Menu Plan 8-4

This past week I got back on the menu plan wagon. It’s amazing how much it streamlined dinnertime! I’m not going to give up this sanity saver for any length of time again if I can help it.

I followed my plan for the most part. I did swap a few days around, and the All Day Mac ‘n Cheese didn’t happen-we were out of cheese and a friend was visiting in town and took us all out to dinner instead (Thanks Squan!). The Spaghetti with Tuna and Capers (I mean green olives) was a keeper. The lentil burgers tasted

Oh, and I tried a new pizza crust recipe-Amy from The Motherload suggested her version of bread machine dough, and it is awesome. The kiddos both told me they wanted me to make that kind from now on.

This coming week is busy. (Yeah, when is life ever NOT busy? Anyone?)

This evening and all day Tues and Wed I’m at a motorcycle driver’s course. I was licensed over 8 years ago, and we bought a little used Honda Rebel for me (It’s yellow. Very bright yellow). Then I proceeded to start with the pregnancy, newborn, pregnancy sequence and didn’t have the time or inclination to ride. Consequently I have no skills and am too nervous to ride in traffic without a refresher.

Then on Thursday we are going to a potluck at the lake for the Vestry (ie governing board) of the church. Since I’m one of the two Wardens, sorta need to be there for that-we all need to bring a dish to pass.

Yankee Bill and I want to go out together on Friday night, so it’s something quick and easy for the kiddos to eat.

Saturday at this point is clear, but my oldest sister and her family are arriving by car on Sunday for a visit-so I don’t know exactly what time they will be here. I need a dinner that can either be cooked and rewarmed, or else goes together really quick.

So here goes the plan:

Monday: Burritos, rice, fresh green beans and dip

I’ve got some lentils left from the lentil burgers. I’ll mix those together with the taco spices, rice, salsa and some cheese for the burritos. In my garden, the green beans have just come in. I’ll pick a mess this afternoon. We’ll start using them in the kiddos favorite way-crunchy and fresh dipped into some ranch.

Tuesday: All Day Mac ‘n Cheese

My class doesn’t get done till 6-so I’ll have this in the crockpot all ready for Yankee Bill to serve the kiddos when he picks them up from my girlfriends. (her daughter is babysitting them both at her house for the 2 days). I’ll leave some canned veggies out, and they might make it on the plate. . .

Wednesday Crock Pot Roast w/ Carrots & Rice

Another meal ready to go when I get home. The roast recipe is so easy it can barely be considered a recipe. Roast, cream of mushroom soup (or make your own), powdered onion soup mix (or throw in some powdered bullion and onion flakes-my preference). Turn on low all day. like to peel and chunk up carrots and throw them in as well. The rice will go in the rice cooker with a timer so it’s ready as well.

Thursday: Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad to take to potluck.

Folks love this Crunchy Asian Salad recipe. Last year I made my Spicy Thai Noodles, but they didn’t go over as well-I think we don’t have a very adventurous group 🙂

Friday: Pizza

Using my new favorite recipe from Amy.

Saturday: Bratwurst, Green Beans & potato salad

Green beans will be from the garden!

Sunday: Lasagna & Salad

Most kids like anything resembling pasta, so that’s pretty safe for my niece and nephew. Lasagna can also be cooked earlier in the day and then reheated whenever they arrive for dinner. And many people don’t cook lasagna at home very frequently, so it’s a nice “company” meal.

Don’t forget to check out the other great menu plans over at The Organizing Junkie’s “Menu Plan Monday”.