Wow, this was hard! I’m not sure if its because I have been out of menu planning with this deployment or if we’ve just gotten into a terrible rut. I finished my starter list….we’ll see!

This assignment comes from The Happy Housewife’s blog. She recently started a series on how to menu plan. I have struggled with menu planning off and on since E was born. I have to get back into it. Hopefully these assignments will get me on track.

1. Hamburgers
2. Tacos (ground beef, shredded beef or chicken, hard shell or soft)
3. Spaghetti (marinara sauce, meat sauce, baked, ravioli)
4. Slow-cooker sandwiches (Italian beef, pork barbecue, beef barbecue, chicken barbecue, French Dip, ?????)
5. General Tso chicken
6. Teriyaki chikcen
7. Grilled chicken (variety of marinades)
8. Baked chicken (variety)
9. Beef Noodle Skillet
10. Pork chops
11. Pizza
12. Roast
13. Asian chicken part 3 (Sesame, Bourbon, Kung Pao)
14. Tacos part 2
15. Grilled chicken part 2

16. Homemade chicken fingers
17. Mexican part 2 (enchiladas, rice burritos, Mexican stuffed shells)
18. Round steak
19.
20.

The rest of Challenge Part 2–Side dishes
Spanish rice
Lime cilantro rice
roasted potatoes
baked potatoes
corn (fresh or frozen)
green beans (canned for Jim, fresh/frozen for me)
white rice
fried rice
chicken rice (rice-a-roni or a knockoff)
green salad
baked potatoes
pineapple
chips
raw veggies
bread (garlic bread, garlic knots, breadsticks, 5-minute bread, S bread)
honey red potatoes

Wow, this was hard! I’m not sure if its because I have been out of menu planning with this deployment or if we’ve just gotten into a terrible rut. I finished my starter list….we’ll see!

This assignment comes from The Happy Housewife’s blog. She recently started a series on how to menu plan. I have struggled with menu planning off and on since E was born. I have to get back into it. Hopefully these assignments will get me on track.

1. Hamburgers
2. Tacos (ground beef, shredded beef or chicken, hard shell or soft, enchiladas, rice burritos, Mexican shells)
3. Spaghetti (marinara sauce, meat sauce, baked, ravioli)
4. Slow-cooker sandwiches (Italian beef, pork barbecue, beef barbecue, chicken barbecue, French Dip, ?????)
5. General Tso chicken
6. Teriyaki chikcen
7. Grilled chicken (variety of marinades)
8. Baked chicken (variety)
9. Beef Noodle Skillet
10. Pork chops
11. Pizza
12. Roast
13. Asian chicken part 3 (Sesame, Bourbon, Kung Pao)
14. Tacos part 2
15. Grilled chicken part 2
16. Homemade chicken fingers

I recently got a subscription of Taste of Home through SheSpeaks. I have, in the past couple years, subscribed to their Simple & Delicious magazine as well as their Healthy Cooking magazine (my current subscription). In the past, ToH has had some recipes I enjoy but mostly they were so heavy, outdated, calorie-laden. I was pleasantly surprised to see how “current” their magazine is now. Recipes are lighter and include more fresh ingredients and the magazine itself has received a makeover with a fresher look.

As part of the offer, I had to fill out a survey about the magazine. With the survey, I was offered a deal for a year subscription for $10 to pass on to someone. So if you’d like to take advantage of the offer, please let me know and I’ll send it on.

I am really enjoying the Healthy Cooking magazine too. Most of the recipes are quick and easy with the added advantage of also being on the healthy side. They also include recipes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.

This week I am going to restock my freezer with our dinners.  Now that DH has deployed, I’m really lacking motiviation to cook for just E & I.  So its time to fill up the freezer again! Everything on the menu this week will be doubled and extras frozen.  I’ll post links/recipes on Friday for Freezer Food Friday.

1. Pork barbecue in the crock-pot, oven fries, cooked apples
2. Pizza rolls
3. Oatmeal applesauce pancakes, bacon, fresh fruit
4. Stuffed Mexican shells and ???
5. Chicken fingers & carrot sticks (my contribution to the pre-ToT meal at a friend’s house)
6. Dinner out
7. Bourbon chicken & rice, fresh pineapple

I’m on the hunt for a couple great cookie recipes.  The base is having a big to-do on the 4th and I’m making cookies for Jim’s company’s booth.  I need to do 4-6 dozen and I’d like to have 2-3 varieties.  Peanut butter cookies are my favorite but I don’t have a good recipe.  The ones I’ve tried are too sweet.  I really like PB cookies from Subway & Safeway/Dominick’s.  I love *chewy* chocolate chip cookies.  And chewy toffee cookies (yet to find a good recipe).

Anyone want to share their favorite recipe/link to favorite recipe??