Weekly Menu - Week of July 15, 2012

How are we halfway through July already? I don't want this summer to go by too quickly. I don't feel like we've had enough summer fun yet. I need more time to go down the shore, have BBQs, go swimming, go to a carnival or two.

I'm trying very, very hard to limit the amount of meat we eat in addition to eating healthier. This week's menu was tough to do because I have so many recipes printed out to make. Gah! How am I ever going to get through them all?

Saturday - Chili Lime Tofu with Basmati Rice and Spinach

Sunday - Chicken Pepperoni Burgers, corn on the cob

Monday - Bacon and Broccoli Pierogie Bake

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Tilapia Francese over Spaghetti, steamed broccoli

Thursday - Black Bean Burgers with Avocado Basil Cream, Cheesy Zucchini Rice

Friday - something from the freezer

Weekly Menu - Week of July 8, 2012

I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July and wasn't too confused by the mid-week holiday. I'm still undecided about whether it was a good thing or not having it on a Wednesday. Part of me was happy for a break in the middle of the week but it sure felt like we had two Mondays that week. But then Friday felt like it came extra quick, so that was good. See, still undecided.

I've got a fantastic menu planned for this week. I'm very excited about everything I'm making and it was super simple to throw this menu and shopping list together. I love when that happens.

UPDATE: The meal plan has already gotten thrown by the wayside due to heat and extreme eating at a birthday party. I've revised the menu (more for myself so I know what I need to cook).

Monday - Cuban Burgers, fries

Tuesday - Roasted Tomato, Mozzarella and Arugula Sandwiches (although SP bought spinach instead of arugula so I'll need to modify the sandwiches)

Wednesday - Parmesan Tilapia, asparagus

Thursday - Lasagna-Stuffed Portobellas, arugula salad

Friday - Skillet Penne with Chicken and Broccoli

Weekly Menu - Week of July 1, 2012

July 1. How the heck did that happen? I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far. We haven't been down the shore nearly enough yet, but I'm hoping to remedy that soon with another trip down to soak up the sun and the cool sea breeze. Not to mention a delicious breakfast at our favorite spot.

I'm excited about all the dishes on this week's menu. I'm also excited about having Wednesday off to celebrate July 4th with my family and friends. Have a safe and happy week!

Saturday - I'm making this Creamy Macaroni Salad to bring to our friend's house. We'll eat lunch, the kids will play, we'll go for a swim. It's going to be glorious (although by the time you see this we'll have already been there and back. Ah, the power of scheduling posts).

Sunday - I wanted a simple dinner so I'll take the opportunity to make my swap meal for the Vegetarian swap.

Monday - I loved these Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches so much I had to make them again. I'll serve them with oven fries.

Tuesday - My exercise class is on a break this week due to the holiday. I'll make another meal from the recent issue of Cook's Country (this one is premium content so I can't link to it) - Skillet Penne with Chicken and Broccoli. I love a good one-pot meal.

Wednesday - Celebrating the 4th of July with friends. We'll have the usual burgers, hot dogs and I want to use up 4 chicken legs in the freezer so we'll boil them on the stove, slather them with BBQ sauce and finish them on the grill. I'm also going to make this Antipasti Pasta Salad (adding in some provolone and artichoke hearts), as well as this Cantaloupe and Mozzarella with Proscuitto and Basil salad.

Thursday - These BLT wraps will be perfect after yesterday's busy day. I'll serve the leftover sides from July 4th alongside.

Friday - Out for dinner to celebrate the end of the work week!

Weekly Menu - Week of June 24, 2012

The end of June is quickly approaching and summer is officially here. Hard to believe how fast the time goes as you get older. Some days might feel like they're taking forever but overall time flies by way too fast. We had a heat wave here this week, with temps around 100 degrees, which is unusually for this area. I'm glad the weather is going to be a bit cooler this week. Those high temps make me want to lay around and do nothing all day.

I'm really excited about this week's menu, mainly because of the variety of dishes. And the fact that my shopping list was pretty short because I tried to use items I already have on hand.

Sunday - SP likes to grill on Sundays so I thought I'd revisit these Smashed Sliders. I'll serve them with Pioneer Woman's The Best Macaroni Salad Ever. Let's see if it lives up to its name.

Monday - I've got some ground beef in the freezer and tortillas in the fridge that need to be used up so I'm going to try my hand at Beef Tostados. I'll make these Refried Beans and cook the ground beef using recipe #1, then top the whole thing with shredded cheddar, shredded Romaine, diced tomato, sour cream and salsa.

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - These Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches have been talked about a lot recently on my cooking board so I'm finally making them. I'll serve them with oven fries.

Thursday - I found this Rachael Ray recipe for Pasta Carbonara with Corn while I was going through magazines and tearing out recipes I want to make. I'm leaving the chiles out of the original recipe since I'm not a big spice fan.

Friday - I've stopped meal planning on Fridays because we will likely go out since it's summer and it stays light later.

Weekly Menu - Week of June 10, 2012

Here we are, the week before Father's Day, and I'm in awe that it's already June. Summer will officially be here next week and I can't wait. We had a great time down the shore this past weekend and are looking forward to spending many more weekends down there. I'm really excited about this week's menu, as we strive to eat healthier and make positive changes in our lives.

Sunday - We had Caprese Burgers and leftover macaroni salad for dinner, but I also made Black Bean Burgers to keep in the freezer.

Monday - I've had my eye on these Chicken and Basil Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes ever since Jessica posted them. I'll serve them with this Easy Arugula Salad made with mixed greens instead.

Tuesday - Hoagies after exercise class.

Wednesday - My recipe swap, along with a side salad.

Thursday - This Baked Ziti with Summer Veggies was part of the recent Noodle Swap and I'm looking forward to enjoying the wonderful, fresh flavors with side salads.

Friday - Breakfast for dinner with Cassie's Breakfast Tacos. I can't wait!

Weekly Menu - Week of June 3, 2012

June. How the heck is it June? I feel like we are now officially in the throes of summer even though there's technically three more weeks of spring left. The weather is warm, although it hasn't been particularly sunny lately.

Sunday - Cilantro-Lime Salmon Burgers, fries

Monday - Grilled steak, Lighter Creamy Garlic Pasta, grilled asparagus

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Spicy Basil Chicken, rice

Thursday - Swedish Meatballs over Egg Noodles

Friday - Homemade pizza

Weekly Menu - Week of May 27, 2012

Here we are, the end of May. I feel like just yesterday I was talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas and now summer is right around the corner. This weekend is the unofficial start of summer and I can't wait. This is going to be a wonderful summer filled with lots of time spent outside enjoying the gorgeous weather. I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day!

Sunday - Baby Girl is getting baptized so we're having a luncheon after the service.

Monday - We're getting wings from a local place. I'll also make my favorite potato salad and this Cucumber & Tomato Salad Jaida made for a recent recipe swap

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - my recipe swap for the Noodle Swap

Thursday - SP's birthday. He requested steak on the grill, baked potatoes and corn

Friday - Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Weekly Menu - Week of May 20, 2012

I've been really bad about posting my weekly menu recently. When I went back to look for the image code I saw that it was a full month ago that I last posted my menu. Oops! This week is full of dishes I'm excited to make. Some are new and some are repeats, but I'm equally excited for both. And can you believe it's almost the end of May? It'll be summer before we know it!

Sunday - chicken on the grill with a spicy seasoning rub, boiled potatoes with butter and herbs and asparagus rolled with proscuitto

Monday - Chipotle Honey Lime Pork Tenderloin and Corn with Mushrooms and Cilantro

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Penne with Chicken and Vegetables in Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce

Thursday - Swedish Meatballs over Egg Noodles

Friday - homemade pizza with artichokes on one half and mushrooms on the other

Weekly Menu - Week of April 29, 2012

Sunday - My recipe swap meal (shhh...it's a secret but it's something I've had my eye on for awhile now and can't wait to make). I'm also going to make this Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight as part of a Foodbuzz promotion. I'll bring it to church for fellowship time.

Monday - Corn Chowder with Lime and Avocado, ciabatta for dipping: This is a carryover from last week. Katie posted this soup on her weekly menu recently and then I saw it when I was looking through my recipes trying to make a meal plan. Seeing it twice just made me want it even more, plus I've got an avocado in the fridge that need to be eaten.

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Chipotle Honey Lime Pork Tenderloin with White Corn and Mushrooms with Cilantro: When I posted the Greek Pork Tenderloin last week my friend Melissa recommended I make these two dishes. I trust her completely so onto the menu they went.

Thursday - Ravioli with Cheese and Garlic Biscuits: I'm keeping it simple and making frozen ravioli with homemade sauce and these knock-off Red Lobster biscuits.

Friday - Out!

Weekly Menu - Week of April 22, 2012

The weather has been crazy lately. We started this past week in the high 80s, with Monday topping out close to 90 degrees. Then the temp dropped drastically and by Wednesday we were freezing. I considered turning the heat on but held out and now we're back in the mid-70s. But Sunday is going to be in the high 50s. Sheesh!

This weather makes meal planning difficult. My stomach is squarely in spring/summer food mode, but the weather is telling me to make some cold weather comfort foods while I still have the chance. This week's menu is a smattering of different seasons.

Sunday - Corn Chowder with Lime and Avocado, potstickers: Katie posted this soup on her weekly menu last week and then I saw it when I was looking through my recipes trying to make a meal plan. Seeing it twice just made me want it even more, plus I've got two avocados in the fridge that need to be eaten. I'm keeping it simple with store-bought potstickers.

Monday - Greek Pork Loin with Mediterranean Couscous: Melissa posted this meal awhile ago and I've been lusting after it ever since. I'm trying to clean out the freezer and I've got a bunch of pork loin that needs to be cooked. I've also got Israeli couscous in the pantry, exactly enough to make this recipe. Score!

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Greek Chicken Burgers with Tzatziki, frozen fries: A friend posted this Weight Watchers recipe recently and it sounds delicious. I'm going to make some modifications but try to keep it healthy.

Thursday - Pizza Paninis, sautéed zucchini: I have a work meeting in the afternoon so I need something simple that will be easy to get on the table when I get home. I also bought some pepperoni at the store this week that needs to be eaten.

Friday - OUT!

Weekly Menu - Week of April 8, 2012

Another week, another menu to plan. I'm not feeling particularly witty this morning so I'll just jump right in.

Sunday - Easter dinner at my mom's house. Here's last year's post about our lunch, which reminded me that we had Asparagus with Tomato and Feta. I'd completely forgotten!

Monday - Grilled steak with Potato Bundles and grilled zucchini - This is a carryover from last week.

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Billy's Favorite Pasta: Pine nuts, fresh spinach & garlic, cooked in a light Gorgonzola cheese cream sauce with marinated tomatoes on fussili pasta with grilled chicken, a pasta dish my friend Heather made for her husband based on a dish at a restaurant he loves. Sadly, she doesn't have a food blog.

Thursday - Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches, chips

Friday - OUT!

Weekly Menu - Week of April 1, 2012

And just like that, it's April. April is a big month in my family - just in the first few days my mom turns 60, my grandpa turns 90 and my stepmom celebrates her birthday. I love all the celebrating, especially when it involves sushi. Even though we had some warmer temps recently we're back to 50s and 60s now. That's fine by me because it allows me to make some recipes that are really better in the cooler weather.

Sunday - Lemon-Garlic Spaghetti with Mascarpone and Shrimp: I wasn't able to make this last week so I'm carrying it over.

Monday - BBQ Chicken Ranch Salads - Another carryover from last week.

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Shells with Sausage, Beans and Mascarpone - I wanted to revisit this one before the weather turns. This time I'm making sure to use shell pasta to hold all the sauce.

Thursday - Skillet Beef Stroganoff - I've got one more pound of ground beef in the freezer and SP loves this meal.

Friday - Grilled steak with Potato Bundles and grilled zucchini - We got a two-pack of steak last weekend and hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Weekly Menu - Week of March 25, 2012

Where has March gone? I can't believe we've already changed the clocks and officially welcomed Spring. This has been a crazy busy month since I started my new job. I'm loving it but the days are flying by, which can be both good and bad. Unfortunately the warm weather we've been having has been replaced by cooler, more seasonable temps, so my idea of summer food will have to wait a few more weeks. In the meantime I'm taking this opportunity to enjoy some cold weather favorites before putting them back on the shelf for a few months.

Sunday - Steaks on the grill and Thai Pineapple Rice: I bought a big can of pineapple a few weeks ago and SP asked me to make this rice with it. I'm hoping the rain holds off long enough for us to grill the steaks.

Monday - Panera's Stove Top Mac and Cheese, ham steaks and Roasted Asparagus with Pecorino and Lemon: This looks like a quick and easy version of my favorite mac and cheese recipe. I'm going to pan-fry the ham steaks for added color and flavor and to make the mac and cheese more of a side dish. The asparagus SP bought at the store looks fantastic.

Tuesday - Hoagies after exercise

Wednesday - BBQ Chicken Ranch Salads: We have a late appointment so these salads will be easy to throw together before we have to head out the door.

Thursday - Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry over rice: I can't wait to make this meal again. This time I'm adding water chestnuts for that extra crunch.

Friday - Lemon-Garlic Spaghetti with Mascarpone and Shrimp: I've had my eye on this since Josie posted it. I can't wait to try it!

Weekly Menu - Week of March 18, 2012

I feel like the weeks are flying by since I started my new job. This is both good and bad. Good because spring officially arrives this week and we're enjoying daylight later into the evening. Bad because Baby Girl is growing by leaps and bounds and I need her to slow down!

I'm really excited for this week's menu. The best part is that my shopping list is relatively short because I'm using up ingredients from the fridge, freezer and pantry.

Sunday - Burgers and shrimp on the grill, Potato Bundles and caprese salad: I had something else planned initially but the weather is so gorgeous we decided to grill instead.

Monday - Ravioli with broccoli in a garlic cream sauce, garlic bread: I needed to use up the broccoli I bought for the meal I'd originally planned for Sunday. I'm going to wing the sauce.

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Lunch and dinner are both SRC swap meals (one for the official SRC and one for the swaps I host).

Thursday - Weeknight Spaghetti and Meatballs, garlic bread, salad: SP's special request from the latest issue of Cook's Country.

Friday - Out to dinner

Weekly Menu - Week of March 11, 2012

We're almost halfway through March. I can't believe it. Today we advance the clocks forward and finally get to enjoy some extended daylight in the evenings. I can't wait! Bring on the natural light for taking pictures, a chance to take Baby Girl outside to play and warmer temps. Can you tell I'm excited?

Sunday - Swedish Meatballs with Egg Noodles and steamed broccoli: Baby Girl went nuts for these meatballs the last time I made them so back on the menu they go.

Monday - Buffalo Chicken Wraps, chips: I love a good Buffalo chicken anything. I'm finally going to try to perfect my wrapping technique. I foresee a few YouTube videos on my future.

Tuesday - Hoagies after exercise class

Wednesday - Ravioli with Bacon and Mushroom Sauce, garlic bread and salad: We have a ton of cheese ravioli in the freezer, some leftover mushrooms and who doesn't love bacon? I'm leaving out the pesto because I don't want to buy it.

Thursday - Fish sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and jalapeno-ranch dressing, fries: I'm hoping to use coupons I got from FoodBuzz for the fish and the fries.

Friday - out to dinner

Weekly Menu - Week of March 4, 2012

Yay for March!! I'm SO excited for Spring. Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons and I can't wait to shed winter coats for t-shirts. I'm also looking forward to being able to grill, for it staying light later in the evening (daylight savings time is next weekend...woohoo!)

This week's menu is a combination of winter and spring/summer dishes and I'm very excited about each and every one of them.

Sunday - Buttermilk Roast Chicken, mashed potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mushrooms and Cream: I can't believe how cheap chicken legs are. I also got a ton of Brussels sprouts from a farm that I needed to use, and this recipe sounds delicious.

Monday - Farfalle with Salsa Cruda: I can't wait for this taste of summer.

Tuesday - Date night! My exercise class is cancelled this week and I can't wait to spend some quality time with SP.

Wednesday - Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Quesadillas: We have a late appointment so these will be perfect to throw together before we leave the house.

Thursday - Orange and Rosemary Pork Tenderloin, mashed potatoes, broccoli: I've been thinking about this pork dish since the last time I made it. Yum!

Friday: Out for dinner: Now that I'm working from home by Friday I just need to get out and be with people. Plus we're out of pizza dough.

Weekly Menu - Week of February 27, 2012

Here we are at the end of February. I feel like a broke record but how is it almost March? I feel like we were just gearing up for the holidays and now we're almost ready for spring. The Northeast has had one of the best winters in recent memory - barely any snow, temps way above normal and overall gorgeous weather. This is actually really helpful for my diet because cold weather makes me way to eat heavy meals like mac and cheese and potato gratin. So thank you, Mother Nature!

I'm really excited about this week's menu. SP requested Sunday's dinner but the other three meals are things I've seen on blogs and had to make immediately.

Saturday - Eggplant parm pizza using leftover eggplant parm from Friday night's dinner out

Sunday - Swedish Meatballs with Egg Noodles, green beans: this is the meal SP requested. It's one of his all-time favorites.

Monday - SP has a work event so I'm going to have leftover Swedish meatballs for dinner.

Tuesday - hoagies after exercise class

Wednesday - Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup: we love Thai food but I rarely make it at home. This was one of the submissions for the recent soup recipe swap and I since I didn't get it for the swap I knew I had to make it soon. And now that I'm home during the day I can watch the slow cooker to prevent burning.
Thursday - Spicy Chicken with Eggplant over Rice: this is one of our favorite dishes to get at a Chinese restaurant.

Friday - Ravioli Primavera: a meal with the starch and veggie mixed together is a winner in my book. I'm subbing ravioli for the tortellini because I have a bag in the freezer that needs to be used up.

Weekly Menu - Week of February 19, 2012

I survived my first week at my new job. Unfortunately it was a rough week between commuting for training the first three days of the week and then getting settled at home the last two days. As a result I didn't cook much and what I did cook wasn't very exciting or good. I'm anxious to get back in the kitchen this week and make some good meals.

Sunday - Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry over rice: My friend Melissa only blogs meals that she absolutely loves so I know this is going to be delicious. I'm also making Christmas Morning Strata to eat for breakfast during the week.

Monday - Soutzoukakia over mashed potatoes, green beans

Tuesday - hoagies

Wednesday - Cream of Tomato Soup with Pesto, Texas Roadhouse Knockoff Salads, bread for dipping

Thursday - out for dinner after a late appointment

Friday - homemade pizza

Weekly Menu - Week of February 5, 2012

And just like that, it's February. I can't believe we are already a month into 2012. Where does the time go?

I'm finally able to announce that I recently accepted a new job! This week is my last week at my current place and it's bittersweet. I'm going to miss a lot of things about my current job but my new one has quite a few perks I'm looking forward to, the main one being that I'll be working from home. Yup, you read that right. My new company will be setting me up with a home office and my commute will be a flight of stairs. Being able to cook my lunch instead of just heating up leftovers is very exciting. And dinner prep should be easier. I've already got a list of things I want to make, including things with artichokes that SP won't eat. Unfortunately the first week I'll be heading about an hour away for training each day so next week is going to be all about leftovers, takeout and cleaning out the freezer. I'll be back the week of February 20 with a new weekly menu.

Sunday - Super Bowl Party. I'm also making Mom's Helper and Texas Roadhouse Green Beans for lunch the next day.

Monday - Potato Rosemary Soup, Texas Roadhouse Salad: I had this soup on the menu a few weeks ago but didn't get a chance to make it. I'm really looking forward to it.

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta, and sauteed spinach with garlic: SP loves chicken marsala so I'm excited to see what he thinks about this pasta.

Thursday - Out to eat after a late appointment

Friday - Homemade pizza

Weekly Menu - Week of January 29, 2012

Typing out the title of this post made me do a double take. I feel like we were just celebrating the holidays and now we're at the end of January already. This has been a mild winter for the East Coast so far, but I have a feeling Mother Nature will be sending some snow our way soon enough.

I've been printing out a lot (and I do mean a lot) of recipes lately, so menu planning has been easy. Once again I had this menu done very early, which is helpful for getting the grocery list out of the way. I'm excited for everything on this menu, especially the buffalo chicken tacos. I've been wanting to make them for awhile now and I can't wait!

Sunday - Buffalo Chicken Tacos: I've been looking forward to these for a long time. I hope they're as good as I imagine they'll be.

Monday - Buttermilk Soaked Parmesan Baked Pork Chops, Potato Bundles, green beans: I can't wait to try this recipe for pork and the potato bundles are my recipe for the Potato Recipe Swap.

Tuesday - Hoagies

Wednesday - Spicy Chicken in a Garlic-Lime Broth over spaghetti: I've made this dish before but I didn't serve it over spaghetti to sop up the sauce. I think that's going to make it much better.

Thursday - Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese, steamed broccoli: I love mac and cheese and I love roasted garlic so the two together have to be amazing. I'm still deciding if I want to bake it the way the original recipe states or do a stove-top version like Cassie did. I think it'll come down to timing.

Friday - Homemade pizza