The Little Things: February 2009

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Menu Plan

I've seen a menu plan going around the blogs I read so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon. Ironically, several of my recipes come from menu plans I've read on other blogs! So here is my plan for the next two weeks.

* A few side notes: I don't really cook on the weekends unless we have company. Also, Ryan doesn't eat red meat because of stomach issues, so we eat alot of chicken or ground turkey.

Monday - Family Night

Tuesday - Carrie's Baked Ziti, rolls
http://4menandmommy.wordpress.com/2009/02/16/baked-ziti/

Wednesday - Hayley's Chopped BBQ Salad
http://www.picky-palate.com/2008/05/oldie-but-oh-so-goodie.html

Thursday - Tara's Bruschetta 'N Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast, green beans
http://taradaukas.blogspot.com/2009/02/bruschetta-n-cheese-stuffed-chicken.html

Friday - Frozen Meal

Saturday - Eat out

Sunday - leftovers

Monday - Family Night

Tuesday - Date Night - eat out (every other week for date night we eat at home and then go out for coffee or dessert)

Wednesday - Pizza Boats, side salad (good quick meal for caregroup night)

1 loaf french bread
jar of favorite pizza sauce
shredded mozarella
pepperoni
other favorite pizza toppings

Cut loaf of french bread cut in half lengthwise. Top both slices with sauce, cheese and pepperoni. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Thursday - Fiesta Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas (I cut the recipe in half)
http://www.picky-palate.com/2008/08/fiesta-chicken-and-spinach-enchiladas.html

Friday - Chicken Parmesan, garlic bread, broccoli (Cook broccoli, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Good Seasons dressing mix and 1 tablespoon butter)

4 chicken breast, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness or thinly sliced
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 T oil
1 T butter
12 oz pasta sauce
6 oz mozarella slices
16 oz spaghetti noodles

Pour egg into a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, mix together the grated parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Dip chicken breasts into beaten egg, then into bread crumb mixture to coat.
In a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium high heat. Add coated chicken and saute for about 8 to 10 minutes each side, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Reduce heat, add marinara and top with mozzarella slices. Cover; simmer 5 minutes or until sauce is heated through and cheese is melted. Serve on top of a bed of spaghetti.

* You could also bake this chicken. Place coated chicken in greased 13x9 pan, bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until juices run clear.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Valentine's Day

Ryan and I had a very nice Valentine's Day this year. We celebrated earlier in the week by going with our friends, Jeff and Ruth, to a nice dinner and to see the play The Lion King. It also happened to be Ruth's birthday!

Ruth had never had a birthday song sung to her at a restaurant!! So I had to get it on video to preserve the memory.

Lovebirds

On actual Valentine's Day, I babysat Bella while Ryan helped a friend. Bella, Owen and I went to Target for a bit. Later on Ryan surprised me by having Doug and JoAnn babysit so he and I could have lunch, just the two of us. We went to Sauce and really enjoyed our time together. Doug and JoAnn took wonderful care of Owen while we were gone and spoiled him with a balloon, stuffed animals, and toys. And of course lots of attention, hugs and kisses.

After afternoon naps, we did what is my favoritest thing to do, we went to San Tan Mall with the baby and walked around. Dad met up with us later in the evening for some dinner.

Facinated with Baby Einstein