Part of what makes the holidays special is the food.  Here is what I'm planning to make over the next several days:
-On Christmas Day I always have Rhodes Rolls, with several types of meats and cheese and then appetizer type foods:

Creamy Green Chile Queso with Tortilla Chips
Veggie Tray with Ranch Dressing
Magnificent Cheese Ball (my favorite) with Trader Joe's Crackers
Best Ever Deviled Eggs
Apples and Nutella dip
Crab and Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
Pear Pomegranate Spinach Salad
Cowboy Caviar

Christmas Breakfast:
Savory Breakfast Rolls (from macheesmo.com)
Fresh Fruit
Simply Apple and Orange Juice
Cowboy Caviar

Monday:  Homemade Cafe Rio Burritos
Tuesday:  Heavenly Halibut with Hashbrown O'brien Style Potatoes and Kale, Apple, Raisin Salad
Wednesday:  Pasta with Sausage and Tomatoes in a Cream Sauce, Steamed Broccoli and French Bread
Thursday:  Slow cooker Pork Chops with Baked Potatoes and Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Sunday:

Monday:  Quiche, Muffins, Fruit and Green Salad
Tuesday:  Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Pork over Rice with Naan and Green Salad
Wednesday:  BBQ Chicken, Twice Baked Potatoes, Green Salad and Fruit
Thursday:  Lasagna, French Bread and Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Sunday:  Homemade Cafe Rio

We had a lovely fall break visiting friends in the lovely resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho!  We had a great time, hiking, shopping, eating delicious food and just spending time together.  Now on to another great week!
Here's my menu:
Monday:  Turkey Burgers, Cottage Fries, Veggies and Dip
Tuesday:  Crockpot Zuppa Toscana Soup, Breadsticks and Olive Garden Salad
Wednesday:  Pistachio Crusted Salmon, Easy Parmesan Risotto and Peas
Thursday:  Southern Salisbury Steak over Egg Noodles with Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Waffles, Eggs and Bacon
Sunday:  Dinner with the Wall family

My Fall Break was spent preparing my application for the U's Master in Social Work program.  Back to classes and homework tomorrow. The kiddos Fall Break begins Thursday and we're going have fun visiting with friends in Sun Valley!
I'm constantly thinking about all of my blessings.  So grateful for my many blessings!

Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  BLT Sandwiches, Chips and Salsa, Vegetable Tray
Tuesday:  Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps, Fruit Salad and Sweet Potato Fries
Wednesday:  Crockpot Manicotti, Green Salad, Homemade Bread
FALL BREAK!

I'm so grateful for my many blessings!  

Here's my menu for the week:

Monday:  Herbes de Province Pork with Carrots, Crisped Hashbrowns and Sauteed Green Beans

Tuesday:  No Fuss Shredded Beef Tacos

Wednesday:  Baked Egg Boats with Fresh Fruit and Spinach Salad

Thursday:  Chicken Cordon Bleu with Rice Pilaf and Brussel Sprouts

Friday:  Mom's Night off :)

Saturday:  Leftovers from Judson's seminar

Sunday:  Pesto Grilled Chicken with Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, Rolls and Autumn Pear Salad

Looking forward to a wonderful week!  We're having a reception in our backyard, can't wait to see the beautiful bride!  I also have 2 tests and a paper due.  So, lots of easy meals!
Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Tacos Supreme with Apricot Smoothie
Tuesday:  Torta Rustica with Green Salad
Wednesday:  Chicken Fettucine and Peas
Thursday:  Turkey Burgers with Relish Tray and Chips and Salsa
Friday:  Reception :)
Saturday:  Larson Get-together (Pizza)
Sunday:  Wall Get-together (Homemade Cafe Rio)

Eggs!  Eggs!  Eggs!  Our dozen chickens and giving us lots of eggs!  I'm posting some recipes that I want to try that use multiple eggs!

Smoked Sausage and Caramelized Onion Frittata

Ingredients
·  8 extra-large eggs
·  2 tablespoons heavy cream
·  1 cup grated Baby Swiss cheese
·  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
·  1 tablespoon unsalted butter
·  1 small onion, diced
·  2 cups diced smoked sausage
·  1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for finishing top
·  1/4 cup sour cream
·  1 bunch chives, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, Swiss cheese, salt, and pepper until foamy. Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and the sausage and cook thoroughly to caramelize the onions. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Pull the edges away from the sides of the pan with a spatula so the eggs flow to the bottom of the pan.

When Frittata is half set, transfer the pan to the heated oven. Bake for 10 minutes until puffed and golden. Shower with grated Parmesan and serve garnished with sour cream and chives.

Baked French Toast Casserole

1 (1-pound) loaf French bread
9 large eggs
1-cup sugar
1-tablespoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1-1/2 cups milk
1-tablespoon vanilla

Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking pan. Slice the French bread into 1 inch thick slices and arrange the slices, overlapping in pan.

Beat the eggs with the sugar, cinnamon, and salt with a wire whisk until very well combined. Add milks and vanilla and beat to combine.

Pour egg mixture over bread making sure all pieces get coated.  Spooning some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350° and bake for 45 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve hot with Maple Syrup or dust with powdered sugar.

SPINACH POM POMS

2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach 2 c. herbed stuffing mix, crushed 1 c. grated Parmesan cheese Dash nutmeg 6 eggs, beaten 3/4 c. butter, softened   Thaw spinach, drain, squeeze out all excess moisture. Place in medium bowl, blend in remaining ingredients. Shape into balls the size of walnuts (about 60). Refrigerate or freeze. Before serving, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot. Drain on paper towels.

INGREDIENTS:

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F)

6 egg yolks

3 eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour


1 egg

1 pinch salt


DIRECTIONS:


In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in the yolks, 3 eggs, oil, sugar, and salt. Add about 3-1/2 cups of flour to make a sticky dough.


Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with remaining flour until smooth and elastic, about 7 minutes. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn to oil the entire surface of the dough. Cover with a damp cloth. Place in a warm place until double in size, about 1-1/2 hours.


Punch down the dough, and divide into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long. Braid the three strands together, and seal the ends. Place the bread on a greased cookie sheet. Beat the remaining 1 egg with a pinch of salt; brush onto bread. Let the bread rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush the bread with egg-wash again.


Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Monday:  Labor Day!  Eating out....
Tuesday:  Carne Asada Fajitas
Wednesday:  Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Pork over Rice with Naan and Green Salad
Thursday:  Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken over Penne Pasta with Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Pancakes and Eggs
Sunday:  Kalua Pork, Skinny Hawaiian Slaw, Hawaiian Rolls and Greens

Today was my first day back to school.  Yes, you read that right.  I have returned to school.  I have moments that I wonder if my sanity is compromised.  But I'm actually really excited (and a bit overwhelmed).  Good times this year as I finish some pre-requisites (because I got my Bachelors Degree more than 10 years ago), and then I hope to start my Masters Degree in Social Work in the fall of 2017.  As such, there will be many crockpot and easy meals in the upcoming months.  But I'm determined to still cook and have healthy family dinners each night.   Here's to becoming a better me!

Monday:  Lemon and Sage Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots, Sliced tomatoes with fresh basil, and Cinnamon Rolls
Tuesday:  Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Rainbow Vegetable Cream
Wednesday:  Zippy Chicken and Corn Chowder with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Thursday:  Zesty Horseradish Meatloaf, Garden Veggie Medley and Rolls
Friday:  Mom's Night off :)
Saturday:  Nachos Supreme
Sunday:  Lasagna, French Bread and Green Salad

Monday:  BBQ Chicken, Twice Baked Potatoes, Green Salad, Fruit and Zucchini Bread
Tuesday:  Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Breadsticks and Fruit
Wednesday:  Tacos
Thursday:  Rosemary Couscous Salad with Grilled Salmon
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Grilled Cheese and Soup
Sunday:  Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, and Sweet Dinner Rolls

I love SUMMER!   And summer nights are my favorite!  Father's day was great.  We grilled Costco's seasoned tri tip and it was fabulous!  Definitely going to be a Father's Day tradition around here!
Here's my menu for this week:
Monday:  Stromboli, Green Salad and Fruit
Tuesday:  Fish Tacos
Wednesday:  Young Men's BBQ
Thursday:  Stroganoff (using leftover tri tip) with Egg Noodles and Steamed Vegetables
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Mini Pizzas
Sunday:  Dinner with the Wall Family

Summer is here!  Yahoo!  Here's my menu this week:
Monday:  BBQ with friends
Tuesday:  Tacos
Wednesday:  Croque Monsieur with Tomato Soup
Thursday:  Ravioli with Alfredo Sauce and BBQ Chicken with Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Orange Chicken, Rice and Stir Fry Veggies
Sunday:  Rosemary Ranch Chicken with Twice Baked Potatoes, Green Salad and Fruit

Monday:  BBQ with family--Chicken bacon sausage, burgers and sides
Tuesday:  Spicy Honey Chicken with Alfredo Pasta and Green Salad
Wednesday:  Baked Potato Bar
Thursday:  Grilled Honey and Ginger Marinated Flank Steak with Buttermilk Biscuits, Fruit and Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Sloppy Joes with Chips and Veggie Tray
Sunday:  Dinner with Friends

Monday:  Curried Carrot Soup with Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Tuesday:  Honey Lime Enchiladas with Green Salad and Chips and Salsa
Wednesday:  Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
Thursday:  Crockpot Italian Turkey Meatballs over Pasta with Green Salad and Spaghetti Squash
Friday:  Tuna Salad
Saturday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday:  Larson picnic

Monday:  Fish Tacos with this Cabbage and Jicama Slaw
Tuesday:  Torta Rustica with Green Salad and Fruit
Wednesday:  Lettuce Wraps with Egg Rolls
Thursday:  Chicken Tikka Masala over Basmati Rice with Green Peas and a Mango Lassi
Friday:  Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Chips and Veggie Trays
Saturday Morning:  Easy Paleo Breakfast Casserole and Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Sunday:  Dinner with friends

Monday:  French Dip Sandwiches, Wild Rice Salad, Vegetable Tray
Tuesday:  Easy Chicken Satay with Vegetable Rice, Steamed Broccoli and Egg Rolls
Wednesday:  Skillet Chicken and Zucchini Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce with Mexican Quinoa and Green Salad
Thursday:  Crockpot Lasagna with Garlic Bread and Spinach Salad
Friday:  Leftover Mother's Day dinner--Judson made some yummy chicken, potatoes and carrots in a delicious cream sauce.  He made a lot, so it will be a perfect leftover meal :)
Saturday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday:  Dinner at a friend's house.  I'm bringing this dessert  Eclair Cake (but I'm going to use real whipped cream instead of whipped topping)
Really does taste like eclairs! I used just 3 cups milk and I made real whipped cream instead of whipped topping, just be careful folding it in. Also, instead of the chocolate sauce Paula made, I made a quick ganache using semisweet chips and equal part cream.

It's office catering time once again!  I'm mixing it up a bit this year, going for easy overnight breakfast stratas to help simplify the meal.  Here are the recipe's I'm using:
Friday Breakfast:

Baked Oatmeal
Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Asparagus Cheese Strata
Fresh Fruit
Assorted Yogurt with Granola on the side
Boiled Eggs

Friday Lunch:
Kneaders Sandwich Trays
Kneaders Soups
Kneaders Dessert Trays
Vegetable Trays from Costco


Saturday Breakfast:
Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Potato Bacon Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast Fiesta
Fresh Fruit
Assorted Yogurt with Granola on the side
Boiled Eggs

Saturday Lunch:
Smokin' Bones--
     Pulled Pork
     Brisket
     Smoked Turkey
     Cornbread
     Baked Beans
Superfoods Salads from Costco
Rolls from Costco

Monday:  Turkey Pesto Paninis with Baked Sweet Potato Fries and Steamed Broccoli
Tuesday:  Slow Cooker Chicken with Bacon over Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots
Wednesday:  Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad
Thursday:  One Pot Beef Stroganoff over Rice with Green Peas and Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Chicken Pesto Pasta and Cheese Toast and Salad
Sunday:  Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs with Twice Baked Potatoes, Sweet Dinner Rolls and Green Salad

We had such a fun spring break in Arizona!  We loved being out in the sunshine...horseback riding, kayaking, off-roading, hiking and playing at the resort water park!  Now our batteries are charged and we're ready for the last term of school to start!
Here's my menu for the week:
(Sorry I don't have any links--I raided my actual recipe box for dinners this week:)
Monday:  Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables and Rice
Tuesday:  Cornflake Chicken Nuggets with Homemade Mac and Cheese
Wednesday:  Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Rolls, Green Salad and Fruit
Thursday:  Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Breadsticks
Friday:  Ham and Cheese Crepes
Saturday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday:  Homemade Cafe Rio

I love these sunny, wonderful days!  I'm so excited spring is here!
Here is my menu for the week:
Monday:  Meatball Subs using these Sub Rolls and Citrus Green Salad
Tuesday:  Chicken Chimichurri and Green Beans with Homemade Hashbrowns
Wednesday:  Homemade Brick Oven Pizza with Green Salad
Thursday:  Deviled Eggs with Baked Pork Chops and Greens
Friday:  Spring Break Begins!!!!

I'm holding my breath as we plunge into the upcoming week!  It seems like everything has landed on this week.  My birthday is Monday, but so is Brooks' jazz band concert along with Landon's opening night for his play, so we celebrated birthday stuff Saturday and Sunday.  And the list goes on and on!  It will be a fun and busy week.  So, easy meals and crockpot meals for sure!
Here's my menu:
Monday:  Tomato Soup and Tuna Melts
Tuesday:  Artichoke Chicken in the Crockpot with Angelhair Pasta and Sauteed Garlic Asparagus
Wednesday:  Cheesy Skillet Chicken and Rice with Green Beans and Rhodes Rolls
Thursday:  Turkey, Fresh Mozzarella and Pesto Panini with Chips and Salsa and Carrot Sticks
Friday:  Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup and Rolls
Saturday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday:  Larson family dinner

Monday:  Honey Dijon Glazed Salmon with Roasted Broccoli and Twice Baked Potatoes
Tuesday:  Mozzarella Stuffed Pesto Turkey Meatballs over Pasta with Green Salad and Bread Sticks
Monday:  Taco Salad
Thursday:  Grilled Chicken with Amazing Marinade, Quinoa Tabbouleh, Rolls and Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Waffles and Eggs
Sunday:  Dinner with the Wall family

Monday:  Torta Rustica with Spaghetti squash/Kale Salad and Fruit Plate
Tuesday:  Chinese Chicken Fried Rice and Egg Rolls
Wednesday:  Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken in Chicken Soft Tacos
Thursday:  French Dip Sandwiches with Cottage Fries and Veggie Tray
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Quick Quiche with Fruit and Muffins
Sunday:  Kylee's Farewell Luncheon

I'm saving this website because I want to explore it some more....Low Carb Lunches

Monday:  Garden Orzo Risotto with Grilled Chicken Sausage and Asparagus
Tuesday:  Ultimate Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles and Greens with Clementines
Wednesday:  Parmesan Tilapia with Rice Pilaf and Caesar Salad
Thursday:  Kabocha Soup with Spiced Pepitas and Breadsticks
Friday:  Chicken Strips with Bleu Cheese Dressing, Carrot and Celery Sticks
Saturday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday:  Fiesta Chicken Tacos with Fiesta Mango Jicama Salad

This past week was a crazy fun week!  We celebrated Keaton's 19th birthday--even though he's in France!  As well as Jud and my 20th anniversary and Chase's 16th birthday.  We held a surprise party for Chase on Saturday and 65 teenagers showed up!  Wow, was I glad I had a lot of food on hand!  I did a 6 foot sub sandwich, mini Cutlers cookies, chips, veggie tray, Izzi Drinks, Breaded mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, swedish fish, chocolate coconut almonds and bottled waters.  It was a blast!  And he was so surprised, he had no idea until he saw the pile of shoes (more like enormous mountain of shoes) at the front door.  Haha!  Love it!  Judson and I leave on our anniversary trip this weekend and my in-laws will be here to watch the kids.  I'm looking forward to sun and beaches in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands!!!
Here's my menu for the week:

Monday:  Quiche Lorraine with Blueberry Muffins and Kale Salad
Tuesday:  Torta Rustica, with Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli and Bottled Fruit
Wednesday:  Homemade Brick Oven Pizza with Green Salad
Thursday:  BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Chips and Salsa and Veggie Tray
Friday:  Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Saturday:  Night off :)
Sunday:  Lasagna, Garlic Bread and Salad

Monday:  Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini with Salad and French Bread
Tuesday:  Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Hashbrowns and Sauteed Green Beans
Wednesday:  Tacos Supreme with Apricot Nectar
Thursday:  Baked Pork Chops and Rice with Applesauce and Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  BLT sandwiches with Chips and Salsa and Veggie Tray
Sunday:  Chicken Cordon Bleu with Angelhair Pasta, Steamed Vegetables and fruit

The kids are back at school, the house is no longer full of Christmas.  Kind of sad, but kind of happy :)  Back to a routine!
Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Fish Tacos with Mango-Pineapple Slaw
Tuesday:  Asparagus Lasagna and Breadsticks and Olive Garden Salad
Wednesday:  Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Rice and Egg Rolls
Thursday:  Brick Oven Brooklyn Style Homemade Pizza with Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night off ;)
Saturday:  Open-faced Grilled Tuna Sandwiches and Soup
Sunday:  Malibu Chicken and Dijon dipping sauce with Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli and Garlic Bread