Menu Plan Monday - April 23,2012

Brrr.  It's downright chilly this morning.  The wind is howling and knocking pine cones against the house.  The weather is supposed to warm up by the end of the week, but until then, I'm layering up!

Despite the wind and temps dropping, yesterday was a great day for strawberry picking!
We are fortunate to have a farm around the corner from us.  We went a few weeks ago for a play-date for the kids.  They had a blast and I made a big batch of strawberry smoothies afterwards.

I plan on making (another) batch of my Grandmother's Strawberry Jam today.  I've already made it a few times this Spring.  I know at least one of my readers has been asking for me to post this recipe for a while (yes Keith, I promise I will this week).  I can't seem to make enough of it.  My kids go crazy for it.  Especially my son.  He could eat a jelly sandwich (nothing else, just bread and jam) everyday.  Honestly, he could probably just sit and eat the whole jar with a spoon, if I let him!  :)

Anyway, back to the menu plan:

Monday - Minestrone soup with homemade baguettes.

Tuesday - Pasta night

Wednesday - Peach Whiskey Chicken, from The Pioneer Woman's new cookbook...I just got my book from Amazon on Friday and I can't wait to dive in!

Thursday - Maybe Macaroni and Cheese, veggies

Friday - Pecan Chicken, Challah.

If you would like more ideas for menus and recipes, please visit MPM at orgjunkie.com

P.S. I updated the page with a link to the recipe for the jam.

Menu Plan Monday - 8/22/11

Keeping it short this morning.  Busy weekend, Nutcracker auditions for Miss D and it's still 95 degrees here.  Who can think cold and snow?  Not me!  We had a bit of rain this weekend.  The garden definitely needed it.  The plants had been stalling out with all the dryness.    


Sunday - My parents sent us a shipment of buffalo and elk from Wyoming.  We tried the buffalo grilled last night.  Not bad.  A bit bland was the verdict.  I kept it simple with just a bit of olive oil and steak seasoning.  Perhaps there is a better way?  Not sure we'll try it again.

Monday - Tilapia (grilled - weather permitting, or pan-seared), Mac and Cheese

Tuesday - Taco night (crock-pot)  ground beef, taco seasoning.  Avocados.

Wednesday - Chicken ?? not sure yet

Thursday - Calzones

Friday - Hunter-style chicken, rice, veggies, challah

Hope everyone has a great week.  If you would like more menu ideas, please visit MPM at orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday - 6/20/11

Menu Plan Monday -

Family coming the end of the week and more high 90's predicted for the weather.  Trying to keep it simple for meals, since I'll be baking and preparing things for the party next weekend.  I'll try to post some more pictures and recipes for the party.  The cake, of course, is going to be the star.  The doll cake (you know the one?)  will be made of vanilla cake.  Underneath will be cakes with alternating layers of vanilla and chocolate cake (or at least that's the plan).  Vanilla buttercream and MMF covering each section of cake (in lilac and hot pink, of course).  And finally, Royal icing drop flowers to decorate the "dress".  Of course, saying all this only makes me a bit nervous that it could go horribly wrong.  I guess there is always Publix, huh?  At least this year I have learned to go back to my standard buttercream recipe.  Last year I tried to make a Swiss meringue buttercream.  Not a good idea.  Let's see Swiss meringue buttercream + 90 degree heat = broken buttercream mess and weeping Mommy.  BTW, I did learn how to fix it (quick chill in freezer and re-whip), but after breaking three times, I promised never again in summer.  Here's a picture from last year:

So, on with the menu for the week:

Sunday - chili-braised brisket, German potato salad (by request from Big Daddy), and watermelon

Monday - leftovers

Tuesday - Chicken (?) with sweet potato oven fries

Wednesday - Veggie chili with cheese-topped potatoes

Thurday - Grilled fish, mac and cheese, broccoli

Friday - not sure, family will be here

To look for more menu ideas, please visit MPM at orgjunkie.com

Macaroni and Cheese

I promised to share this recipe a long time ago.  This is my Mom's Macaroni and Cheese recipe.  Not only is this one of my favorites, both growing up and now, but also my friends' favorites.  It's my go-to recipe for potlucks, gatherings and as a casserole to share.   Now, this is totally a 70's recipe.  Don't be shocked by the ingredients - this is not low cal health food to be honest, but it is so good!



Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound box of elbow macaroni

1/2 c. chopped onion

2 Tbs. butter

1 can either cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup

1 c. milk

12 oz. sharp American or cheddar cheese*

bread crumbs

tomato slices

dried oregano


Cook macaroni in boiling salted water and drain.  In a large skillet, saute onion in butter, until tender.  Add soup and gradually blend in milk.  Add cheese to skillet and cook on low heat, stirring gently to combine until melted.  Combine cheese sauce with macaroni in a large bowl or stockpot.  After mixed, pour into a large 2-quart casserole dish.  Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs, tomato slices and dried oregano.  Cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes until bubbly and thoroughly heated.

* You can choose to substitute some or all of the cheese with a more natural Cheddar cheese, but it won't end up as smooth and creamy in the end, but tasty nonetheless!

Mini mac and cheese - baked in muffin tins