Meatless MondayGallo Pinto
This is on my menu this week: I love it when things come together!!!
Tasty Tuesday
Triple Mango Chicken
I am a Mom who thinks; as I was looking for tantalizing recipes I found the Mom's Who Think page and this caught my eye! I hope it pleases my tastebuds, too!
Wacky Wednesday
Luau Pork
Pretend you are somewhere else for a night and create this marvelously simple, 5 ingredient dinner from Ready, Set, Eat!
Thirsty ThursdaySpring Minestrone Soup
Asparagus might just still be on your shelves or in
your garden. Take advantage of the last of the potatoes and the last asparagus from the garden and slurp your heart out!
Fishy Friday
Baja Fish Tacos
These are great for a duo or for a party of 40! Get yourself some crisp white wine or clean, cool water and have a dinner you can feel Fabulous about!
Meatless Monday~
Orzo Spinach Soup with Organic Baby Greens
-This may be the last day you wish to enjoy warm soup, for the air is warming fast. Spring is the perfect time to switch gears toward lighter fare, fresh greens and cool beverages... Some of you, though, might still have a blanket of snow covering your gardens. No matter the case, this soup is the perfect compromise.
-Crusty bread will dip well!
Tuesday with Taste~
Sautéed Chicken, Steamed Boccoli and Roast Potatoes
-This meal is chalk full of basics. The first of which is roast potatoes. Chunk white and sweet potatoes; quarter, and then quarter again, 2 onions; season with salt, pepper and rosemary; plunk on the top rack of a 425 degree oven for 35 minutes. Amazing!-Next, boneless chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper and sautéed in olive oil for about 15 minutes (thickness matters; meat thermo should read 170).
-Then, wash 2 heads of broccoli. Cut off all of the happy little trees, place in a metal colander; run two inches of water in a large pot and place the colander over the water; cover the broccoli with a lid and steam for about 7 minutes (after the water comes to a boil, of course). The trees will be bright green and still firm when done.
-Add fresh apple sauce, cranberries or chutney to bring the plate together.
Crispy Spaghetti with Zucchini and Herbs
-This dish is fun, delicious, easy and nutritious.
-If you wish, add eggs and make a spaghetti fritata~ Or add pulled chicken pieces from Monday's leftovers. Don't know how to modify a recipe? Give it a try and put your own spin on this one! The worst thing that can happen is you end up with noodles, zucchini, herbs and laughter instead of a picture perfect plate!
Thursday in a Flash!
Greek-Style Shrimp and Cannellini Beans
-Remember, as the chef, you control the spices, the salt, the additives, the herbs and the ingredients. Can't have salt? Use substitutions. Can't find cannelloni beans? Use string beans instead. Want tomatoes? Add tomatoes! You're the Chef~Friday. Okay. Have Pizza!
Caramelized Leak and Bacon Pizza
-Once you have the dough you can make any pizza you want.
Pineapple and Ham
Barbecue Chicken and Onion
Baby Spinach and Swiss
Pepperoni and Motz
Sausage and Tomato
Veggie all Over the Place
Leftover Pizza
You name the pizza whatever you have to name it to get the family to eat it and you have yourself a winner!
Or, This Week The Kids Should Cook!
Monday~Arugula Pesto Pizza
-Lighter fare at dinner can be a fun and enjoyable way to end the day, especially when the kids do the cooking. They can help with assembly or you can let go of the reins and the kiddos can create a culinary masterpiece to be enjoyed by all!
-If this is too light, this makes a great appetizer to a heartier meal.
Tuesday~
Double-Done Potatoes
Wednesday~
-This meal is great to eat around the table while having great conversation about school, work, an upcoming trip, or a good report card. Even dull topics can be brightened with a good, simple meal!
Thursday~
Friday~-This meal gets the elbows up on the table and the cheeks up in smiles. Finger food and warm, white rice please everyone at the table. Add steak or pork pieces to ramp up the flavor, just be sure to watch cooking times (chicken will take a bit longer to cook through). Add your favorite veggies to the stick if pineapple isn't quite your flavah!
Pasta with Mushroom Ragu
-Pour a nice glass of red, snuggle up close and enjoy the last few days of winter.
-Can't go meatless? Top with beef tips or braised beef ribs~
Tuesday~ non-Traditional
Midnight Asparagus with Creamy Eggs
-Add a great toasted crusty bread to this rustic fare and play trivia at the table with your loved ones while you eat.
Wednesday~
Potato and Leek Flat Bread with Greens-Add sausage to the flat bread to make it heartier, or leave it white to keep it healthier.
-Don't be bothered with boring greens~ you are the chef! Add your favorite colors, textures, and veggies to make your salad exciting!
Thursday~
Braised Pork, Sweet Potato and Fennel Stew
-Come on, peeps, try something new! This is the perfect recipe to broaden your food horizons.
Friday~ with a little FishWeeknight Fish for Two
-Have more than two? You can do the math. Everyone can participate when getting this meal on the table.
Remember, all of these recipes are just suggestions~ Modify each one as your family sees fit. Keep everyone involved by assigning small jobs like setting the table, chopping veggies, stirring the pasta, slicing tomatoes or lighting candles and setting up a game. Table time should be time spent connecting with those who fill the seats!
You may also wish to plan your meals around these simple suggestions:
MondayBig batch of Brown Rice
-Suggestions: beans, tomatoes, root veggies, sausage, fish or all of the above.
Tuesday
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
-Suggestions: pork tenderloin, turkey breast, asparagus, brussel sprouts, green beans.
WednesdayBroccoli and Cabbage salad
-Suggestions: roast chicken, beef tips, cornish hens, almonds, sunflower seeds, cranberries.
Thursday
Red Potato Soup
-Suggestions: panini, garden salad, crusty bakery bread.
FridayGrilled Peppers and Onions
-Suggestions: ham, baked potato, pork steak, white fish, chicken, white beans, green beans, asparagus, quinoa, barley.
The Kids Can Make It Monday
-Don't have kids? Invite a few friends to the table and enjoy this simple treat together.
-Make it vegetarian by using EVOO instead of Butter and Hummus instead of sour cream.
Take-Out Tuesday
-Add more veggies, like baby corn, water chestnuts and pea pods if this looks to slight a salad.
-Roast a Chicken (a good size roaster to leave leftovers for later in the week), or Grill up some Pork chops to turn this easy meal into a feast.
Wild Wednesday
-Where's the beef? Cornish Game Hens, Turkey Breast, Steak Tips, white Fish ~ just about any meat can make this meal masculine.
Thursday, Thursday
-Place trivia cards on the table and have a fun, educational conversation with those you love!
Fish Filet Friday
Better Than Chili Chili
-Going meatless one day a week not only helps your heart, liver, kidney and hormonal health, but it helps care for the planet we live on. Going meatless one day a week might seem drastic, but give it a try for one meal, then two, then three and you're there!
Techno Free Tuesday
Ying-Yang Sandwiches
-Think no-bake, no-cook, no TV, no cellphone, no light switches .. Instead, assemble this fun, crusty sandwich, cut up some veggie sticks, light some candles and add conversation and condiments; you might find the balance you've been looking for.
Whimsical Wednesday
Chicken Stew in a Bread Bowl
-One of my favorite things is to eat stew out of bread bowls, and for winter time this is a great comfortable treat. Best part? Fewer dishes.
-Visit the bakery the day before you stew up your chicken to ensure your bread is crusty enough to withstand the sauce~
Didn't Throw-it-back Thursday
Creole Red Snapper
-Fish is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which your body cannot make. Having fish twice a week is better than once, and once is better than not at all~
-Can't do fish? Substitute chicken or pork tenderloin instead.
(If you are interested in knowing more about the water your fish comes from check this out~)
Fiscally Friendly Friday
Swiss Chard and Ricotta Manicotti
-You can make this a fun meal by making your own ricotta cheese.
-Triple the recipe and freeze it for date night next week and for Sunday lunch in March~
Tuesday
Salmon with Pepita-Lime Butter
-Salmon is a great source of Omega-3, and you know what they say about Omega-3, right? (The only side effect is it makes you smarter!)
Wednesday
Green Pizza
-Add some olives, cherries and red wine to the palate, light some candles and have a romantic dinner for two... or a funny five finger family dinner by the fireplace instead!
Thursday
Roasted Portobella Caps
-Nice and Easy~ Doesn't seem filling enough? Add as many complimentary vegetables as you can to the plate and eat to your heart's content!
Friday
Spaghetti Genovese
-Great dinner to make for the kids when Date Night calls for a Babysitter!
Sauturday
Chicken and Sun Dried Tomato Orzo
-Don't forget to make this recipe look and taste good to you! Don't care for orzo? Substitute your favorite pasta instead. You're the cook~
Meatless Monday
Chipotle Bean Burritos
-Can't go meatless? Add your favorite meat~ any one will do!
Tasteful Tuesday
Roast Chicken with Balsamic Bell Peppers
-Make extra roast chicken for lunch on Wednesday!
-Try angel hair pasta with this one; it's delish!
Wednesday for the Halibut
Pan-Grilled Halibut with Chimichurri
-Recipes are merely a guideline.
Pan-Grilled Halibut with Chimichurri
-Recipes are merely a guideline.
-Try black rice, red quinoa or zucchini pasta on the side.
Thickened Thursday
Ancho Pork and Hominy Stew
Ancho Pork and Hominy Stew
-Make your own garlic toast with the leftover bread from the week to soak up the bottom of the bowl!
Finally Friday
Pizza Pizza
-You control what goes in your cart, on your plate and in your mouth;
Eat Well!
You will need:
1 Whole Chicken (cut up or not)
-Ready the bird, give it an herb message and throw it in a preheated 375 degree oven for 55 minutes.
-Prepare rice to package or rice cooker directions; 1 cup dry yields nearly 4 cups prepared. Make extra for lunches throughout the week.
-Chop all veggies to uniform size and mince the garlic. When chicken is 10 minutes from ready, heat olive oil in a large pan and sweat the onions. Five minutes later add garlic and the rest of the veggies; cover loosely with foil and let steam. Stir them up from time to time until tender crisp; maybe 10 minutes, but keep an eye on 'em.
-Don't forget to let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before you dig in~
-Meatless? The Veg and Rice alone are filling enough~
Tuesday~
Rosemary Crusted Pork Tenderloin
-Steam some green beans or brussel sprouts as a side. Brighten with lemon juice or make savory with garlic oil.
-Cut up some purple, red and white fingerling or new potatoes and roast in the same oven at the same temp; heck, throw them in the same dish as the tenderloin.
Wednesday~
Breakfast for 2 for Dinner
You will need:
6 slices of Bacon
4 Eggs
2 slices of Smokey Cheese
2 English Muffins
2 Russet Potatoes
1 Onion
1 large Orange
Herbs
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cube the potatoes, drizzle with olive oil and herbs, and roast with onions in a 425 degree oven for 25 minutes. Crisp bacon, prepare the eggs how you like them, toast the english muffins and assemble a sandwich fit for a king. Pair with potatoes, an orange and a glass of red wine~ bon appetit!
Thursday~
Sausage with Smashed Potatoes
-Don't like the sound of cornichons? Substitute your favorite pickle instead.
-Make Extra sausage for the lunchbox tomorrow
Friday~
Forget about it - Go out to Eat!
-Eating out once or twice a month is a great reward to a 'job well done' in the kitchen all month long. If going out is not on your agenda, ask the kids to take charge; they can surprise you with a fun meal, too!
-Eating out can also give you inspiration for new dishes to prepare in your kitchen. Order something you wouldn't make for yourself or an item you have never eaten before to stimulate your brain and your buds. Bonus: have the leftovers for lunch tomorrow~
Meatless Monday~
Sicilian Cauliflower Pasta
-Don't be afraid to substitute a vegetable for a starch. Veggies like cauliflower, squash and rutabagas can be seasoned beautifully, and pair well with both savory and sweet flavors. This recipe is bursting with flavor, so much so that you'll forget it's cauliflower you're eating.
-Can't go meatless? (Oh, yes you can!) Try topping this with salmon or whitefish. It would even be sensational with pork tenderloin, fillet mignon or roast chicken.
Taco Tuesday~
Slow-cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
-Customize this recipe by adding the veggies you love to eat. Remember to keep your food choices real foods.
-When making tacos, skip the 'already prepared seasoning sleeves' and make your own. You should always be in control of your spices!
-Choose a large, marbled Boston Butt for this recipe. You can use the left over meat for sandwiches throughout the week or add it to Friday's meal suggestion.
Watercress Wednesday~
Egg Salad Sandwiches with Rye and Watercress
-Not every meal has to be a hearty, veritable shmorgusborg. Wednesday is a great day to ease up on the complexity of meal creation and get back to basics. Egg salad might even be the easiest basic to get back to!
Thoup and Thausage Thursday~
Potato, Sausage and Leek soup
-Soup is a delectable way to add nutrition to your week. This hearty soup is a crowd pleaser or a comfortable go-to for two.
Fennel Friday~
Roasted Fennel and Farro Salad
-Adding another meatless day to your week? This recipe is a great way to go!
-Put off by an unfamiliar whole grain? Use a familiar grain instead~ Or just take the plunge and see if you like it. Adding new whole grains to your diet can do wonders for your digestive system.
Meatless Monday~
Eat Well!
Monday... Meatless or otherwise
Roast Herb Chicken on a Bed of Fresh Steamed Veggies with Brown RiceYou will need:
1 Whole Chicken (cut up or not)
1 Heaping palm full of Thyme, Basil, Rosemary, Parsley, Bay and Sage
Salt and Pepper
olive oil
1 head broccoli
1 bunch asparagus
1/2 c. cherry tomatoes
1 large bell pepper
4 small portobello mushrooms
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
2 c. brown rice (8 cups prepared)
-Ready the bird, give it an herb message and throw it in a preheated 375 degree oven for 55 minutes.
-Prepare rice to package or rice cooker directions; 1 cup dry yields nearly 4 cups prepared. Make extra for lunches throughout the week.
-Chop all veggies to uniform size and mince the garlic. When chicken is 10 minutes from ready, heat olive oil in a large pan and sweat the onions. Five minutes later add garlic and the rest of the veggies; cover loosely with foil and let steam. Stir them up from time to time until tender crisp; maybe 10 minutes, but keep an eye on 'em.
-Don't forget to let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before you dig in~
-Meatless? The Veg and Rice alone are filling enough~
Tuesday~
Rosemary Crusted Pork Tenderloin
-Steam some green beans or brussel sprouts as a side. Brighten with lemon juice or make savory with garlic oil.
-Cut up some purple, red and white fingerling or new potatoes and roast in the same oven at the same temp; heck, throw them in the same dish as the tenderloin.
Wednesday~
Breakfast for 2 for Dinner
You will need:
6 slices of Bacon
4 Eggs
2 slices of Smokey Cheese
2 English Muffins
2 Russet Potatoes
1 Onion
1 large Orange
Herbs
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cube the potatoes, drizzle with olive oil and herbs, and roast with onions in a 425 degree oven for 25 minutes. Crisp bacon, prepare the eggs how you like them, toast the english muffins and assemble a sandwich fit for a king. Pair with potatoes, an orange and a glass of red wine~ bon appetit!
Thursday~
Sausage with Smashed Potatoes
-Don't like the sound of cornichons? Substitute your favorite pickle instead.
-Make Extra sausage for the lunchbox tomorrow
Friday~
Forget about it - Go out to Eat!
-Eating out once or twice a month is a great reward to a 'job well done' in the kitchen all month long. If going out is not on your agenda, ask the kids to take charge; they can surprise you with a fun meal, too!
-Eating out can also give you inspiration for new dishes to prepare in your kitchen. Order something you wouldn't make for yourself or an item you have never eaten before to stimulate your brain and your buds. Bonus: have the leftovers for lunch tomorrow~
Meatless Monday~
Sicilian Cauliflower Pasta
-Don't be afraid to substitute a vegetable for a starch. Veggies like cauliflower, squash and rutabagas can be seasoned beautifully, and pair well with both savory and sweet flavors. This recipe is bursting with flavor, so much so that you'll forget it's cauliflower you're eating.
-Can't go meatless? (Oh, yes you can!) Try topping this with salmon or whitefish. It would even be sensational with pork tenderloin, fillet mignon or roast chicken.
Taco Tuesday~
Slow-cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
-Customize this recipe by adding the veggies you love to eat. Remember to keep your food choices real foods.
-When making tacos, skip the 'already prepared seasoning sleeves' and make your own. You should always be in control of your spices!
-Choose a large, marbled Boston Butt for this recipe. You can use the left over meat for sandwiches throughout the week or add it to Friday's meal suggestion.
Watercress Wednesday~
Egg Salad Sandwiches with Rye and Watercress
-Not every meal has to be a hearty, veritable shmorgusborg. Wednesday is a great day to ease up on the complexity of meal creation and get back to basics. Egg salad might even be the easiest basic to get back to!
Thoup and Thausage Thursday~
Potato, Sausage and Leek soup
-Soup is a delectable way to add nutrition to your week. This hearty soup is a crowd pleaser or a comfortable go-to for two.
Fennel Friday~
Roasted Fennel and Farro Salad
-Adding another meatless day to your week? This recipe is a great way to go!
-Put off by an unfamiliar whole grain? Use a familiar grain instead~ Or just take the plunge and see if you like it. Adding new whole grains to your diet can do wonders for your digestive system.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
-One large portobello cap for each person at the table. Grill it medium/medium high, but don't season until they are grilled. Dress it up just as you would a beef burger or use avocado, grilled onions, horseradish... to each his own!
Tasteful Tuesday~
-Don't be afraid to substitute or eliminate ingredients as you see fit. This recipe looks delicious!
Wednesday~
Salad with Spaghetti and Meatballs on
the side (Don't forget the Bread)~
-Throw baby spinach leaves, a head of red leaf lettuce (torn), a head of broccoli (chopped), a small red onion (chopped), a carrot (shredded), colorful peppers (diced), ripe tomatoes, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a mixture of seeds for crunch in a bowl about an hour before you are ready to eat. Drizzle with olive oil, dash with salt and pepper or leave it as it is...
-Make your own sauce this time. Don't have your own recipe? Ask your mom how she makes it or call your friend with the excellent gravy recipe and ask them to show you how it's done!
Thrifty Thursday~
BBQ Chicken Pizza with Sensational
Slaw
-Don't be intimidated by making your own dough. Find a recipe that works for your timeframe and skill level. All you need is flour, yeast, olive oil, salt, warm water, and sugar. Your kitchen will look like a pizzeria in no time!
-Sauce is easy too. Take 1.5 cups of
leftover spaghetti sauce and add a good teaspoon of oregano. Then
add 3 or 4 or 5 tablespoons of your favorite bbq sauce. (More if you
like, less if you don't.)
-Use leftover chicken from Tuesday's meal and
whatever cheese you have on hand (or some fresh mozzarella).
-Slaw is 1 head of crisp, green cabbage, a carrot
or two, a red or yellow onion, and 2 stalks of celery shredded. Toss well
with real sugar (up to a cup) if you like it sweet. Warm 1 c. white
vinegar for tang and 1/2 c. olive oil for love, salt, pepper, and 1 Tbsp
dry mustard until all ingredients are dissolved and pour over slaw (more
if you like, less if you don’t); toss well.
Fruity Friday~
Corn Chowder
-I make my corn chowder with cream, but you can easily make chowder by thickening the broth with corn starch or flour or making a rue with oil and bringing it up instead of adding cream and thickening agent at the end (if your meatless, but not vegan, add the cream).
-Chowders are great because they are hearty, flavorful, filling, and easily customizable.
-Can't go meatless? Add kielbasa, bacon, chicken... whatever floats your chowder boat!
-Remember, any recipe can be amended with your organic preferences, your favorite vegetable additions, your spicy desires and your tastebuds in mind. Recipes are nothing but educated suggestions.
Try Something New Tuesday~
Chicken and Sausage Paella
-I have never made Paella before; I will certainly try it out this week!
Wednesday~
Collard Green and Radish Slaw with Crispy Shallots
-Salads do not have to be limited to caesar and typical garden varieties. Don't like Collards? Use red leaf or green cabbage; use spring greens or spinach leaves. Don't want to crisp your shallots? Don't. Mold the recipe to be nourishing to your body and flavorful to your tastebuds.
-I can see plopping a braised chicken thigh on top and calling it a day~
Thirsty Thursday~
Green Smoothie
-Smoothies are a great way to supplement a meal, add a meal or replace dessert. You don't need a recipe to throw things in a blender or bullet to create a delicious green treat, but just in case you need a staring off point, here's a great smoothie recipe cite.
-Have fun with your smoothies. Get the kids or your siblings involved. You might even want to write down how you feel after you drink your delicious concoction; I guarantee you will feel the benefits almost immediately!
Fry-less Friday~
Grass Fed Steak, Baked Sweet Potato and Burst Tomatoes with Zesty Red Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients:
1 small red cabbage
1/4 cup lemon juice (1 to 2 lemons, preferably freshly squeezed)
3 Tbsp. organic tamari sauce (not soy sauce)
1/2 cup cold-pressed olive oil
2 medium cloves of garlic, minced
Directions:
Very thinly slice the cabbage using a sharp knife, or preferably, a mandolin.
In a jar, mix all dressing ingredients and shake vigorously. If you are using anything larger than a small cabbage, increase the measurements in the dressing since this salad should be generously dressed.
In a large bowl, pour the dressing over the sliced cabbage, toss, and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before serving so it absorbs the flavors.
Recipe from http://www.pbs.org/food/kitchen-vignettes/zesty-red-cabbage-slaw/
Meatless Monday~
Blissful Baked Potato
-You may add toasted pine nuts, scallions, garlic, grilled onions, corn, roasted root vegetables, green beans, and/or any of your favorite herbs. Serve it beside a pot of home made baked beans.
-Not ready for meatless? Add crisped bacon, aged cheese, pulled pork, braised beef... the world is your oyster.
Turkey Tuesday~
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
-Turkey Stock (boil the carcass if it's still lyin' around with carrots, celery, onions, garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt and pepper, or just use turkey or chicken stock of your liking from the pantry), leftover turkey, pearl onions, and in-season veggies. Prepare the wild rice separately (make a double batch). When ready to serve, place wild rice in a bowl, ladle on some soup, and pair with a crusty bread or cranberry sauce.
Wednesday~
Parchment-Baked Halibut With Pesto, Zucchini, and Carrots
-If you use Tuesday's wild rice as a side, this recipe only takes 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake.
-Recipe from Health Magazine
Thursday~
Sausage, Peppers and Onions
-This is my favorite meal. I switch between hot or mild italian sausage and brat worst. Serve with roast potatoes (fingerlings coated in olive oil, rosemary and cracked black pepper in a 425' oven for 25 minutes or until crispy brown on the outside and flakey on the inside) or with polenta, quinoa, or egg noodles. Easy to prepare, fantastic to eat!
Friday~
-Steam some fresh green beans or brussel sprouts (or both) for a side. This meal is a great way to skip the starch and add more veggies to your week.
Recipe from Cooking Light Magazine
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