Supper Round-Up

This cooler weather does not make me feel like exercising.  It makes me crave heavy rich foods.  And my menu planning for the week is pure evidence of that.  

I guess portion control will be friend this week.  :)

1.  French Toast Roll-Ups.  I'm all about breakfast for supper, and this seems like a fun twist on classic french toast.  I think I'm going to use Greek Cream Cheese for the stuffing along with some fruit.
2.  French Bread Pizza.  Pepperoni for the kids and Chicken Pesto for Ryan and I.
3.  Oven Baked Meatball Subs
4.  Manicotti.  My sister in law gave me a great recipe for manicotti when Ryan and I first got married, and its pretty much my go to for classic manicotti.
5.  Spaghetti and Meatball Soup.  This is delicious.  And if you can pull off a lie to the kids that those "stringy things" are overcooked noodles and not zucchini, they'll eat it like champs!!  {even if they think you are a terrible cook for overdone noodles}
6.  Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes.  Straight up, no cooked sauce meatloaf.  Just the way I like it!

Sunday Evening Menu Planning

It was one of those weekends where I just wasn't sure if we were going to make it out without a major illness.  I was battling being sick the last half of the week and Saturday Henry joined in.  I think *fingers crossed* he's okay now...although he and Annika are getting along better than normal [maybe I should be worried.]

Otherwise the kids and I enjoyed a quiet weekend.  It was such a perfect fall weekend.  The corn is being combined, the air is chilly and damp.  And my belly is full chai tea.  :)  Fall is officially here!!

Here's what's on the menu this week:

Sunday:  Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas.  I based it off this recipe from The Pioneer Woman.  I added shredded chicken and used greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Monday:  Steak 'n Shake copy cat burgers - loosely based on this recipe by Jam Hands
Tuesday:  Chicken Alfredo using this Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce from Pinch of Yum
Wednesday:  Leftovers
Thursday [kids choice]:  Twisted Pizza Sticks
Friday:  We have pictures for the church directory, so I think we'll head out for supper when we are done with pictures.

I've been doing the SheReadsTruth study on James, which also happens to be the subject of the bible study I picked up recently by Beth Moore.  Do you think God has something he wants me to pick up on in the book of James perhaps?

Have a great week!

My Life in a Menu

First quarter is coming to a close...

Ryan is home from Montana...

And I am back in menu planning mode.  This grocery is bill is getting out of hand!  

So this week is about working to use up what's in the freezer and fridge before heading back out to the store.  

Monday:  Baked Potato Bar

Tuesday:  Soup and Grilled Cheese (using this potato bread recipe)

Wednesday:  Fish and rice (Potato crusted filets for Ryan and I and fish sticks for the kids)

Thursday:  Leftovers

Friday:  Chicken Parmesan Meatballs from SkinnyMom

Stay tuned for a great make ahead breakfast option...perfect for the cray fall mornings.  

Kids Cook: Pizza Bites

Would you like a glimpse into my week??  Good!

{Monday, 5 AM} "This is going to be a great week!  I had a great weekend, I've got a good attitude...gonna get lots done."

{Monday, 11 AM}  "This is ridiculous!!  I cannot sit in this room any longer.  How can we talk about the same thing over and over?  Are we seriously rehashing this?  Its only 11!?!?!?!?!  This week can not end soon enough."

{Tuesday + Wednesday} Repeat

{Thursday}  "Thank goodness it is Thursday.  I can do this...last day...then I'm home for 3 days with the kiddos.  Oh wait...I'm going to need to breathe tonight.  Better figure out something to do to keep the kids busy.  I can't deal with fussing and whining tonight."

This is where the kids helping me in the kitchen comes in.  They love to cook with me.  And I'm trying to be better about allowing them in.  It gives us something to do together {yep, I try to be a good parent like that}, and when they are done helping they are more than happy to run off and play together while I finish up and clean up.

You can be as homemade or as store bought as you want with this one.  This time I took a little extra help from the store and used canned biscuits.  But you could certainly use your favorite pizza dough recipe as well.

Cheese and bread...doesn't get better than that.  Well...chocolate and coffee rank higher for me...but...you get my drift.   

Pizza Bites

{makes 30 bites}

3 cans biscuits {10 count}

sliced pepperoni

cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes 

     {I used Monterrey Jack and Mozzarella, but use what you have on hand}

olive oil

italian seasoning

parmesan

pizza sauce, for dipping

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Take one biscuit and top with one slice of pepperoni, a cube of cheese and another slice of pepperoni.  Pull edges around filling and pinch to seal.  Place seam side down in a 9x13 pan.  Repeat with remaining biscuits.
Brush tops of pizza bites lightly with olive oil and sprinkle tops with italian seasoning and parmesan.  Bake for 20-25 minutes until biscuits are lightly browned.  Serve with warmed pizza sauce and enjoy!