Memorial Day Week

Hey everyone, these are some yummy ones.  Enjoy your celebrating with your families this weekend.   

Monday- Pulled Pork Sliders

Tuesday- Caribbean Salad with Sweet Orange Vinaigrette 

Wednesday- Chicken Tostada Salad

Thursday- Miso Salmon

Friday- Pan Seared Sirloin with Corn Salsa

Pulled Pork Sliders

So if you don't have a BBQ to attend on Monday and would like something that resembles BBQ here is the recipe for you.  Picture and recipe from Woman's Day

http://www.womansday.com/recipefinder/pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-122978

Caribbean Salad with Sweet Orange Vinaigrette

This is such a refreshing Summer time salad.  Picture and recipe from Our Best bites

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/05/caribbean-salad-with-sweet-orange-vinaigrette/

Chicken Tostada Salad

I think I am most excited about this one! Picture and recipe from Martha Stewart

http://www.marthastewart.com/337631/chicken-tostada-salad?backto=true&backtourl=/menu/grocery-bag-six-convenient-staples

Miso Salmon

This is my favorite menu item from the Cheesecake Factory.  For all you salmon haters out there, Miso is very sweet, which helps to take the fishy taste away.  

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/5-easy-dinners-only-five-ingredients-192800695.html

Pan Roasted Sirloin with Corn Salsa

Yum!  That is all I have to say.  Enjoy.  Recipe and Picture from Frugal Foodie Family

http://frugalfoodiefamily.com/2011/06/30/pan-roasted-sirloin-with-corn-salsa/

Hi everyone, sorry if you missed me last week, it was a crazy work schedule.  

Monday- BLT Pasta

Tuesday-Chicken Stir Fry Wraps

Wednesday- Lemon- Garlic Herb Rubbed Chicken

Thursday- Maple Glazed Chicken Kabobs

Friday- Taco Salad

http://www.womansday.com/recipefinder/blt-pasta-recipe-122964

http://www.marthastewart.com/276948/dinner-tonight#/283272

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/04/lemon-garlic-herb-rubbed-chicken/

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/05/maple-glazed-chicken-kebabs-with-sweet-jalapeno-salsa/

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/taco_salad.html

The week of May, yes May 6th!

So we had a super busy week and weekend, but finished with the Seared Chicken and Smashed Potatoes from this weeks list.  Yum, along with a glass on wine, it was a nice way to end the weekend. Enter tomorrow and I will have 12 kids at my house....ahhhh.  Anyways, I am pretty sure only a few of you actually read this, but I hope I am helping in some way.  There is a theme this week, can anyone guess what it is?  Enjoy.  

Monday- Ravioli with Sauteed Asparagus and Walnuts

Tuesday- Seared chicken with Smashed Potatoes and herbed pan sauce

Wednesday-  Gingery Grilled Steak with Orange Couscous

Thursday- Orange Chicken

Friday- Pork Chops with Apricot Rice 

Ravioli with Sauteed Asparagus and Walnuts

Picture and recipe from Women's Day

http://www.womansday.com/recipefinder/ravioli-sauteed-asparagus-walnuts-recipe-122912

I have decided to use butternut squash ravioli with this, we will see....

Seared chicken with Smashed Potatoes and herbed pan sauce

Picture and recipe from Women's Day

http://www.womansday.com/recipefinder/seared-chicken-with-smashed-potatoes-and-herbed-pan-sauce-recipe

Gingery Grilled Steak with Orange Couscous

Picture and recipe from Women's Day

http://www.womansday.com/recipefinder/gingery-grilled-flank-steak-with-couscous-salad-recipe

Orange Chicken

So I am cheating and using the trader joe's pre-made, thought I personally like Costco's better.  I have a crazy work week this week.  Picture and recipe from thenoshery.com

http://thenoshery.com/2010/03/19/better-than-takeout-orange-chicken/

Pork Chops with Apricot Rice 

Picture and recipe from Women's Day

http://www.womansday.com/recipefinder/pork-chops-with-apricot-rice-recipe

My anniversary week :)

So I really have to apologize about last weeks honey-lemon recipe.  I usually look at the reviews first if I have not tried the recipe, but with this one I didn't.  It was on the worst dishes I have cooked in my 7 years of marriage.  The baby wouldn't even touch it.  Live and learn.  I guess I need to make sure to read the reviews next time.  Tomorrow is my anniversary and I am going somewhere yummy for dinner.  Enjoy one of these dishes instead :)

Monday- Basil Pesto with bow tie pasta

Tuesday- Bruschetta Chicken

Wednesday- Chicken fried rice

Thursday- Lighter beef tacos

Friday- Breakfast for dinner- waffles!

Basil Pesto with bow tie noodles 

I love this basil pesto recipe.  I have some basil and pine nuts that I need to use, and this is a great way to do it.  Serve this with bow tie noodles and chicken.  

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/basil-pesto-recipe4/index.html

Bruschetta Chicken

I love bruschetta so why not add it to grilled chicken.  

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/04/bruschetta-chicken/

Chicken fried rice

http://www.marthastewart.com/356039/chicken-fried-rice?center=276948&gallery=275088&slide=283173

Lighter beef tacos

http://www.marthastewart.com/316802/lighter-beef-tacos?center=276948&gallery=275088&slide=281823

Buttermilk Waffles

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/wonderful-waffles/detail.aspx

The week of April 22nd

Hi everyone, here are this weeks yummy and mostly healthy recipes.  Summer is on it's way.  At least here in Southern California it is.  Enjoy.  

Monday- 

Toasted Quinoa Salad with Scallops and Snow Peas

Tuesday-

Poppy Seed-Chicken Pitas

Wednesday-

Honey-Lemon Chicken with Potatoes (Rachel Ray)

Thursday-

Cilantro Lime Tilapia Tacos

Friday-

Meatloaf Muffins 

Toasted Quinoa Salad with Scallops and Snow Peas

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/toasted_quinoa_salad_with_scallops_snow_peas.html

Poppy Seed Chicken Pitas

I can't wait to try these :) 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/poppy-seed-chicken-pitas-recipe/index.html

Honey-Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=3213

Cilantro Lime Tilapia Tacos

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/02/cilantro-lime-tilapia-tacos.html

Meatloaf Muffins 

Sorry this one doesn't have a picture.  :)  

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/meatloaf-muffins-with-barbecue-sauce-recipe/index.html

The week of April 16th

I hope everyone had a great two weeks. I was really busy with Easter, working and my daughter's first birthday. Fun times. Here are some new recipes :)

Monday- Apricot chicken

Tuesday- Zucchini Enchiladas

Wednesday- Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta in a Lemon Cream Sauce

Thursday- Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Friday- Cobb Salad

Apricot Chicken

So for this one I couldn't decide which one I was going to try. There are lots of recipes for apricot chicken, most of which are made with french dressing. Neither of these contain that in case you were curious. Picture is from Olive Garden.com

Slow cooker version: http://debbidoesdinnerhealthy.blogspot.com/2010/05/apricot-chicken-in-slow-cooker.html This kind is healthy and easy.

Coconut version: http://penniesonaplatter.com/2011/03/09/coconut-chicken-with-apricot-sauce/ This one looks so tasty and easy as well.
Cheesy Zucchini Enchiladas

Recipe and Picture from Skinny Taste

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/03/cheesy-zucchini-enchiladas.html

Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta in a Lemon Cream Sauce

Recipe and Picture from Our Best Bites

For those of you who love the Guiltless Alfredo (Me,Me), here is another twist on it.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/04/roasted-asparagus-and-mushroom-pasta-in-lemon-cream-sauce/

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

So I have posted this one before, but I realized after I did that I really told you the recipe wrong.....Oops.

1 Jar Sweet and Sour Sauce (I use Trader Joe's Sweet Chili Sauce)

Fresh Pineapple with juice or 1 can diced pineapple

1 red pepper, diced

1 cup FROZEN green beans

3 T. soy sauce

3 T. Brown Sugar

1 bag frozen turkey meatballs

Brown Rice

• In a slow cooker a add the Sweet and sour sauce, meatballs, soy sauce, red pepper, brown sugar, and pineapple and mix together.
• Cook on low for four hours
• About 30 minutes prior to when you are going to eat add the frozen green beans. If you use fresh, they will just wilt.
• Serve over brown rice.

Cobb Salad

So I still have lots of left over hard boiled eggs.....Picture from Simply Recipes

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/healthy-appetite-with-ellie-krieger-/cobb-salad-recipe/index.html

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I worked the whole time, but enjoyed a wonderful day at the beach on Thursday. We enjoyed the steak sandwiches for dinner tonight. They were super easy and tasty. Enjoy.

Monday- Pepper Steak Heros

Tuesday-Skinny Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli

Wednesday- Rachel Ray's No-Peeking Peking Chicken

Thursday- Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

Friday- Shredded Chicken Tacos

Pepper Steak Heros (Rachel Ray)

Like I said, we enjoyed these a lot. The sauce is light and tasty and a great alternative to cheese. We also added the arugula like she suggested. Picture and recipe from Rachel Ray.

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/budget-recipes/pepper-steak-heros

Skinny Macaroni and Cheese soup with Broccoli

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/01/skinny-macaroni-and-cheese-soup-with.html

No-Peeking Peking Chicken

This was also in Rachel Ray's Magazine and it looked tasty and who doesn't love a crock pot meal.

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/no-peeking-peking-chicken

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

Whenever I am in the mood for a lot of veggies but need it to be a meal, this is a great alternative. Picture and recipe from Our Best Bites.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/07/thai-peanut-noodle-salad/

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Picture from Taste of Home

1/2 bag- 1 bag frozen chicken breasts or cutlets

1 jar of salsa (I prefer fresh restaurant style for this one)

tortillas

shredded cheese

• Dump the bag of frozen chicken in the crock pot
• Pour salsa over the top
• Cook on low for 4-6 hours
• Serve with tortillas, cheese and whatever toppings you like

The week of March 25th

So I hope someone else enjoyed last weeks steak and veggies with me. This week I am making a creamy chive chicken (low fat) which come highly recommended to me. Looking forward to trying that. Enjoy this weeks picks.

Monday- Twice Baked Potatoes and Tomato Soup

Tuesday- Sauteed Chicken Breasts with Creamy Chive Sauce

Wednesday-Mexican Rice Bake

Thursday- Turkey Burgers with Baked Zucchini Fries

Friday- Baked Ziti with Chicken

Twice Baked Potatoes

Recipe and Picture from Simply Recipes

Twice Baked Potatoes more than anything she cooked, remind me of my mom. I don't think any potato I have ever made has compared with hers. Maybe she just used lots of yummy butter and sour cream. You can make these as low fat as you want by using fat-free sour cream and milk, no butter, bacon and light cheese. Here is a link to a few different versions. I add broccoli to mine sometimes to get a veggie in there as well. Either way, there is just something about the TWICE BAKED part that is so good. http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/twice_baked_potatoes/

Sauteed Chicken Breast with Creamy Chive Sauce

Recipe and picture from Eating Well

So like I said, my friend said this is so tasty it is from Eating Well, so I thought I would give it a try. I am serving this with asparagus and orzo pasta like they suggested and of course the leftover wine from the recipe. :)

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/sauteed_chicken_breasts_with_creamy_chive_sauce.html

Mexican Rice Bake

I know I make this all of the time, but I bet most of you still haven't tried it :)

Recipe and picture from Frugal Foodie Family

http://frugalfoodiefamily.com/2011/09/29/mexican-chicken-and-rice-bake/

Turkey Burgers and Baked Zucchini Fries

Recipe and picture from Our Best Bites

I love zucchini fries and they remind my of my sister who used to love dipping the fried version in ranch dressing. Here is a healthier version and a way for your kids to get some more veggies in.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/01/baked-zucchini-fries/

Baked Ziti with Chicken

Recipe and picture from 101 cooking for two

Enough said, simple, tasty and easy.

http://www.101cookingfortwo.com/2010/05/chicken-baked-ziti.html

The week of March 19th

So I apologize that two of these recipes do not have links, they were from Good Housekeeping and sounded delicious but I couldn't find the pictures or recipes to go with them. Anyways, the first recipe I made tonight and my husband LOVED it. It would be a special treat to cook for the hubby without much work. Enjoy.

Monday- Pepper Crusted Steak with Roasted Veggies

Tuesday- Healthy Pasta Primavera

Wednesday-Crispy Balsamic Chicken (Not fried) with greens

Thursday-Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Sandwiches

Friday- Southwestern Cobb Salad

Pepper Crusted Steak with Roasted Veggies

As I mentioned above, this is a MUST try. Super easy and oh so tasty. I used Top Sirloin to bring down the cost of the meat and two buck Chuck for the wine. Enjoy, I know I did.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/pepper-crusted-steak-roasted-veggies-recipe-ghk0412?click=recipe_sr

Healthy Pasta Primavera

Picture from Simple Bites but Recipe from Good Housekeeping, April 2012

12 oz. whole wheat spaghetti, cooked

1 T. EVOO

1 med. onion finely chopped

3 garlic, finely chopped

1 pt. grape tomatoes

12 oz. asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces

1 med. zucchini, cut into half-moons

1/4 c. water

1 can garbanzo beans

1 med. carrot, grated

1/4 oz. Parmesan cheese

2 T. lemon juice

Fresh Basil to garnish

• In a skillet, heat oil on medium and add onion and garlic- cook 2-3 min.
• Add grape tomatoes- cook 5 min.
• Add asparagus, zucchini, water and 1/4 t. salt- cover and cook for 5-7 minutes
• Stir in beans and carrots-cook 2-3 min. until beans are warm
• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water
• Drain pasta, return to pot
• Add vegetable mixture, cheese, lemon juice, 1/4 t. salt
• Toss and garnish with Basil

Crispy Balsamic Chicken (Not fried)

Picture from Food.com

Ok, bummed that this recipe doesn't have the real pic, because it looks way better than this one.

1 lb. carrots thinly sliced at an angle

2 t. EVOO

1 c. panko bread crumbs

1 1/4 lbs. of chicken breast cutlets

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 C. plus 1 T. balsamic-vinegar

5 oz. arugula

1 C. fresh basil leaves, torn

• Preheat oven to 450
• On jelly roll pan, toss carrots in oil and 1/8t. salt and pepper- roast 8-10 minutes or until tender crisp, transfer to a bowl
• While carrots cook, place panko on large plate. In medium bowl, toss chicken and mustard and 1/3 t. freshly ground pepper until well coated. Coat chicken with panko, pressing to adhere.
• Bake 12-14 minutes
• In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup balsamic, 1/8t. salt and pepper, bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer8-12 minutes until syrupy.
• To same bowl add arugula, basil, and remaining balsamic, toss to mix.
• Serve salad with chicken and balsamic glaze.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Sandwiches

Picture and recipe from Closet Cooking

http://www.closetcooking.com/2008/08/grilled-teriyaki-chicken-and-pineapple.html

Southwestern Cobb

I have done this before, but I love this dressing so here it is again. Picture and recipe from Our Best Bites.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/08/southwestern-cobb-salad/

So I hope you all had a great week. I got to see my sister for the first time in almost two years so that was a huge blessing. Enjoy this weeks meals.

Monday- White Pizza

Tuesday-Pork Chops with Pineapple Fried Rice

Wednesday- Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Thursday- Spinich, Sausage and tomato Risotto

Friday- Glazed Chicken Lettuce Wraps

White Pizza

You could also make your own dough for this as well. If you want an easier meal then go ahead and use a store bought one :) Picture and recipe from My recipe.com

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/white-pizza-10000000592319/

Pork Chops with Pineapple Fried Rice

Picture and recipe from The Pioneer Woman Cooks

So this one looks a bit more time consuming, but wow, look at the final product. Of course the Pioneer woman is amazing and so is her food. http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/03/pork-chops-with-pineapple-fried-rice/
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

If frozen spinach is kind of weird to you, at least it is for me, you can cook up some fresh spinach and shred it for this one. This is a lowfat recipe, so if you are not into that, this would be one to skip. Recipe and picture from Skinny Taste.

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/02/spinach-lasagna-rolls.html

Sausage, tomato and spinach risotto

So I was recommended this by a friend, yummy! http://frugalfoodiefamily.com/2011/06/09/sausage-tomato-and-spinach-risotto/

Glazed Chicken Lettuce Wraps

I have only ever had lettuce wraps at restaurants but have always wanted to make my own. So I think Rachel Ray should be safe for a trail. Picture from The Joy of Clean Eating.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/thai-glazed-chicken-lettuce-wraps-recipe/index.html

So I don't know about you, but I really enjoyed last weeks meals. Did anyone try any? My favorite was the Feta and Herb Stuffed Chicken....so tasty. Enjoy this weeks meals.

Monday- Chicken Piccata

Tuesday- Sweet and Salty Salmon

Wednesday- Turkey Meatloaf

Thursday- Guiltless Fettuccine Alfredo

Friday- Chili Lime Chicken Tacos

Chicken Piccata

I used Emeril's Chicken Piccata Recipe. It does however, use a lot of butter (6 T.) But of course it was yummy. I served it over Cappellini noodles. http://www.emerils.com/recipe/7881/Chicken-Piccata

Sweet and Salty Salmon

Picture from My recipes

Sauce:

2 1/2 T. Soy Sauce

2 T. Olive Oil

2 T. Brown Sugar

1 t. Lemon Pepper

1 Clove of Garlic

• Marinate for at least 20 minutes
• Grill, bake or Broil just until cooked
• This is great with Rice or Coos-Coos

Turkey Meatloaf

Picture from My recipes

Ok, so meatloaf is really not my thing. My husband does like it though. So here is a low fat version that might be worth a try. I have not tried this, just a warning. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/turkey-meatloaf-10000001559148/
Guiltless Alfredo Sauce

Picture and recipe from Our Best Bites

So I really like this sauce, and I have many friends tell me how much they enjoy this. Most of the time, you may already have the ingredients in your fridge. I serve this with chicken and broccoli. http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/08/guiltless-alfredo-sauce/

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos

Picture and recipe from Trader Joes

These are soooo easy and super tasty. The only thing is, you have to live where there is a Trader Joes. http://www.traderjoes.com/recipes/recipe.asp?rid=52