I'm BAAAAAAAACK!

I have missed blogging! I haven't written in over a month, actually nearly 2 months. Man. . .I have been LAZY! I thought I'd start back with Menu Plan Monday. Rev and I are restarting the Low GI diet, based on the book Living the GI Diet by Rick Gallop. The hardest part will be (once again) giving up my favorite beverage of all time. . .COKE. Man, am I going to miss my Cokes. Here's our Menu for this week. (and, be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie for more great Menu Plan ideas!)

Monday ~ Crockpot Cheesy Chicken (This is a new recipe, so I'll post it later in the week if it's a keeper), Steamed Broccoli, Wild Rice

Tuesday ~ Crockpot White Chicken Chili, Cornbread

Wednesday ~ Pecan Crusted Tilapia, Mashed Cauliflower ("Potatoes"), steamed green beans

Thursday ~ Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers, green salad

Friday ~ Grainy Mustard and Chive Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Potato Latkes, Asparagus

Saturday ~ Church's Wild Game Dinner

Sunday ~ Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs, green salad

I can't wait to see what YOU'RE cooking!

Menu Plan Monday

This MPM may look familiar. . .because it is almost exactly the same menu from last week. You see, Skywalker got a stomach virus, and then passed it on to Rev. Rev was sick for 4 days. . .and didn't feel like eating ANYTHING! So, I didn't cook. Then, I got busy with work. . .and my menu plan just fell by the wayside. . .so, we'll try it again this week. The good news, though, is that our grocery bill should be very small this week!

Also, I have a NEW obsession. . .stay tuned for more information. . .you won't want to miss this one!

Monday ~ Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers, green salad

Tuesday ~ Crockpot Spicy Black Beans, Smoked Turkey Sausage, Brown rice, green salad

Wednesday ~ Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Meatballs, green salad, steamed green beans

Thursday ~ Crockpot Peppersteak, brown rice, steamed snow peas

Friday ~ Rev and I are going on a DATE!!!! An awesome family from our church gifted us with an Olive Garden giftcard and a night of free babysitting for Christmas, and we are taking advantage of their gracious gift!

Saturday ~ Grilled Balsalmic Bruschetta Chicken, Whole Wheat Cous Cous, steamed snow peas

Sunday ~ Lentil Haystacks

Menu Plan Monday

Another week gone, and here we are, nearly a week into the New Year. Today, I am starting my "healthy eating" plan. . .I am trying hard NOT to call it a "DIET" since we all know what the first 3 letters of that word spell! (If you are interested on where I came up with out "healthy eating plan", mostly it came from "Living the GI Diet" by Rick Gallop.)

So, I informed Rev that he and I would be going back on out healthy eating plan. The problem with this, really, is that I have more will power than he does when it comes to food. No matter what I cook for him at supper, or leave for his lunches, 9 times out of 10, he's getting fast food for lunch. I have accepted this about him, so I will strive even harded to make at least one of his daily meals healthy. I mean, lets face it, we aren't getting any younger, and our waist lines won't get any smaller without serious help. The good news for him, though, is that he's a runner. So, he can still get away with a cheeseburger now and then. . .he just goes running to burn off those extra calories.

I, on the other hand, am trying to get back into a routine of using my treadmill. My plan is to use it at night, after the kids are in bed, while I watch a show. . .we'll see how this works. The problem is, I am sooooooooo tired at night, I can barely function.

On to our meal plan for this week. I have planned crockpot meals or leftovers for my work days, since I get home so late.

Monday ~ Crockpot Black Bean Soup, green salad

Tuesday ~ Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Meatballs, green salad, steamed green beans

Wednesday ~ Walnut Crusted Tilapia, Steamed green beans, brown rice

Thursday ~ Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers, green salad

Friday ~ Leftovers

Saturday ~ Grilled Balsalmic Bruschetta Chicken, Whole Wheat Cous Cous, steamed snow peas

Sunday ~ Taco Bowls

Happy Eating!

Menu Plan Monday

Here's my humble attempt to get back into the swing of things. . .I missed last week's MPM, and let me tell you, my grocery bill, my menu, and my sanity all paid for it (not to mention, my waistline. . .) I have decided to take one final week off of my "healthy eating plan", and I will start next Monday (Not on January 1, because it's just easier to start on a Monday, plus, I really want some good New Years Food, and who really wants to start a diet on the weekend, anyway!

This last week, I had no plan except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and we ended up eating out more times than I can admit. . .so, this week, I'm back with a vengeance! Here it is, and as always, stop by Orgjunkie.com for more great menu plans!

Monday ~ Crockpot Roast Beef Vegetable Soup , French bread

Tuesday ~ Crockpot Swiss Chicken, Green Salad

Wednesday ~ Beef Stroganoff, steamed snow peas, green salad

Thursday ~ My favorite Pork Tenderloin, boiled cabbage, black eyed peas (pretty traditional New Years Meal)

Friday ~ Taco Soup

Saturday ~ Crockpot Hoppin' John with brown rice, Smoked Turkey Sausage, green salad

Sunday ~ Still Unsure, maybe leftovers or out to eat, we'll see how the week goes.

Menu Plan Monday

Merry Christmas, everybody! We have been so busy, buying last minute christmas gifts, hosting a Christmas Party, working with the Children's Choir on their program, not to mention working and taking care of my family, that I haven't been on here at all this past week. So sorry for the neglect. . .I will try to do better!

We had our Sunday School Christmas Party at our house Saturday night, and had a great time. There were about 20 people there, and after eating appetizers and desserts galore, we played scattergories in one room, and Rock Band in the other. I have a new addiction: Rock Band. . .I have to say, I am an amazing drummer, and singer. . .though I still can't really figure out the guitar. Oh, and then we played a mean game of Dirty Santa before breaking up the party so we could all pick up the kids from the babysitters at church. It was a great time, and makes me wonder why we don't entertain more often. . . And, I have a great recipe to share with you for Wassail, I make it every year, and absolutely LOVE it!
My parents and my talented little brother (he's 25, not so little. . .) are coming to visit us this next weekend for a couple of days, and I'm so excited! Stonewall is thrilled because he has a small solo in the Christmas Program, and Mimi and Poppy will get to be here for it!
Anyway, on to our week in food: (and, of course, go on over to Orgjunkie.com for more great menu plan ideas!

Monday ~ Crockpot Garlic Swiss Steak, steamed green beans (Yes, this was supposed to be eaten Sunday last week, but I just couldn't get it together and in the crockpot before church.)
Tuesday ~ Crockpot Honey Balsalmic Chicken breasts, green salad, brown rice
Wednesday ~ Zuppa Toscana , green salad
Thursday ~ Leftovers
Friday ~ Turkey Sausage Pasta Bake, green salad
Saturday ~ Out to eat
Sunday ~ Crockpot Roast, Mashed potatoes with gravy, steamed green beans

Menu Plan Monday

Okay. I'm BACK! I can't believe that I haven't blogged in three weeks. I've just been so busy. . . Two weeks ago, I didn't post a MPM because we were leaving town for an entire week, and I didn't want to post a MPM that was blank, or gloated about going out of town and not cooking for an entire week, so I didn't post at all. Then, last week, we only got back in town Monday at lunch time, and I was too tired to plan out my meals this week. Guess what happened: with no menu plan, I only cooked three meals. I can't believe that I was so lazy this week with cooking. . .I mean, I love cooking, and eating home-cooked meals much more than eating out, but It was so much easier to pick something up. So, with new resolve, and evidence that it really works, I now present my Menu Plan for the week of December 8-14.

I am also restarting my diet with new resolve. I had started following the Low GI diet last July, and quickly lost 12 pounds, and was able to maintain that loss for several months, but fell off the wagon a month or so ago. I have since gained back 4 pounds, and I am restarting the diet TODAY! I would like to lose 8 pounds from my weight right now, BEFORE I go to a Sorority Reunion the end of January! So, I MUST get serious!

For breakfasts, I will either have : Yogurt Smoothies (Made with FF/Sugar Free fruit flavored yogurt, frozen berries, skim milk, and flax seeds), Breakfast burritos (Made with Whole Wheat Tortillas, Egg beaters, reduced fat cheese, canadian bacon), or All-Bran Cereal with berries and skim milk.

For lunches, I will either have : leftovers from supper, Large salad with balsalmic vinigarette and grilled chicken, Open faced turkey sandwich (Made with Whole Grain, low carb bread, FF mayo, spinach, tomato, and reduced fat cheese), Black bean soup, or Tuna Wraps (Made with Whole Wheat Tortillas, tuna, FF mayo, spinach, tomato, balsalmic vinigarette dressing).

For Snacks: Fresh fruit, yogurt (FF/Sugar free), Balance bars (I love the Peanut Butter ones), Triscuits thin crisps, celery stalks with laughing cow light swiss.

For Suppers:

Monday ~ Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers, green salad

Tuesday ~ Grainy Mustard and Chive Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Potato Latkes, green salad

Wednesday ~ Lentil Haystacks

Thursday ~ Crockpot Mapel-Dijon Chicken, steamed green beans, green salad

Friday ~ Leftovers

Saturday ~ Sunday School Christmas Party at our house! (Oh, the cleaning I must do this week to get ready!) We're buying a Honey Baked Ham, and the others are bringing the other dishes. I will be making a few appetizers as well, because we really like them! I'll make: Red Pepper Jelly Dip, Stuffed Brie, and Bacon-wrapped Artichokes.

Sunday ~ Crockpot Garlic Swiss Steak, brown rice, steamed green beans

Menu Plan Monday

Man, I can't believe that another week's gone by. . .and I only blogged once. (I am totally embarassed about that, too - trust me, I am!) I have been so incredibly busy this week. I worked Monday, Thursday, and Friday, and we were incredibly busy ~ people seem to get sick when the weather turns cold! I did have the chance to become close with 2 patients and their families this week, which is always nice. . .usually, when we're this busy, there isn't time to visit and spend quality TLC time with patients. Anyway, One more week until we leave town for the Thanksgiving holiday.
I have to confess something, and if you have any advice for me, PLEASE leave a comment! Stonewall is a PICKY EATER. and I mean PICKY! As in, he ONLY likes hotdogs, cheese pizza, PB&Js, fish sticks, McDonalds's chicken nuggets, cheese, and most fruit. We offer all types of food, and we can't get him to willingly try anything. It usually turns into a battle of wills. . .he usually wins. Rev. has decided that now is the time, and he has even threatened to throw away all the hotdogs. I just don't want our mealtimes to be yelling and crying matches. . .but, I hate feeling like a short-order cook. I want to sit down for a family meal where we all eat the same meal. . . but I HATE forcing Stonewall to eat stuff. . .I think it only makes him want to eat it less. Anyway, now that I have that off my chest, on to our week's menu.

Monday ~ Crockpot Chicken Soft Tacos (I use whole wheat tortillas, this meat, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, shredded cheese), Mexican Rice (brown rice with salsa and black beans mixed in)

Tuesday ~ Black Bean Soup (I've decided to make it in the crockpot this time, as suggested by one of my wonderful commenters)

Wednesday ~ Lentil Haystacks (We missed them last week)

Thursday ~ Beef Stew, Corn Casserole, green salad

Friday ~ Leftovers

Saturday ~ Stuffed low carb burgers, sweet potato fries

Sunday ~ Out to eat after church, we're leaving home tomorrow, and I don't want to have any leftovers.

Menu Plan Monday

Another week gone by. . .another week closer to Thanksgiving! We are going to Arkansas for Thanksgiving to spend time with Rev's family. Rev's father "Big Daddy" works in Saudi Arabia, but will be in the states for Thanksgiving, so we are going to spend some time with him. Rev's Mom "Bubbles" will be playing hostess not only to us, but also to both of Rev's brothers, Uncle Patrick and Uncle Beck. (Stonewall and Skywalker are the only grandchildren on this side of the family, so they will be spoiled rotten!) Aside from the rather long, boring drive there, we should have alot of fun and some really, truely COLD weather for a change!

Our whole family has been SICK this week. I've had a sinus infection for going on 2 weeks now, and am still not really better, but my bronchitis is improving at least. Skywalker had croup last Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and when we went in to see his pediatrician Monday, he also had a sinus infection and an ear infection. The problem is, the Medicine she gave us is so disgusting, I can't get him to take it half the time. . .he jsut spits it back out (I even tried hiding it in juice and milk, and the boy KNOWS it's there). So, he is slowly recovering. Then, Stonewall started running fever Thursday night, and again last night, and has a bad cough, so I am guessing he has a sinus infection too! UHHGGG! (Rev. has been complaining of a sore throat, too, not to leave him out.) I am hoping that we are all on the mend, but it's been a rough week.

Foodwise, we did well, except that we skipped the Quesadillas in favor of leftover spaghetti and meatballs, so you will see quesadillas again this week. The crockpot Asian Short Ribs with Cabbage and Carrots was AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I used "country-style" beef ribs because I couldn't find any "short ribs" at Walmart, and I substituted Splenda-brown surgar blend in place of the plain brown sugar. The entire meal was delicious, the cabbage and carrots had great flavor, and this cooked all day without burning, which is a plus! It did have kindof a funny smell while cooking (I guess the cabbage), but it tasted great, and we will definately be having this again soon!

On to this week. The days denoted with * are the days that I will be at work, so I have scheduled either crockpot meals, or something that Rev. can throw together himself. And, Wednesday is both Soccer Practice and Church night (I teach the preschool class, and then have choir practice after), so it is quick and easy this week! I have included links to the recipes if you are interested. Have a great week!

*Monday ~ Crockpot Turkey and Black Bean Chili, spinach salad

Tuesday ~ Sweet & Spicy glazed Salmon, whole wheat cous cous, steamed asparagus

Wednesday ~ Quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas, and leftover chicken and black beans from last week

*Thursday ~ Lentil Haystacks

*Friday ~ Crockpot Pepper Steak, brown rice, steamed snow peas

Saturday ~ Either leftovers or going out to eat. . .we'll see what Rev wants.

Sunday ~ Crockpot Pork Chops, brown rice, spinach salad

Menu Plan Monday

Another week gone by, and it's once again time for Menu Plan Monday. If you're not familiar with MPM, it is hosted by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie, you should check it out!

Lask week was good. I do have to admit, Saturday, instead of just making grilled chicken, I tried a new recipe because I had the ingrediants on hand: Parmesean Crusted Chicken, and it was phenomenal! Rev was skeptical at first, but he did like it. Stonewall kinda liked it, but Skywalker wouldn't even try it. . .Oh well, you can't please everyone!

I was a little disappointed with the Crockpot chicken and rice recipe. . .it was a little lacking in flavor, I guess I'm so used to making it with canned cream of mushroom soup? And, it got a little overdone. (I set the crockpot on high for 4 hours, and then it automatically turns to warm. But, Rev didn't know that, and had to leave the house, so he tried to be very helpful and turned the crockpot to low (which reset the timer for an additional 8 hour!) Oops!) The good news, is, when he realized his mistake, we picked up a pizza from Papa Johns with a Whole Wheat crust, just for me!

Anyway, this week is going to be busy, since we have Revival Services at church Sunday through Wednesday.

Monday ~ Crockpot Spicy Black Beans with Turkey Smoked Sausage, Brown Rice, and salad

Tuesday ~ Cornmeal crusted Tilapia with Zucchini and Tomatoes, and green salad

Wednesday ~ Quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas, leftover spicy black beans and leftover chicken (from last week), southwestern rice (brown rice mixed with black beans and salsa

Thursday ~ Crockpot Asian Short Ribs with Cabbage and Carrots, whole wheat cous cous

Friday ~ Leftovers or Pizza night

Saturday ~ Blackbean burgers (using the leftover spicy black beans) on whole wheat buns with spinach, tomato, and co-jack cheese, green salad, baked sweet potato fries

Sunday ~ We're trying to have those Taco Bowls again. . .for some reason, I never make then when I plan them. . .We always end up going out to eat.

Menu Plan Monday

I can't believe another week's gone by. . . It was a great week for food! I was extremely disappointed, though, with Monday's Crockpot Thai Chicken. I forgot to ask Rev to turn the crockpot off at lunchtime (our crockpot cooks most things fast), so by the time he got home with the boys for supper, it was burnt beyond repair, and he had to throw it out. We were really excited to try it, though, because we LOVED a similar dish from a restaurant down in New Orleans when we lived there. Don't be surprised to see it on our menu again in the coming weeks!
We had a very busy week, with the fair, (or, as Skywalker puts it, the "County Fayah") the boys' big birthday bash, and a visit from Rev's Mom "Bubbles".
Here's this week. The days with * are my work days this week. I leave at 6:15am, and don't make it back home until 8 or 8:15pm, I plan a crockpot meal with sides that Rev can fix himself. Otherwise, the boys end up with McDonalds, and I end up eating cereal.

*Monday ~ Crockpot chicken and rice, green salad, steamed green beans
*Tuesday ~ Crockpot black eyed peas, brown rice, green salad
Wednesday ~ Sausage oven omelet, (with somechanges, asparagus instead of brocolli, eggbeaters, and turkey sausage) fruit salad
*Thursday ~ Crockpot Turkey black bean chili, green salad
Friday ~ Spaghetti with homemade meatballs, homemade marinara, whole wheat spaghetti, and green salad
Saturday ~ Grilled chicken, roasted vegetable medley, whole wheat cous cous
Sunday ~ Meatball subs (made with whole wheat sub rolls, and leftover meatballs from Friday), salad


Hope you have a delicious week!

Menu Plan Monday

It's that time again, Menu Plan Monday. . .I just love participating in this! If you've never done Menu Plan Monday, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie's blog for lots of other menu plan ideas! Last week, our menu plan went really well. We changed around a couple of days, to make it work better for us, and since we went out to eat after Church Sunday, we postponed the lentil haystacks from Monday and had them Sunday, which means, we'll postpone our taco bowls until this Sunday. We really enjoyed our food last week, though, and had no "bad" meals. The Crockpot Pepper Steak turned out especially good! Here's this week's menu plan, with links to all recipes!

Monday ~ Crockpot Thai Chicken with whole wheat noodles, and steamed snow peas

Tuesday ~ Crockpot White Chicken Chili, green salad

Wednesday ~ Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps, brown rice

Thursday ~ Leftovers

Friday ~ We'll be going to the Jackson County Fair, and eat there. They have tons of booths set up selling all sorts of delicious things, like seafood gumbo, chicken & sausage gumbo, fried catfish plates, phili cheese steaks, and all sorts of other stuff! It's going to be great!

Saturday ~ Ahrr, it's Stonewall and Skywalker's buccaneer bash (ie: birthday party) We'll be having Golden (chicken) nuggets, Pirate Ship Planks (fish sticks), Pirate Faces (Smilies Potatos with a ketchup eye patch), Treasure Chest Fruit Salad, and Pirate Punch, with Birthday cake for dessert!

Sunday ~ Taco bowls that we didn't get to last week

Hope you have delicious week!

Menu Plan Monday

We had a great week! Though, the Applesauce Chicken was a flop for Rev. I enjoyed it. . .he just didn't like it at all, though. The Pecan crusted tilapia was AMAZING! I did substitute walnuts for the pecans, as the walnuts were on sale. Rev and I really enjoyed the spicy black beans again. I had plenty of leftovers, and the Chicken/Black Bean Quesadillas were really good! I plan on using the remaining black beans to make black bean burgers this week! I love when a meal stretches like that. Unfortunately, Rev went to Pizza Hut Friday night, instead of trying Papa John's new whole wheat crust, so I had another quesadilla, instead (which I think I liked better than pizza, anyway).
Once again, be sure to check out Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday for more great menu ideas! And, if you have any great crockpot recipes, leave me a comment, I need some more! Oh, one more thing. I have a bag of dried navy (pea) beans in my pantry, and have NO idea what to do with them. . .If you have any healthy recipes using navy (pea) beans, please share them!

As you may know, I've been following the low GI diet, and really love it! I do not feel liek I'm missing out on anything. The food is delicious. Basically, I'm eating alot of fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. I have cut from my diet white rice, pasta (except for occasional whole wheat pasta) sugar, and potatoes (except for occasionally new potatoes or sweet potatoes). For my lunches this week, I've made a big pot of low GI Black Bean Soup, A friend from a forum I frequent shared the recipe, and I just made a slight change to it. (You can find the original recipe at her blog ChrisianFrog.) It is so totally delicious! I was afraid of the spices, but they were perfect.

Monday ~ Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers, green salad
Tuesday ~ Lentil Haystacks
Wednesday ~ Black Bean Burgers on whole wheat buns, green salad
Thursday ~ Crockpot Pepper Steak, brown rice, green salad
Friday ~ We have a deacon's party to attend, I'm bringing Company Baked Beans, and some burger toppings (lettuce, onion, etc)
Saturday ~ Balsalmic Grilled Bruschetta Chicken, steamed asparagus
Sunday ~ Taco Bowls

We actually have alot of this food on hand already, so hopefully, the grocery bill will be down this week!

Menu Plan Monday

Another week gone by, a very busy week at that. Stonewall had his first school field-trip. His class went to Ci Ci's Pizza for lunch, then went to see the Beverly Hills Chiuaua Movie. He was really excited for this field-trip, and looking forward to it all week. On the way home, they had a blowout (on a bridge), and as their teacher pulled over to the side, trying to get off the bridge, Stonewall started yelling,"We're going to die. . .We're going to fall off the bridge" and ended up getting all the kids worked up. . .(His teacher didn't think it was as funny as I did when she told me.)

While Stonewall was having fun on his field-trip, Skywalker and I enjoyed a Mommy-Son day together. He requested going to the park and swinging, so we started there. He played on the swings, slides, and fort thingy, until we got too hot. Then, he decided he wanted Chick-fil-a for lunch, so we drove out to Mobile for lunch. We also went to target and looked at all the toys (but didn't buy any, and he didn't even whine about it!)

Then, Saturday, was Stonewall's first Soccer Game! They had so much fun. We lost the game, 2-1, but they were so funny out there on the field. We had one little boy who didn't want ot play at all, he cried everytime it was his turn to play. The first quarter of the game, our team just stood around, watching the other team dribble the ball, and they got their first goal right away. The other team seemed to "get it", while our boys and girls just weren't quite sure what to do. Stonewall did almost score a goal, though. He dribbled it all the way to the goal and kicked it, but the ball went about 6 inches outside the goal. He was still excited! Unfortunately, I get the bad mommy of the year award, though, since I forgot my camera. I know, I know, I can't believe I forgot it either. . .we got a couple of good pics on our phones, but I don't know how to transfer those. Oh well.

Since it's Menu Plan Monday, let me give you last week's verdict: Do NOT try the Crockpot Unstuffed Cabbage! It was gross and wrong! YUCK, YUCK, YUCK! However, the rest of the week was totally delicious. Rev was really sick this week, so Thursday, one of the sweet ladies from Church brough over some "Jewish Pennicillin" (ie: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup) I hadn't ever heard this before, but that's what she called it. It was delicious, and I didn't have to cook! So, We pushed the menu back a night, and skipped Saturday's Pork tenderloin, which is why you'll see it again this week.

And, in case this is your first time reading my blog, I am following the low GI diet, based off the book "Living the GI diet" by Rick Gallop. These past 2 weeks, I have only been halfheartedly following the plan (in other words, I've been snacking on non-low GI foods) so though I haven;'t gained any weight back, I haven't lost any either. I've got 4 pounds to my goal, and am giving it a concerted effort this week to stick to the plan. The problem has been Rev t7a-empting me with freshly baked cookies at night, and such. But, I know I can lose 4 more pounds, and I'm just going to do it!

You probably have noticed quite a few crockpot recipes. I tend to plan these for my work days. You see, as an RN, I work 12 hour shifts, 7a-7:30p. . .by the time I drive home, It is WAY too late to cook supper. We had gotten into a bad habit of eating fast food on the nights I worked, and that was part of my weight problem. To avoid that, I now try to plan crockpot meals for my work days. I can set it before I leave in the morning, and it's ready for Rev at supper time. (so, if you have any healthy crockpot recipes, send them my way!

Monday ~ Crockpot Applesauce Chicken, Green Salad, Snow Peas

Tuesday ~ Crockpot Spicy Black Beans , Smoked Sausage, Brown Rice, Salad

Wednesday ~ Quesadillas from left over chicken (last week) and black beans with Whole Wheat Tortillas, and Salad

Thursday ~ Skywalker's 3rd Birthday!!!!! Pecan Crusted Tilapia, zucchini and tomatoes

Friday ~ Pizza night - I really want to try Papa Johns new Whole Wheat Crust!

Saturday ~ Grainy Mustard & Chive crusted pork tenderloin, left over ww cous cous, steamed green beans

Sunday ~ Crockpot Southwestern Chicken, whole wheat tortillas, salad

Bon Appetite!

Menu Plan Monday

I'm doing great this week. Once again, posting my menu plan on Sunday for the week! We have been so busy this week. Stonewall had an "idea" yesterday for a project, but we're not finished yet, so I'll blog on it when we're finished. . .a couple more days.

This morning, we had a wonderful time at Church. We are having so many visitors lately, and it is just wonderful to see new faces all the time. Rev. just finished this morning a sermon series on giving. He doesn't really like preaching about Money, but felt called to do it, so he did. It was actually a really good series. Hopefully, the church will see an increase in tithing because of it!

As for last week's verdict: Everything was wonderful! The only change was Tuesday, we did not have the 15 bean soup, we had leftover Shredded Beef Sandwiches, since there was so much, and they were so delicious! I absolutely adored the Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas, too. If you like mexican food at all, you've got to try them. They weren't too hard to prepare, and they were yummy. I halved the recipe, and it filled a 9x13" dish, so keep that in mind. This week, we're trying a couple of new recipes, so hopefully I've chosen well.

If you've stopped by here before, you may remember that I am currently doing the Low GI diet. Basically, a healthy eating plan encouraging lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean meats. I have been avoiding the "red light" foods per the book Living the GI diet, by Rick Gallop. I have to admit that, starting Friday with the Chicken Spinach Enchiladas, I cheated on my diet pretty badly this weekend. Rev and I went on an actual date this weekend, and at the movie theater, we shared a Frozen Coke and Raisinettes. (Then we stopped at Sonic on the way home for a Shake.) So, the rest of the weekend was only a little bit better. So, as of right now, I am oficially back on my diet. I actually really love this diet, I feel full and satisfied, and don't even really miss the bad foods I had been eating most of the time. I still have 4 pounds to lose before I reach my goal, so I'm almost there. (Though, I am considering taping a "4 pounds to go" signs all over the house!) Anyway, here is our menu for the week, and as always, head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for other great menu plans!

Breakfasts: cereal, milk and fruit for Skywalker and Stonewall most days, I have All-Bran cereal with berries and skim milk or a yogurt smoothie, or an egg beaters breakfast burrito with canadian bacon on whole wheat tortilla.

Lunches: PB &J sandwiches, fish sticks, Hot dogs with fruit and cheese cubes, or homemade "lunchables" for the boys; I will have either Black Eyed Pea Salad over Spinach, an Open-Faced Turkey sandwich with light mayo, spinach, and tomato, or a Tuna salad wrap (whole wheat tortilla, tuna mixed with little bit of light mayo and relish, spinach, tomato, red wine vinegrette).

Snacks: For me: Lots of fresh fruit; light, fat free added fiber yogurt (Benefit brand from Walmart), whole grain crackers with Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese, Balance Bar; For the kids: fruit, yogurt, fat free sugar free pudding, ritz crackers with PB, popcorn, pretzles, cheese cubes.

Monday ~Crockpot Unstuffed Cabbage

Tuesday ~ 15 bean soup (with leftover shredded spicy beef from last week mixed in), green salad, Whole grain crackers

Wednesday ~ Roasted beer can chicken with new potatoes and fennel, green salad

Thursday ~ Sweet-spicy glazed salmon, whole wheat cous cous, snow peas

Friday ~ chicken squash bake, boiled new potatos, salad

Saturday ~ Mustard & Chive crusted pork tenderloin, left over whole wheat cous cous, steamed green beans

Sunday ~Crockpot Garlic Swiss steak , steamed green beans

Roasted Beer Can Chicken with new potatoes and fennel:

1 whole roasting chicken

1 bulb fennel, cored and sliced

6 new potatoes, quartered (skin on)

olive oil

2 cloves garlic (1 crushed, 1 minced)

2 tbsp poultry seasoning

1 tsp cayenne pepper

fresh ground black pepper

1 can beer (We do not drink alcohol, but each year I buy a 6 pack and put it away. I have several recipes that use beer, and would not be as good without it! ~ Just don't tell my congregation :) )

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and set oven rack to lowest position. Remove any innards from the whole chicken, and rinse inside and outside with cool water, rub inside cavity with salt, set aside. Take beer can and pour out 1/2. Insert the crushed garlic clove into can, and sprinkle some poultry seasoning and cayenne pepper inside. Set beer can in center of 9x13" pyrex dish. "Impale" chicken with beer can, arranging legs, so chicken sits upright in baking dish. Drizzle chicken generously with olive oil. Using your hands, rub generously with poultry seasoning, being sure to get in between skin and meat if you can. Sprinkle lightly with cayenne. Arrange new potatoes and fennel slices arround chicken in dish, and drizzle with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and some of the fennel fronds. Place on bottom rack of oven, and bake until cooked through, about 45 minutes. (Use a meat thermometer for safety!)

Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then carefully remove beer can from chicken (using tongs) remembering that beer can will be very hot! Carve, and serve with veggies (they will be flavored with the chicken drippings.)

Note: Fennel is sometimes call Anise. It is a white colored bult (kind of onion-like) with green stalks coming off of it (kind of celery-like) with wisypy fronds at the top (like dill). It has a licorise flavor, and is great if fall and winter dishes. I have trouble finding it around me, but found some at a whole-foods type store in mobile recently, so I pulled out this old recipe. I urge you look for it, you'll really like it!

Mustard and Chive Crusted Pork Tenderloin:

1 pork tenderloin, trimmed of silvery membrane

1/4 cup grainy dijon mustard (I use Grey Poupon Country Dijon)

3-4 scallions, white and green parts chopped (original recipe calls for chives)

1 clove garlic

1 tsp canola oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix mustard, scallions, garlic, and oil, then smear all over tenderloin. Place on baking sheet, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until just a hint of pink remains inside. Then, place under broiler for 1 minute to brown, turn, and repeat with the other side. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. (I do not like mustard, but I love this recipe!)

Menu Plan Monday

Well, Sunday, I guess.

First of all, the verdict on last weeks menu. Monday, we tried Crockpot BBQ chicken and cornbread from Crockpot365's blog. She loved it, but we hated it. It was just weird, and yucky too. Tuesday, we tried the Asian Port Tenderloin, and it also was not a hit. I have 2 much better port tenderloin recipes that we love, and we will stick to those. The rest of the week was MUCH better, we loved it all. (Oh, the apple cheddar meatballs were also from Crockpot365, and they were really good!)

This week, we are only trying 2 new things. The "theme" for Menu Plan Monday, is Family Favorites, so we are having several tried and true recipes. Oh, and go on over to OrgJunkies site to check out other great menu plans! Here's my plan:

Monday ~ Crockpot Shredded Beef Sandwiches, steamed green beans

Tuesday ~ Crockpot 15 bean soup (with some of the leftover shredded beef), green salad

Wednesday~ Church Fellowship Meal: We're having a special WMU supper of Taco Soup, cornbread, and green salad to benefit the Margaret Lackey Special Offering for state missions

Thursday ~ Crockpot oregano marinara chicken over whole wheat spaghetti, green salad

Friday ~ Picky Palate Spinach/Chicken Enchiladas, Southwestern Rice (Brown Rice with Black beans, corn, and salsa mixed in)

Saturday ~ Low Carb burgers stuffed with pepper jack cheese, green salad, sweet potato fries

Sunday ~ Crockpot Porkchops with gravy, brown rice, black eyed peas, green salad

Crockpot Shredded Beef Sandwiches:

1 3-4 pound roast ( I usually buy rump, but a tender chuck roast is fine, too)

2 16-oz jars pepperocini peppers, NOT drained, sliced

2 large yellow onions, sliced

2 bell peppers, sliced

1 cup water

1 TSP fresh ground black pepper

Cut roast into chunks (approx. 4"x4") Put meat into crockpot, along with sliced onions and bell peppers. Season with fresh ground black pepper. Pour Pepperocini peppers (with juice) and water over meat and vegetables. Cover and cook on low 8 hours. Remove meat from crockpot, and shred using 2 forks, then return to crockpot.

To serve, Split open whole wheat hoagie rolls, scooping out some of the bread from the center, to form a "bread shell". Place some of the shredded beef, along with onion and peppers into the "bread shell" Top with Sliced cheese (Provolone or swiss are equally delicious). Place under broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese melts and bread toasts.

The leftovers freeze well.

Crockpot Oregano Marinara Chicken:

1 package chicken breast tenders

1 jar marinara sauce (I'll use my leftover homemade veggie packed tomato sauce found here)

1-2 TBSP dried Oregano

Place chicken breast tenders into crockpot, and pour the jar of marinara sauce over top. Sprinkle the top with dried oregano, and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6-8 hours. Serve over whole wheat spaghetti, with a large green salad on the side.

Low Carb Burgers:

1 lb 93/7 ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1/2 zucchini, shredded

1-2 tbsp worchestershire sauce

1 tsp grill seasoning

2 tbsp flax meal

Pepper Jack Cheese cubes

In bowl, mix ground beef, and all other ingredients (except cheese) with your hands. Divide into 4 portions. Form each pattie by inserting 1-2 cheese cubes into the portion of meat mixture, forming a pattie around the cheese, making sure the cheese is sealed inside. Grill outside on grill, on indoor grill pan, or George Foreman Grill until desired doneness. To serve, Wrap each pattie in a large bibb lettuce leaf, with sliced tomato, onion, spinach, and condiments of your choosing.

Crockpot Porkchops with gravy:

4-6 bone-in pork chops (neither "thin" nor "thick" cut, just regular pork chops)

1 package brown gravy mix

1 can cream of mushroom soup (or the equivalent of homemade cream of mushroom soup)

1/2 cup water

Place the pork chops in the crockpot, mix the gravy mix, soup, and water, and pour over pork chops. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. These are so tender and delishious. Serve over brown rice, with black eyed peas and green salad.

Menu Plan Monday

I will do better blogging this week. I will do better blogging this week. I will do better blogging this week. . . . .

I feel like I need to write sentences for slacking off this week and not blogging at all. I was sick with this horrible sinusy stuff. I was busy, very busy with work and home. I even worked overtime this week. I was worrying about my family in the path of Hurricane Ike. -- These are my excuses for neglecting my blog all week. But, as I always say to my boys, NO EXCUSES!

So, I am back once again with my Menu Plan Monday, and a fresh resolve to add to this blog.

That being said, I'll give you the verdict on last week menu. We did really well sticking to it (Until yesterday, that is) The Roast was good, but I forgot to sear the roast before cooking it, and it really makes a difference if you've never done it that way before. The black beans were quick and easy to prepare; however, I really preferred the spice from the other black bean recipe that I made a couple of weeks ago, the Rotel in this was too mild after slowcooking all day. The tilapia was excellent, and the black beans &brown rice from Tuesday were reinvented into the southwestern rice dish, which really turned out well. My favorite of the week, though, was Thursday's Balsalmic Bruschetta Grilled Chicken. It was amazingly simple and delishious! You MUST try it. Saturday's meal will be featured again this week. I didn't get off work until 4pm Saturday, and it was just too late once I got home to get started cooking for our usualy 5pm supper time. So, we had fast food. (I know, I know, really bad. I did, though, eat a grilled chicken salad with lite dressing, so not too bad.) The meatloaf was alright. Rev really liked it, but I'm just not a big meatloaf fan, so I can't get too excited about it. . . On to this week:

When you're done here, head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie's website for more great menu plan ideas!

Monday~ Crockpot barbequed chicken and cornbread, salad

Tuesday~ grilled Asian Pork Tenderloin, crash hot potatoes, grilled zucchini/squash/tomato medly

Wednesday ~ Cormeal Crusted Tilapia, leftover grilled veggies, salad (scroll down for recipe)

Thursday~ Crockpot Black Eyed Peas, Turkey sausage, salad

Friday~ Leftovers

Saturday~ Apple Cheedar Turkey Meatballs, green beans, Sweet potato Latkes (recipe below)

Sunday~ Taco Bowls

Sweet Potato Latkes:

1 sweet potato, peeled, then grated

4 green onions, sliced white and green parts

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup eggbeaters

Salt and pepper

Mix all, drop in by 1/4 cup fulls (or smaller) onto hot skillet with about 2 tbsp canola oil on it. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side.

Menu Plan Monday

Another week, another Menu Plan Monday. I am beginning to love the freedom that comes from planning my meals this way. I don't get anxious, going back and forth between the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer, trying to figure out what to cook each afternoon. We are not going out for fast food or pizza several times per week because we don't have anything to eat. And, we are spending much less at the grocery store! Please, check out Org Junkies Mr. Linky for more great menu planning ideas!

The verdict from last week: We did not have our southwestern tilapia last week, as I blogged about creating a pizza pocket recipe instead. Also, Sunday, I was sick, so I didn't cook the roast. Both of these will be on this weeks plan instead. We totally loved the Pioneer Woman's Crispy Yogurt Chicken, but I made it with homemade whole wheat bread crumbs and boneless skinless chicken breasts isntead. They were great!

In case you haven't read my blog before, I am following the low GI diet plan for healthy eating and weight loss. All of the meals I make, if they do not fit into this way of eating, I modify them so they do. I'll try to either post recipes below, or links to where you can find them. Enjoy.

Monday~ Crockpot low GI Pot Roast with Sour Cream Gravy, wild rice, steamed green beans
Tuesday~Crockpot Rotel Black Beans with Brats, brown rice, salad
Wednesday~ Southwestern Tilapia, Southwestern rice with black beans and corn
Thursday ~ Balsalmic Bruschetta Grilled Chicken, asparagus, salad
Friday ~ Fend for yourself
Saturday ~ Grilled Asian Pork Tenderloin, grilled zucchini/squash/tomato medly
Sunday~ Crockpot Italian Stuffed Meatloaf (low GI ~ recipe below), salad, leftover zucchini/squash, tomato medly


Crockpot Italian Stuffed Meatloaf ~ low GI recipe

1 1/2 lb 93% lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 small zucchini, grated
1/3 cup eggbeaters
1/8 cup old-fashioned oats
1/8 cup flax meal
3/4 cup tomato sauce (I will use my homemade veggie-packed sauce)
1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
1 tsp salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shredded, reduced fat mozzarella cheese

Mix all ingredients, except for cheese, in large bowl with hands until well mixed. If it is too wet, may add more oats until the correct meatloaf texture is reached. Form into an 8x8ish square shape on a large sheet of saran-wrap. Visually divide in half. Spread shredded cheese over one half of the meat square, leaving a 1 inch border around that half. Fold other half over top of cheese half, sealing edges and forming a loaf shape, using the saran wrap.
Place inside the crockpot, cover, and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6-8. Use 2 spatulas to lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot,and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Menu Plan Monday

Well, here is it once again, Menu Plan Monday, hosted by Laura over at I'm an Organizing Junkie. You really need to check out her website if you haven't seen it before.

Last week, we strayed from our menu plan twice, Monday and Sunday. My goal for this week is to not stray at all! I hope we can do it. For those of you who haven't read my blog before, I am following the low GI diet. Basically, I am eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. I have given up cokes, sugar, and starchy foods for this healthful way of eating(though I must admit that I have cheated several times over the past 5 weeks). I am happy to report that I've lost 9.5 pounds in 5 weeks! I am so excited over that! I would encourage everyone to check out this book!

Here's our Menu Plan (for suppers):

Monday ~ Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers , salad (yes, we were supposed to eat this last Monday, but as I said before, we we offered free supper, so we put this off until this week)

Tuesday ~ 15 bean soup, I would LOVE to make these cheesy muffins to go with the soup, but I will resist this temptation for two reasons: 1. I am working, and cannot bake these fresh cheesy muffins while at work; 2. These are NOT low GI diet friendly. TOO BAD, because they look delishious! So instead, we'll have a nice, green salad on the side, and if I'm feeling really generous,some low carb bread toasted with garlic and smart balance light buttery spread.

Wednesday ~ Spinach & Squash Chicken Bake, Boiled New Potatoes

Thursday ~ Leftovers

Friday ~ Spinach Walnut Pesto Salmon with Whole Wheat Penne, Spinach Salad (I made this Spinach Walnut Pesto 2 weeks ago, and need to use it up, so I thought I'd try it on Salmon, Sounds yummy, doesn't it!)

Saturday ~ Dijon Parmesan Chicken (a new use for Fiber One cereal, I can't wait to try it), Zucchini & Tomatoes

Sunday ~ Church's Homecoming, we will be having a HUGE potluch fellowship lunch after church. I am planning on bringing Crockpot Sweet & Sour Pork, Baked Mac & Cheese, and Something Fabulous for dessert (I just haven't decided what yet.) And no, none of this is on my diet, but I have decided that I just have to cheat this day, and I think that God approves, since it's a church function, and all.

Menu Plan Monday

I have been perusing a webside http://orgjunkie.com/ each week for a little over a month, and decided to join in on the fun this week. I have only been menu planning for a few months, and it gets easier every time. I really don't know how I cooked before! I mean, I would just buy some meat that looked good, a few veggies, and wing it. I was always going back for 1 or 2 more items at the store because I didn't have what I needed to prepare the meal that I decided to cook at the last minute. If you aren't menu planning, you MUST start!
My husband and I have also recently started the low GI diet. If you aren't familiar with it, check out the book by Rick Gallop, Living the GI diet, you can purchase it here: http://www.amazon.com/Living-G-I-Glycemic-Index-Diet/dp/0761135944/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219086246&sr=8-1 . The reason I'm telling you this, is that the meals and recipes that I'm posting are all GI friendly. I am only posting dinners this week. Hope you enjoy.

Monday~ Crockpot stuffed bell peppers and green salad

Tuesday~ Grilled chicken with whole wheat cous cous and steamed green beans

Wednesday ~ Cornmeal crusted tilapia with tangy coleslaw and zucchini and tomatoes

Thursday~ Crockpot spicy black beans with brown rice and spinach salad

Friday~ Free for all (This means, Momma's working, so Daddy takes care of himself and the boys, usually happy meals, and Momma eats cereal when she gets home)

Saturday~ Quesadillas with left over black beans and grilled chicken

Sunday~ Taco Salad

Recipes:

Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers:

4-5 bell peppers, tops cut off (and reserved) and seeds scraped out

1 lb 97% lean ground turkey

1 small red onion, diced

1 small zucchini, grated

2 cups cooked brown rice

tony's seasoning to taste

black pepper

1 jar spaghetti sauce ( I use bertoli olive oil & garlic or tomato and garlic~if you can find a low sugar or sugar free sauce, use that)

shredded parmesan cheese

Chop off any remaining bell pepper that's usable from the tops. In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey with the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini until no pink is left. stir in cooked brown rice and about 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce (until it loose, but not runny) season to taste with black pepper and tony's. (I prepare to this point the night before). Pour 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce in bottom of crock pot. Stuff each bell pepper shell with equal parts of turkey mixture, and place side by side on top of tomato sauce in crock pot. pour remaining spaghetti sauce over and around the peppers. Top each with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese. Cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. serve with green salad or sauted zucchini.

Cornmeal Crusted Tilapia

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup cornmeal

2 tsp dry dill

1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

pinch of cayenne pepper

1/4 cup eggbeaters

2 tbsp canola oil

combine cornmeal, dill, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and cayenne in pie plat and set aside. pat each tilapia fillet dry with a towl, brush with eggbeather, then dip in to cornmeal mixture, turning to coat both sides.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes, turn using a spatula, and cook for another 3 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. remove from heat.

Tangy coleslaw:

1/2 bag coleslaw mix (green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, shredded)

small handfull of chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1 tbsp canola oil

2 tsp splenda

1 tsp celery seeds

1/4 tsp salt

pinch of black pepper

Make the dressing: whisk together vinegar, oil, splenda, celery seeds, salt and pepper. Pour over coleslaw mix, too to coat. place, covered in fridge for 2+ hours to allow flavors to mix.

Zucchini and tomatoes:

1 pound zucchini
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 small chopped onion
1 cloves minced garlic
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste
1/3 cup grated part skim mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375° F. Wash zucchini and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add zucchini and cook 5 minutes longer, stirring frequently. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes longer.
Turn into greased 9x12-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheese over top and bake 20 minutes, until zucchini is just cooked through and cheese is melted.
Makes 4 servings.

Crockpot Spicy Black Beans:

1 pound black beans, soaked overnight and rinsed

1 diced jalapeno pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
I can diced tomatoes with garlic & onion
Drain black beans, and rinse.
Combine beans, jalapenos, and chicken broth in a slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
Cook on High for 4 hours. Reduce heat to Low, and continue cooking for 2 hours, or until you are ready to eat.

Serve over brown rice, with fresh spinach salad on the side.

(I will probably cook up some smoked sausage on the side for REV, since he doesn't believe in meatless meals!)

Menu Plan Monday

OK, I have been doing this new thing, the low GI diet, based off the book by Rick Gallop, "Living the GI Diet". So far, I've been on it for 3 weeks, and have cheated numerous times, including an anniversary dinner at the Melting Pot in Birmingham, AL, which is my new favorite restraunt! Anyway, I am going to start posting my weekly menu, and as I can, the recipes that go with it! So, for the week of August 11-17:
Monday~Rev took Stonewall and Skywalker to Pizza Hut, so I'll make up a quick breakfast burrito when I get home, with egg beaters, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, green onion, tomato, and canadian bacon on a whole wheat tortilla, with a plum on the side.
Tuesday~Lentil Haystacks. This lady on a forum that I frequent has posted about this several times, and we are now trying it. We're having smoked turkey sausage on the side, and serving the lentils over brown rice, then piling on salad toppings to our desire.
Wednesday~Grilled Turkey Medallions with fresh green salad and spinach-walnut pesto (homemade) over whole wheat spaghetti.
Thursday~ Raspberry Chicken with whole wheat couscous and steamed green beans
Friday~ left overs
Saturday~Grilled tilapia, tangy coleslaw (not the creamy kind), and grilled asparagus
Sunday~ Crockpot stuffed bell peppers (made with ground turkey, brown rice, and zucchini) with green salad.

It all sounds great, hopefully, it will all taste as good!