Saturday, December 29, 2018

Menu to start off 2019!

New Year's Day Food:
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Crock Pot Black Eyes Peas
Corn Bread

Recipes for the week:
Chicken Zucchini Casserole
 Ingredients
  • 3-4 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 medium zucchini
  • 1 medium yellow squash
  • 1/2 medium sweet yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup pesto, prepared
  • 4 oz parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz mozzarella

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
  2. Chop the zucchini, squash, and onion and combine.
  3. In a large casserole dish, lay the chicken in a flat single layer and season it with the salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Next layer the veggies on and then dollop the pesto over the veggies, then top with the cheeses.
  4. Bake on the middle rack for 35-45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, 165˚F internal temp. If it starts to brown more than desired, loosely cover with foil until it is done cooking.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

For the Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup coconut aminos
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Salad:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 diced green onions (can sub for 1/2 red onion finely diced)
  • 1/2 large green cabbage, thinly sliced, or one whole green cabbage if it’s small
  • 1/2 red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded or matchstick carrots
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 can Mandarin oranges (no sugar/syrup – check labels!)
  • 1/2 cup chopped and loosely packed cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl
  2. In a plastic baggie, add about 3-4 tablespoons of dressing with the chicken
  3. Allow to marinate for at least a half hour
  4. Add chicken with the dressing into a large skillet and cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until cooked thoroughly or grill
  5. Allow to cool to room temperature before chopping and adding to the salad
  6. Combine all other salad ingredients besides dressing and chicken in a large bowl
  7. When chicken is cool, add to the salad
  8. Stir in dressing well and enjoy!
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken with cauliflower rice 
Ingredients
  • 24 ounces salsa, whatever type you like
  • 1 package reduced sodium taco seasoning
  • 1 lime juiced and zested
  • 1/4 cup water or stock
  • 1 can reduced sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • handful fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
  1. Using at least a 6qt instant pot, add all ingredients for the chicken into the pot, except the cilantro. Close the lid, seal the pressure valve, then set on manual/high for 15 minutes.
  2. Once the time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes (don't touch it), then manually release the rest of the pressure (by flipping the valve). Remove lid.
  3. Shred the chicken breast (either remove and shred or shred in pot using 2 forks); then add the cilantro into the pot. Stir everything together to coat.
  4. Serve as desired, top with desired garnishes.


Instant Pot Pesto Chicken (super easy, super good)
  
  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz can white beans drained
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 15 oz can corn with juice
  • 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chili with juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
  • 1 tsp chili powder or to taste
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 0.4 oz packet ranch dip or dressing mix*
  • 8 oz package cream cheese cut into 6 pieces


Instructions

  1. Place all of your ingredients into your instant pot bowl in the following order: 2 chicken breasts, drained black and white beans, chopped onion, corn with juice, tomatoes with juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth.
  2. Add 1/2 to 1 tsp chili powder (use 1/2 tsp to make it kid friendly), 1 tsp cumin, ranch packet. Stir everything to combine, getting some of the juice under the chicken to keep it from scorching.
  3. Cut cream cheese into 6 pieces and place over the top of chili. Cover and seal with lid, switch the valve to the "sealing" position and cook for 20 min on manual high pressure. Once it is done cooking, let it naturally depressurize for 10 min then switch the valve to the "venting" position to completely release steam before opening lid.**
  4. Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and shred apart with 2 forks. Stir everything together in the pot to melt the cream cheese into the chili then return the shredded chicken and stir to combine. Serve garnished with avocado and cilantro if desired.

Baked Chicken Fajitas (this is easy to make into a freezer meal)
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp seasoned salt
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into strips

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken strips in a greased 13×9 baking dish.
In a small bowl combine the oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt.
Drizzle the spice mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.
Next add the tomatoes, peppers, and onions to the dish and stir to combine.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.



Thursday, November 15, 2018

Thanksgiving 2018

The twins are coming to Myrtle Beach!  We are super excited that Brad and Lauren are coming here for Thanksgiving!  Here's our plan....

Brine the turkey the night before

Herb Roasted Turkey
1 (12-14 pound) whole, turkey (defrosted)
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons ground sage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups water

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Prepare your turkey by removing innards and washing inside and out in cold water.  Set turkey on rack in roasting pan.  Slide hand under skin to separate skin from meat.  Tuck wings under turkey.

In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, basil, rosemary, sage, salt and pepper with a fork. 

Using your hands coat turkey with your butter mixture.  Slide hands under skin to rub herb butter mixture over meat.  Rub mixture all over top, side and legs as well as under the skin.  Pour water into pan.

Cover turkey with aluminum foil. Bake for 3 ½ hours (basting occasionally if you prefer), or until temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165° or more.  (Turkey will continue to cook once removed from the oven).  Remove the foil for the last hour to allow the turkey to brown completely.

Homemade Gravy without drippings

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup broth or stock, any flavor
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter. Once hot, add the onion and a big pinch of salt and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the flour and and salt and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in the broth/stock and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Remove from the heat and whisk in the milk. Serve while hot.*
Cornbread Dressing in the crock pot

Honey-Baked ham

Corn

Green bean casserole (regular recipe, but we put 1/2 cup of milk instead of 3/4)

Mac and Cheese (Mama's recipe)

Rolls (Sister Schubert's)

Mashed Potatoes (Mama's recipe)

Watergate Salad (Mama's recipe)

Chocolate Satin Pie (because I need chocolate)
  • prepared 9-inch (6 oz.) graham cracker crust
  • 1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
  • Whipped cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
  • WHISK together evaporated milk and egg yolks in medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is very hot and thickens slightly; do not boil. Remove from heat; stir in morsels until completely melted and mixture is smooth.

    POUR into crust; refrigerate 3 hours or until firm. Top with whipped cream before serving; sprinkle with nuts.
Lauren and Mama are both bringing a dessert, too





Saturday, November 3, 2018

Menu for November 4-9

Sunday, November 4--Chicken and Dressing Casserole with lima beans

This is one of Mama's recipes:

1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of celery
1 bag Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoning Stuffing
1 can chicken broth
Cooked chicken
1 stick of butter (soften)
Mix butter, soups, stuffing and half can chicken broth. Then add chicken.  Add more both if needed.
Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes
Monday, November 5-- Chicken Parm with zucchini noodles (regular noodles for the kids)

Tuesday, November 6 (dance and karate)-- Cilantro Lime chicken in the Instant Pot with cauliflower rice

Wednesday, November 7 (dance)-- Teriyaki Chicken with cauliflower rice and broccoli

Thursday, November 8 (dance, karate, voice lesson)-- White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot

Friday, November 9-- leftovers and whatever :)

Friday, October 26, 2018

Menu for October 27- November 3

Saturday, October 27-- Instant Pot Chili

Sunday, October 28-- ?

Monday, October 29-- Italian Chicken, green beans, squash

Tuesday, October 30-- tacos

Wednesday, October 31-- Teriyaki Chicken, cauliflower rice, broccoli

Thursday, November 1-- Instant Pot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Friday, November 2--

Saturday, November 3-- CCU Game

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Menu for October 21-26

Sunday, October 21--Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Monday, October 22-- Honey Bourbon Chicken, rice cauliflower, broccoli

Tuesday, October 23-- Chicken salad

Wednesday, October 24-- Spaghetti

Thursday, October 25-- One Pot Chicken Lo Mein

Friday, October 26--

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Menu for October 7-12, 2018

When I cook, I leave everything in the pots or pans that I cook them in and serve dinner in like a buffet-style.  So, if we want seconds, we have to get up from the table and go to the stove to get more.  I don't know why--my mom always put everything in serving dishes and brought everything to the table.  I think I do it my way because it's less dishes to clean up after dinner.  Anyhow.  Adam has requested a big "Sunday Family Dinner" every Sunday with all of the food on the table.  And carbs.  Because we don't eat a lot of carbs.  #old

Sunday, October 7-- Chicken and Dressing Casserole with lima beans

This is one of Mama's recipes:

1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of celery
1 bag Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoning Stuffing
1 can chicken broth
Cooked chicken
1 stick of butter (soften)
Mix butter, soups, stuffing and half can chicken broth. Then add chicken.  Add more both if needed.
Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes

Monday, October 8-- Spaghetti (zucchini noodles for us, regular noodles for the kids)

Tuesday, October 9-- (dance and karate) Baked tilapia and veggies with rice cauliflower

Wednesday, October 10-- (dance) Tacos

Thursday, October 11-- White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Menu for September 30- October 5

Sunday, September 30--  Chicken Cornbread Casserole

Monday, October 1-- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken with cauliflower rice

Tuesday, October 2-- Sloppy Joes, veggies, fruit

Wednesday, October 3-- Baked ravioli

Thursday, October 4-- Instant Pot Roast

Friday, October 5-- leftovers and whatever

Friday, September 7, 2018

Menu for Sept. 9-15

Sunday, September 9--Shrimp and grits

Monday, September 10-- Paleo Tex Mex Casserole

Tuesday, September 11 (karate 5:45-6:30; dance 5:00-6:30)-- Instant pot spaghetti 

Wednesday, September 12 (dance 6:30-8:00)-- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken with tortillas and black beans

Thursday, September 13 (karate 5:45-6:30; dance 3:30-4:30)-- Blackened Tilapia, corn and zucchini pie 

Friday, September 14-- leftovers 

Saturday, September 15-- Stouffer's lasagna 

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Menu for August 25-31

Saturday, 8/25--BBQ chicken, lima beans, roasted veggies

Sunday, 8/26--Pot Roast with potatoes and carrots in the Instant Pot

Monday, 8/27--Picadillo with cauliflower rice and salad

Tuesday, 8/28--Shrimp pesto pasta (zucchini noodles for Adam and I, regular pasta for the kiddos)

Wednesday, 8/29--Roasted Chicken and veggies

Thursday, 8/30--Paleo Tex Mex Casserole 

Friday, 8/31--I don't cook on Fridays!


Thursday, August 9, 2018

Back to School Meals for 2018!!

It's that time again! 

Freezer meals: (but not crock pot or instant pot meals)
Taco Meat

Cheeseburger Wrap Meat

One Pot Wonder Chicken Lo Mein (I will prep this one by putting everything except for the noodles and broth in a freezer bag.  Then all I have to do is thaw it the night before and cook it the day of--adding the noodles and broth.)

Sloppy Joe meat

Instant Pot Freezer Meals:
(These are "dump" meals--no need to cook anything beforehand... just dump everything in a bag, label appropriately, thaw the night before, then dump the bag in the Instant Pot when it's time to cook!)
Chicken Fajitas

Picadillo Meat 

Honey Bourbon Chicken




Saturday, March 17, 2018

Menu for March 17-30

Saturday, March 17--

Sunday, March 18-- Stouffer's lasagna

Monday, March 19-- Chicken Enchilada Bowls

Tuesday, March 20-- Baked Chicken Fajitas 

Wednesday, March 21-- Italian chicken, broccoli, sweet potatoes

Thursday, March 22-- Chicken Parm Casserole

Friday, March 23-- ??

Saturday, March 24-- ??

Sunday, March 25-- IP Honey Bourbon Chicken, rice, broccoli

Monday, March 26-- Teriyaki Pork Chops, rice, green beans

Tuesday, March 27-- Baked ravioli

Wednesday, March 28-- Tacos, corn, rice

Thursday, March 29-- Adam's birthday!

Friday, March 20-Sunday, April 1--packing for Disney!

Friday, February 2, 2018

Menu for Feb. 3-17

Softball season has begun!  So, quick, simple meals (along with meal prep time on the weekends) is a must! 
Also, hoping that the flu and any other sicknesses stay away from this house.  The Jones Team needs a fresh start!
So here goes....

Saturday, February 3-- Out to eat (We are hoping Harp will be ready to get out of the house!)

Sunday, February 4--  Super Bowl! Instant Pot Chicken Wings, Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs, Texas Toast Pizza, veggies, fruit

Monday, February 5-- (karate for Boy) Meatloaf, green beans, Instant Pot sweet potatoes

Tuesday, February 6-- (dance for Harp) Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings 

Wednesday, February 7-- (dance for Harp, karate for Boy) Santa Fe Chicken with rice 

Thursday, February 8-- (dance for Harp, gymnastics for Boy) Instant Pot Italian Chicken (chicken with Italian dressing), organic corn, roasted broccoli

Friday, February 9-- I don't cook on Fridays

Saturday, February 10-- Healthy Roasted Chicken and veggies

Sunday, February 11-- Stouffer's lasagna (because life)

Monday, February 12-- (karate for Boy) Salsa chicken, rice, organic corn
    • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 jar salsa or Picante sauce
    • 1 bag frozen fiesta veggies
  • Dump all of the ingredients into a gallon size freezer bag and freeze.
  • When you’re ready to use; place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
  • Dump into Instant Pot and cook on manual for 20-25 minutes.
  • Serve with Spanish rice and enjoy!
Tuesday, February 13-- (dance for Harp, PTA for me) Subway (it's called survival)

Wednesday, February 14-- (dance for Harp, karate for Boy) Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta

Thursday, February 15-- (dance for Harp, gymnastics for Boy) Teriyaki Pork Chops, green beans, coconut rice

Friday, February 16-- Talent Show!

Saturday, February 17-- Fundraiser for Adam's school

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Menu for January 3- 13, 2018

Wednesday, January 3-- Meatloaf, organic corn, Instant Pot sweet potatoes

Thursday, January 4-- Chicken Cornbread Casserole (I've never made this before, but it looks kind of like chicken pot pie.  However, this recipe doesn't use a "cream of" soup--which I try to avoid.)

Friday, January 5-- Shrimp tacos with coconut rice

Saturday, January 6-- Instant Pot Potato Corn Chowder

Sunday, January 7-- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Monday, January 8-- Instant Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken, rice noodles, green beans

Tuesday, January 9-- White Chicken Chili  (Instead of putting this in the crock pot all day, I will put it in the Instant Pot after school for 30 minutes.)

Wednesday, January 10-- Teriyaki Pork Chops, rice, roasted broccoli

Thursday, January 11-- Cajun Mahi Mahi (without the mango salsa), roasted veggies

Friday, January 12-- Leftovers

Saturday, January 13-- Whatever ! :)

Menu for April 19- 25, 2024

Friday, April 19--  Saturday, April 20--  Sunday, April 21-- Breakfast Power Bowl Monday, April 22-- Salad Tuesday, April 23-- Vegan Power B...