Menu Plan Monday

I even have a few reviews from last week to follow this week’s:

• Mexican: Nachos (yum)
• Pasta: Tuna Casserole (kids loved this last time, might have to use something besides egg noodles this time)
• Kiddie: Canadian Bacon Qusadillas (use canadian bacon, pineapple and moz cheese as the insides, dip in pizza sauce — BIG hit at our house)
• Soup: Refried Bean Soup (SUPER quick, easy and the kids liked it — plus I have a BUNCH of refried beans)
• Chicken: Chicken Tenders cordon blu (chicken strips, breaded and pan-fried, put swiss cheese and ham on top — make a little mustard sauce to dip in — DElish)
• Other: Pork Chops

Now, some reviews from last week (I tried a couple of new recipes, and I thought I’d share my reviews):

First off, I haven’t had the mac and cheese yet from last week, we’re going to have that tonight. Hopefully a review to follow next week.

Chicken Florentine was a huge success. Drew gave it 10 stars (out of 10) and the kids gave it 9 stars — which is great for a dish that you can use frozen spinach in — I used fresh, but I think I’d use frozen next time, to save costs — frozen spinach is a great thing to stock-up on when it’s on sale — just make sure to squeeze-out your excess liquids before you add). I did the same thing as many of the reviewers. I pan-sauteed the chicken, then I sauteed the spinach (used about 3/4 of a bag — could’ve used more) with my mushrooms. I put that on the bottom of a 9X13 (I think I’d go to the next smallest size next time), and made the sauce. I put 1/2 of the sauce on top of the spinach, put on the chicken, put on the rest of the sauce. Topped with bacon and cheese and voila. YUMMY with crusty bread, or some simple noodles.

Sausage Barley Soup was also a big hit. Drew gave it 9 stars. It was easy, and if you used turkey sausage it’d be pretty dang good for you. I put a little parmesan cheese on the top, but pretty-well followed the recipe. OH, I did use chicken broth base (bought at Costco) instead of a giant can, I find that to be cheaper (I just put in some hot water, added the base before adding my other ingredients to make sure it was blended in). I think next time I would add the spinach in the last hour, so it’s not quite as well-cooked as it was. Again, another great way to feed your kids spinach.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. I am adding both of the recipes show above to my recipe database so we can have them more often. As a sidenote, I don’t like to repeat my recipes to often. Unless it’s tacos. I LOVE tacos. Who knows why. Anyway, that’s just how I am. I like a varied meal plan. You’ll find that on my menu plan Monday.

P.S. I’ve been adding to my recipe database this afternoon and I just had something that bugs me. When a SOUP calls for like 3 cans of SOUP be added TO IT. If I wanted to have CANNED SOUP, I’d open one and pour it in a pan. Plus, 3 cans of soup adds up… much more then broth or water.