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

·         1/2 cup chicken broth

·         1/4 cup light brown sugar

·         1 tablespoon chili powder

·         1 tablespoon yellow mustard

·         1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

·         1 large onion, chopped

·         2 large cloves garlic, crushed

·         8 hamburger buns (When you prepare the meal)

Dump all the ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 6-7 hours. When the meat is done, shred the meat with 2 forks and add back to the crock pot for a few minutes to absorb the juices.

We didn't eat it as a sandwich.  Just ate it plain.  So good!

Cheeseburger Wraps (you can double this and have it for two meals)

Cook this one and let it cool before putting it in the bag to freeze.  One of my favorites! 

1 ½ pounds ground beef

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

 Onion powder to taste

Brown beef.  Drain.  Add rest of the ingredients and let simmer for about 20 minutes.  Let cool before placing in a bag.  When read to eat, thaw out in the fridge overnight.  Heat in a pan over the stove.  Put sliced cheese in the middle of a wrap or tortilla.  (We use spinach wraps.) Place some meat over the cheese.  Bake in the oven until cheese melts.   (Or, I place mine in a grill pan and “grill” them until the cheese melts)

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

 Write on gallon-sized Ziploc bag: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Cook on low 4-6 hours, Serve over cooked noodles (We use whole grain noodles--any kind)

Put Ziploc bag inside a large pitcher and wrap the edges of the bag around the pitcher.  Put all of the ingredients inside the bag.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds chicken breasts (or whatever works for your family)

1 (16 oz) bag frozen broccoli florets

2 (16 oz) jars Alfredo sauce

1 large green pepper, chopped

1 (4 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a resealable gallon-sized freezer bag and mix together.

When ready to eat, remove from freezer and thaw in fridge for 24 hours. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.  Serve over noodles.  

Slow Cooker Pineapple Salsa Chicken (I haven't made this one yet. But it looks easy!   And it's cheap enough to double for two meals)

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken (6-8 thighs or 4-6 breasts)
• 1 20 ounce can of pineapple, juice drained
• 16 ounces of salsa

Instructions

1. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray
2. Place chicken in slow cooker
3. Top chicken with salsa and pineapple
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours
5. If freezing, place chicken in the bag and cover with salsa and pineapple. Freeze. Defrost overnight in the fridge and cook in slow cooker for 6-8 hours

Sesame Chicken 

Ingredients1 1/2 pound boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dried onion
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 3 Tablespoons water
Sesame seeds

Directions
Put chicken into crock pot.

Combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, and garlic. Pour over chicken.

Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours, or just until chicken is cooked through.

Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce.

Dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of water and pour into crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Replace lid and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes or until slightly thickened.

Cut chicken into bite size pieces and return to crock pot - can leave chicken in and simmer on low or serve.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice