Sunday, August 28, 2016

Weekly Menu, August 28

Last week went really well, at least as far as the menu was concerned. We were able to keep on track and have a lot of great meals. I have been playing a bit with more muffin recipes; love those little guys. I have also been playing with kefir shakes and having a great time. I'm hoping to get some of that posted soon but it's a work in progress. I basically have one week left before I head back to the classroom. I'm only taking one class this semester but I'm really excited about it. I know it's going to take some time away from my schedule, but it's totally worth it. I love getting into the classroom and learning new things.

So, this weeks schedule is pretty simple. We are trying to keep the fridge cleaned out for a little getaway coming up and I'm trying to plan ahead to make mealtime cheaper and well-prepared while we are away. We'll see how it all goes.



Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Sunday
*kefir shake

chocolate-banana muffins
scrambled eggs
nutella crackers
popcorn
cantaloupe
roast
mashed potatoes
peas
Monday
*kefir shake

roll up pancakes
sausage links
PBJ
chips
watermelon
honey chicken kebabs
rice
broccoli
Tuesday
*kefir shake

oatmeal
ham & cheese rollups
cheezits
grapes
sausage penne pasta
green beans
garlic bread
Wednesday
*kefir shake

cinnamon toast
scrambled eggs
PBN
grahams
strawberries
EARLY PREP
leftovers-fridge clean out
Thursday
*kefir shake

oatmeal
yogurt sticks
sandwiches
cheesy goldfish
carrot sticks
grapes
pizza out
Friday
*kefir shake

sweet rolls
HB eggs
lunch out?
Mexican food out
Saturday
*kefir shake

Diner bfast
sandwiches
chips
grapes
BBQ food

Hopefully next weeks menu won't be too delayed, but I will probably not be able to post until Monday. I've actually thought about changing my rotation to a Monday to Sunday instead of the current Sunday to Saturday. I did that in the summer so I could grocery shop on the weekends without kiddos, but now it's easier to go while they're in school. Maybe next week will be the perfect opportunity to make that change. We'll see. Until then, have a great week!

Monday, August 22, 2016

Weekly Menu, August 21

Clearly a busy week and I didn't get the menu up in time. We actually didn't have a plan for Sunday which led to us going out to dinner and I sometimes feel guilty when that happens. If only I'd had a plan...not the case here. Hubs has been working so much that we needed some family fun time so we went to a theme dinner location where kids could play some old western games and ride a train. It was a good time.

This week, admittedly, is a lot of distracted eating. Plans to eat out with Grandpa and eat out for a nighttime museum visit, I feel like I need to make a point of having meals on the table the rest of the week. Challenge accepted!

Tonight I tried a meal that we never got around to last week and then the rest of the week is pretty straight forward dishes we've had before. Keepin' it simple but yummy.



Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Sunday
*kefir shake

waffles
scrambled eggs
cheese quesadilla
lettuce
corn
family dinner out
Monday
*kefir shake

pancakes
HB eggs
PBJ
parm goldfish
applesauce
mixed veggies
Tuesday
*kefir shake

biscuits w/jam
sausage patty
ham & cheese roll up
watermelon
chips
meatloaf
mashed potatoes
carrots

Wednesday
*kefir shake

cinnamon toast
scrambled eggs
PB and banana
grahams
strawberries
EARLY PREP
noodles
green beans

Thursday
*kefir shake

oatmeal w/fixings


cream cheese & jam sandwich
cheezits
apple slices
salad
Friday
*kefir shake

roll up pancakes
PBJ
chips
carrot sticks
dinner with grandpa
Saturday
*kefir shake

muffins
HB eggs
pizza
watermelon
dinner at the museum

I realized sometime in the chaos of last week that I never linked the recipes I was trying. I will try to do better this time, though I'm not trying as much new stuff this week. I have also been experimenting with various kefir shakes and have been surprised at how little I can find for single-serving "nutri-bullet" style machine. I'm hoping to get a post together about it soon. I'm having A LOT of fun experimenting.

For now I'm ready for this week, now that I have a plan! Let's get to it! Have a yummy week!

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Grandma's Sloppy Joes

Full disclosure, this recipe isn't technically my grandmothers. It's as close as I can get though. When we were cleaning out my grandmothers house to sell, she gave me all of her cookbooks. We all know that as we try things we find favorite books and get rid of those that aren't working for us. This book is particularly tattered on the corners and many of the pages have spills from years of use.

She has since passed away so I can't ask her, but I have a feeling these would be her favorite. They are wholesome, simple ingredients that come together in a wonderful savory-sweet combination. It comes from the Betty Crocker Cookbook, 1978 and there's very little I need to modify to fit todays tastes in my house.


I did use homemade rolls, but we've used store buns and kaiser rolls and they also taste great. I gave the bread a light toast before serving to help minimize any soggy action that might occur... if for some reason you don't inhale every morsel immediately upon its arrival at the table.


Grandma's Sloppy Joes

1 lb hamburger
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 celery stalks (about 1/2 c)
1/2 c ketchup
1/4 c water
1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp red pepper sauce
1 tsp salt
5-6 hamburger buns


Melt 1 Tbsp butter in saute pan. Brown the onion and celery. Once softened (onions should be translucent) add the meat. Brown while incorporating the onion mix. Drain excess fat and add the rest of the ingredients (expect the rolls). Stir and allow to simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, split and toast the buns. This tastes great with a garden salad and ranch dressing, but you enjoy them any way you'd like.


Sunday, August 14, 2016

Weekly Menu, August 14

It was a bit of a rough start for school last week. We had a crazy rainstorm roll thru town and it made a mess of things at my daughters school. It meant she was home an extra day; they postponed school starting a day.  Then, my son started on time but on the first day of school we found out he might be switching to a new teachers room, but they don't know yet, so everything is on hold...except going to school of course. He's really happy with his teacher and class though, and they both are happy to be back in the swing of things.

Meanwhile, I've been trying to adjust to a new normal again. Seems a little easier since we can build on last year. I should be a pro by the time they are finishing high school, right? Finding the right meals and the right order is something I am still working on as we roll into after school activities and transportation. There were a few glitches last week, but not too bad.

This week I actually really want to try a couple new recipes. I've linked them up for my reference, but check them out. They look super yummy. I am also really enjoying my kefir shakes in the morning and I'm looking to expand on the possibilities. Feel free to drop any ideas you have in the comments.



Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Sunday
*kefir shake

bacon & eggs
biscuits & jam
pizza
carrot sticks
watermelon
leftovers night:
sloppy joes, pizza, enchilada casserole with salad
Monday
*kefir shake

cinnamon toast
sausage patty
PBJ
Cheetos
grapes
teriyaki meatballs
rice
broccoli
Tuesday
*kefir shake

pancakes
HB eggs
ham & cheese skewers
cantaloupe
cheezits
chicken manicotti
salad
Wednesday
*kefir shake

biscuit sandwiches
bfast crackers
grahams
raspberries
EARLY PREP
tacos in the crockpot
lettuce, tomato, and cheese
corn
Thursday
*kefir shake

waffles
scrambled eggs
tortilla roll ups
chips
apple slices
chicken and bacon rigatoni
mixed veggies
Friday
*kefir shake

roll up pancakes
sausage links
PBJ
goldfish crackers
cantaloupe
steak/fish
mashed potatoes
green beans
Saturday
*kefir shake

muffins
strawberries
burritos
lettuce
grapes
chicken strips
carrots
popcorn

I am looking forward to a full week of school for kids and maybe find a little order for myself. Woo Hoo! Let's do this! Have a great week!