What an awesome, awesome Christmas!  Talking to our missionary was the highlight, but being with family and good friends was SOOO good too!  Now, trying to de-clutter and enjoy the rest of the break.  The kiddos go back to school on Monday, they are so excited  (haha!  Insert massive amount of sarcasm here).  I really  have just scavenged leftovers all week.   Tonight for New Years Eve we're ordering Chinese and playing games with my mom and brother's family.  Tomorrow is the awesome Warner 'Fondue at 2' and Sunday we're having friends over for dinner.  Here's my Sunday menu:

Spicy Honey Chicken
Easy Parmesan Risotto
Autumn Pear Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Rhodes Rolls

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  On Christmas Day I always bake Rhodes Rolls, have an assortment of lunch meats and cheese out along with fresh fruit and veggies.  I also like to have lots of appetizer type foods.  Here are some of the recipes I'm planning to make;
Creamy Green Chile Queso Dip with Mini Tacos
Veggie Train (Check my facebook for a picture of this--so cute!) with  Ranch Dressing
My Favorite Cheese Ball with crackers
Best Ever Deviled Eggs
Apples and Bischoff Spread
Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce
Pear Pomegranate Spinach Salad


And for Christmas Breakfast:
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Breakfast Casserole with Sausage
Fruit Tray
Bacon

'Tis the time of year for good food!  Judson and I host an annual Christmas party every year.  I have each couple bring either an appetizer or a dessert to share.  We generally have plenty of both salty and sweet snacks.  Last year I made these tasty sandwiches Baked Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches and they were a hit!  No more expensive Costco sandwich trays, I'm doing these again this year.
Here's my menu for this week:
Monday:  Crustless Carmelized Onion Quiche with Raspberry Muffins and Spinach Salad
Tuesday:  Chicken Fettucine Alfredo with Green Salad
Wednesday:  Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Thursday:  Sausage, Butternut and Wild Rice Soup (I use ground natural sausage) with Almost Famous Breadsticks
Friday:  Work Party
Saturday:  Baked Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches and Vegetable Tray
Sunday:  Landon's Birthday!!!!  He wants Homemade Cafe Rio Salads/Burritos and Confetti Cake and Ice Cream.

Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Honey Lime Enchiladas with Beans and Quinoa Salad
Tuesday:  Sloppy Joes with Vegetable Tray and Chips
Wednesday:  Cuban Black Beans and Rice with Tortillas and Greens
Thursday:  Skillet Swedish Meatballs with Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli and Rolls
Friday:  Ward Christmas Party!  Love this time of year!
Saturday:  Waffles, Eggs, Bacon and OJ
Sunday:  Dinner at a friend's house

I love comfort foods in the winter.  Soups, warm bread and baked goods.  Yummmmm!!!  Here's my menu for the week:

Monday:  Jud's Birthday!  Zupa's, here we come!
Tuesday:  Stromboli, Green Salad and Chips
Wednesday:  Turkey Burgers and Sweet Potato Fries
Thursday:  Chicken Fettucine Alfredo and Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Waffles, Eggs and Bacon
Sunday:  Our Wall family tradition is to get together for the First Presidency Christmas Devotional and make Santa Trains.  We usually do a soup bar.  Here's what I'm making:  Slow Cooker Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup with Almost Famous Breadsticks

Thanksgiving is coming quickly!  We're having our feast at my in-law's home and I was assigned rolls and vegetables.  Here are the recipes I am planning to use:

Southern Baked Candied Yams
Ultimate Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Dinner Rolls

My heart is so sad over the terrorist attacks in France.  Such a senseless loss of life.  I'm anxious to hear from my missionary (who is serving in France) this morning.  On Mondays he and his companion get their wifi from a nearby McDonalds.  Assuming the mission president tells them they can leave their apartments today, I should hear from him shortly.  We did hear from his Mission President the evening of the attacks and he assured us that all the missionaries are safe and they will be in their apartments and off public transportation for the next few days.
On a happier note, I CAN'T BELIEVE NEXT WEEK IS THANKSGIVING!  That snuck up on me!
Here's my  menu for the week:
Monday:  Chicken Fettucine Alfredo , Olive Garden Salad and Breadsticks
Tuesday:  Sloppy Joes, Chips and Salsa and Relish Tray
Wednesday:  Spicy Kabocha Soup with Turkey Pesto Paninis
Thursday:  Parmesan Tilapia with Sauteed Garlic Lime Brussel Sprouts and Rice Pilaf
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Grilled Cheese and Soup
Sunday:  Lasagna, Garlic Bread and Green Salad

Here's the Kabocha soup recipe that my sweet friend gave me (along with the Kabocha)

Spicy Kabocha Soup with Pepitas

1 T. olive oil

1 med onion thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic minced

2 t. smoked paprika

1 bay leaf

2 T. apple cider

1/2 T. apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 lb kabocha peeled and diced

2 c. vegetable broth

Heat oil.  Ad onion and saute.  Add garlic, spices and bayleaf.  Cook 1 minute.  Add cider and vinegar.  Add squash, broth, and 1 c. water.  Bring to a simmer.  Cover and reduce to medium low or until squash is tender.  Remove bay leaf and puree.  Season with salt and pepper.

Spiced Pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)

1/2 c. pumpkin seeds

1 T. olive oil

2 t. agave nectar (or honey)

1/2 t. smoked paprika

1/2 t. salt

Preheat oven to 350.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.  Toss all incredients, spread on a sheet and bake 10-12 minutes stirring occasionally.  Cook and break apart to top soup.

I never have smoked paprika so I use this blend (1 t. cumin 2 t. paprika dash of cayenne)

I took a quick trip to St. George with Chase's high school swim team.  It was a long drive, but worth it!  I loved getting to know the team better and cheering Chase on at his meet.  He did excellent, setting some new personal records.  It's always nice to come home after being away, I seem to be appreciated more!  Imagine that!  I'm looking forward to a fun week.  I'm teaching a class on freezer meals on Tuesday and then have a Primary training on Thursday and a fun night out with old friends on Saturday.
Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles with Steamed Broccoli and Apple Dumplings
Tuesday:  Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos with Limed Rice, Lentils and Guacamole
Wednesday:  Chicken Pot Pie with Pomegranate Green Salad and Bottled Fruit
Thursday:  Sour Cream Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Friday:  Homemade Pizza Night using this Breadmaker Crust
Saturday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday:  Pre-Thanksgiving dinner with the Larsons.  I'm bringing these rolls and mashed potatoes.

Work is getting done on our new backyard and it's so fun to see the progress.  We are the neighborhood entertainment with the heavy machinery back there moving dirt and placing rocks. We're getting excited!
Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Fried Rice, Teriyaki Chicken and Cabbage Salad
Tuesday:  Crispy Chicken Wraps, Cottage Fries and Vegetable Tray
Wednesday:  Turkey Burgers, Chips and Salsa and Green Salad
Thursday:  Crockpot Soup
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Breakfast for dinner
Sunday:  Larson family dinner--Erin's Homecoming!

Halloween Week!

My baby is in fourth grade....how did that happen?  Today I was bemoaning the fact that I have only a couple years left of Halloween excitement at my house.  I'll take it while I've got it!  Here's our menu for the week:

Monday:  Beef Enchiladas, Spanish Rice and Green Salad
Tuesday:  Spaghetti
Wednesday:  Spider Pot Pies (so cute!)
Thursday:  Mummy Dogs (I use sausage instead of hot dogs) with Easy Parmesan Risotto and Spinach Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  HALLOWEEN!!!!  Pizza Mummies

Twice a year Judson teaches a course at our office.  I'm the caterer!  It's actually pretty fun.  Tomorrow starts another course.  I am planning to feed 25.  Here's what I'm making:

Friday breakfast:
Breakfast burritos using this Scrambled Egg recipe.  I'll also include tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded cheese, hash browns, spinach, sour cream and hot sauce.  Baked breakfast sausage and Bacon for a crowd.  Sliced fruit on the side.

Friday lunch:
Thank you Kneaders and Plates and Palates!  1 gallon Asiago Bisque, 1 gallon Tomato Basil soup, 2 platters half sandwiches, 1 dessert platter, 1 pear and pecan green salad, 1 cranberry nut green salad

Saturday breakfast:
This awesome Raspberry Cinnamon French Toast recipe, and two Apple Cinnamon French Toasts (one gluten free) served with Maple Syrup.  Boiled eggs, Bacon, Sausage, and sliced fruit.

Saturday lunch:
Thank you Gourmet Fusion!  Chicken Picatta with Rice Pilaf, Green Salad, Rolls and Butter and Cookies.

We went on a fantastic family getaway over the UEA weekend to beautiful Moab, Utah!  There is not another place like it on earth.  We had an absolute blast mountain biking along the Colorado River, hiking to Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, The Garden of Eden and The Windows.  The boys especially loved off-roading and ziplining across the Slick Rock trail--I personally thought it was terrifying!  I've figured out I have a definite fear of heights when there are sheer drop offs on both sides and nothing to hold on to.  Weird huh?  We stayed at a beautiful place called Red Cliffs Lodge.  It was so quaint and country.  We had a cabin right on the Colorado River.  It could not have been more picturesque!  I love this little fam of mine.
Here's my menu for the week (we're definitely ready for some home-cooked meals after 4 days of eating out!:
Monday:  Pesto Salmon, Twice Baked Potatoes , Kale Salad and Croissants
Tuesday:  Torta Rustica with Roasted Cauliflower, Spinach Salad and Fruit
Wednesday:  Beef Enchiladas with Spanish Rice and Green Beans
Thursday:  Chicken and Cheddar Ravioli and Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Bacon, Eggs, Toast and OJ
Sunday:  Artichoke Chicken over Egg Noodles, Kale Salad and Bottled Peaches

Conference weekend was inspiring and uplifting.  I love being surrounded by family and hearing prophetic counsel. I admit I was intensely missing my missionary.  I woke up several times on Sunday night with him in my thoughts and he's remained there ever since.  France is lucky to have a great missionary in their midst.  He wrote to me yesterday assuring me that he's doing well, "No need to worry about me, I'm doing great!"  Those were words this mom needed to hear!  Now to move forward in a great week!
Here's my menu:
Monday:  Stromboli with Spinach Salad, Chips and Grapes
Tuesday:  Pesto Chicken and Pasta with Roasted Broccoli
Wednesday:  Crockpot Pork Chops with Parmesan Toast and Green Salad
Thursday:  Homemade Cafe Rio Burritos
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Grilled Tuna Sandwiches and Soup
Sunday:  Roasted Chicken, Potatoes, Carrots and Rolls

We've had a killer tomato harvest this year!  I'm on my fourth harvest, and after making several batches of tomato soup, spaghetti sauce and salsa I'm just about 'tomato'd' out.  So don't be surprised to see lots of tomatoes on my menu this week--I need to get these eaten before they go bad!

Monday:  Balsamic Roasted Pork Loin, Roasted Garlic Cauliflower, Mashed Potatoes and Spinach Salad

Tuesday:  Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Wednesday:  Sloppy Joes with Chips and Salsa and Relish Tray

Thursday:  Parmesan Chicken with Double Tomato Bruschetta and Green Beans
Friday:  Mom's Night Off!
Saturday:  Dinner with the Larsons--Homemade Cafe Rio
Sunday:  Dinner with the Wall family

Finding purpose in life is so important.  I'm so grateful to be a wife and a mother.   I'm so blessed.

Here's my menu for the week:

Monday:  Cheesy Potato Chowder with Turkey Pesto Paninis
Tuesday:  Skillet Macaroni and Cheese with Grilled Ham and Green Peas
Wednesday:  Chili Verde over Rice with Homemade Salsa and Corn Tortillas
Thursday:  Zucchini Frittata and Hash browns
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Pizza Night!
Sunday:  Balsamic Roasted Pork Loin with Garlic Roasted Cauliflower, Homemade Rolls and Spinach Salad

Today was missionary Monday and it was so fun to hear from Keaton.  I had to laugh as he's inherited my 'foodie' side.  I think half of his email was about the french food.  I totally agree, french food is amazing!  Oh, for a real french croissant right now!  I also loved hearing how he's cooking so much.  He's a great cook and I'm sure his future wife is in for some spoiling-haha!

Here's my  menu for the week:
Monday:  Fish Tacos
Tuesday:  Slow Cooker Cheesy Tortellini with Green Salad and Biscuits
Wednesday:  BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Relish Tray and Chips and Salsa
Thursday:  I'm hosting a Stake Primary Dinner at my house:  Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini,  Salad, Croissants and Apple Crisp
Friday:  Thai Chicken Pizza with Green Salad
Saturday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday:  Dinner with the Larson Family

We had a great holiday weekend over Labor day!  We worked and we played, working on the new house and then having a blast boating on Monday.  I love spending time with my family, there's no one I would rather be with.  We got our first letter from Keaton yesterday since he's been in France.  My prayers were answered that he has a great trainer.  He's happy and loving his service.  His excitement is contagious.  He is in a beautiful, mountain top village called Rodez.  He said everyone looks like a fashion model there.  Haha!  Welcome to France!

Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Dinner out with the family
Tuesday:  Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff with egg noodles and Steamed Broccoli
Wednesday:  Barbeque Chicken with Rice and Green Salad
Thursday:   Mini Pizzas with Green Beans
Friday:  Date Night :)
Saturday:  Mini Quiches (I didn't make them last week)
Sunday:  Honey Lime Enchiladas with Southwest Rice and Bean Casserole and Vegetable

I'm finally getting myself put back together after the CRAZIEST summer of my existence!  Being in charge of some HUGE events, sending off a missionary child, moving, selling a house, and some 'not so fun' health challenges have really broadened my shoulders and given me more compassion for my neighbor.  I'm starting to feel normal again, and looking forward to enjoying one of my favorite hobbies again...cooking for my family!  I'm also realizing how incredibly blessed my life is, and how many amazing angels I have looking over me, both seen and unseen.  Life is good.

Here is my menu for the week:
Monday:  Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce with Angelhair Pasta, Sauteed Brussel Sprouts and Favorite Breadsticks
Tuesday:  Bean and Cheese Burritos
Wednesday:  Baked Zucchini Fries with Turkey Burgers
Thursday:  Almond Crusted Tilapia with Meggan's Rice Salad (see recipe below) and Fruit
Friday:  Date Night :)
Saturday:  Mini Quiche Bites, Toast and OJ
Sunday:  Amazing Grilled Chicken, Sweet Dinner Rolls, Twice Baked Potatoes and Green Salad

Santa Rosa Wild Rice Salad- Meggan Felt-Gonzalez

1 box Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice (cooked with seasoning)

Juice of 1 lemon

3 chicken breasts cooked and cubed

4 green onions

1 red bell pepper

3 oz. sugar peas pods

2 med. Avacados

1 c. diced pecans (I use almonds instead)

DRESSING

2 cloves garlic

1 t. Dijon Mustard

½ t. salt

¼ t. sugar

¼ t. pepper

¾ c. rice wine vinegar

¾ c vegetable oil

Broccoli Cheese Quiche
Mango pudding
Morning Glory Muffins

Judson and I returned home last night after a fabulous trip with my mom, sister, brother and their spouses.  We visited my aunt and uncle who are on a mission in Nauvoo.  There was much laughter, not much sleep, and even a few tears.  I came home with a greater appreciation for those who have preceded me and the great sacrifices made to follow God's word.  I'm so grateful.  The house was still standing and Keaton did a great job fulfilling his duty as 'parent' for the week.  It was nice to sleep in my own bed last night, and it's even nice to make a menu and think about cooking my own meals!
Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Pesto Grilled Chicken with Risotto, Sauteed Asparagus and Grilled Pineapple
Tuesday:  Turkey Burgers, Fruit and Sweet Potato Fried
Wednesday:  Tasty Burritos
Thursday:  Skillet Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Green Peas
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Chips and Relish Tray
Sunday:  Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops with Hashbrowns and Steamed Vegetables

Monday-sweet and sour meatballs and  broccoli and oranges
Tuesday-taco soup and green salad
Wednesday-orange chicken,rice,and egg rolls and green beans
Thursday-soup and grilled cheese
Friday-PIZZA NIGHT!
Saturday-chicken nuggets and peas
Sunday-lasagna and garlic bread and sugar snap peas

Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Family Night at Tepanyaki!
Tuesday:  Garden Orzo Risotto with Applewood Chicken and Spinach Salad
Wednesday:  Bow Ties with Sausage and Cream Sauce with Large Green Salad
Thursday:  Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles and Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Keaton's Graduation Party--Outdoor BBQ!
Sunday:  Hawaiian Haystacks

Monday:  Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs
Tuesday:  Coconut Chicken Curry over rice
Wednesday:  Turkey Burgers
Thursday:  Pizza
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday:  Roast, Potatoes, Carrots and Rolls

Our menu for the week:
Monday:  Report Card Dinner--anywhere the kids choose!
Tuesday:  Spinach and Bacon Quiche, Banana Muffins and Fruit
Wednesday:  Fish Tacos
Thursday:  Swedish Meatballs over Egg Noodles with Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Pizza Night!
Sunday:  Balsamic Pork Loin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Sweet Dinner Rolls

I love the thought of Spring Break coming next week!  We've been enjoying beautiful weather and the company of great friends.  Life is good!

Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles, Sauteed Green Beans, Honey Lime Fruit Salad with Coconut Cake for Dessert (I use heavy cream rather than Cool Whip in that recipe--much better!)
Tuesday:  Chicken Cordon Bleu with Rice, Green Salad and Rolls
Wednesday:  Broccoli Cheese Soup with Ham and Cheese Toasties
Thursday:  Enchiladas
Friday:  Leftovers

Keaton's mission papers are in!  What a surreal experience to think that in the next 6 months I will be blessed with a missionary!  I'm still trying to wrap my brain around a graduating senior.  Wow!  Life is flying.  I'm loving it!  Judson surprised me with an awesome 40th birthday party.  I  must say, it was my favorite birthday yet.  Somehow 40 is empowering.  I just feel so grateful for such wonderful family, friends and blessings in my life.  Here's to the next 40 years!

My menu for the week:
Monday:  Roasted Cauliflower and White Cheddar Soup with Croissant Sandwiches
Tuesday:  Leftover Enchiladas from my birthday party, Fruit and Green Pasta Salad
Wednesday:  Hawaiian Turkey Burgers
Thursday:  Chili and Breadsticks
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Waffles, Eggs and Canadian Bacon
Sunday:  Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots and Rolls

This week holds bunches of fun!  Keaton's State Sterling Scholar Awards Banquet is tomorrow, crossing my fingers for him that he'll be crowned the Utah Computer Technology Sterling Scholar.  So happy for him that he was selected as his school's scholar and the region sterling scholar, hoping for the best from the state competition.  Then Landon has his darling play, Aladdin on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.  Chase has wrestling.  Chase and Brooks have a region basketball tournament.  And last but not least, my birthday is on Saturday!  Judson always knows how to spoil me, so I'm sure it's going to be a great day and great week!
Here's my menu:
Monday:  Salmon, Caesar Salad, Savory Cheese Chive Waffles
Tuesday:  Swedish Meatballs with Egg Noodles, Broccoli and Fruit
Wednesday:  Turkey Chili and Cornbread
Thursday:  Crockpot Pork Tenderloin with Baked Potatoes and Spinach Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Birthday Dinner!

A beautiful week ahead!
Here's my menu:
Monday:  Grandma and Grandpa Return from their Mission!  We're getting together for Pizza and Salad.  I think I'll take this Taco Salad
Tuesday:  Salsbury Turkey Steaks, Butternut Squash, and Garlic Roasted Cauliflower
Wednesday:  Southwest Chicken Salad
Thursday:  Chicken Bacon Crockpot Chowder with Kale Waldorf Salad
Friday:  Quiche and Muffins
Saturday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday:  Wall Family Get Together

I want to make this Baked Spice Granola this week as well.

Our winter of sunshine and warm temps is coming to an end.  I'm listening to our sliding glass door grumble from the force of the wind.  Oh yeah, that's right, I live in Utah and not California.  Reality check!
Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Fish Tacos YUM
Tuesday:  Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream,YUM Spinach Salad and Fruit
Wednesday:  Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Cornbread and Salad
Thursday:  Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup YUM
Friday:  Pizza Night!
Saturday:  Mom's Night off :)
Sunday:  Navajo Tacos  with My Favorite Taco Meat YUM and Slowcooker Refried BeansYUM

Talk about a crazy week.  Glad it's come to an end!  We loved hosting Keaton's Sweetheart Dance Group for dinner, they were darling.   I was especially excited about his Bachelor assembly at school--it was so great!  He's really done such a great job as the tech officer at the school, I'm not sure what they're going to do without him next year.  Anyhow, here's my menu for the week....

Monday:  Croissant Club SandwichesYUM with Sweet Potato Fries
Tuesday: Chicken and Wild Rice SoupYUM with Artisan Bread
Wednesday:  Italian Spaghetti with MeatballsYUM, Green Salad and Crazy Good BreadsticksYUM
Thursday:  Fabulous Orange Chicken with Rice and Stir Fried Vegetables
Friday:  Marisa's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Puffed Oven PancakesYUM with Fruit and Bacon

Valentines week!  Judson and I will spend ours hosting Keaton's dance group with dinner and pictures.  I actually love when the kids come over, so I'm looking forward to it.
Here's our menu for the week:

Monday:  Shepherds PieOK, Pepita Spring Mix SaladOK, and Rolls
Tuesday:  Roasted Cauliflower and White Cheddar SoupYUM with Bagel Melts
Wednesday:  Chicken Tortellini BakeYUM with Spring Green Salad and Fruit
Thursday:  Veggie Pizza, Green Salad and Smoothie
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Keaton's Dance Dinner
Chicken Cordon Bleu, Rice Pilaf, Bacon Wrapped Green Beans, Fruit Kabobs, Croissants and Strawberry Cheesecake

January flew by, and it flew by beautifully!  We have had extraordinary weather.  It's been so nice to see bright sunshine in the middle of the day and to go walking in the early mornings and not freeze!  Here's to sunshine in January!!!!

My menu for the week:
Monday:  Maple Glazed SalmonYUM, Asparagus, and Buttered NoodlesOK
Tuesday: Delicious Butter Lettuce SaladYUM with Balsamic Pork LoinYUM and Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday:  Stromboli, Simple Strawberry Spinach SaladYUM and Chips
Thursday:  chicken noodle soupYUM
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Turkey burgers
Sunday:  Homemade Cafe Rio

Lunch, the hardest meal of the day for me.  So, I decided I would compile a little list of recipes that are quick and easy, yet look tasty, that I can make for my own lunch.  To make them quick, I'll use leftover chicken, edamame and chicken sausage from protein.

Chicken Sausage and Veggie Noodles
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Crispy Chickpea Pita
Curried Chicken Salad with Apples and Raisins
Garden Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette (add chicken or edamame for protein)
Avocado Shell Salad

Monday:  Steak Quesadillas using this recipe YUM
Tuesday:  Chicken Pillows with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Wild Rice with Edamame Salad YUM
Wednesday:  Skillet Creamy Macaroni and Cheese YUM
Thursday:  Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Soup YUM with Artisan Bread
Friday:  Mom's Night Off!
Saturday:  Pizza Night!
Sunday:  Roast, Potatoes and Carrots, Rolls and Green Salad

Desserts that I want to try, or that I love!

Chocolate Lava Muffins
Chocolate Chip Lava Cookies
My Favorite Sugar Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Muffins
Pumpkin Crumb Bars
Homemade Reeses Cookies
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies (no flour, low sugar)

Judson and I celebrated our 19th Anniversary this past weekend.  We had a fabulous time!  Shout out to my mom for managing the kiddos!  We stayed at Alaskan Inn up Ogden Canyon and then went Snowshoeing at Weber North Fork Park. So. Much. Fun!  My calves are still on fire, but so worth it!
Here's our menu for the week:
Monday:  Bean Soup YUM with Cheese Toasties and Green Salad
Tuesday:  Ultimate Steak Sandwich with Cottage Fries and Relish Tray
Wednesday: Chicken Pot Pie OK
Thursday:  Chase's Birthday Dinner!  He's still deciding where he'd like to go :)
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday: Quiche, Fruit and Scones
Sunday:  Bo's Blessing--I'm bringing this salad

Santa Fe Salad Dressing

3 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

2 bunches cilantro, (rinsed well, most of stalky ends trimmed off) finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1 1/2 teaspoon vinegar

1/2 teaspoon cumin

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup canola oil

1/4 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

Drop garlic cloves and ginger through the feed tube of food processor while motor is on. Mince well. Add the cilantro and process until finely chopped. Add spices, lime juice, vinegar, honey, and Parmesan cheese. Process until well mixed. With motor running slowly pour the oil through the feed tube. Let process one more minute.

If I would have thought about it, I would have dropped a spoonful of mayo in to tighten the dressing up.

I serve it with greens, peppers, corn, black beans, tons of chopped cilantro, grilled chicken chunks or the shreds of a rotisserie chicken, tortilla strips, Mexican cheese (I think cheddar or regular cheeses get lots and start to disintegrate in the salad if not eat right away... )

A quick menu for this week:
Monday:  Toast Cups with Honey Citrus Green Salad and Pears
Tuesday:  Crockpot Salsbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Peas
Wednesday:  Build your own Burrito Bar
Thursday:  Chicken Salad Croissants with chips and relish tray
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Waffles, Eggs and Bacon
Sunday:  Keaton's Birthday Dinner!  Steak, Chicken, Potatoes, Rolls, Pretzel Salad, Green Beans and Texas Sheet Cake

Back to the grind.  School starts up again tomorrow.  I'm wondering how in the world we're going to adjust back to going to bed early and waking up early?  I'm sure we'll be exhausted for at least a few days!  But I am excited to get back onto a schedule.  I've been missing my morning exercise, and some semblance of a healthy diet.  So, I guess I'm a bit excited for the daily grind!
Here's my menu for this week:
Monday:  Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs YUM (we have leftover meat from New Year's day:), Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf, OK and Green Salad Brownies for FHE treat
Tuesday:  Tex Mex Egg McMuffins OK
Wednesday:  Pumpkin Sage Soup with Monte Cristo Sandwiches YUM
Thursday:  Creamy Spinach and Sausage Pasta YUM
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Waffles, Eggs and Bacon
Sunday:  Chicken with Basil Cream YUM over Pasta, Green Salad, and Bread Sticks