3 concerts on 2 nights of this week. this is the joy of suburban life.
Sunday - Everyone returns. As I type this it is just me and our exchange student in the house. But that all changes tomorrow afternoon. They will all come back.
Roast in the crock pot with potatoes will feed all as they file in.
Monday - I work late on Mondays. The boy gets are car pool home. The girl needs to be back at school by 5:45. Canceled the second piano lesson. So the boy needs to go to the 6 lesson. Hope he is home by then. The girl needs to eat before going. The boy probably not until getting back. The exchange student doesn't have much going on.
The girl will make some pasta and red sauce for all before she goes,
Tuesday - This is our 2 concert night. The boy will need to skip chess club. If the girl wants to swim we can get her there, but she will be hanging for a while before we pick her up. The boy has a concert to the north. The exchange student to the south. A fine mess.
Assuming left overs hold out. Beef soup will be in the crock pot for early bites. Then a special treat at the end of the night to celebrate all those concerts.
Wednesday - Oh how I love you Wednesday. Everything is normal. All are off to church at 6:30. That gives us enough time to eat before.
Some steaks will be very nice with a salad to round it out.
Thursday - still not sure what all is happening. It is cello and boy scouts for the boy. The girl usually goes to swim, but has put a boys High School swim meet. Either way it looks like most are out for the night.
I declare it make your own sandwich night.
Friday - Good old Friday. The day I have only time at the Y to fit in. Things are early(ish) on Friday, so I want something cooking at home to come home to after swim.
Crock pot chicken does well with just a couple of hours on high.
Saturday - back to a swim meeting for a full afternoon. Again something hearty to come home to would be nice.
I am finding some crock pot lasagna recipe for this night.
Totally swear I am not that girl determined to cook in her crock pot each night. Just happening that way.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Tis the season for soup - it is a long season in MN
Not really feeling the meal planning thing. For the most part I have given up on improving anyone's health. But seeing as my snow pants barely button, I need to keep on trying. The house is pretty lean. 2 lbs hamburger, 2 frozen pizzas, tomato soup, some bacon pieces, frozen shrimp, potatoes and lot of little bits that don't make enough for a meal for anyone. I need to talk myself into going the the store no matter how cold it is.
Sunday - I should really learn to make this plan after dinner earlier in the week. Hate doing it with a meal for today over my head.
Tomato soup and grilled cheese
Monday - Mom works late of Monday's. Boy has after school things, and both have lessons in the 6 o'clock hour. Life would be better if we all just started fasting on Mondays. Doubt I can get the family to move forward with this plan. For now we just eat late, and look the other way as kids make snacks that could feed an army. The meal can be small as it really isn't what most are eating for the evening.
Egg drop soup and shrimp fried rice
Tuesday - Mom is home at the usual time. Boy gets home pretty late. Girl leaves for swimming about the time the boy gets in. Then we bring the boy up for swimming and wait until he is done to bring anyone home. That is the way Tuesdays have been for a while. Not a great night for food. Perhaps this should be the fasting night. It works best to just have something people can eat as they come through.
I think we will try a sausage pasta dish from my fix-it and forget it lightly book. The sausage is in the crock pot and the pasta is made separately. I think as people go by they can put the sausage on room temp pasta and it will be ok.
Wednesday - We all head to church for activities. Mom has a hair cut at 5. So the meal needs to be something the others here are up to making.
Frozen pizzas with a salad
Thursday - Big concert in the city. Our nephew's college is performing. My sister is coming down. But I believe the plan is to see her at the concert.
Baked potato soup from the crock pot
Friday - If I am reading the calendar correctly it is just a girls eat night as the boys are headed off for camping. Hubby is planning on making a tater tot cock pot meal. Those items will need to be on the grocery list too.
Pasta for the gals
The list -
salad greens
green onions
bean sprouts
zucchini
celery
bananas always bananas
sausage
half and half
milk
yogurt - don't be fooled the kids all live off bananas and yogurt at this house.
pasta
any staples that are on sale
Sunday - I should really learn to make this plan after dinner earlier in the week. Hate doing it with a meal for today over my head.
Tomato soup and grilled cheese
Monday - Mom works late of Monday's. Boy has after school things, and both have lessons in the 6 o'clock hour. Life would be better if we all just started fasting on Mondays. Doubt I can get the family to move forward with this plan. For now we just eat late, and look the other way as kids make snacks that could feed an army. The meal can be small as it really isn't what most are eating for the evening.
Egg drop soup and shrimp fried rice
Tuesday - Mom is home at the usual time. Boy gets home pretty late. Girl leaves for swimming about the time the boy gets in. Then we bring the boy up for swimming and wait until he is done to bring anyone home. That is the way Tuesdays have been for a while. Not a great night for food. Perhaps this should be the fasting night. It works best to just have something people can eat as they come through.
I think we will try a sausage pasta dish from my fix-it and forget it lightly book. The sausage is in the crock pot and the pasta is made separately. I think as people go by they can put the sausage on room temp pasta and it will be ok.
Wednesday - We all head to church for activities. Mom has a hair cut at 5. So the meal needs to be something the others here are up to making.
Frozen pizzas with a salad
Thursday - Big concert in the city. Our nephew's college is performing. My sister is coming down. But I believe the plan is to see her at the concert.
Baked potato soup from the crock pot
Friday - If I am reading the calendar correctly it is just a girls eat night as the boys are headed off for camping. Hubby is planning on making a tater tot cock pot meal. Those items will need to be on the grocery list too.
Pasta for the gals
The list -
salad greens
green onions
bean sprouts
zucchini
celery
bananas always bananas
sausage
half and half
milk
yogurt - don't be fooled the kids all live off bananas and yogurt at this house.
pasta
any staples that are on sale
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Facing another week of these people expecting to eat. Thanksgiving is the greatest holiday of all. Mostly I am thankful for a pre-planed meal and no obligation to keep it healthy. I love that day. One meal to cook and as I serve traditionalist, new things need not be tried. My helpful father transferred the Turkey without anything under it. The burn on my foot from drippings did demand the wine open a bit before dinner. But now I am mostly blister free and don't think I can convince anyone to continue eating the turkey soup, it is time to brave the grocery again.
Sunday - in a couple of hours I need to have something on the table. Why is this the hardest? Hamburger potato bake of some sort will do.
Monday - My book club is coming over on Monday. So the family will be fed early which will be hard as they don't all congregate until 7:15 and book club is at 7:30. So they will need to eat elsewhere. A weeknight out should be fun for all. For the gals it is appetizer night. I am making a calico corn salsa with chips, pesto with French bread and pumpkin-pecan squares.
Tuesday - Chess club brings back the youngest pretty late. Then there is swim practice. It will be a tight feeding time. Pea soup, shrimp cocktail and crusty bread.
Wednesday - Eat before heading to confirmation classes. Chicken with coconut peanut sauce on noodles.
Thursday - cello and boy scouts and a gal swimming. quiche will be something kids can pop in the oven while mom is on the way home.
Friday - Mom has an after work party so the family will eat something before heading out to swim. Breakfast for dinner is a popular one.
The weekend is more than I can think about now.
Sunday - in a couple of hours I need to have something on the table. Why is this the hardest? Hamburger potato bake of some sort will do.
Monday - My book club is coming over on Monday. So the family will be fed early which will be hard as they don't all congregate until 7:15 and book club is at 7:30. So they will need to eat elsewhere. A weeknight out should be fun for all. For the gals it is appetizer night. I am making a calico corn salsa with chips, pesto with French bread and pumpkin-pecan squares.
Tuesday - Chess club brings back the youngest pretty late. Then there is swim practice. It will be a tight feeding time. Pea soup, shrimp cocktail and crusty bread.
Wednesday - Eat before heading to confirmation classes. Chicken with coconut peanut sauce on noodles.
Thursday - cello and boy scouts and a gal swimming. quiche will be something kids can pop in the oven while mom is on the way home.
Friday - Mom has an after work party so the family will eat something before heading out to swim. Breakfast for dinner is a popular one.
The weekend is more than I can think about now.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Monday - Roasted cabbage steaks - I think we have 3 that will eat them so close enough for me. Cheesy rice with some peas will suffice as a side/main for the the meal.
Tuesday - cheese pizza bites with sauce for dipping and salad.
Wednesday - Salmon steaks with more salad and a whole wheat cous-cous.
Thursday - beef & potato soup
Friday - pasta - carbo load. breaking out the summer pesto and some funky black and white pasta I found.
Done. That my friends is a plan.
Tuesday - cheese pizza bites with sauce for dipping and salad.
Wednesday - Salmon steaks with more salad and a whole wheat cous-cous.
Thursday - beef & potato soup
Friday - pasta - carbo load. breaking out the summer pesto and some funky black and white pasta I found.
Done. That my friends is a plan.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Not exactly inspired - but better than the weekend
Is it a bad sign of my weekend choices when a glass of wine is the healthiest thing I can claim? Well someone once told me it is a meal and you get to try again in a few hours.
Monday - Breakfast for dinner. Pancakes, bacon and eggs.
Tuesday - Baked potato soup and bread stick
Wednesday - Sirloin roast
Thursday - pizza as is the Halloween tradition.
Friday - No one will be eating here. I am so over it.
Saturday - leftovers or sandwiches for lunch and pasta for dinner. It is a gals only weekend and pasta is a favorite.
I have sweet potatoes and squash. Perhaps I will eat them instead of pizza.
Monday - Breakfast for dinner. Pancakes, bacon and eggs.
Tuesday - Baked potato soup and bread stick
Wednesday - Sirloin roast
Thursday - pizza as is the Halloween tradition.
Friday - No one will be eating here. I am so over it.
Saturday - leftovers or sandwiches for lunch and pasta for dinner. It is a gals only weekend and pasta is a favorite.
I have sweet potatoes and squash. Perhaps I will eat them instead of pizza.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
The longest week
You know how it is when you have just come back from vacation and you feel like the rhythm is gone and you are making up for lost time. Do you also know how it is when you are nearly complete with a time consuming commitment? Welcome to our week. Just coming back from some time off. Mostly that time took the form of bad food choices. Also this is our last week of high school swim. it has been great, but we are looking forward to our little girl not eating in the car for a change. But for now we power through.
Monday - roast in the crock pot
Tuesday - roasted chicken
Wednesday - Roast sandwiches
Thursday - Chicken soup and rolls
Friday - spaghetti with sauce from a jar
Saturday if we live that long momma is eating out
It is a plan.
Monday - roast in the crock pot
Tuesday - roasted chicken
Wednesday - Roast sandwiches
Thursday - Chicken soup and rolls
Friday - spaghetti with sauce from a jar
Saturday if we live that long momma is eating out
It is a plan.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Last week was not all that successful. We did mange to eat something out of the house almost each night. Just not what we had planned. The salads were scheduled on days that were too chili for anything but soup. This menu planning this is win some loose some. So here we go again. We are nicely into the fall harvest. Yum.
Sunday - We are going to eat that potato leek soup as I finally got it made today.
Monday - Pizza - I have the previously made crust thawing right now. Some red sauce was made this weekend. The only kind of pizza I make is junk pizza. Whatever found in the fridge that looks like it will work on pizza will be on the pizza.
Tuesday - Swim pictures & meet, board meeting, swim practice at the Y. This is not a pretty night anyway you cut it. Everyone pack a sandwich or if you are lucky enough to stop by home, eat some of the soup that was made this weekend.
Wednesday - Tonight we are all in the same place at 6:30. For us that is exciting. It will be a family meal even if it is a little early. Crock pot chicken and rice to have something ready when we need it.
Thursday - Another swim meet. The boys will be home for a bit between cello and boy scouts. Pulled pork sandwiches for the boys and maybe mom before she heads up to the meet or off to a church event or both. Mom's schedule is still up in the air a bit. The girl will pack a sandwich for the meet and then come home and devour anything that is left in the house.
Friday - A late meal night as the boy finishes his swim at 7 pm. Veggie dippers for folks early in the evening. We will have a pick at it dinner with brochette for carbs, more veggie dippers and some cut up fruit and cheese. Then off to bed before an early swim meet.
Saturday - Swim meet during the morning. Lunch will be out. Just for fun.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Back to a planning. The summer has been pretty hap hazard, but I am back on track with the fall schedules. It is either that or our family lives off granola bars. (We are shooting for only partially living off of granola bars.)
Monday - Burgers & veggie dippers purple carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers all from the CSA. Just 3 for dinner as mom is off.
Tuesday - Ramen Cabbage salad - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ramen-cabbage-salad/
Wednesday - Chili made with left over hamberger from Monday and some of those peppers piling up from the CSA. & corn bread
Thursday - Sandwich Night with swim meet, boy scouts and cello lessons all in one night, little else is possible.
Friday - Fish & something from CSA.
That's the plan and we are trying to stick with is.
Monday - Burgers & veggie dippers purple carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers all from the CSA. Just 3 for dinner as mom is off.
Tuesday - Ramen Cabbage salad - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ramen-cabbage-salad/
Wednesday - Chili made with left over hamberger from Monday and some of those peppers piling up from the CSA. & corn bread
Thursday - Sandwich Night with swim meet, boy scouts and cello lessons all in one night, little else is possible.
Friday - Fish & something from CSA.
That's the plan and we are trying to stick with is.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Well here we are again. I don't think I am good about doing this on line stuff. However I am proud to say we have for the most part had a menu and eaten it most of the intertwining weeks. I cannot say there has been any great health improvement around here. It is cake season. You know, since kids graduate from everything and we all celebrate everything with a Costco cake. On average it is 2 pieces of cake with the sugary beverages a week. We are not eating nearly healthy enough to balance that.
Sunday Dinner - Have this one ready.
- Roasted chicken and salad (yes the same salad we ate at lunch, NO APOLOGIES).
Monday Dinner - Late in the day hair appointment for the girl. An evening in for the most part. Hopefully we can get the kids involved in trying to make something a little out of the box for us. Make ahead: Cut up tomorrows Veggie dippers.
- Homemade Pad Thai and tropical fruit
Tuesday Dinner - Swim practice at 6:30. This gives us enough time to eat a meal, but need a snack afterward.
- Chicken wraps with what is left from Sunday. Veggie dippers and peanuts for snack.
Wednesday Dinner - Last day of school. The girl and I have a pizza meeting after piano lessons. The boy and dad will likely want to head out for some pizza too. Make ahead: Prepare teacher fruit and hard boil eggs, take out steaks and fish.
- Pizza out
Thursday Morning - bring the teachers some breakfast fruit.
Thursday Dinner - Cello, swim team, boy scouts. Thursdays are nuts.
- Make a sandwich and run. Hard boiled eggs will be waiting for late night snack.
Friday Dinner - The girl and I have a 6pm appointment, boys will be in charge of having something upon our return.
- Steaks if we get to the butcher, burgers if not. The salad we will eat again the next day (no apologies)
Saturday - Our little girl is leaving for her first big alone trip the next day.
- Lunch will likely be on the run. Plan for a salad in the fridge to hope we do it well.
- Fish for dinner as she really likes that. White fish and her favorite Italian dressing pasta salad (from the strawberry shortcake cook book.)
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Back at it
So I just didn't plan for a couple of weeks. It actually went very well. We had the advantage of being feed by family for Easter which stretched us a bit. But honestly there were about two nights where we just gave up and order and unplanned meal out. It did confirm this process is truly becoming habit. As well as we have a lot of food in this house. Also 1 bunch of Kale, a soup bone and some eggs can go a really long way.
In other news there is a wonderful new bread maker in our house: Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme 2-Pound-Loaf Breadmaker. It is way better than my old one. I put in the ingredients for our standard bread and within a few hours a lovely bread shaped loaf is waiting for me. Loving it. I haven't tried anything other than just basic bread so far. It can make lots of stuff I guess.
I have started myfitnesspal this week. Big focus is keeping breakfast, lunch and evening snacks in check to drop some pounds. It is either that or buy new pants. New pants is more work than I am willing to put in. This means I really need to start planning my lunches well.
Goals this week.
1. As with every week KEEP IT HEALTHY. In my case specifically low calorie. I have some frozen lentil tomato dish in lunch sized portions just waiting.
2. Eat what we have. Seriously I need to see the bottom of the cupboards and freezer.
3. Get through! Both kids have at least 1 activity every night this week. Only some of those are shared. This weekend will have them both away so we need to prep for that in the midst. How do people with 6 kids survive? Still it appear Saturday everyone will be gone. So I am pretty excited to have some house to myself time.
The delay in spring coming has me eating soup more than grilling, still I think we should refill that propane tank this weekend. Just in case something warms up.
Saturday night - Breaded fish with salad. Liam is playing magic and will be eating there. So fish is something the rest of us try to eat when he is gone. He really doesn't care for fish especially breaded. I will also make some guacamole as there are a couple of avocados I picked up during a dazed shopping spree. So Gwen can opt out, but it makes fish way better for me.
Sunday Lunch - Crab legs w/ a small amount of butter and green beans. Sadly to get everyone to eat carrot sticks will also be on the menu. It is a seafood kind of week. Liam got me to buy these in the frozen section a couple of weeks ago. I figure I should make them sometime.
Sunday Dinner - Sausage and pasta bake. We may or may not go to the bowling alley with a school group. This meal may or may not happen. Prep the chicken for the next day before bed.
Monday Dinner - Roasted chicken with baked potato and broccoli. The girl will throw it in the oven when she gets home from school. 6 pm swim team meeting. This a social group which means it is best if we eat before we go. Rather than try to run out and eat after. Make ahead: Chicken stock for soup.
Tuesday Dinner - Eggs and sausage w/ fruit salad. We are back to swimming. This means the evening is spent at the Y from 6 pm on. Make ahead: Chicken noodle soup. Add noodles in the am and put in the crock pot.
Wednesday Dinner - Chicken noodle soup in the crock pot. Piano and confirmation/church book club night. Make ahead: Confirm there is bread for sandwich night. Crock pot of black beans for lunches and Friday's dinner.
Thursday Dinner - Pack a sandwich night. The girl says she will see to it that her and her brother will pack them after school. I will get mine complete in the morning. Hubby will manage his. Thursdays are beyond busy. We just need to make the best choices we can. 5pm meeting for my daughter's trip. A friend will come home on the bus so she can get to the meeting with us. Meeting ends at 6. So running the friend home and the daughter to swimming. Meanwhile the boys have a cello lesson at 5:30 and scouts at 6 & 7. Make ahead: Make tomato, rice and beans for tomorrow.
Friday Dinner - Tomato, rice, peppers and beans. Girl says she is ok with a sandwich two nights in a row. Girl and I will be helping at a local church that provides homeless families with a place to stay. The boy and dad will spend the night focused on camping prep.
Saturday - Lunch is just me so I am having leftovers to enjoy how easy it is to cook for 1. The hubby and I will go out for a dinner all by ourselves. Just because we can. Boy is camping, girl is sleeping over, hubby is off to geek out for the first part of the day. The dog and I have big plans.
The list:
apples
oranges
bananas
carrot sticks
celery
lettuce
kale
broccoli
peppers!
brown rice
mayo
soup
deli meat
coffee
salt
chips (coupon)
block of cheese (coupon)
sour cream
yogurt greek, fruity and vanilla
eggs
milk
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Crap they want to eat again
Easter is a bit up in the air and will be until late week. So this week's special trick is having enough food to eat here if we don't go up north (Easter Sunday is second only to Valentines day for days I refuse to enter a restaurant), and not having things spoil if we do leave. My mother was right I do spend too much time "on the fence". Also the kids will be in the house this week as parents switch off. They are going to expect to eat. (Sometimes the dog is totally my favorite. He eats the same thing everyday without a single complaint.) However yesterday the girl agreed to eat at a Thai restaurant and liked it. So that is a big win in my running food fight. And as going to church reminded me, we can afford to eat pretty much whatever we want which makes my complaining fairly pathetic.
First here is a picture of my attempt at my aunts cinnamon rolls. They were not very good. I think I need more butter in the middle. But I have somewhere to go from here.
Sunday: Jambalaya - there is some old shredded turkey in the freezer as well as the last of the sausage from last week. So some shrimp, rice, tomatoes and spice and it is done. The girl is sick so I will buy her a can of chicken noodle.
Monday: Lunch will need to be left overs as we have some pile up from our eating out and a pulled pork remains that were brought to the swim banquet last week. I bought some pork chops so those will be tasty. There is pineapple on sale at Rainbow so that works as a side.
Tuesday: Lunch salad is available with sandwich meat and cheese to put on it. I will hard boil some eggs too. Dinner is Salmon and sweet potato fries (a menu determined by the Rainbow add for the week). I am off Monday so I will need to cut and soak the fries in salt water then. I think it should be light enough for us to head to the Y after.
Wednesday: Lunch I will have some pasta make up to eat with jarred sauce. Dinner soup supper how I miss you. As it is a pretty relaxing evening for us, I think it shall be a appetizer dinner. Shrimp cocktail, cheese, crackers and some fruit to nibble on.
Thursday: Lunch could be pretty bad as I already don't care what they plan to eat. Poor kids of mine. There is frozen pizza rolls I made a couple of weeks back. Those with some carrot sticks definitely should do. I will post about why pizza rolls are so not worth it sometime. Dinner will be potato and pork soup. I will add some kale. By pork I mean the meaty bone that is left from the pulled pork. So mostly potato soup. After an early soup, the kids and I have tickets to see Shapiro and Smith Dance company at the Cowles center. We will need to have some dessert after. Minneapolis falls apart on the late night dessert front. So we will probably be a Perkins.
Friday through Sunday we are likely up north and eating off of others. Hoping I can get one meal in at the 112 eatery in Fergus Falls. That place is great. If we end up staying, I have some frozen chicken. Also since there is a coupon on Ham, I will buy one just in case. It will be useful next week if nothing else.
The Rainbow add was pretty great this week. Real food was on sale - milk, butter, frozen veggies etc. So this is a major stock up trip. So there is a theme this week. Eating the circular.
The List:
Lettuce
pineapple (on sale)
strawberries (on sale)
carrots (on sale)
red potatoes (on sale)
salmon (on sale)
sandwich meat (totally on sale)
Ham (coupon)
fruit spread (on sale. good thing since the kids figured out my Jelly was better. Crap maple syrup all over again.)
Pasta sauce (coupon)
granola (on sale)
evaporated milk
yeast packets (the bread machine kind is not working with the mixer very well)
brown sugar (on sale)
white sugar (on sale)
All purpose flour (on sale)
butter (coupon)
sour cream (coupon)
milk (coupon)
eggs (coupon)
cream cheese (coupon for the name brand, I might just buy store brand if it is cheaper)
frozen veggies (on sale)
frozen juice (coupon)
ice cream (coupon)
frozen cream puffs there is a coupon and that is a great party item I am certain I can use someday.
First here is a picture of my attempt at my aunts cinnamon rolls. They were not very good. I think I need more butter in the middle. But I have somewhere to go from here.
Sunday: Jambalaya - there is some old shredded turkey in the freezer as well as the last of the sausage from last week. So some shrimp, rice, tomatoes and spice and it is done. The girl is sick so I will buy her a can of chicken noodle.
Monday: Lunch will need to be left overs as we have some pile up from our eating out and a pulled pork remains that were brought to the swim banquet last week. I bought some pork chops so those will be tasty. There is pineapple on sale at Rainbow so that works as a side.
Tuesday: Lunch salad is available with sandwich meat and cheese to put on it. I will hard boil some eggs too. Dinner is Salmon and sweet potato fries (a menu determined by the Rainbow add for the week). I am off Monday so I will need to cut and soak the fries in salt water then. I think it should be light enough for us to head to the Y after.
Wednesday: Lunch I will have some pasta make up to eat with jarred sauce. Dinner soup supper how I miss you. As it is a pretty relaxing evening for us, I think it shall be a appetizer dinner. Shrimp cocktail, cheese, crackers and some fruit to nibble on.
Thursday: Lunch could be pretty bad as I already don't care what they plan to eat. Poor kids of mine. There is frozen pizza rolls I made a couple of weeks back. Those with some carrot sticks definitely should do. I will post about why pizza rolls are so not worth it sometime. Dinner will be potato and pork soup. I will add some kale. By pork I mean the meaty bone that is left from the pulled pork. So mostly potato soup. After an early soup, the kids and I have tickets to see Shapiro and Smith Dance company at the Cowles center. We will need to have some dessert after. Minneapolis falls apart on the late night dessert front. So we will probably be a Perkins.
Friday through Sunday we are likely up north and eating off of others. Hoping I can get one meal in at the 112 eatery in Fergus Falls. That place is great. If we end up staying, I have some frozen chicken. Also since there is a coupon on Ham, I will buy one just in case. It will be useful next week if nothing else.
The Rainbow add was pretty great this week. Real food was on sale - milk, butter, frozen veggies etc. So this is a major stock up trip. So there is a theme this week. Eating the circular.
The List:
Lettuce
pineapple (on sale)
strawberries (on sale)
carrots (on sale)
red potatoes (on sale)
salmon (on sale)
sandwich meat (totally on sale)
Ham (coupon)
fruit spread (on sale. good thing since the kids figured out my Jelly was better. Crap maple syrup all over again.)
Pasta sauce (coupon)
granola (on sale)
evaporated milk
yeast packets (the bread machine kind is not working with the mixer very well)
brown sugar (on sale)
white sugar (on sale)
All purpose flour (on sale)
butter (coupon)
sour cream (coupon)
milk (coupon)
eggs (coupon)
cream cheese (coupon for the name brand, I might just buy store brand if it is cheaper)
frozen veggies (on sale)
frozen juice (coupon)
ice cream (coupon)
frozen cream puffs there is a coupon and that is a great party item I am certain I can use someday.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
A good finish and off to a bad start
Well, well, well. No big surprise girl with the attention span of a may fly that I am, I totally dropped the ball on this food blog thing today. But I must tell you it is on the tail end of a smashing week.
I actually ate fish with lemon caper and white wine sauce. It was as good as it sounds. With it? These yummy green beans below.
Did I mention I made risotto with mushrooms and pea pods? I did. The girl ate at a friends and the boy choose left over stir fry. But hey hubby and I thought it was great.
And because the week ended with St. Patty's day. We had to have some green. Pancakes and apple juice for breakfast.
And ham, mashed potatoes with dill and fruit studded salad for lunch.
And then. . . You see I was deep into a project when the time came to start the food for the week project. I would like to point out, it is 8pm on Sunday, my rugs have been vacuumed this weekend and everyone has enough clean clothes to make it for the next few days. So I am kick'in butt by my standards. First I will focus on project. In spite of several missteps (please read as home depot is incapable of having a straight item in stock. MY PIPE WAS BENT. REALLY?), we are pretty far on a small project. A door I have been wanting to put in for a while. Based on an apartment therapy post, I decided to forgo the expensive, and rather difficult to obtain barn hardware (dear internet hardware sales people, I will NEVER fill out a form to get the price. Seriously like a guy asking if his mom could live with "you" on the first date. Relationship over.) So here are some pics.
The door frame with dogie and my thumb. This is before the 10in addition. Someone forgot to carry the 1. It may have been me.
Frame addition and all with the first skin. Just about fixed the warped framing boards.
Added some insulation as I am hoping this door will allow the kids to go to their rooms and not hear everything the adults say. I duct taped the seams because I was beginning to worry this project would include none of it. Can I continue to go to family reunions if I was to do a project without it?
Door is up. Need to paint and add the handle to it. Also need to return about 100 things to various stores. My father-in-law tells a joke about all projects requiring 3 trips to the store. Well let's just acknowledge that said joke replays in one's mind and becomes very unfunny by the 5th store trip. Beyond that, well . . . I am not certain if I am speaking with my father-in-law anymore.
It isn't sliding perfectly, see above mentioned Home Depot straightness issue. (Sorry mom, I know they are a great employer.) The door is able to slide in front of the stairs and at least baffle the sound a bit. We will need to tweak some things, but still I am really glad I pushed for it this weekend. I have done nothing on this house in ages. (Does Hazelton have a home improvement addition program? Is wine frowned upon while I am in it?) I have a small horse trade coming up with a talented young artist, so this is really the first step in a large art installation.
Back to food. It was pizza delivery tonight. I love pizza boys. You know how bad it is when a nurse looks at you with horror that this is the worst thing she has ever seen. Oh maybe you don't. That might just be me. Oh well, pizza guys never show they think my life is a disaster These boys have seen it all. They see you covered in stuff and tools plugged into extension cords all over the living room and don't bad an eye. Sometimes I worry I call them just to test if I have crossed the line. (Does hoarders get their show subjects from pizza delivery guys? Cause I bet the could.) Crap I got totally off topic again. Anyway the kids were really great about the zero attention weekend, so I got root beer with the pizza. Pretty popular right now. I did manage to put together a list while waiting for hubby to do some pipe length availability research and call me back. Turns out it is totally okay to sit in the cushy outdoor chairs at the Home Depot and make your weekly menu. If they add WiFi, Starbucks could be in trouble.
Monday - Homemade mac 'n cheese. The boy is conference bound, but not till later. Nice evening. I should try to get to the Y early right when I get home. Need to make this ahead if I plan to do that.
Tuesday - a chicken and salad. Since the girl wasn't home, we didn't make it with the risotto on Friday. Some is left. Taking chicken out of freezer as soon as I push publish.
Wednesday - The very last church soup supper of the season. Chicken wild rice will be my contribution. Make on Tuesday with the left over chicken.
Thursday - Eggs and sausage (need to try and get to a store to add fruit to this.)
Friday - There is this hamburger & sour cream thing my grandmother put in a family recipe book many years ago. I think I will make it up for Friday.
Saturday - sandwiches (I did make a loaf of bread, and an extra for the freezer. Let's see if it will rise again.) Crap I wrote sausage pizza down. I just ordered that for dinner. Good deal a look at the calendar shows it is a swimming banquet that night. Off the hook.
Sunday - Palm Sunday brunch at church will get us through lunch. Then I will be back at it. This time with kids and adults in the house all week. I will need to shop!
I actually ate fish with lemon caper and white wine sauce. It was as good as it sounds. With it? These yummy green beans below.
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| This girl really ate stir fry. It was not even really good stir fry. I still loved it. |
And because the week ended with St. Patty's day. We had to have some green. Pancakes and apple juice for breakfast.
The door frame with dogie and my thumb. This is before the 10in addition. Someone forgot to carry the 1. It may have been me.
Frame addition and all with the first skin. Just about fixed the warped framing boards.
It isn't sliding perfectly, see above mentioned Home Depot straightness issue. (Sorry mom, I know they are a great employer.) The door is able to slide in front of the stairs and at least baffle the sound a bit. We will need to tweak some things, but still I am really glad I pushed for it this weekend. I have done nothing on this house in ages. (Does Hazelton have a home improvement addition program? Is wine frowned upon while I am in it?) I have a small horse trade coming up with a talented young artist, so this is really the first step in a large art installation.
Back to food. It was pizza delivery tonight. I love pizza boys. You know how bad it is when a nurse looks at you with horror that this is the worst thing she has ever seen. Oh maybe you don't. That might just be me. Oh well, pizza guys never show they think my life is a disaster These boys have seen it all. They see you covered in stuff and tools plugged into extension cords all over the living room and don't bad an eye. Sometimes I worry I call them just to test if I have crossed the line. (Does hoarders get their show subjects from pizza delivery guys? Cause I bet the could.) Crap I got totally off topic again. Anyway the kids were really great about the zero attention weekend, so I got root beer with the pizza. Pretty popular right now. I did manage to put together a list while waiting for hubby to do some pipe length availability research and call me back. Turns out it is totally okay to sit in the cushy outdoor chairs at the Home Depot and make your weekly menu. If they add WiFi, Starbucks could be in trouble.
Monday - Homemade mac 'n cheese. The boy is conference bound, but not till later. Nice evening. I should try to get to the Y early right when I get home. Need to make this ahead if I plan to do that.
Tuesday - a chicken and salad. Since the girl wasn't home, we didn't make it with the risotto on Friday. Some is left. Taking chicken out of freezer as soon as I push publish.
Wednesday - The very last church soup supper of the season. Chicken wild rice will be my contribution. Make on Tuesday with the left over chicken.
Thursday - Eggs and sausage (need to try and get to a store to add fruit to this.)
Friday - There is this hamburger & sour cream thing my grandmother put in a family recipe book many years ago. I think I will make it up for Friday.
Saturday - sandwiches (I did make a loaf of bread, and an extra for the freezer. Let's see if it will rise again.) Crap I wrote sausage pizza down. I just ordered that for dinner. Good deal a look at the calendar shows it is a swimming banquet that night. Off the hook.
Sunday - Palm Sunday brunch at church will get us through lunch. Then I will be back at it. This time with kids and adults in the house all week. I will need to shop!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Week 3 I'm going to eat stir fry
Well here we are again - Sunday. As I type my daughter, our little girl is saying she would like it if we made beef stir fry. Well that means 3 of us, so it is on the menu. (If three will eat, the other can have toast.)
Last week was about a B. For the most part we followed, but mostly because hubby was willing to make up for my lazy attitude. It did take us 3 trips to the store and 1 to the butcher which is 2 trips more than were planned. Also my bread maker broke. Right between loaves 1 and 2 in preparing for guests. Well the best mixer recipe I had makes two loaves. Guess I get to try that freezing thing after all. No cinnamon rolls, but pancakes make a nice substitute. Make your own sandwich bar was easy to put together and fit everyone's needs. Meatballs, pasta, and both red and white sauces all passed separately is my new group meal. Went over very well, and most part took in at least some salad. We did not use the roast, as my sister's family headed out early to drive slow on icy roads and with daylight savings time the vision I had of myself getting up and prepping a roast was just not realistic. Off to a burger joint we went. So we will start the week with a roast in the crock pot. We do have a nice bit of fruit left, so that will be an add on to many meals throughout the week.
Sunday evening: I am bringing Thai food from a local restaurant to a friend that is in need of meals, so we will have Thai too. Also I have a mommy event that I need to bring a snack too. Fresh guacamole and chips will be my item.
Monday: Roast with root veggies. The boy has a concert so we need to eat before that. Perfect day to put a roast in the crock pot with some potatoes and carrots.
Tuesday: Fish and green beans. The kid's swimming has ended, but I still want to keep up my 7 pm Yoga class. Maybe I can get them all to come to the gym too. White fish with lemon Caper sauce on the side and green beans with almonds and honey. After the gym (just in case no one ate the first offering) there can be a snack.
Wednesday: Soup Supper. Piano and Soup Supper. I am currently not signed up for anything. So unless there is an email request. I am getting by for a few bucks. I know this wasn't the primary thing saint Peter had in mind for church, but is sure is a nice part of it.
Thursday: Beef stir fry. Cello lesson, 1 hour break, then boy scouts for the boy. The girl and I have signed up for a Community Ed class starting the same time as boy scouts but is a bit more of a drive. I will pre-make the rice and chop the veggies on Wednesday. Drop the boy off at lessons and head back to cook. Hubby will pick him up at 6. By 6:15 the group all sits down to a nice meal. At 6:35 the girl and I head out. This leaves the boys to clean up before they take off for scouts which is much closer to home.
Friday: Mushroom Risotto with salad. We are hoping to take in the High School Variety show. So eating on the early side, but a nice 2 hour piece of time to cook and eat. That should be lovely. I don't expect the risotto to go over with anyone under 20, but sometimes the boy surprises me. The girl will eat salad. She eats a lot of salad.
Saturday: Taco lunch & Shepherd's pie. Hubby will put together lunch (using 1/2 of the pound of hamburger) while I'm away eating a lovely brunch not feeling one bit sad about missing tacos. We have some frozen mashed potatoes that need used up so that will pair with the remaining 1/2 pound of beef and any random veggies to be found. I still have a spare pie crust (they come in a 4 pack) from the quiche last week.
Sunday: (St. Patrick's day) Green pancakes breakfast, Salad & ham for lunch. So far only church in the morning. Realizing I simply must figure out more times to hit the gym in week. Saturday and Sunday need to become part of the equation, as well as another weeknight.
On to the list (I need to figure out how to put a sound bite in so the list can have doom filled theme music).
Salad greens ( romaine will do -2 of the 3 packs)
apples
tomato
broccoli
pea pods if they look good.
darker mushrooms whatever looks good
White fish
ham small
sandwich meat
taco shells
Slivered almonds
brown sugar
baking powder
Wish me luck
Last week was about a B. For the most part we followed, but mostly because hubby was willing to make up for my lazy attitude. It did take us 3 trips to the store and 1 to the butcher which is 2 trips more than were planned. Also my bread maker broke. Right between loaves 1 and 2 in preparing for guests. Well the best mixer recipe I had makes two loaves. Guess I get to try that freezing thing after all. No cinnamon rolls, but pancakes make a nice substitute. Make your own sandwich bar was easy to put together and fit everyone's needs. Meatballs, pasta, and both red and white sauces all passed separately is my new group meal. Went over very well, and most part took in at least some salad. We did not use the roast, as my sister's family headed out early to drive slow on icy roads and with daylight savings time the vision I had of myself getting up and prepping a roast was just not realistic. Off to a burger joint we went. So we will start the week with a roast in the crock pot. We do have a nice bit of fruit left, so that will be an add on to many meals throughout the week.
Sunday evening: I am bringing Thai food from a local restaurant to a friend that is in need of meals, so we will have Thai too. Also I have a mommy event that I need to bring a snack too. Fresh guacamole and chips will be my item.
Monday: Roast with root veggies. The boy has a concert so we need to eat before that. Perfect day to put a roast in the crock pot with some potatoes and carrots.
Tuesday: Fish and green beans. The kid's swimming has ended, but I still want to keep up my 7 pm Yoga class. Maybe I can get them all to come to the gym too. White fish with lemon Caper sauce on the side and green beans with almonds and honey. After the gym (just in case no one ate the first offering) there can be a snack.
Wednesday: Soup Supper. Piano and Soup Supper. I am currently not signed up for anything. So unless there is an email request. I am getting by for a few bucks. I know this wasn't the primary thing saint Peter had in mind for church, but is sure is a nice part of it.
Thursday: Beef stir fry. Cello lesson, 1 hour break, then boy scouts for the boy. The girl and I have signed up for a Community Ed class starting the same time as boy scouts but is a bit more of a drive. I will pre-make the rice and chop the veggies on Wednesday. Drop the boy off at lessons and head back to cook. Hubby will pick him up at 6. By 6:15 the group all sits down to a nice meal. At 6:35 the girl and I head out. This leaves the boys to clean up before they take off for scouts which is much closer to home.
Friday: Mushroom Risotto with salad. We are hoping to take in the High School Variety show. So eating on the early side, but a nice 2 hour piece of time to cook and eat. That should be lovely. I don't expect the risotto to go over with anyone under 20, but sometimes the boy surprises me. The girl will eat salad. She eats a lot of salad.
Saturday: Taco lunch & Shepherd's pie. Hubby will put together lunch (using 1/2 of the pound of hamburger) while I'm away eating a lovely brunch not feeling one bit sad about missing tacos. We have some frozen mashed potatoes that need used up so that will pair with the remaining 1/2 pound of beef and any random veggies to be found. I still have a spare pie crust (they come in a 4 pack) from the quiche last week.
Sunday: (St. Patrick's day) Green pancakes breakfast, Salad & ham for lunch. So far only church in the morning. Realizing I simply must figure out more times to hit the gym in week. Saturday and Sunday need to become part of the equation, as well as another weeknight.
On to the list (I need to figure out how to put a sound bite in so the list can have doom filled theme music).
Salad greens ( romaine will do -2 of the 3 packs)
apples
tomato
broccoli
pea pods if they look good.
darker mushrooms whatever looks good
White fish
ham small
sandwich meat
taco shells
Slivered almonds
brown sugar
baking powder
Wish me luck
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Week Two: Meals Continue
Well I guess calling my previous post the first week of posting a meal plan obligates me to do a second.
Honestly this is what frustrates me about food. I would like to be saving the world, renovating the house, learning a language, and catching up on the movies from the last 20 years. But mostly I am figuring out what to eat. Even the monks of history seem to list bread and beer among their main focus. Guess we are not as far removed from the animals as I often wish. When the kids move out I am going on a 7 day meal plan and just repeating those 7 days for the rest of my life (Ha! they would gladly do that now. I know it is me that is the hold out.)
What do I have? Thawed cut up chicken breast (bone in) and two little chicken wings. There is some bacon, sausage, and some of the grass fed beef purchase (a roast, soup bones, and 4 round steaks). Some lettuce, carrot sticks and apples are left, but the veggie situation is really low. We do have a couple blocks of mild cheese and 5 eggs. Dry staples are holding well although I need flour and potatoes. I got some bread made during the magic card game on Saturday. So we should make it most of the week. I need to start experimenting with the best stage to freeze it in.
Sunday dinner: Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. It is something we have been meaning to have for a while. So I guess that means I need to figure out when to make more bread.
Monday: Book club night, which means the rest eat without me. I am up for bringing a food item this month. Something fair themed as we have read "Devil in the White City". Granny smith apples and caramel dip will be my contribution. I have a history with this as I was once a concession stand worker and this was a very popular item. No one uses an apple slicer with quite the same skill as this girl. Although at least 2 other book club members have done time in a concession booth. So hopefully they bring something else. Burgers and veggie dippers for the rest of the crowd. Last of the ground beef is thawing.
Tuesday: Swim practice night. We will eat those chicken breast before we go and come back to salad. The chicken will marinate in something I find in the cupboard after I finish this post. The salad can be cut up before swimming. If I put the ingredients in the bread maker before work, the girl can turn it on when she get's home. That should have it a the rise step shortly after I walk in. No good. It would be ready to bake as we are leaving for swimming. Better I start it when I get home. It is ready to rise as we leave. Don't put it in a cool place so the rise takes a little longer. Then bake when we get back. Take out the bacon and bake potatoes (with the bread) for the soup on Thursday.
Wednesday: Lent soup I am signed up for bringing fruit. Methinks the same item for a different audience is efficiency at it's best. I will bring out those apples and caramel again. Make the soup for tomorrow and take out the roast for Sunday.
Thursday: Bit of a drive by night. The boy has cello and signed up to help with a art project for the church. There has been a request for potato soup with bacon. Request granted. That never happens. Do a late in the week extra fruit run to have fresh stuff for the weekend.
Friday: Quiche with any left over bacon. We are expecting guests late in the evening. So I need to keep them around to clean up the week a bit before the guests arrive. My sister is coming with her hubby and 1 child celebrating a 13th birthday. Make 2 loaves of bread. This will be a weekend to use extra bread.
Saturday: Totally up in the air. The goal is to have meals available for 7 totally at the ready, but nothing so timed as to keep us from going with the flow when meal time comes up and while we are out and about. Also it would be great to have take along things so we can stave off feeding 7 out and about more than wanted. Wow, now that I type it, I see what a tall order that is.
I asked my sister to bring breakfast for the morning. That should nicely start us off. I'll stock some juice, eggs and fruit so everyone should have a happy beginning. Salsa. Must buy salsa. My brother in law may be the single most go with the flow person around when it comes to meals, but I know he loves some salsa on his eggs and anything else he can pile it on.
Lunch will most likely be out and about. I will make sure all types of sandwich fixings are here. If we end up here, great, if not we can pack them for the road. If we don't use them, no problem. Lunches next week will benefit.
Dinner is bit harder. That is a lot of tastes to please. Thinking meatballs are good for all. I have pasta. The birthday boy can determine if they are to be Swedish or Italian. If I precook the pasta in the morning, that is a meal that can come together really fast. A salad will make me feel I have offered some veggies regardless of if anyone eats it. My sister will likely end up putting it together as our boy is playing his cello in a concert. Fruit tart from Byerly's will be the birthday cake. Do you serve ice cream with that? I want it with champagne, but considering he is 13 perhaps a sparkling juice will do. I'll buy some whipped cream in a can to cover my bases. I'll pick up granola bars and fruit to be sure we can have a packed snack bag.
Sunday: I think overnight guest have got to be the best excuse for cinnamon rolls around. I will let them rise in the fridge the night before and serve them with fruit and maybe some bacon or sausage patties. (If a certain birthday boy would like it.)
Lunch will be the last shared meal with my sister's family. Going with my family roots and doing a roast in the crock pot so it is ready after church. My mom often did this, Sunday after church was always the largest meal. Which is saying something as on the farm there were a lot of large meals.
The list:
celery
apples
oranges
bananas
potatoes
salsa
butter
string cheese (on sale)
yogurt
milk
sour cream
eggs
canned whipped cream
frozen juice
ice cream (how nice there is a coupon this week)
meatballs (again hitting a coupon item)
tortillas
hamburger buns (the delight my kids find in manufactured bread is sort of sad).
peanut butter
apple sauce in cups (This worked to encourage the girl to pack a lunch).
sparkling juice
granola bars
tortilla chips
flour - all purpose and bread
water (It is always nice to have a gallon of water for people that are used to water different from your own.)
Thursday trip:
pineapple and/or mango
kiwi
bananas (yes we will need them again)
berries
salad greens
sprouts
sandwich meat if needed.
Honestly this is what frustrates me about food. I would like to be saving the world, renovating the house, learning a language, and catching up on the movies from the last 20 years. But mostly I am figuring out what to eat. Even the monks of history seem to list bread and beer among their main focus. Guess we are not as far removed from the animals as I often wish. When the kids move out I am going on a 7 day meal plan and just repeating those 7 days for the rest of my life (Ha! they would gladly do that now. I know it is me that is the hold out.)
What do I have? Thawed cut up chicken breast (bone in) and two little chicken wings. There is some bacon, sausage, and some of the grass fed beef purchase (a roast, soup bones, and 4 round steaks). Some lettuce, carrot sticks and apples are left, but the veggie situation is really low. We do have a couple blocks of mild cheese and 5 eggs. Dry staples are holding well although I need flour and potatoes. I got some bread made during the magic card game on Saturday. So we should make it most of the week. I need to start experimenting with the best stage to freeze it in.
Sunday dinner: Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. It is something we have been meaning to have for a while. So I guess that means I need to figure out when to make more bread.
Monday: Book club night, which means the rest eat without me. I am up for bringing a food item this month. Something fair themed as we have read "Devil in the White City". Granny smith apples and caramel dip will be my contribution. I have a history with this as I was once a concession stand worker and this was a very popular item. No one uses an apple slicer with quite the same skill as this girl. Although at least 2 other book club members have done time in a concession booth. So hopefully they bring something else. Burgers and veggie dippers for the rest of the crowd. Last of the ground beef is thawing.
Tuesday: Swim practice night. We will eat those chicken breast before we go and come back to salad. The chicken will marinate in something I find in the cupboard after I finish this post. The salad can be cut up before swimming. If I put the ingredients in the bread maker before work, the girl can turn it on when she get's home. That should have it a the rise step shortly after I walk in. No good. It would be ready to bake as we are leaving for swimming. Better I start it when I get home. It is ready to rise as we leave. Don't put it in a cool place so the rise takes a little longer. Then bake when we get back. Take out the bacon and bake potatoes (with the bread) for the soup on Thursday.
Wednesday: Lent soup I am signed up for bringing fruit. Methinks the same item for a different audience is efficiency at it's best. I will bring out those apples and caramel again. Make the soup for tomorrow and take out the roast for Sunday.
Thursday: Bit of a drive by night. The boy has cello and signed up to help with a art project for the church. There has been a request for potato soup with bacon. Request granted. That never happens. Do a late in the week extra fruit run to have fresh stuff for the weekend.
Friday: Quiche with any left over bacon. We are expecting guests late in the evening. So I need to keep them around to clean up the week a bit before the guests arrive. My sister is coming with her hubby and 1 child celebrating a 13th birthday. Make 2 loaves of bread. This will be a weekend to use extra bread.
Saturday: Totally up in the air. The goal is to have meals available for 7 totally at the ready, but nothing so timed as to keep us from going with the flow when meal time comes up and while we are out and about. Also it would be great to have take along things so we can stave off feeding 7 out and about more than wanted. Wow, now that I type it, I see what a tall order that is.
I asked my sister to bring breakfast for the morning. That should nicely start us off. I'll stock some juice, eggs and fruit so everyone should have a happy beginning. Salsa. Must buy salsa. My brother in law may be the single most go with the flow person around when it comes to meals, but I know he loves some salsa on his eggs and anything else he can pile it on.
Lunch will most likely be out and about. I will make sure all types of sandwich fixings are here. If we end up here, great, if not we can pack them for the road. If we don't use them, no problem. Lunches next week will benefit.
Dinner is bit harder. That is a lot of tastes to please. Thinking meatballs are good for all. I have pasta. The birthday boy can determine if they are to be Swedish or Italian. If I precook the pasta in the morning, that is a meal that can come together really fast. A salad will make me feel I have offered some veggies regardless of if anyone eats it. My sister will likely end up putting it together as our boy is playing his cello in a concert. Fruit tart from Byerly's will be the birthday cake. Do you serve ice cream with that? I want it with champagne, but considering he is 13 perhaps a sparkling juice will do. I'll buy some whipped cream in a can to cover my bases. I'll pick up granola bars and fruit to be sure we can have a packed snack bag.
Sunday: I think overnight guest have got to be the best excuse for cinnamon rolls around. I will let them rise in the fridge the night before and serve them with fruit and maybe some bacon or sausage patties. (If a certain birthday boy would like it.)
Lunch will be the last shared meal with my sister's family. Going with my family roots and doing a roast in the crock pot so it is ready after church. My mom often did this, Sunday after church was always the largest meal. Which is saying something as on the farm there were a lot of large meals.
The list:
celery
apples
oranges
bananas
potatoes
salsa
butter
string cheese (on sale)
yogurt
milk
sour cream
eggs
canned whipped cream
frozen juice
ice cream (how nice there is a coupon this week)
meatballs (again hitting a coupon item)
tortillas
hamburger buns (the delight my kids find in manufactured bread is sort of sad).
peanut butter
apple sauce in cups (This worked to encourage the girl to pack a lunch).
sparkling juice
granola bars
tortilla chips
flour - all purpose and bread
water (It is always nice to have a gallon of water for people that are used to water different from your own.)
Thursday trip:
pineapple and/or mango
kiwi
bananas (yes we will need them again)
berries
salad greens
sprouts
sandwich meat if needed.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Thursday Fail/Redirect and Weekday Wrap Up
We are having a party tomorrow. By that I mean two lovely men that are willing to come over and play cards with a few 8 to 10 year old kids. The very same little fish/frozen dessert/man has made the popcorn to be sweetened for treats, and I need to get some pizza dough made. Also time to take out that chicken for Sunday.
Oh on top is a picture of Thursday's soup. Yes it looks almost exactly like the Fried rice from Tuesday. I added some curry to my bowl just so I didn't feel so stuck in a rut. But then I did the exact same thing to the left overs of it I brought for lunch. Call'in it - A RUT.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Monday's Progress
Well at a little over $200 dollars at the store, I guess this isn't a how to save kind of blog. That will be for another "growth spurt." (I once tried to blame my mom for my lacking skill in this area, and she countered that she was confident I could learn to do things she hadn't taught me. Sometimes it makes me mad that she is still two steps ahead of me.)
Tonight was a wildly successful evening. I have pictures to prove it. Well other than I did have to admit my grocery planning is still a bit lacking. Thank you hubby for picking up frozen peas and green onions and the along with the saltines. (Also working on remembering things I don't eat much of. All in all I am a work in progress). After eating a roast, and getting the kids to a rescheduled piano lesson (that will make Wednesday a bit easier for us, and we are all wishing our piano teacher the best possible root canal later this week). Anyway by 7:10 PM, I was in action.
Tonight was a wildly successful evening. I have pictures to prove it. Well other than I did have to admit my grocery planning is still a bit lacking. Thank you hubby for picking up frozen peas and green onions and the along with the saltines. (Also working on remembering things I don't eat much of. All in all I am a work in progress). After eating a roast, and getting the kids to a rescheduled piano lesson (that will make Wednesday a bit easier for us, and we are all wishing our piano teacher the best possible root canal later this week). Anyway by 7:10 PM, I was in action.
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| Some soup and fried rice for tomorrow. That soup will look better with the green onions on top. |
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| Black bean soup for lunch and two extra to freeze. |
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| This is going to church on Wednesday. Never certain what to call my soups. It has beef roast and potatoes in it. |
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| Croutons and a loaf of bread. In a truly awesome turn of events, most of the bread steps were done by the girl. |
Sunday, February 24, 2013
First Week of Publishing a Meal Plan
Here we are. Sunday. Time to figure out our food for the week. That is how it gets done around here. Sometime over the weekend, a meal plan is figured out. The food is obtained, and if it is to be successful, partially prepared. If those things do not happen on the weekend, a handful of takeout menus will prevail. Even with this plan Thursday turns into major risk time. Still figuring out the reason for putting this process into a blog. Might interest someone, and I am hoping for greater accountability to my plan. At the very least, this allows access my plan without being in the kitchen. As a rule I am slowing seeing hubby's point about us being better at execution if it is electronically accessible to both of us. So time to get started.
First the questions
1. What do we have? A rump roast left from my grass feed meat buy in December. Began thawing on Saturday. (The meat in the freezer is dwindling adding chicken stock up this week. I will unplug for the summer in about 4 weeks). There is some frozen rice and frozen cooked chicken from a previous week and just under 2 cups extra black beans that were soaked and cooked during from Friday's chili. Oh and 1/2 pound of cooked crumbled sausage left from the lasagna brought to Blue and Gold last night. I believe strongly in the concept of if your going to cook, cook for leftovers. My family is not real familiar with the idea of made to order food.
2. What is on sale? Not much this week. Milk and celery and chicken are about all we eat that is mentioned in the flyer. Really wishing for frozen juice. I am new to paying attention to sales. Trying to get better at it.
3. What's happening? Standard week. Possible host of a party for boys playing magic on Saturday. Personal goal - stop eating lunch out.
Now The Plan
Sunday - Sausage and pasta bake for diner with salad. Make hummus for snacking. (I cheat with canned chickpeas, but while I am on the baby step path, the 100 days of real food blog is extremely inspiring.)
Monday - Roast with veggies. Brown the roast and get everything set Sunday night. The girl will put the roast in after school. This is a big positive of latch key age kids. Kids will eat raw veggies with the meat as they don't touch cooked. (Would you like to hear how much I miss stir fry). Make up tomorrow night's dinner items before bed. Make a loaf of bread. Make croutons with any left from the previous loaf.
Tuesday - Split meals are how we handle sports practice at dinner time. The protein before we go, and veggie/starch when we get home. Think it is Chinese night. Egg drop soup before and fried rice when we get home. Make a beef based soup with the left over roast for Wednesday. Take frozen cooked chicken out to thaw.
Wednesday - Girl is trying out for a singing group so she can't heat the soup up. Hubby will plug in crock pot at lunch time. When I get home load kids into car with piano books. Possibly pick up girl. (It is uncertain where she will be.) Return home and collect soup during first piano lesson. Go back. Pick up girl and get her and soup to church. Hubby will pick up boy from second piano lesson, and whole family will meet at church for soup supper. (I really do love Lent). Make tomorrow's soup before bed.
Thursday - Children are told to make a smoothie with frozen fruit and yogurt or reheat a frozen egg cup before I get home. (Works part of the time). I wish with all my being to be making a chicken tortilla soup in the crock pot. But the girl eats no beans. NO BEANS! This bugs me a bit. Chicken rice soup in the crock pot with some pureed veggies in the broth. Not certain this will be successful. There is peanut butter and bread for those that wont eat it. Might need a loaf of bread made tonight if not Saturday. Also put together dry biscuit ingredients. Hard boil eggs for salad and chop things for it.
Friday - Big salad and biscuits to be eaten whenever anyone comes through. Make biscuits as soon as I get home and assemble salad. Then off to the races.
Saturday - Sandwiches for lunch. Assume we are hosting the game party afternoon through dinner. Plan a veggie tray, snack cinnamon corn and homemade pizza rolls (make lots as they go over well after school). Serve lemonade with something fizzy in it to drink. Make the rest of the fundraiser cookie dough.
Sunday - Make crock pot chicken while at church. Serve with salad. Plan next week. In the mood for a quiche.
Lunches - Guess the beans are all mine. Make a black bean soup to enjoy one day. Left overs and perhaps I will make a little stir fry just for me to bring. Kids have been eating school lunches (girl has been thinking about packing.) Hubby eats sandwiches when in town, and out when he works away.
Finally The List
Clementines
salad greens
2 celery
cucumber
carrots (massive amount)
small tomatoes
cauliflower
broccoli
red pepper
onions
check out the berries
bananas
chicken whole
chicken whole cut up
chicken breast
sandwich meat
nuts
salsa for snacks
block of mixed cheese
block of mozzarella
Greek yogurt
some single servings of yogurt with fruit.
new tub of sour cream for veggie tray
milk 3
frozen juice
pasta sauce
beef broth
chickpeas
coffee
cereal
quick oatmeal (running low on it for bread)
find that powder my mom puts in the sour cream for veggie dip. I think it is near the dressing.
something fizzy for the lemonade
lemonade mix
tortilla chips
popcorn
First the questions
1. What do we have? A rump roast left from my grass feed meat buy in December. Began thawing on Saturday. (The meat in the freezer is dwindling adding chicken stock up this week. I will unplug for the summer in about 4 weeks). There is some frozen rice and frozen cooked chicken from a previous week and just under 2 cups extra black beans that were soaked and cooked during from Friday's chili. Oh and 1/2 pound of cooked crumbled sausage left from the lasagna brought to Blue and Gold last night. I believe strongly in the concept of if your going to cook, cook for leftovers. My family is not real familiar with the idea of made to order food.
2. What is on sale? Not much this week. Milk and celery and chicken are about all we eat that is mentioned in the flyer. Really wishing for frozen juice. I am new to paying attention to sales. Trying to get better at it.
3. What's happening? Standard week. Possible host of a party for boys playing magic on Saturday. Personal goal - stop eating lunch out.
Now The Plan
Sunday - Sausage and pasta bake for diner with salad. Make hummus for snacking. (I cheat with canned chickpeas, but while I am on the baby step path, the 100 days of real food blog is extremely inspiring.)
Monday - Roast with veggies. Brown the roast and get everything set Sunday night. The girl will put the roast in after school. This is a big positive of latch key age kids. Kids will eat raw veggies with the meat as they don't touch cooked. (Would you like to hear how much I miss stir fry). Make up tomorrow night's dinner items before bed. Make a loaf of bread. Make croutons with any left from the previous loaf.
Tuesday - Split meals are how we handle sports practice at dinner time. The protein before we go, and veggie/starch when we get home. Think it is Chinese night. Egg drop soup before and fried rice when we get home. Make a beef based soup with the left over roast for Wednesday. Take frozen cooked chicken out to thaw.
Wednesday - Girl is trying out for a singing group so she can't heat the soup up. Hubby will plug in crock pot at lunch time. When I get home load kids into car with piano books. Possibly pick up girl. (It is uncertain where she will be.) Return home and collect soup during first piano lesson. Go back. Pick up girl and get her and soup to church. Hubby will pick up boy from second piano lesson, and whole family will meet at church for soup supper. (I really do love Lent). Make tomorrow's soup before bed.
Thursday - Children are told to make a smoothie with frozen fruit and yogurt or reheat a frozen egg cup before I get home. (Works part of the time). I wish with all my being to be making a chicken tortilla soup in the crock pot. But the girl eats no beans. NO BEANS! This bugs me a bit. Chicken rice soup in the crock pot with some pureed veggies in the broth. Not certain this will be successful. There is peanut butter and bread for those that wont eat it. Might need a loaf of bread made tonight if not Saturday. Also put together dry biscuit ingredients. Hard boil eggs for salad and chop things for it.
Friday - Big salad and biscuits to be eaten whenever anyone comes through. Make biscuits as soon as I get home and assemble salad. Then off to the races.
Saturday - Sandwiches for lunch. Assume we are hosting the game party afternoon through dinner. Plan a veggie tray, snack cinnamon corn and homemade pizza rolls (make lots as they go over well after school). Serve lemonade with something fizzy in it to drink. Make the rest of the fundraiser cookie dough.
Sunday - Make crock pot chicken while at church. Serve with salad. Plan next week. In the mood for a quiche.
Lunches - Guess the beans are all mine. Make a black bean soup to enjoy one day. Left overs and perhaps I will make a little stir fry just for me to bring. Kids have been eating school lunches (girl has been thinking about packing.) Hubby eats sandwiches when in town, and out when he works away.
Finally The List
Clementines
salad greens
2 celery
cucumber
carrots (massive amount)
small tomatoes
cauliflower
broccoli
red pepper
onions
check out the berries
bananas
chicken whole
chicken whole cut up
chicken breast
sandwich meat
nuts
salsa for snacks
block of mixed cheese
block of mozzarella
Greek yogurt
some single servings of yogurt with fruit.
new tub of sour cream for veggie tray
milk 3
frozen juice
pasta sauce
beef broth
chickpeas
coffee
cereal
quick oatmeal (running low on it for bread)
find that powder my mom puts in the sour cream for veggie dip. I think it is near the dressing.
something fizzy for the lemonade
lemonade mix
tortilla chips
popcorn
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