• What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    I am not sure how we managed to schedule so much this week but since we have arrived we are plunging into the week with a smile and a steady stride.  One of the ways we keep the evenings flowing smoothly is by planning out our dinner menu in advance.  With everything that is going on this week I kept the menu simple (a couple of these dishes are being pulled out of the deep freezer, Lasagna and Hashbrown Casserole, for us to eat).  I am glad I took the time to make double batches earlier so we can grab a meal from the freezer which saves us a lot of time and extra energy during a busy time.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Lasagna, Garlic Bread
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Hot Dogs, Fresh Fruit
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Hashbrown Casserole, Steamed Vegetables
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Special Event
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    I am always glad when I put forth the effort to plan the weekly menu, however, there are days (like last week) when schedules change so you may have to adjust or go with plan B for an evening.  Having the menu planned in advance allows me to have more flexibility and less stress in the evenings when the whole family is home.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Tilapia, Steamed Vegetables 
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Everybody’s Choice Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Noodle Soup, Cornbread
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Special Event
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    We are starting to return to our more normal schedule with half the family at school and work while one little one continues recovering from surgery.    So thankful for the Holidays and an opportunity to spend some extra time with my family.  I enjoyed time celebrating, playing, and relaxing.  Now I am ready to get back into the swing of things.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Roast, Mash Potatoes
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Grilled Cheese, Fresh Fruit
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Lime & Parmesan Chicken, Steamed Vegetables
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Lasagna Roll Ups, Garlic Bread
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    I am thankful to have Jake back home again, last week he was traveling for work.  The menu isn’t going to be too wild or crazy this week since we have a lot of extra activities on the schedule.  The girls have school most of the week then they are out for the Christmas Holiday, YAY!!!   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Chili, Cornbread
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  PB&J (or Soy butter & Jelly for some), Fresh Fruit
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Special Event
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Pasta Bake, Steamed Vegetables
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Last week our menu schedule was a little off at the beginning of the week with the family being sick.  Really hoping all of us are done with being sick for a long time so we can stay on track.  Thankful for a husband who pitches in to help when everyone is feeling under the weather.   Since we have a lot of extra activities we are keeping the menu very simple this week.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Tuna Fish Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Kids in the Kitchen – Leftover Buffet (leftover night is one of the girls favorite nights because they get to chose whatever they want to eat, like at a restaurant)
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Grilled Cheese, Fresh Vegetables
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Poor Man’s Pasta, Steamed Vegetables (was going to have this last week, but had to alter the menu)
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Thankfully last week we were able to get through almost all of our Thanksgiving leftovers.  It made my meal planning easier plus we didn’t waste food.  A couple family members were sick last week so having a simple menu really helped me especially when I was taking care of the ones feeling under the weather.  This week I am going to try to focus mainly on making meals from the items we already have in our refrigerator and pantry, hopefully everyone will be back up to 100% again.   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Beef with Penne Noodles, Fresh Fruit
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Kids in the Kitchen – Special Event
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Mejadera Rice, Lentils
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Homemade Pizza, Fresh Vegetables
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • Ham & Potato Casserole (Regular or Dairy & Egg Free Recipes)

    Our family had ham over the Thanksgiving Holiday so we had a little bit leftover to make some more delicious meals.  I decided to make a ham casserole recipe and it was a hit with my family.  Since I had some ham I was using up I made one casserole to eat right away and put together another one to freeze for a later meal.  It was a big hit with the whole family (two thumbs up) from everyone.  I made the dairy and egg free recipe, but I included both so you can choose what you want to do for your family.  The directions for both are the same only the ingredients between the two recipes vary slightly.

    Ham & Potato Casserole (Regular Ingredients Recipe)

    • 4 cups frozen shredded Hashbrown Potatoes
    • 1/4 cup finely chopped Onion (or 1/8 cup Dry Minced Onions)
    • 8 ounces Ham, cubed
    • 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (or a cheddar blend)
    • 1 can (12 fl. oz.) Evaporated Milk
    • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
    • 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground Pepper

    Ham & Potato Casserole (Dairy & Egg Free Ingredients Recipe)

    • 4 cups frozen shredded Hashbrown Potatoes
    • 1/4 cup finely chopped Onion (or 1/8 cup Dry Minced Onions)
    • 8 ounces Ham, cubed
    • 2 cups shredded Soy Cheddar Cheese
    • 16 ounces Soy Milk (boiled down to 12 ounces)
    • 1 Egg substitute
    • 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground Pepper

    Grease 8-inch-square baking dish.  Preheat the oven to 350° F.

    LAYER 1/2 potatoes, 1/2 onion, 1/2 ham  and 1/2 cheese  (or cheddar or soy cheese) in prepared baking dish and repeat layers. Combine evaporated milk, egg (or egg substitute), pepper,  and seasoned salt in small bowl. Pour liquid mixture evenly over the casserole.

    Cover and bake for 55 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

    Layered Ham & Potato Casserole ready to be put in the oven

    Although, we ate this casserole for lunch it would be a great breakfast or brunch recipe to use for your family or when you have house guests.  Since we have a little one that is not eating dairy or eggs I made the egg and dairy free version for our family, but I also included what you would use for a regular recipe

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Last week was great because I felt a lot better and was able to spend some extra time with my family.   This week’s menu is tailored around items we currently have in the food and pantry as well as using up leftovers from parties and Thanksgiving.  Our main meal was ham this year for Thanksgiving.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Leftovers (still eating up some of the great food from Thanksgiving)
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Kids in the Kitchen – Ham Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Bake, Vegetables
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Ham and Rice Casserole, Salad
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Last week I was sick which made me even more thankful for our family dinner menu plan.  Even though I didn’t stay completely on track (had to switch two days around) it was great having a plan so I could put together dinner even while I was feeling under the weather.   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Green Bean Tatar Tot Casserole , Fresh Fruit
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Kids in the Kitchen – Tuna Fish Sandwiches, Fresh Vegetables
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Bake Chicken, Steamed Veggies
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Holiday – Thanksgiving Dinner! 🙂
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Thankful for a new start to a new week…..last week was one that had way too many extra unexpected activities from sick kids, doctor visits, urgent care trip, etc…..  We did eat last week but I had more leftover nights than planned, however, that meant we were able to get through a lot of the stuff in the fridge.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Crockpot Baked Steak, Steamed Vegetable Medley
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Kids in the Kitchen – Roast Beef Sandwiches
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Basted Raspberry Chicken, Wild Rice
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Pasta Bake, Fresh Fruit
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz