tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10711857316548192092024-03-14T01:15:57.665-05:00Menu Ideas for Busy MomsAs a busy wife, small business owner, and mother of 4 small children, I develop weekly menus to help keep myself on track. I started this blog as a way to share these menus (and some of my favorite recipes) with other busy cooks. Since my first post it has evolved into a discussion of not only food but other aspects of life. Check out my tips, recipes, and, of course, my weekly menus. I hope they are a help as you manage your own home (and life).Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.comBlogger661125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-20225822396757898682023-07-17T22:25:00.001-05:002023-07-17T22:25:06.275-05:00Menu 2023: July ??<p>It's been real busy here over the last 9 months with alterations projects, school, work, sports, and church stuff. My hubby finished his master's degree in December (and walked in May). Our oldest got his license in January. The hubby and I went to NYC for a conference in March and a mission trip to Italy in May/June. Our 2nd child started driver's education this month. We will have three high schoolers and one in Jr. high. The hubby took a new position July 1st and is now the administrator at the school our children attend, so this fall is going to be even busier. Life is really picking up speed!</p><p>I have had weddings nonstop since February 2022 (normally I have a 3-4 month break during the winter that I didn't get this year), so I am taking a 6 month break from alterations beginning August 1st. I'm hoping this will help me get back on track with menu planning, budgeting, and keeping my house from looking like there appears to have been a struggle. We are also getting the blessing of sharing our home with my sister, brother-in-law, and their children for a bit while they look for a house in the area. <3 With all that in mind here's what we had or are planning...</p><a name='more'></a><p><u>July 16-22</u></p><p></p><p></p><ul><li>Sunday - Sheet pan sausage and veggies over bucatini</li><li>Monday - BLT's, roasted potatoes, and a side salad</li><li>Tuesday - pancakes and fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon</li><li>Wednesday - Asian lettuce wraps</li><li>Thursday - pizza and salad</li><li>Friday - take-out or leftovers as we're picking our son up from leadership camp</li><li>Saturday - pork chops with mixed vegetables and garlic herb rice medley </li></ul><p><u>July 23-29</u></p><p></p><p><span></span></p><ul><li>Sunday - brats on kaiser rolls, roasted cauliflower, and side salad</li><li>Monday - ribs, mac'n'cheese, and mixed vegetables</li><li>Tuesday - <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/246836/chipotle-barbacoa/" target="_blank">barbacoa</a> burrito bowls</li><li>Wednesday - grilled chicken salad</li><li>Thursday - Italian beef sandwiches</li><li>Friday - spring rolls with peanut sauce</li><li>Saturday - cheeseburgers, fries, and mixed vegetables</li></ul><u>July 30-August 5</u><p></p><p><span></span></p><ul><li>Sunday - 5th Sunday Dinner @ Church: taco/nacho buffet :)</li><li>Monday - waffles with fruit and scrambled eggs</li><li>Tuesday - subs and chips</li><li>Wednesday - pepperoni pizza pasta salad</li><li>Thursday - Ooni pizzas</li><li>Friday - Rehearsal Dinner (hubby is officiating the wedding of one of our friends' kids)</li><li>Saturday - Wedding Reception</li></ul>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-14587031940050743262022-10-02T21:19:00.001-05:002022-10-11T11:17:51.890-05:00Menu 2022: October 2-29<p>It's been real busy here with alterations projects going out, school, work, and soccer/volleyball games. Here's what we have planned. I will fill in the "??" as I go.</p><a name='more'></a><p><u>October 2-8</u></p><p></p><p></p><ul><li>Sunday - Pizza</li><li>Monday - Grilled chicken salad</li><li>Tuesday - <strike>Chicken Alfredo and broccoli</strike> (moved to 10/14 as we had a church event pop up)</li><li>Wednesday - <strike>Stuffed peppers and rice</strike></li><li>Thursday - Leftovers</li><li>Friday - Senior Banquet</li><li>Saturday - <strike>Brats, steamed green beans, and roasted potatoes</strike> (moved to 10/15 as we had a church event pop up)</li></ul><p><u>October 9-15</u></p><p></p><p><span></span></p><ul><li>Sunday - Grilled chicken and smoked sausage with roasted vegetables and rice </li><li>Monday - <strike>Chicken Carbonara</strike> (moved to 10/24 as we ended up having concessions)</li><li>Tuesday - <a href="https://sagetrifle.blogspot.com/2011/03/candy-roaster-squash-ginger-white-bean.html" target="_blank">Candy roaster squash and white bean soup</a> in bread bowls</li><li>Wednesday - <a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2009/09/tomato-sauce.html" target="_blank">Chili</a></li><li>Thursday - Concessions</li><li>Friday - Chicken Alfredo and broccoli</li><li>Saturday - Brats, steamed green beans, and roasted potatoes </li></ul><div><p><u>October 16-22</u></p><p></p><p><span></span></p><ul><li>Sunday - Pulled pork, coleslaw, and mac'n'cheese</li><li>Monday - Spaghetti, steamed broccoli, and side salad</li><li>Tuesday - Concessions</li><li>Wednesday - Stuffed pepper soup with corn bread</li><li>Thursday - Volleyball Tournament</li><li>Friday - Volleyball Tournament</li><li>Saturday - ??</li></ul><div><p><u>October 23-29</u></p><p></p><p><span></span></p><ul><li>Sunday - Buffalo chicken pot pie</li><li>Monday - Chicken carbonara, salad, and garlic bread</li><li>Tuesday - ??</li><li>Wednesday - ??</li><li>Thursday - ??</li><li>Friday - State Tournament</li><li>Saturday - State Tournament</li></ul></div></div>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-17406209610355453502022-09-02T13:03:00.002-05:002022-09-02T13:04:54.629-05:00Menu 2022: September 4-17<p>Next week is the first full week of school and the kids already have games and tournaments for sports. I am in the thick of wedding season with bridal and suit alterations besides my regular job so I'm am really looking forward to having the long weekend to catch up on stuff at home. 🙌 Here's what we're planning...</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><u>September 4-10</u></p><p></p><p></p><ul><li>Sunday: Italian beef sandwiches with cheesy potatoes and mixed vegetables</li><li>Monday: Brats, corn, fresh veggies, and blueberry peach cobbler</li><li>Tuesday: Biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs</li><li>Wednesday: Sheet Pan Supper</li><li>Thursday: Concessions</li><li>Friday: ???</li><li>Saturday: Chicken Ramen </li></ul><p></p><p></p><p><u>Septemer 11-17</u></p><p></p><ul><li>Sunday: Seafood Alfredo with mixed vegetables and garlic bread</li><li>Monday: Pizza and chips</li><li>Tuesday: Chili and cornbread</li><li>Wednesday: Omelets and American fries</li><li>Thursday: Dinner Out</li><li>Friday: Subs, fresh veggies, and chips</li><li>Saturday: Spring rolls</li></ul>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-51853505245571761092022-08-31T15:45:00.002-05:002022-08-31T15:45:39.977-05:00Menu 2022: August 28-September 3<p>It's been an incredibly busy summer between work, church, and home, which means that I have gotten off track with my weight, spending, and meal planning. We are all getting ready to head back to school (including my husband who has 16 more weeks of classes till he finishes his Master's). I am hoping that the meal planning will aid in saving money and helping me get back to dropping weight. So, here we go...<br /></p><p><span></span></p><a name="more"></a><p><u>July 10-16</u></p><p></p><p></p>Sunday - Salsa verde pork, pinto beans, and rice bowls <br /> <br />Monday - Personal pizzas on the Ooni (cheeseburger pizza, all meat pizza, pepperoni pizza, caprese pizza, etc.)<br /> <br />Tuesday - Beef Ramen Ended up having regular and eggplant lasagna and a side salad<div><br /></div><div>Wednesday - Burritos</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday - Breakfast for Supper (pancakes, eggs, and bacon)</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday - Pretzel coated walleye, fries, and mixed vegetables</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday - Brats and chips</div>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-84334126517671234052022-03-05T12:42:00.000-06:002022-03-05T12:42:44.362-06:00Gluten-Free [Dairy-Free] Devil's Food Cake<p>I have a dear friend (and fellow pastor's wife) who has recently found out that she can't have gluten or dairy. So when my youngest had to make an angel food cake for her English class report and I had 12 egg yolks leftover, I decided to find something gluten and dairy free to use them in. I give you gluten and dairy free devil's food cake.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Ingredients </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3/4 cup coffee or espresso, cooled</li><li>1 cup gluten free chocolate chunks (if you are going dairy free as well, Enjoy Life chocolate chunks are my favorite as they taste and melt just like regular chocolate chunks) </li><li>1/2 cup unsweetened gluten free cocoa powder </li><li>2 1/4 cups all-purpose gluten free flour (I prefer the Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur cup for cup flour so that I don’t have to keep xanthum gum on hand) </li><li>1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda</li><li>1 cup butter, softened (if going dairy free as well, I love the Country Crock Avocado Plant Butter)</li><li>1 1/2 cups granulated sugar</li><li>2 teaspoons vanilla</li><li>12 egg yolks</li></ul><p></p><p>Directions</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Preheat your oven to 350°F and prep your pan(s). I have done this cake as both a bundt and as cupcakes with success. Butter, spray, or line your pan (cupcake liners, or parchment paper for layer cakes). If you use butter or spray, then you may want to flour it to be on the safe side.</li><li>Toss your chocolate chunks in the top of a double boiler or heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and let them melt. Set aside to cool a little bit. (Or place it in a glass liquid measuring cup in the microwave in 30 second increments, stir in between each, until smoothly melted.</li><li>In another container, whisk together cocoa powder, gf flour, and baking soda.</li><li>In the bowl of your stand mixer, cube up butter and cream it together with sugar until it’s soft and fluffy. Then add your egg yolks and slide them into the mixer one at a time until they’re fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Add the vanilla as well.</li><li>Beat in your melted chocolate until combined. Then alternate adding the flour mixture and coffee (flour-coffee-flour-coffee-flour) and mix until the batter is smooth. It gets messy so make sure the mixer is on the lowest setting and use a splatter shield if your mixer has one.</li><li>Place the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Bake times vary as follows depending on what pan you use: </li><ul><li><span style="white-space: pre;">Mini Cupcake (72 minis) 12-15 minutes</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre;">Cupcakes (36 regular) – 18-22 minutes</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre;">2 (9”) round pans or 9”x13” pan (or 3-4 mini bundt pans) –28-35 minutes</span></li><li><span style="white-space: pre;">12-cup bundt pan – 35-50 minutes </span></li></ul><li>Let the cake cool for 10-20 minutes, then remove from the pan(s) onto a cooling rack to cool completely.</li><li>While the cake is cooling, make up your frosting. I’ve done a gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate buttercream (<a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2022/03/dairy-free-chocolate-buttercream.html" target="_blank">recipe here</a>), a chocolate marshmallow fluff frosting (<a href="https://livforcake.com/homemade-marshmallow-fluff/">homemade marshmallow fluff</a> plus 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder added at the end), and a dark chocolate orange fudge drizzle (<a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2022/03/dairy-free-dark-chocolate-orange-fudge.html" target="_blank">recipe here</a>). All three are gluten and dairy free.</li></ol><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZGor-ViIXyWVoeGHGbZCLzw9cPQNu-_om32Hwm2DzrDznKnnmIvwyljNeyfw0wyV8pj-S0I3t-f9xVSv75HkXcHqHAUCwPH83YUJ3a_mEd2xGXKLL9iqQed0C2_xMrjd9yuueYDsxNUosa_0xqfRD0n2YlnEl5T1W63x_yN6RHR892jw-u2MS2Ftfog=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZGor-ViIXyWVoeGHGbZCLzw9cPQNu-_om32Hwm2DzrDznKnnmIvwyljNeyfw0wyV8pj-S0I3t-f9xVSv75HkXcHqHAUCwPH83YUJ3a_mEd2xGXKLL9iqQed0C2_xMrjd9yuueYDsxNUosa_0xqfRD0n2YlnEl5T1W63x_yN6RHR892jw-u2MS2Ftfog=w320-h240" title="Mini bundt and monster cupcake sizes" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Bundt and Monster Cupcake sizes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ12UYCroxFt_U2XH3OqFBVfbuKGtSNV77Nq4Wff-wtKIjD4h29sS0xt-kQgL__AcSF7X2zNXX3CJfuoBxjY4wz5ZwlMXqSx1T5kG4dvm0Fwl15OG3STXyPI6k0tHzUi6g8OF4IXdSCbkKmHHklOS3H9sh6OK4VvO38AdOgyzJxhBJxSJOdiqUC0q_eA=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ12UYCroxFt_U2XH3OqFBVfbuKGtSNV77Nq4Wff-wtKIjD4h29sS0xt-kQgL__AcSF7X2zNXX3CJfuoBxjY4wz5ZwlMXqSx1T5kG4dvm0Fwl15OG3STXyPI6k0tHzUi6g8OF4IXdSCbkKmHHklOS3H9sh6OK4VvO38AdOgyzJxhBJxSJOdiqUC0q_eA=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Buttercream and Dark Chocolate Orange Fudge Drizzle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-71852856921111916632022-03-05T12:15:00.001-06:002022-03-05T12:15:18.146-06:00Dairy Free Dark Chocolate Orange Fudge Drizzle<p></p>I love to drizzle fudge sauce over a bundt cake right before serving it and this dairy free version with a hint of orange has been a big hit.<br /><p></p><p><b>Ingredients</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzm2HoRBtPFwjvqHr13QbfD-NECcfeR7Pv0DgKMl_zzl0mO5EIIpjmPY1ZiaIG8CauamBYejkxnp0QwnwyLkVYMyB8qPfJ5tptYF7dq6uOVyVxkfGcj0WMqUqjh5f5qwyn18j3rhrxvrtcfkXFBviuSqLq6ukkbbHKvm_LLXmz8gr2-uCFF2cEiRj9DQ=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzm2HoRBtPFwjvqHr13QbfD-NECcfeR7Pv0DgKMl_zzl0mO5EIIpjmPY1ZiaIG8CauamBYejkxnp0QwnwyLkVYMyB8qPfJ5tptYF7dq6uOVyVxkfGcj0WMqUqjh5f5qwyn18j3rhrxvrtcfkXFBviuSqLq6ukkbbHKvm_LLXmz8gr2-uCFF2cEiRj9DQ=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 cup granulated orange sugar (<a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2022/03/dehydrated-orange-zest-and-orange-sugar.html" target="_blank">recipe here</a>)</li><li>1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder</li><li>3/4-1 cup extra creamy oat milk (add as you go based on your desired consistency)</li><li>1 teaspoon orange extract</li><li>pinch of salt</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Directions</b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Combine everything in a glass 4 cup measuring cup with a mini whisk or fork. Pop in the microwave for 30 second increments, stirring in between each, for 1 1/2-2 minutes. If you want it thinner, add more oat milk and pop in the microwave for another 30 seconds. </li><li>Drizzle over cake, ice cream, fruit, etc. Or simply eat it by the spoonful. :)</li></ol><p></p>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-30660610949288050712022-03-05T12:12:00.002-06:002022-03-05T12:12:37.142-06:00Dehydrated [Orange] Zest and Orange Sugar<p style="text-align: left;"> I used orange peels but you could really use any citrus fruit peels (lemons, limes, etc.).</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-zQCgmrmKNBZDjxdCo1DB8DWjJDjGCgaV50Feayec8MLI9fy_LoOm0YaSM5Z6yi-TORw0HwUA2WsKsDc4NNDZc-NhLb-BDJEuhSVxSHxVYTwcz8qH4FZ30cDvZzT5pzYnr34O08mlErr1hk5oDeop_JIoYAgkkRZNuPz0tbadrguV6YzErpAHYx7JGg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-zQCgmrmKNBZDjxdCo1DB8DWjJDjGCgaV50Feayec8MLI9fy_LoOm0YaSM5Z6yi-TORw0HwUA2WsKsDc4NNDZc-NhLb-BDJEuhSVxSHxVYTwcz8qH4FZ30cDvZzT5pzYnr34O08mlErr1hk5oDeop_JIoYAgkkRZNuPz0tbadrguV6YzErpAHYx7JGg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 - Wash, dry, and peel zest layer off the fruit with a potato peeler.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPaSCDdmh3ouGq70EBmsMT19agckCqGUXic2SWzUmZGs0P1XY8LooOhbPfuIdJRrJRKnL0yXnJuM13EktKBRuuQHJu7R-NDAGFSADD4z7f4JamicQbiQru1JlsoWdJVM23wMSYswLnXS2Vf_J-1lKH4bmpjoiHquISTbAh6aWZTINE1xhwdtVDFY5O1Q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPaSCDdmh3ouGq70EBmsMT19agckCqGUXic2SWzUmZGs0P1XY8LooOhbPfuIdJRrJRKnL0yXnJuM13EktKBRuuQHJu7R-NDAGFSADD4z7f4JamicQbiQru1JlsoWdJVM23wMSYswLnXS2Vf_J-1lKH4bmpjoiHquISTbAh6aWZTINE1xhwdtVDFY5O1Q=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">2 - Layer zest peels on dehydrator trays with screens.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheRbPMttQ1WOaFcZeDlu3EN_v49Sle6Nowk0WqCuJfl2bmvneWdN_v_UGgxEwcUwGTU9kx_gbe2P1ZGbhUZRTXnPoPjfh7khzgumdvMwgaazwdi51oMBwYLUQGD-tocgnuKJEIWWtuLmirGNoDkpkP6cEMSfekANDoYu9jYgmpebOh-yj00C95KIje8Q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheRbPMttQ1WOaFcZeDlu3EN_v49Sle6Nowk0WqCuJfl2bmvneWdN_v_UGgxEwcUwGTU9kx_gbe2P1ZGbhUZRTXnPoPjfh7khzgumdvMwgaazwdi51oMBwYLUQGD-tocgnuKJEIWWtuLmirGNoDkpkP6cEMSfekANDoYu9jYgmpebOh-yj00C95KIje8Q=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 - Set dehydrator to 145 degrees F and leave for 4-6 hours.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1ErVEKPpuYhqTP2EROqc6oqC-cSs33PE630jULMzyQnLyEGfwN4l_3xizQyi_jrRNlAwvxTy1bVQqo7_7jjqRQaPflB3uaFRXgA3mEeLrk6dmnUSluLsociKvDceEUw265XkJsWXHL2GDq189gA_AkGnUawqzhkD47rHQKgDUk_-NKETyDqzT8mhNeg=s1487" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1487" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1ErVEKPpuYhqTP2EROqc6oqC-cSs33PE630jULMzyQnLyEGfwN4l_3xizQyi_jrRNlAwvxTy1bVQqo7_7jjqRQaPflB3uaFRXgA3mEeLrk6dmnUSluLsociKvDceEUw265XkJsWXHL2GDq189gA_AkGnUawqzhkD47rHQKgDUk_-NKETyDqzT8mhNeg=s320" width="232" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">4 - In a food processor of smoothie blender, grind the peel until it is between the size of sugar granules and poppy seeds. Save the container to make orange sugar (see below).</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqUy3u9-CnwlKCKkzRbqz2g0DvZmR6jq3pHPxgLfU-NamPB42Vi0BeJrUuIwvCWkzyh1m9G5IfuJuqklHcggIRPvCwTfMiJUzk2TuUfQ9DsDKNzqT05nR3srdxKqn4GylKkwZI93cqxmfViSbHt7royM4ZtfiwPUGifBVChUVJG-qg7KLqLOZ6-oGxNg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqUy3u9-CnwlKCKkzRbqz2g0DvZmR6jq3pHPxgLfU-NamPB42Vi0BeJrUuIwvCWkzyh1m9G5IfuJuqklHcggIRPvCwTfMiJUzk2TuUfQ9DsDKNzqT05nR3srdxKqn4GylKkwZI93cqxmfViSbHt7royM4ZtfiwPUGifBVChUVJG-qg7KLqLOZ6-oGxNg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 - Pour dehydrated zest into a small jar or container and store in a cool, dry place. (I keep mine in my freezer.)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make the orange sugar, add sugar to the food processor/blender cup and shake, shake, shake. Empty sugar into a storage container or mason jar. Store in a cool, dry place. Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwKpQrAYbzGOTCvfysZ7Hdb6TfeGdeynx2w-BFXYNLu9EfohKfeqY9U9HrxHcN_T8sp5-8reDVyUN0lGjvtwOjwAx2BeuPPWqRkPQdRHpsmHB1WQ4baZk27eAkYcdjaGyJxyVyK4RpufCoknQWuq5vui1iHj80i7CtcVArSI1RZmL6BedF3Gje6sYWyA=s1743" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1743" data-original-width="1076" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwKpQrAYbzGOTCvfysZ7Hdb6TfeGdeynx2w-BFXYNLu9EfohKfeqY9U9HrxHcN_T8sp5-8reDVyUN0lGjvtwOjwAx2BeuPPWqRkPQdRHpsmHB1WQ4baZk27eAkYcdjaGyJxyVyK4RpufCoknQWuq5vui1iHj80i7CtcVArSI1RZmL6BedF3Gje6sYWyA=s320" width="198" /></a></div><br />The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-68926154158146044582022-03-05T10:24:00.005-06:002022-03-05T13:31:04.437-06:00Dairy-Free Chocolate Buttercream<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3M00HlKcqbUm9_rFy5y8MYGwgZUIYnGv1jOfGK7jpWK4-GifRT1e0MYvlFYxQ65lrw2uHuFYq_EFwgckrdnN6FgVyjQhF6oAh9cOIvhmcVcMaD75ahPyAzdRiVAMaN0Jf6tD0sgycQhw0wFvfz6urWyre0UICc4XF8uyl-zlWqDl46kRota2iB9Pd7w=s4032" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3M00HlKcqbUm9_rFy5y8MYGwgZUIYnGv1jOfGK7jpWK4-GifRT1e0MYvlFYxQ65lrw2uHuFYq_EFwgckrdnN6FgVyjQhF6oAh9cOIvhmcVcMaD75ahPyAzdRiVAMaN0Jf6tD0sgycQhw0wFvfz6urWyre0UICc4XF8uyl-zlWqDl46kRota2iB9Pd7w=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttercream and Dark Chocolate Orange Drizzle</td></tr></tbody></table>Everyone knows that I have a baking addiction. It relieves stress and brings me joy. I have also always struggled with a weight problem that has a negative effect on my health. I haven't done much baking in the last year for that very reason and have worked to develop other ways to relieve stress (walking and running being a couple of them). <p></p><p></p><p>But, my youngest daughter had to make an angel food cake as part of her English class (they had to write and give a report on how to do something and bring in a sample of what they had done), which meant that I had 12 egg yolks that needed to be used up. Naturally, I experimented with making a gluten-free, dairy-free devil's food cake that needed to be frosted. Thus, this recipe was born. I couldn't find a highly rated dairy-free chocolate buttercream so I took a regular buttercream recipe and adjusted it to be dairy free (<a href="https://www.justataste.com/5-minute-chocolate-buttercream-frosting-recipe/">5-minute chocolate buttercream</a>).</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b>Ingredients</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6 tablespoons Country Crock Avocado plant-butter, softened</li><li>2 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar</li><li>3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</li><li>1/3 cup extra creamy oat milk</li><li>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li><li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li></ul><div><b>Directions</b></div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Beat the butter on medium speed until it is smooth, about 1 minute. You can do this with a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.</li><li>Add the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder to the bowl and beat until combined. If you're using a stand mixer, slowly stream in the milk and vanilla extract in. If using a hand mixer, add the milk a little at a time mixing in between each addition. Then add the salt and continue beating until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed, about 2 minutes. </li><li>Increase the speed to high and beat the frosting for an additional 2 minutes. Use the frosting immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge. </li></ol><b>Tip</b>: if you are frosting cupcakes, add the buttercream to a large ziptop bag then cut the bottom corner off, and use it to "pipe" your buttercream onto the top of your cupcakes starting at the outside edge and moving inward until your cupcake is covered.The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-86599455653107926522021-07-19T07:22:00.005-05:002021-07-19T07:22:53.178-05:00Menu 2021: July 11-31<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s457/menu+clip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="457" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/w200-h127/menu+clip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I took a couple of months off of menu planning as we've had a ton of summer stuff going on including a two week vacation. We spent a week in Wisconsin Dells with my sister's family where we rented a house at one of the resorts. Then we went to my parents' for a few days. Finally, we spent a couple of days camping up in Door County. I am trying to get back into routine with planning meals before the craziness of preseason practices and school begin again.<p></p><p>Without any further adieu, here is the menu through the end of July...</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p><u>July 11-17</u></p><p></p><p></p><ul><li>Subs, chips, veggies, and a side salad</li><li>Sheet pan dinner (sausage and roasted vegetables)</li><li>Southwest chicken salad</li><li>Cheeseburgers, chips, fruit, and a side salad</li><li>Smoked chicken with a TexMex tomato relish, black beans, and Mexican street corn casserole</li><li>Thai green curry</li></ul><p></p><p></p><p><u>July 18-24</u></p><p></p><ul><li>Smoked pork tenderloin, fingerling potatoes, mixed vegetables, and blueberry peach cobbler</li><li>Spaghetti, mixed veggies, and side salad</li><li>Lo Mein</li><li>Zucchini Parmesan, </li><li>Venison Chops, Fried eggs and toast</li><li>Smoked venison, mushroom risotto, and vegetables</li></ul><p></p><p><u>July 25-31</u></p><ul><li>Italian beef sandwiches and roasted vegetables</li><li>Omelets and American fries</li><li>Deli wraps, chips, and fruit salad</li><li>Pizza and salad</li><li>Brats, burgers, roasted potatoes, and vegetables</li></ul>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-7573759412592540202021-05-08T23:11:00.003-05:002021-07-14T13:52:04.463-05:00Menu 2021: May 2-29<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s457/menu+clip.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="457" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/w200-h127/menu+clip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This year seems to have flown by in so many ways. But then I think anything could feel like it is flying by in comparison to how slowly last year seemed to go. <p></p><p>Tomorrow is Mother's Day (I know, the menu is late again). We have a week and a half left of school for the year and summer activities are looming ever closer. </p><p>When your kids are little and days seem to last forever, people tell you to savor them because they are fleeting. You think to yourself that they're crazy and just don't remember that a day with toddlers and preschoolers is 72 hours long. But then you become the parent of your first teenager and the years seem to last a month and the days five minutes. (Yes, with my second child becoming a teenager next week I am a bit nostalgic and sentimental.) I say all this to remind you to live where you are. Don't long for the past and don't wish for the future, or you'll miss what you have right now in the present.</p><p>Before I get much more emotional, here is May's menu...</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><u>May 2-8</u><p></p><p></p><ul><li>Pork Lo Mein</li><li>Pulled pork, side salad, and veggie tray</li><li>Chicken fajitas</li><li>Jambalaya</li><li>Brats, roasted baby potatoes, mixed veggies, and a side salad</li><li>Pizza</li><li>Fried eggs and toast</li></ul><p></p><p></p><p><u>May 9-15</u></p><p></p><ul><li>Happy Mother's Day! Hubby ordered take out from Olive Garden along with having them supply all the dinnerware, so no dishes!</li><li>Deli wraps, chips, and fruit salad</li><li><a href="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/chickpea-posole-verde/" target="_blank">Chickpea Posole Verde</a></li><li>Hamburgers, roasted red potatoes, and veggies</li><li>Orange chicken and fried rice </li><li>My Dad's Retirement Party (I made up all the pulled pork ahead of time for my mom and froze it.)</li></ul><p></p><p><u>May 16-22</u></p><p></p><ul><li>Grilled chicken kababs over quinoa and brown rice </li><li>Carne Asada, black beans, rice</li><li>Spaghetti, mixed veggies, and side salad</li><li>Pizza and salad</li><li>Omelets and American fries</li></ul><p></p><p><u>May 23-29</u><br /></p><p><span><a name="more"></a></span></p><ul><li>5-Way Cincinnati Chili </li><li>Italian beef sandwiches and roasted vegetables</li><li>Pork Lo Mein (this is a new family favorite)</li><li>Quiche</li><li>Rotisserie chicken, smashed red potatoes, and veggies</li></ul>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-42863082449481809922021-04-21T06:42:00.001-05:002021-05-08T21:37:59.052-05:00Menu 2021: April 4-May 1<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1XtyUd3nYxfXy-3o3u_ssW2sexHHTv7csWRWj_D2sZS4Acq1msDAhNMPpZZmIDZCK1JwGL3jMOzgPB0hDksjtV9N2PoBFf3VJPKUppdFxyOVtkoFxV5UQUH7coZirmOL0abpfvVRz2nC/s320/menu+clip.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="320" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1XtyUd3nYxfXy-3o3u_ssW2sexHHTv7csWRWj_D2sZS4Acq1msDAhNMPpZZmIDZCK1JwGL3jMOzgPB0hDksjtV9N2PoBFf3VJPKUppdFxyOVtkoFxV5UQUH7coZirmOL0abpfvVRz2nC/w200-h127/menu+clip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>The last year has been challenging for pretty much everyone. Last year we spent Easter apart - the kids and I home on the couch watching services and my hubby teaching adult Sunday school livestream with no one in the pews. I was such a blessing this year to be in-person for services rejoicing with my church family that Christ has conquered death and is alive forevermore. It made for an emotional day. We did our usual tradition of hiding gifts for the kids and picking up a Hughes dark chocolate Easter basket. It was a good day, but now for April's menu...</p><span><a name="more"></a></span><p>April 4-10</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Happy Easter / Resurrection Sunday! Deli wraps, veggie tray, fruit salad, and chips</li><li>Smoked beef sirloin tip roast, Brussels sprouts, roasted baby reds, steamed asparagus, a veggie tray, dinner rolls, and individual cheesecakes with fresh blueberries</li><li>Leftovers :)</li><li>Philly cheesesteak pizza and veggies</li><li>Garlic chicken and pasta with veggies</li><li>A friend and I have birthdays a week and a half apart so we're going out while my hubby and kiddos hold down the fort. </li></ul><p></p><p></p><p>April 11-17</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pulled pork and slaw</li><li>Grilled Mahi Mahi with brown rice quinoa medley and steamed asparagus</li><li>Southwest chicken salad</li><li>Chicken and rice casserole </li><li>Pork Roulade, creamy polenta, roasted asparagus, and a side salad (we had friends over and the husband is a chef so he cooked 🥳)</li><li>Leftovers</li></ul><p></p><p>April 18-24</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Beef tenderloin (we got a great deal at New Year's and I've been saving them in the freezer), roasted baby reds, and whole green beans</li><li>Chick-fil-A 😁</li><li>Baked cod, quinoa and rice, and wsteamed green beans </li><li>Bacon cheese burgers, roasted potatoes, and mixed veggies</li><li>Pizza</li></ul><p></p><p>April 25-May 1<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chicken taco soup</li><li>Lo Mein (pork or chicken)</li><li>Brats, waffle fries, and mixed veggies<br /></li><li>Chili</li><li>Spaghetti, mixed veggies, and side salad</li></ul><p></p>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-31879657744391729352021-03-01T22:44:00.004-06:002021-03-05T18:03:15.450-06:00Menu 2021: February 28-March 27<div class="separator"><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s457/menu+clip.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="457" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/w200-h127/menu+clip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Spring is almost here and that makes me excited! The worst of winter is (most likely) over in the Midwest and we are starting to have more days where the temperature is above freezing. Basketball season is over for my kids and we only have 2 1/2 months left of school. Wedding season is just starting and I am working on a couple of dresses for a wedding this month along with helping my girls make their first formals for a school event. I am thankful for the time my mom invested in teaching me how to sew as well as the opportunities that I had to learn from some great employers over the years. I am looking forward to seeing how my girls do. :)<p></p></div><p>Here is the menu for March:<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><u>February 28-March 6</u></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><strike>Pizza and a side salad</strike></li><li><strike>Nachos</strike></li><li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2016/02/versatile-chipotle-vegetable-chili.html" target="_blank"><strike>Chipotle Vegetable Chili</strike></a></li><li><strike>Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo</strike></li><li><strike>Tacos</strike></li><li>Baked Chicken, wild rice blend, and California Medley vegetables</li><li><strike>Leftovers</strike></li></ul><div><u>March 7-13</u></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.nutmegnotebook.com/featured/winter-vegetable-soup-2/" target="_blank">Winter vegetable soup</a> and bread</li><li><a href="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/instant-pot-pork-lo-mein/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thechunkychef.com/copycat-skyline-cincinnati-chili/" target="_blank">Cincinnati Chili 5-Way</a></li><li>Chicken Alfredo with broccoli and salad</li><li>Leftovers</li></ul><div><u>March 14-20</u></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.chef-in-training.com/slow-cooker-salsa-verde-pork/" target="_blank">Pork Salsa Verde</a> Bowls (pinto beans and rice with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, etc.)</li><li>Chef Salad</li><li>Smoked ham roast, scrambled eggs, and fruit</li><li><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/corned-beef-and-cabbage-recipe-1952160" target="_blank">Corned Beef and Cabbage</a></li><li>Enchiladas</li><li>Reubens and French Onion Soup</li><li>Leftovers</li></ul><div><u>March 21-27</u></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Subs, Chips, and Salad</li><li>Blackened Chicken and Dirty Rice</li><li>Buffalo Chicken Pot Pie</li><li>French Dip Sandwiches and roasted root vegetables</li><li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2009/09/chicken-taco-soup.html" target="_blank">Chicken Taco Soup</a></li><li>French Toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon</li></ul></div><p></p>Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-39981114475385335512021-01-02T13:17:00.003-06:002021-01-02T13:27:30.074-06:00Menu 2021: January<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s457/menu+clip.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="457" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/w200-h127/menu+clip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Oh, what a crazy year 2020 was! There were good parts and bad parts as with any other year, but there were also parts full of fear that required faith in an Omnipotent, Omniscient God who had everything under control. I am so thankful that I know Who holds tomorrow and that He also holds my hand. With all that in mind, we enter 2021 with anticipation for what God can do through us and hope that you can do the same. We have lots of goals for 2021 but that will have to wait for another post. So without any further adieu, here is the menu.<p></p><p><u>January 1-9</u></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chicken tenders with Chick-fil-A sauce (you can buy it by the 8 oz bottle now 😱), cheesy hashbrown casserole, and a side salad</li><li>Venison chops, eggs, and toast</li><li>Chicken and rice soup with fresh bread</li><li>Taco Salad</li><li>Pizza and a side salad</li><li>Spaghetti squash carbonara</li><li>Sloppy Joes, mac'n'cheese, and veggies</li><li>Roasted Rabbit with herbs, steamed broccoli, and risotto</li><li>Happy Birthday to my DS! BBQ ribs, Brussels sprouts, and smashed red potatoes</li></ul><p></p><p><u>January 10-16</u></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chili</li><li>Concessions 😁</li><li><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/71722/asian-lettuce-wraps/" target="_blank">Asian lettuce wraps</a> and vegetable fried rice</li><li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2010/10/louisiana-red-beans-and-rice.html" target="_blank">Red beans and rice</a></li><li>Slow cooker ravioli lasagna and mixed veggies</li><li>Leftovers</li><li>Brats, baked potatoes, roasted veggies</li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p><u>January 17-23</u></p><p></p><ul><li>Roast beef sandwiches, roasted vegetables, and side salad</li><li>Brisket, fingerling potatoes, veggies</li><li>Concessions 😊</li><li>Smoked chicken thighs, veggies, quinoa and rice medley</li><li>Staff Retreat💓</li></ul><p>January 24-31</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Beef tenderloin, smashed potatoes, steamed broccoli</li><li>Concessions 😊</li><li>Jambalaya</li><li>Chicken Ramen</li><li>Thai green curry</li><li>Meatloaf, mac'n'cheese, and mixed veggies</li><li>Pulled pork buns, roasted vegetables, and side salad</li></ul><p></p>Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-88255318927089464572020-11-01T17:29:00.003-06:002020-11-01T17:29:50.484-06:00Menu 2020: October 25- November 28<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s457/menu+clip.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="457" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/w200-h127/menu+clip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Summer is over and fall is upon us. Fall has always been my favorite time of year. We got married in the fall and most of our family pictures have been taken in the fall. This fall is a little different for us with all the COVID-19 considerations and restrictions. Our favorite fall field trip locations have gone virtual. Athletic tournaments are being canceled. Sometimes it is hard to look on the bright side. BUT, I was reminded the other day of a couple of things: 1. God is sufficient for everything, and 2. God's mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness. Through these crazy times we're living in, I constantly feel like I am inadequate, which is true. I am not enough for anything, but my God is so much more than enough and His grace will be sufficient in my weakness. 💕</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I am a month behind, let's get back to the menu...</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><u>October 25-31</u></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/swedish-meatballs-recipe-1916539" target="_blank">Swedish meatballs</a> over egg noodles with mixed vegetables</li><li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2019/06/moist-and-flavorful-roast-chicken-leg.html" target="_blank">Chicken thighs</a>, roasted potatoes, and mixed vegetables</li><li>Ham roast, scrambled eggs, and potatoes O'Brien with cheese</li><li>"Rotisserie" chicken, garlic herb rice, and steamed veggies</li><li>Happy 16th Anniversary to Us! Beef tenderloin, smashed red potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts </li></ul><div><div><u>November 1-7</u></div><div><ul><li>Subs, chips, and fruit salad</li><li>Chicken ramen soup with fresh bread</li><li>Venison chops, fried eggs, and toast</li><li><a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/lazy-crock-pot-lasagna/" target="_blank">Slow cooker ravioli lasagna</a>, steamed broccoli, and side salad</li><li>Buffalo Chicken Pot Pie</li></ul></div></div></div><div><u>November 8-14</u></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/76129/spinach-tomato-tortellini/" target="_blank">Spinach and tomato tortellini</a> with <a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2009/05/french-bread.html" target="_blank">French bread</a></li><li>Pizza and salad</li><li>Smoked pork chops, cheesy potato casserole, and steamed vegetables</li><li>Happy Birthday to my hubby! <a href="http://www.momwhatsfordinnerblog.com/2012/02/crock-pot-carne-asada.html" target="_blank">Carne asada</a>, black beans, and rice</li><li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2010/03/slow-cooker-pulled-pork.html" target="_blank">Pulled pork, coleslaw</a>, fries, and veggie</li></ul></div><div><u>November 15-21</u></div><div><ul><li>Pizza and side salad</li><li>Deli sandwiches, chips, and a veggie tray</li><li>Potato Soup and dinner rolls </li><li>Omelets and roasted baby reds</li><li><div>Spaghetti, steamed veggies, salad, and French bread </div></li></ul></div><div><u>November 22-28</u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chicken alfredo with roasted cauliflower and carrots</span></li><li>Cheeseburgers, fries, and fruit salad</li><li>Chili</li><li>Happy Thanksgiving! Turkey, ham, potatoes, squash bake, stuffing, vegetables, desserts</li><li>Charcuterie board and veggie platter</li></ul></div>The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-50067299801201052462020-08-26T11:32:00.000-05:002020-08-26T11:32:00.950-05:00Menu 2020: August 23-September 27<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s457/menu+clip.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="457" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/w234-h149/menu+clip.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>It hasn't been a normal summer by any means, but it has been busy. We went on vacation in July and then on to camping in the middle of August. The kids have started conditioning practice for fall sports and school starts in a week. I am looking forward to having a few days a week to myself so I can get to some of more cleaning and organizing done around the house. I also picked up some bridal alterations and a curtain project that I start on this week. </div><div>We're trying to get to some much-needed work done around the yard. We spent the weekend "grubbing out" a bunch of trees and such that the previous owner let take over the backyard. We took out about 20% of the stuff it already looks better. </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">August 23-29</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Omelets and roasted baby reds<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Pizza and salad<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chicken alfredo with roasted cauliflower and carrots<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Salmon filets (gotta love a Piggly Wiggly sale),
smashed red potatoes, and a side salad<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Taco Salad<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">August 30-September 5</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Pizza, salad, and chips<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tater Tot Casserole<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chicken pot pie<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Spaghetti, steamed veggies, salad, and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1071185731654819209/5006729980120105246"><span style="color: blue;">French bread</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Subs, fresh fruit, and chips<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">September 6-12</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Labor Day - pulled pork, beef brisket, and a few
other things on the smoker :D<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Breakfast for dinner - venison chops, fried eggs, and
hashbrowns<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chicken quesadillas and black beans<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Chili<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Cobb Salad<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>September 13-19</u><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tacos <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Subs and popcorn <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Carbonara and a side salad<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Smoked ribs, mashed potatoes, and veggies<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>September 20-26<o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Pulled pork and fries <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Potato soup and dinner rolls<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lasagna roll-ups, steamed veggies, and a side salad<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Eggplant parmesan over spaghetti with a side salad<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Burgers, veggie tray, fruit salad, and fries </span></li></ul>Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-42351948745395726382020-07-30T23:51:00.002-05:002020-07-30T23:53:30.778-05:00Menu 2020: July 19-August 22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lxehPUw2EGKRttMbXgqY-VL_5Zjct1r-kBrhk_DJqkKcTU-w3tybk6xo_YzzOZ5JcuvdeKdD3x7vwCaPTq2zMyaAcz5__8zbd4C463UTcnr1Mvw-sqyMXbvowBXZhdT92qoFctqBX0SB/s457/menu+clip.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="457" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lxehPUw2EGKRttMbXgqY-VL_5Zjct1r-kBrhk_DJqkKcTU-w3tybk6xo_YzzOZ5JcuvdeKdD3x7vwCaPTq2zMyaAcz5__8zbd4C463UTcnr1Mvw-sqyMXbvowBXZhdT92qoFctqBX0SB/w256-h162/menu+clip.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div>I wish that I could say we are getting closer to being back to life as "usual". It is nice to be able to take the kids out and about to different places. We have always been a family of "people people" so not being able to have much interaction with people was really hard on us, but especially on our kids. 💗 </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm starting to get back to a normal work schedule between my secretarial job and my alterations business. The kids are working summer jobs doing yard work, picking berries, cleaning for people, etc. My hubby found a pellet smoker for a great price back at the end of May and we've had lots of fun coming up with things to cook in it. Here's what we're making... </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>July 19-25</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lobster rolls, chips, and a veggie tray</li><li>Pizza and chips</li><li>Eggs, bacon, and toast</li><li>Burgers, veggie tray, fruit salad, and fries </li><li>Brats, smoked mac'n'cheese, and steamed veggies </li></ul></div><div>July 26-August 1</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Subs and popcorn</li><li>Spaghetti, steamed veggies, salad, and <a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2009/05/french-bread.html" target="_blank">French bread</a> </li><li>Smoked pork chops, mixed veggies, and quinoa rice medley</li><li>Chicken taco dip, corn on the cob, and watermelon</li><li><a href="https://www.traegergrills.com/recipes/dudley-backstrap-tacos" target="_blank">Smoked venison tacos</a> and a corn bean salad</li></ul></div><div>August 2-8</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pulled pork and mac'n'cheese</li><li>Tater Tot Casserole</li><li>Taco salad</li><li>Carbonara and a side salad</li><li>Smoked ribs, mashed potatoes, and veggies</li></ul><div><div>August 9-15</div><div><ul><li>Breakfast for dinner - venison chops, fried eggs, and hashbrowns</li><li>Camp - the kitchen is closed 💕</li><li>Pizza and a side salad</li><li>Chicken pot pie</li></ul><div>August 16-22</div><div><ul><li>Subs, fresh fruit, and chips</li><li>#3's Birthday meal: Stuffed peppers with chips and salsa (breakfast of cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, and bacon)</li><li>Lasagna roll-ups, steamed veggies, and a side salad</li><li>Bacon cheeseburgers, chips, and a veggie tray</li><li>Salmon filets (gotta love a Piggly Wiggly sale), wild rice medley, and a side salad</li></ul></div></div></div></div>Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-78986263219427128172020-06-22T06:44:00.000-05:002020-06-22T06:58:33.774-05:00S'mores [Layer] Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My youngest two girls and I decided we wanted to try something new for dessert on Father's day this year so we came up with this recipe. I made it into a layer cake on the test run, but I would probably go with a simple 9x13, one layer version next time to save time. I may also come up with some other options to make it look a bit prettier in the future.<br />
After making this, I searched online to see if I could put the whole cake under the broiler to give it that toasted look of a roasted marshmallow. I found that you need a cooking torch, but I also saw a s'mores cake recipe that used a graham cracker cake and added whipped chocolate ganache between the layers. I may have to come up with a recipe for graham cracker cake now... 😁<br />
<a name='more'></a><div>
<b><u>Cake</u> </b>(if you want to make the cake from scratch, too, <a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2009/05/birthday-cake.html" target="_blank">here is my favorite recipe</a>)</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 box devils food cake mix</li>
<li>1 cup cold coffee</li>
<li>1/3 cup oil</li>
<li>3 eggs</li>
<li>1/2 cup mini chocolate chips</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><u>Frosting</u></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1/2 recipe marshmallow fluff or one store-bought package <br />(I use <a href="https://livforcake.com/homemade-marshmallow-fluff/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> as it gives great tips/tricks on make the fluff. I did add the measurement for using liquid egg whites as a friend gave me 5 containers of it.)<br />1/3 cup water<br />3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />3/4 cup corn syrup or honey<br />3 large egg whites (or 4 oz liquid egg whites) room temperature<br />1/2 tsp cream of tartar<br />1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>2-3 graham crackers, crushed (I use a ziptop bag and a meat mallet)</li>
<li>melted chocolate to drizzle, optional</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><u>Utensils</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Two 8" round cake pans or a 9"x13"cake pan</li>
<li>Stand mixer preferred, but hand mixer required (if making your own marshmallow fluff)</li>
<li>Cake plate, if making a layer cake</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><u>Directions</u></b></div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Mix the cake mix, coffee, eggs, and oil. Pour into cake pan(s), top with chocolate chips, and bake at 350 degrees F for 24-35 minutes (24-29 with two 8" round pans, or 29-35 with a 9"x13" pan). </li>
<li>Prep marshmallow fluff if making from scratch.</li>
<li>Let cake(s) cool. Top each layer with fluff, graham cracker crumples, and chocolate drizzle (optional).</li>
</ol>
<div>
Note: If you have an electric pellet smoker, you could bake your cake(s) on it to add the smoky flavor of a s'more.<br />
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Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-16940042469710882442020-04-05T21:22:00.001-05:002020-04-05T21:22:22.373-05:00Peaches'n'Cream Tart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgad5FHCAfspLqDR35QK1NO46pDNTT_JtQ309_hW2SDGZKUHESAOwd_jtKCqmm-z2xm-WuQt_9m4GFC5ZtPxgM_KNxUOJrDwx951LJBZDgKz9TjxeC_-27vu6XS-xF9DmGvY5CAcFsbUEXJ/s1600/1586058520564957-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgad5FHCAfspLqDR35QK1NO46pDNTT_JtQ309_hW2SDGZKUHESAOwd_jtKCqmm-z2xm-WuQt_9m4GFC5ZtPxgM_KNxUOJrDwx951LJBZDgKz9TjxeC_-27vu6XS-xF9DmGvY5CAcFsbUEXJ/s200/1586058520564957-1.png" width="200" /></a><br />
We made spinach, ham, turkey, egg, and cheese hand pies for brunch as a family yesterday. Since we're all "stuck" at home together with the "Safer at Home" order in place I figured that we might as well sleep in and then make brunch together. Jared made the filling because he's fantastic at making eggs. Each of the kids took turns helping fill, seal, and brush the pies with egg wash. Then we ate them together with the leftover filling.<br />
Sorry for the rabbit trail. :D<br />
While we were working on brunch, Miss E (my almost 12 yr old) decided that we needed a fruit version. I didn't have enough pie dough ready to make a bunch more hand pies so we decided to make a tart instead. Here's what we did.<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><u>Peaches'n'Cream Tart</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 package store-bought pie dough (2-9" rounds if you're making your dough)</li>
<li>1 quart peaches in light syrup </li>
<li>3/4 cup sugar, divided</li>
<li>4 Tbsp cornstarch </li>
<li>1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (at room temp)</li>
<li>2 eggs, divided</li>
<li>1 Tbsp water</li>
<li>2 tsp vanilla </li>
<li>1/3 c powdered sugar </li>
<li>2 Tbsp half'n'half </li>
<li>tart pan or aluminum foil-lined pizza pan</li>
</ul>
<div>
Directions</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>I have a 10" tart pan so I needed to increase the size of the rounds. I also wanted to create a more interesting crust edge so I placed the two pie dough rounds on top of each other and then rolled them out together. This gave me a large finished diameter (closer to 13"-14"). I lined the tart pan with this and let it hang over the edge by about an inch or so. </li>
<li>Drain juice from 1 quart of peaches into a saucepan, add 1/2 cup sugar. Reduce over medium heat. Make a slurry of cornstarch and water, whisk it into the juice and sugar mix over medium-low heat till thick like a pie filling. Make sure you slice your peaches thinly, then add them to the thickened filling syrup.</li>
<li>In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar. Once combined, add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla. Pour batter over pie crust and smooth.</li>
<li>Pour peach filling over the cream cheese "custard". Fold edging of pie crust over the filling. Brush edges with an egg wash of 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water. Sprinkle with cinnamon, or a cinnamon/sugar mixture over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees F. Turn off oven and open the oven door. Let cool about 20 minutes.</li>
<li>While your tart cools, make a glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and half'n'half together. Drizzle over the top and serve a la mode. Makes 8-12 slices.</li>
</ol>
<div>
If you have leftovers, serve them along with some plain yogurt for breakfast. :)</div>
</div>
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The Menu Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12077662926912243570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-43821306216890157502020-04-05T12:00:00.004-05:002020-04-05T12:00:52.633-05:00Menu 2020: March 29-May 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March was an interesting month to say the least! I am hopeful that April will be less crazy, or it will at least stay consistently warm enough to be outside more often than it was in March. This "Safer at Home" order is causing a bit of the (stir)crazies at our house. I am thankful that we have more square footage during this time than we did a couple of years ago or things would be much less manageable. :) How has the "quarantine" affected your family?<br />
<br />
I didn't follow my menu plan very well after we returned from our mission trip with the kids as things were just starting to get crazy, so I will be using some of last month's ideas this month.<br />
<a name='more'></a><u>March 29-April 4</u><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2011/11/chicken-pot-pie.html" target="_blank">Chicken pot pie</a> and a salad</li>
<li>Spaghetti with <a href="http://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2011/07/roasted-garlic-cream-sauce.html" target="_blank">roasted garlic cream sauce</a>, a side salad, and <a href="http://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2009/05/french-bread.html?m=1" target="_blank">French bread</a></li>
<li>April Foolin' with meatloaf cupcakes, green beans, and garlic bread</li>
<li>Burritos</li>
<li>Pizza, salad, and chips</li>
</ul>
<u>April 5-11</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Spaghetti, vegetables, and a side salad</li>
<li>Chicken fried rice</li>
<li><a href="http://mynameisyeh.com/mynameisyeh/2015/1/jerusalem-bagels-harissa-honey-labne-and-a-middle-eastern-wine-cheese-party" target="_blank">Jerusalem bagels</a> with a charcuterie board (Charcuterie is the arranging and preparing of cured meats, cheeses and finger foods on a platter or board. Another way of calling a charcuterie board would be a meat and cheese board)</li>
<li><a href="https://food.ndtv.com/recipe-low-fat-dahi-chicken-376491" target="_blank">Dahi chicken</a> with lentils and rice</li>
<li><a href="https://lilluna.com/homemade-indian-fry-bread/" target="_blank">Fry bread tacos</a></li>
</ul>
<u>April 12-18</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Happy Resurrection Sunday! Roast turkey, wild rice medley, and vegetables</li>
<li>California medley soup and grilled cheese sandwiches</li>
<li><a href="https://pinchofyum.com/chicken-enchilada-casserole?fbclid=IwAR2VCAbmtuMavjm_YGPvz1BYlSHqpEJIiMBIhO29EZ6NZLmFej-o3fmIdfI" target="_blank">Enchilada casserole</a></li>
<li>Biscuits and gravy, eggs, and fruit</li>
<li>Turkey and wild rice soup with multigrain sourdough bread</li>
<li>Grilled chicken and <a href="https://thekitchengirl.com/asian-quinoa-slaw-salad-sesame-ginger-vinaigrette/" target="_blank">Asian quinoa slaw salad with sesame ginger vinaigrette</a></li>
</ul>
<u>April 19-25</u><br />
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.delishdlites.com/puerto-rican-recipes-2/authentic-puerto-rican-pinchos-kabobs-recipe/" target="_blank">Pinchos</a> and <a href="https://www.delishdlites.com/holiday-recipes/arroz-con-gandules-puerto-rican-rice-with-pigeon-peas-recipe/">arroz con gandules</a></li>
<li>Minestrone and French bread</li>
<li>Egg roll in a bowl</li>
<li><a href="https://juliasalbum.com/easy-chicken-legs-creamy-mushroom-sauce/">Chicken legs in creamy mushroom sauce</a> over wild rice with mixed veggies</li>
<li><a href="https://www.shugarysweets.com/pepperoni-pizza-hand-pies/">Pepperoni pizza hand pies</a></li>
</ul>
<u>April 26-May 2</u></div>
<ul>
<li>Pork salsa verde, pinto beans and rice</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thepinningmama.com/easy-fajita-chicken-bake-recipe/#_a5y_p=3418116" target="_blank">Easy fajita chicken bake</a>, black beans, brown rice</li>
<li>Minestrone and French bread </li>
<li><a href="https://www.hungryforever.com/recipe/series-unfortunate-events-pasta-puttanesca-recipe/" target="_blank">Pasta Puttanesca</a> (from a Series of Unfortunate Events), side salad, and French Bread</li>
<li>Sloppy Joe stuffed potato buns, roasted root vegetables, and side salad</li>
</ul>
Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-47765136723825377752020-02-09T20:58:00.000-06:002020-02-09T21:01:38.510-06:00Menu 2020: February 1-March 28<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February marks the end of the basketball season for our kids. It's been fun to see them learn a new sport and participate on a team, but I am definitely ready for a more open schedule! This month we are taking our oldest two kids on their first mission trip and my FIL is coming to stay with the youngest two. All four of the kids are incredibly excited about each of their adventures. I am including the menus for both February and March.<br />
<a name='more'></a><u>February 1-8</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Ham and cheese sandwiches, salad, and green beans </li>
<li>Nacho bar</li>
<li>Leftovers</li>
<li>Subs and salad</li>
<li>Venison chops, scrambled eggs, toast, and peaches</li>
<li>Chicken and vegetable ramen</li>
</ul>
<u>February 9-15</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Asian chopped salad with sweet and sour chicken</li>
<li>Chili</li>
<li>Pizza</li>
<li>Pasta with Alfredo sauce, mushroom and cheese sausage links, and vegetables</li>
<li>Quiche</li>
</ul>
<u>February 16-22</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Roast turkey breast, mashed potatoes, and vegetables</li>
<li>Spaghetti, vegetables, and a side salad</li>
<li>Biscuits and gravy, eggs, and fruit</li>
<li>Chicken fried rice</li>
</ul>
<u>February 23-29</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Mission Trip</li>
</ul>
<u>March 1-7</u><br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Corndogs, mac'n'cheese, and mixed vegetables</li>
<li>Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and peaches</li>
<li><a href="https://pinchofyum.com/chicken-enchilada-casserole?fbclid=IwAR2VCAbmtuMavjm_YGPvz1BYlSHqpEJIiMBIhO29EZ6NZLmFej-o3fmIdfI" target="_blank">Chicken enchilada casserole</a></li>
<li>Brats, roasted potatoes, and veggies</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<u>March 8-14</u></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2019/06/moist-and-flavorful-roast-chicken-leg.html" target="_blank">Roasted chicken leg quarters</a> with wild rice and vegetables</li>
<li>Egg roll in a bowl</li>
<li><a href="https://www.shugarysweets.com/spinach-and-cheese-empanadas/" target="_blank">Spinach and cheese empanadas</a> with wild rice casserole</li>
<li>Southwest chicken salad</li>
<li><a href="https://juliasalbum.com/easy-chicken-legs-creamy-mushroom-sauce/" target="_blank">Chicken legs in creamy mushroom sauce</a> over wild rice with mixed veggies</li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<u>March 15-21</u></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Chili and cornbread</li>
<li>Quiche</li>
<li>Tacos with beans and rice</li>
<li>Mini meatloaves, mashed potatoes, and veggies</li>
<li>"<a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2012/10/rotisserie-chicken-crockpot-or-not.html" target="_blank">Rotisserie" chicken</a> and <a href="https://www.delishdlites.com/holiday-recipes/arroz-con-gandules-puerto-rican-rice-with-pigeon-peas-recipe/" target="_blank">arroz con gandules</a></li>
<li><a href="https://easychickenrecipes.com/cuban-mojo-chicken-recipe/" target="_blank">Cuban mojo chicken</a>, black beans, and rice</li>
</ul>
<u>March 22-28</u></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Carne asada, black beans and rice</li>
<li><a href="https://www.shugarysweets.com/pepperoni-pizza-hand-pies/" target="_blank">Pepperoni pizza hand pies</a></li>
<li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2013/06/santa-fe-grilled-chicken-salad-with.html" target="_blank">Santa Fe grilled chicken salad</a></li>
<li>Laotian cabbage soup and rolls</li>
<li>Chicken pot pie</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
</div>
Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-54932540317292050242019-12-30T07:30:00.000-06:002019-12-30T07:30:02.693-06:00Menu 2020: January 1-31<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s1600/menu+clip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="457" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s200/menu+clip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I think that am finally settling in to being "back at work" outside the home. Our schedule is still more hectic than I would prefer but at least we're getting used to it.<br />
Since our family word of the year is "Reset," I am going to attempt to do a better job at organizing a monthly menu in 2020. Writing and sticking to a menu plan helps me to stay on track with both calorie intake and budget, which both my bank account and clothing tell me are needed. :D Here is what I have for January.<br />
<a name='more'></a><u>December 29-January 4</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Peppery Venison Sandwiches, baked potatoes, and steamed broccoli</li>
<li>Carbonara, mixed vegetables, and garlic bread</li>
<li>Hot ham and cheese sandwiches, veggies, and chips </li>
<li>Happy New Year! (gifted) Surf and Turf, cheddar bay biscuits, and roasted vegetables (jell-o for dessert)</li>
<li>Venison chops, eggs, and toast</li>
<li>Black bean soup and cornbread</li>
<li>Pretzel dogs and vegetables </li>
</ul>
<u>January 5-11</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Roast turkey breast, mashed potatoes, squash, and vegetables</li>
<li><i>BBall Concessions</i></li>
<li>Spaghetti and meat sauce, garlic bread, and veggies</li>
<li><a href="https://rasamalaysia.com/instant-pot-ramen/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Ramen</a></li>
<li><i>BBall Concessions </i></li>
<li>My DS is a teenager! :o He gets to pick what we're having.</li>
<li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2019/06/moist-and-flavorful-roast-chicken-leg.html" target="_blank">Roasted chicken leg quarters</a> with <a href="https://www.thebeaderchef.com/squash-gnocchi-with-garlic-sage-brown-butter/" target="_blank">squash gnocchi with garlic sage brown butter</a></li>
</ul>
<u>January 12-18</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken fried rice</li>
<li>Chili and cornbread</li>
<li><i>BBall Concessions </i></li>
<li><a href="https://juliasalbum.com/easy-chicken-legs-creamy-mushroom-sauce/" target="_blank">Chicken legs in creamy mushroom sauce</a> over wild rice with mixed veggies</li>
<li>TH - Staff Retreat</li>
<li>F - Staff Retreat</li>
<li>S - Staff Retreat</li>
</ul>
<u>January 19-25</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken enchiladas and black beans</li>
<li>Pulled Pork, mac'n'cheese, and mixed vegetables</li>
<li>Venison chops, eggs, toast and fruit</li>
<li>Southwest chicken salad</li>
<li>BBall Concessions</li>
<li>Laotian cabbage soup and rolls</li>
<li>Brats, roasted potatoes, and veggies</li>
</ul>
<div>
<u>January 26-February 1</u></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Chili and cornbread</li>
<li>BBall Concessions</li>
<li>Chicken tacos</li>
<li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2013/06/santa-fe-grilled-chicken-salad-with.html" target="_blank">Santa Fe grilled chicken salad</a></li>
<li><a href="https://myweeklymenus.blogspot.com/2017/01/texas-caviar-casserole.html" target="_blank">Texas caviar casserole</a></li>
<li><a href="https://easychickenrecipes.com/cuban-mojo-chicken-recipe/" target="_blank">Cuban mojo chicken</a>, black beans, and rice</li>
<li>Mini meatloaves, mashed potatoes, and veggies</li>
</ul>
</div>
Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-53479040043111391592019-12-30T00:37:00.001-06:002019-12-30T00:37:21.772-06:00Goals for 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I have been working on this post since the last week in December so I figured that I better get it finished and posted before the year gets away from me completely. Our dear elderly neighbor told me once that life is like a roll of toilet paper, it goes faster the closer it gets to the end. I would have to agree as time seems to fly by faster with each passing year. Every year my husband and I choose a word of the year to help us work on a specific set of goals. These were our previous "Word of the Year" choices: Focus (2019), Change (2018), Healthy (2017), Simple (2016), Relax (2015), and Better (2014). This year our word is... Drum roll, please........<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><i>Reset.</i></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've had an interesting last year and a half with lots of upheaval so we've determined that we need to get back on track with some things, like:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Budgets and budget meetings</li>
<li>Menu planning (and subsequently healthy eating)</li>
<li>Regular exercise</li>
<li>Losing a combined 100 lbs as a family (30-40 between the four kids and 30-35 for each (my hubby and I)</li>
<li>Developing and keeping a schedule</li>
<li>Making time for each other and our family</li>
<li>Read 6 books</li>
<li>Read my Bible all the way through</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul>
</ul>
Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-4318318329463007912019-11-08T16:07:00.000-06:002019-11-08T16:07:21.896-06:00[Instant Pot] Mexican Chicken and Rice SoupI got a phenomenal deal on chicken leg quarters and decided to make Mexican chicken and rice soup. It was perfect on this cold midwestern day. I used <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/262306/mexican-chicken-and-rice-soup-sopa-de-pollo-y-arroz/print/?recipeType=Recipe&servings=8&isMetric=false" target="_blank">a recipe on Allrecipes</a> as a base for my idea but tweaked it a bit for the Instant Pot. Here's what I did:<br /><u></u><br />
<a name='more'></a><u>Ingredients</u><br /><ul>
<li>2 quarts chicken stock</li>
<li>2 pounds skin-on, bone-in whole chicken leg quarters (drumsticks and thighs)</li>
<li>3 carrots, chopped</li>
<li>1 white onion, chopped</li>
<li>2 stalks celery, chopped</li>
<li>1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic</li>
<li>1 teaspoon salt </li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper</li>
<li>dash of cayenne (optional)</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups brown rice</li>
<li>1 avocado, peeled and chopped</li>
<li>2 serrano peppers, minced (optional)</li>
<li>2 limes, quartered</li>
<li>Tortilla strips (optional)</li>
</ul>
<u>Directions</u><br /><ol>
<li>Place stock and chicken legs in a 6-8 qt Instant Pot. Set pot to "Poultry" and 30 minutes.</li>
<li>When chicken is done, use the quick release method to release the pressure. Skim off any foam and move chicken to a bowl for deboning.</li>
<li>Add rice, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set Instant Pot to "Rice" setting and 12 minutes.</li>
<li>Skin and debone the chicken; cut into bite-sized pieces. When the Instant Pot is done, use the quick release method. Add cilantro and chicken to soup and let sit for 5 minutes.</li>
<li>Pour soup into serving bowls. Top with tortilla strips, avocado, serrano peppers, more cilantro, and squeeze in lime juice.</li>
</ol>
Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-22590057282539017442019-06-25T11:02:00.001-05:002019-06-25T11:02:51.280-05:00Menu 2019: July 1-28<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s1600/menu+clip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="457" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MDFBgxTKVbOYJlaPAiNxCd8gqb6hvNGrEXsEiUQQeF1YtwBWQ8Jrzxk52Uj4AsIuIxziq7prBTyQtnQHnuecmELa3_1YlNbvDnuqiirFCkF2MJ5zZNVFw_D87M3SXQLeD3GgFcfRYWan/s200/menu+clip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We are settling into life in our new home slowly but surely. It's always interesting to see how long it takes to figure out a new normal. Since we have moved twice in the last year, I am hoping it doesn't take as long to get settled. There are still plenty of boxes to be unpacked and either put away or given away/sold. We are attempting to only keep what we need, love, and have space for. We're still working to get some final remodeling finished up, but I think that's normal for anyone who owns a home. :D<br />
Anyway, here's the menu for July.<br />
<div>
<a name='more'></a><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">July 1-7</b><b>:</b><b> Happy birthday to our youngest and Happy Independence Day to our Nation</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Meatloaf cupcakes and a veggie</li>
<li>Brats, dogs, roasted potatoes, and fresh veggie tray</li>
<li>Carne asada, black beans, and brown rice</li>
<li>Chicken nuggets, mac'n'cheese, fresh fruit, and birthday cake :)</li>
<li>Chili and cornbread</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<b><u>July 8-14</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Subs, fruit, and chips</li>
<li>Chicken pot pie</li>
<li>French toast, scrambled eggs, and fruit</li>
<li>Jambalaya</li>
<li>Chicken taco soup</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<b><u>July 15-21</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Tater Tot Casserole</li>
<li>Southwest chicken salads and fresh bread</li>
<li>Venison chops, eggs, and pancakes with fresh fruit</li>
<li>Chicken wings, cheesy hashbrown casserole, and mixed vegetables</li>
<li>Steak, baked potatoes, broccoli, and a side salad</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<b><u>July 22-28</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Spaghetti, veggies, side salad, and garlic bread</li>
<li>Potato soup and rolls</li>
<li>Tacos</li>
<li>Grilled chicken andTexas caviar casserole</li>
<li>Lasagna, veggie, and garlic bread</li>
</ul>
</div>
Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1071185731654819209.post-50270809147363222442019-06-06T11:01:00.002-05:002019-11-30T22:09:57.694-06:00Moist and Flavorful Roast Chicken Leg QuartersMy kids LOVE chicken legs, but my hubby does not. I came up with this recipe so that we'd have legs for the kids and thighs for the hubby and me. It's super simple and very flavorful. You can make enough for your family, or mass quantities for a big group. I've had several requests from family and friends for this recipe so I figured that I should finally get it posted.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>6 chicken leg quarters (I prefer to separate them, but you don't have to)</li>
<li>2-4 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning blend (Lawry's, <a href="https://www.thespicehouse.com/bronzeville-galena-street-rib-rub" target="_blank">Bronzeville/Galena</a>, or <a href="https://www.thespicehouse.com/old-world-central-street-seasoning-regular" target="_blank">Old World Central/Third Street</a> are my favorites, but here's a <a href="https://www.mygourmetconnection.com/all-purpose-seasoning-blend/" target="_blank">homemade blend</a> that also works)</li>
<li>cooking spray and/or aluminum foil</li>
</ul>
<div>
Directions:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Season the chicken on both sides with the all-purpose seasoning. Place on a half-sheet pan coated with cooking spray or aluminum foil, and refrigerate at least 2 hours in advance or even overnight.</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.</li>
<li>Roast chicken for 1 hour. Remove and let rest 15 minutes before eating. Enjoy with a side of cheesy hashbrown casserole and a veggie. :D</li>
</ol>
<div>
Note: you can also make these into BBQ chicken leg quarters by brushing them with BBQ sauce at the 45-minute mark.</div>
</div>
Jared and Bekahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03048040489597342509noreply@blogger.com0