A Week of Menu Ideas

Hey everyone!

How was your weekend?

It has been amazingly HOT here lately!! We walked to breakfast yesterday morning (at like 7am) and it was already burning up outside!! Sheesh. I heard on the news (again this week!!) that we are supposed to get a break this week, and I will be so happy when that happens!

The heat is sapping my creativity (lol). I'm getting a lot of cooking ideas from Pinterest lately - it seems so much easier - and more fun! - than going through cookbooks and recipe notes! (: I'm not always making the same exact thing, but I am getting a lot of good ideas there. Some times, I change things up based on what's in my cupboards or some "shortcut" cooking method that would make my cooking time faster.

Monday
Sweet Potato Burritos
Seared Broccoli

{Noodles from simplyreem.com}

Tuesday
Ginger Soba Noodles
Miso Soup

Wednesday
Red Beans (1)
Brown Rice
Sauteed Garlic Spinach

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Greek Salads

Friday (2)
Make Your Own Pizza
Frozen French Fries
Vegetarian Orange "Chicken"
Carrot Sticks

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta and Homemade Marinara (3)
with Garlic Bread
Green Salads

Notes:

(1) Red Beans Recipe (adapted from Leanne Ely's recipe) New Orleans-Style Beans: In a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat and saute 1/4 cup each: onion, green bell pepper and celery. Add 1 clove crushed garlic, 1/8 teaspoon thyme. Mix this 1 can of kidney beans beans and serve on top of rice with hot sauce and a little melted butter (or Earth Balance) with greens on the side.

(2) As you can tell, Friday is going to be a clean out my freezer night! I need some space in that thing so I am going to clean out what's there (we will have some things for dinner) and start making some room.

(3) I love this recipe and I really am planning on giving it to you guys one of these days. Basically, I use canned tomato sauce, add it some spices that I like and some shredded carrots (to make it sweet), a spoonful of tomato paste and then let it simmer for about 1/2 an hour (covered) on low. This is my MIL's recipe and I don't actually have it written down, I just know what to put in and how I can adapt it based on what I have. (:

What are you having?
More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Enchiladas, Tofu, and Soup

We went to the Laguna Beach Sawdust Art Festival this weekend. If you haven't been and you are interested in arts and crafts of all kinds, this is definitely a place you would want to visit. It doesn't matter if you are into sewing, making your own jewelery, crafts, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, glass working, painting, or upcycling - you can find inspiration (and stuff to buy!!) there. It's really amazing to see so much stuff like this in one place. It's like an upscale craft fair (on steroids).

I didn't buy anything this year - I usually buy one or two things - but, I did make - or "throw" - a ceramic bowl. It was so awesome and so cool. I've never gotten to do anything like that before.

But, now we are back to the week, and here's what I have planned for the week:

Monday
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Sauteed Greens

Tuesday
Baked Ginger Orange Tofu
Couscous
Carrots and Sweet Peas with Tarragon


{Photo by Annabelle Breakey for Sunset Magazine}

Wednesday
Cold Zucchini and Basil Soup
Green Salads with Cucumbers
and Homemade Vinaigrette

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Cobb Salads or Fruit Salads

Friday
Baked Potatoes
with Chili (or Broccoli) and Cheese

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Ravioli / Pasta Dinner
Green Salad
Garlic Bread

My plan for this week is to cook everything (except the garden burgers and ravioli) on one day. This will help so that I don't have to heat up my kitchen every.single.day (it's too hot here and if I wait, then I know I just won't cook everyday because I don't want to get the kitchen going). With this plan, I can cook the potatoes, tofu, and enchiladas at the same time (I may have to add on five or ten minutes to the total cooking time, but if I get everything in right around the same time, I can cook three dinners at one time). Whew!! I will just put stuff in containers in the fridge and when I get home from work each night, I can either put stuff into the toaster oven while I make the sides or put dinner into the microwave if I need to. Also, with the enchiladas, we won't be able to finish all that I will make so I will be able to take some for lunch one day and freeze the rest for another week when I don't have a plan or don't feel like cooking. (:

Oh - if you haven't already, please check out my giveaway for a chance to win a complete digital scrapbooking system from My Memories!
What did you do this weekend?

More later! (:

A Week Of Menu Ideas - Dad's Cooking, Salads, Pasta

Hey everyone!! How are you?

It has been so hot here the last couple of days...but, finally (!), the weather is supposed to break a bit during the week! whew! (:

Here's what I have planned for dinner this week:

Monday
Dad's Choice (I'm going to the gym early - - dad's in charge tonight!)

Tuesday
Simple Chef's Salads
(Garbanzo and Kidney Beans, Cukes, Tomatoes, Cheese, and Homemade Mustard Vinaigrette on Romaine Lettuce)

Wednesday
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chili on Top
Sliced Oranges
("Bake" the potatoes in the microwave until almost done; finish them up in an oven or toaster oven; used canned chili or pre-made homemade)

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Left over Bonanza

Friday
BBQ Tempeh Tacos
Sweet Potato Chips
(We were going to have this last week, but ended up going out for dinner instead; so since I already have all the stuff, it's on the menu again this week)

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta
Sauteed Greens
Garlic Bread

What fun things did you do this weekend?
More later! (:

A Week of Menus - Wraps, Tacos, and Stir Fry

We had an exciting day yesterday - we went to the baseball game and Miss No-No got to run the bases!! (It wasn't like she was chosen to run the bases, every kid at the game could do it, but it was so cool and so awesome!!)....and we got to go down with her! So, even though WE didn't get to run the bases, we did get to go down on the field. It was magnificent and awe-inspiring to be down there and see the field from that angle!

Here's what I have planned for dinners this week:

Monday
Nori Handhelds with Brown Rice (1)
Green Bean Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Tuesday
Grilled Vegetable Wraps with Lavash Bread (2)
Greek Salads

{Stir Fry with Noodles}

Wednesday
Tofu Stir Fry
Miso Soup

Thursday
Zucchini Ribbon Salads
Roasted Garbanzo Beans
Lavash Bread with Hummus Dip

Friday
BBQ Tempeh Tacos (3)
Brown Rice
Cheesy Broccoli

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Veggie Pasta
Salad
Garlic Bread

Notes:

1. Nori Rolls - Brown rice (made ahead of time), matchstick carrot and cucumbers, and sliced avocado. I will either roll these into a hand-held "wrap" using a nori sheet or will wrap them "roll-style" using a bamboo mat (from the Asian market) and then cut in 1" sections.

2. Grilled Veggie Wraps - Using large tortillas, spread about 1/3 to 1/2 of the tortilla with a thin layer of hummus and then top 1/4 - 1/3 of the tortilla with grilled vegetables. Roll up burrito style and serve.

3. Tempeh tacos - are so easy to make, and sooooo delicious. Tempeh is a bean cake that you can buy in a health food store. You could easily substitute ground round (I like Yves Brand) or Extra Firm Tofu (if you are subbing, skip the steaming step). Slice and steam tempeh for 15 minutes. Cube or crumble tempeh and add to a skillet with BBQ Sauce. Cook for another 5 - 10 minutes. Put into tortillas and top with whatever toppings you have on hand.

What did you do this weekend?

More later! (:

A Week of Menus - Zucchini Harvest

We spent this weekend at the Santa Barbara Zoo - it's perfect for little kids - it takes about 3 - 4 hours tops and by the time you are done, so are they! (:

{SB Zoo; Giraffe Feeding; Taken by my aunt}

We have a ton of zucchini right now! My mom has a garden in her yard and every week, she loads me up.... which is fine because thanks to Pinterest, I think I now have access to every good recipe that you can make with zucchini (that's where my inspiration came from this week!).

Here's what we are having:

Monday
Zucchini and Corn Chowder
Garlic Bread
Small Salads

{Mushroom Tacos}

Tuesday
Corn, Tomato, Zucchini, and Avocado Salads
Grilled Mushroom Tacos

Wednesday
Roasted Zucchini and Corn Wedges
Gardenburgers
Olive and Feta Salads

Thursday
Zucchini "Crab" Cakes
Pasta
Garlic Bread

Friday
Zucchini Carrot and Cashew Rolls
Baked Garbanzo Beans
Avocado "Fries"

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Zucchini Alfredo Pasta Nests
Oven Roasted Broccoli

What are you using your zucchini for?? Let me know!
More later!! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas

We went to see the Brave movie today! (:  Have you guys seen it? I love all the Pixar movies - - I know that the general message is usually lost on little ones, but I love how they all have a theme and a "lesson". It's great.
Mr. No-No even went to the movie with us!!! I think we were all surprised!

Here's what we are having for dinner this week:

Monday
Quick Clean Out the Fridge Soup

{Brown Rice Bowl from thekitchn.com}

Tuesday
Zucchini Noodles
and Three Bean Salad

Wednesday
Brown Rice Bowl with
Lemongrass and Cashews

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Fruit Salad

Friday
Leftover Bonanza

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta Dinner
Salad and Garlic Bread

What good movies have you seen lately?
Leave me a comment and let me know! (:  Have a great week.
More later! (:

A Week of Menus - Easy, Peasy, Freezy Meals

{Grand Canyon Image from the NPS website}

Hey everyone! If you follow me on Facebook, then you know I was out of town for a couple of days. My family and I decided to go to the Grand Canyon - it was a fun trip, but a lot (!) more driving than I realized. And, since it's the first major road trip we have ever taken as a family (there were 8 of us), I think we were a little unrealistic (overly-optimistic???) on how long it would take, how few breaks we would need, how long a stop at a gas station could actually end up taking.....

But, it was fun!!

Sorry for the late-ness of these menus - we didn't actually get home until Monday night and we just finally got our rental car returned last night. And now we are ready to eat a home-cooked dinner!! But, since I am still in vacation mode, I am using some meals that are VERY fast and easy and some others that I have socked away in the freezer so that getting dinner on the table goes faster. (This is a great idea for when you KNOW you may not have time to cook next week or next month - you can just make double of some recipes that you think will freeze well, wrap them up, stick them in the freezer and in a couple of weeks, you have TONS of pre-cooked food that just needs to be defrosted during the day and then re-heated when it's dinner time!)

BUT - on to the menus (:

Monday

{Stir Fry with Noodles}

Cheese and Refried Bean "Quesadillas"

Tuesday
Bean Burritos

Wednesday
Garden Burgers and Broccoli

Thursday
Frozen Black Eyed Peas
Green Salads
Dinner Rolls

Friday
Tofu Stir Fry with Noodles
(using frozen stir-fry mixed vegetable bag)

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta Dinner
Green Salad
Garlic Bread

Do you have any summer vacation plans?? Leave me a comment and let me know what they are!
More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas

Are you gearing up for the 4th?? Do you have any great plans? 
I am definitely planning to R-E-L-A-X with my extra day off this week (ahhh, I love vacation - - no matter how short it is - lol!).

Here's what I have planned for the week:


{Zucchini Noodles with Teriyaki Sauce}

Monday
Lettuce Wraps (fast and easy)

Tuesday
Zucchini Noodles
and leftovers

Wednesday
Grilled Garden Burgers
Watermelon
Corn on the Cob
Potato Salad


{Simple Stir Fry with Noodles}

Thursday
Simple Stir Fry

Friday
Bean Burritos
Big Salads

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta Sunday
Garlic Bread
Salads

Hope your holiday is great!!! If you have anything great planned for your holiday, I would love to hear about it - - leave me a comment let me know!!
More later!! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Tempeh, Tofu, and Salads

We were so busy last week!! Miss No-No had her summer recital (and rehersals) early last week, she had TWO days off of school, and her graduation was Friday - She graduated from pre-school!! :) It was fun to watch. We also got a surprise when we got there - Miss No-No SANG (!!!) by herself (!!!) as part of the ceremony. Holy man! I could.not.stop crying - she was so beautiful, so sweet, and just so cute up there...and when she didn't know the words, she just did a little "lalalala" thing. Oh!

Since I about to get all emotional on you guys (lol), I will get to the menus!

We are busy again this week - Miss N is taking swimming lessons everyday after school - which means every meal listed here is super fast and easy (or can be pre-prepped the night before). 

{Asian Noodle Salad from thepioneerwoman.com}

Monday
Pasta with Garlic and Broccoli

Tuesday
Easy Asian Noodle Salads
(with Tofu or Pan Seared Tempeh and Edamame)

Wednesday
Tofu, Brown Rice, and Black Bean Bowls
Sauteed Greens

{Tofu and Black Bean Bowls from fitnessmagazine.com}

Thursday
Tempeh Scalopini with Lemon Caper Sauce
Mashed Potatoes and Small Tomato and Avocado Salads

Friday
Mixed Up Leftovers
Salad

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Strega Nona Pasta Bowls
With Spinach Salads
What busy things do you have planned for your week?
More later!  (:

A Week of Menu Ideas

We are busy this week!! Miss No-No had a rehearsal last night for her recital that is tonight (on a weeknight!!). It's fun to watch her get dressed up, get excited, and then get up on stage and do her thing! (:

{from Google Images}

Last night, we didn't have dinner at home, but this salad is what I would have made if I had been there - - I may even make it later this week (maybe Wednesday?) because it just looks so delicious...and easy!

Here's what else I have planned:

Monday
MN's Rehearsal - dinner out

Tuesday
MN's Recital - dinner out

Wednesday
Quick Black Bean Soup and Salad

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Sliced Mangoes
Grilled Zucchini
Sweet Potato Fries

Friday
Left overs and Three Bean Salad

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Pasta Dinner with Green Salads

What are your plans for this week?
More later! (:

A Week of Menus - Mangoes, Mushrooms, and Miso Soup

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

My little one's school session ends next week (she's graduating!!!) - - I am thinking about taking her to downtown LA to see that new Disney movie Brave to celebrate.... It sounds like a fun outing!!!

But, while I try to decide on that..... here's what I have planned for dinner:

Monday
Beans and Greens (Sauteed Kale) (1)
Dinner Rolls

Tuesday
Tofu and Veggies
Over Polenta with Pan Roasted Tomatoes

{Jap Chae from wikipedia.com}

Wednesday
Jap Chae (2)
Miso Soup

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Brocc Slaw

Friday
Black Bean and Mango
Salad on Tostada Shells

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Pasta with Homemade Sauce
Salad / Greens with Carrot Curls

Notes:

(1) To make the sauteed greens: trim and wash the greens (I am using kale so I will have to remove the center rib, cut the greens into bite sized pieces, and wash). Heat a little bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium, add 1 - 2 cloves of minced garlic; let cook for 30 seconds; add in greens. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10 - 15 minutes, adding a tablespoon or two of water when needed (so greens don't overcook and stick to the pan). Remove the lid and cook off as much residual water as possible (or as much as you have time to cook off!). The greens should be tender and wilted down a lot. Press out any extra water against the side of the pan before serving. Add salt and pepper, if desired

(2) Sad to say - my jap chae and my miso soup are from a mix!! But, it's fast, easy, relatively healthy, delicious, and a complete meal on it's own.

What fun thinkgs do you have planned to start off your summer???
More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Spring Rolls, Pasta, and a Picnic

We spent this past Saturday at the beach and then spent Sunday at the pool with Miss No-No and her friends. It was a long Sunday, but a lot of fun!
Here's what I have planned for the week:

Monday
Burritos and Fruit

Tuesday
Spring Rolls
Noodles with Teriyaki Sauce

Wednesday
Garden Burgers with Coleslaw

Thursday
Left over Bonanza

Friday
Picnic-Style Dinner
(Pizza, Fruit Kebabs, Carrot Sticks)

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta with Guac Sauce
Salad
Garlic Bread

What's on your menu this week?
Don't forget to stop by and enter my newest giveaway if you haven't done so yet!
More later! (:

A Week Of Menu Ideas - American, Asian, and Mexican

{from Google Images}

Hey!

We had a fun weekend - we spent Saturday laz-ing around, Sunday was spent at my parents' house (their neighbor had a big party and invited everyone - even us! - over), and Monday we just hung out...but Monday evening, we went over to the Costco by us and rode our bikes around and around in their big parking lot!!! (:  We live on a hill so the Costco parking lot is, literally, the best place around to ride our bikes - - and we don't have to drive to get there, we can ride our bikes over!!

..so now you know what WE do for fun - lol!
I have my menu for the week listed here:
Monday
Veggie Hot Dogs
Baked Beans
Carrot Sticks

Tuesday
Spring Stir Fry (1)

Wednesday
Tofu Fajitas
Beans and Rice

Thursday
Garden Burgers or Bean Burritos
Big Salads

Friday
Fried Rice and Pan-Seared Tofu

Saturday
Dinner Out

Sunday
Pasta with Sauce
Garlic Bread
Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Notes:
(1) Spring Stir Fry: Use stir fry recipe here and substitute asparagus, carrots, and zucchini for other vegetables (keep onions, garlic, and bell peppers); could also add: edamame or green peas.

What fun things did you do over the weekend???
More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Pho, Potato Tacos, & Pasta

We spent ALLLLLL day yesterday at the Aquarium of the Pacific!! They have penguins now!

It was so cool to see them up close - they literally swam right up to the glass and I got this awesome picture. You can even see the ones in the background standing up watching everything!! I loved it almost as much as Miss M. It was a tiring day though - the aquarium was crowded because they were "celebrating" the opening of this new exhibit.

On the subject of new things - I got the Skinny Bitch Cookbook - have you guys seen it? It has a whole section of awesome, vegan entrees. I can't wait to cook my way through it! lol.

Here's what I have planned for dinners this week:

{Vegan Pho - Image from the Kitchn.com}

Monday
Vegan Pho Soup

Tuesday
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos
Green salads (with corn, bell peppers, and avocado)

Wednesday
Spaghetti with Spinach
in Garlic Sauce
Garlic Bread
Panzanella Salad over Greens

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Mixed Sauteed Veggies

Friday
Leftover Bonanza
Carrot Sticks, Celery Sticks with Onion Dip

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Vegan Hot Dogs
Marinated Tempeh Skewers
Orange Slices

What are you doing for the long holiday weekend? Any good plans?
More later!! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Tofu, Beans and Greens, Carrots

Wow! It was a busy weekend and the first part of this week has been very busy, too. Obviously!! It's Wednesday and I am just getting around to working out this meal plan!! I know what you are thinking...."mmmhmmm, excuses, excuses"....

Sunday was Miss No-No's birthday party with her friends. We had it at a gymnastics facility. She was really excited and her friends all seemed to have a good time, too!

The foam block pit (see the second picture) was the ENTIRE reason she wanted to have her party at this place. We actually went to more than one facility and this one had the biggest foam block pit and that was how she decided to have it here!!
Oh, and look at that beautiful cake!!! (I was up until like 11 or 11:30 the night before cooking it...lol). BUT, it was big enough to feed 25 with leftovers!!!
And this week has been busy because Monday I was just tired (from being up late Saturday - and, yes, 11pm is late for me now!) and Tuesday was MY birthday!! So we met up after work and went near downtown for dinner.  (:


Now, on to the menus:
Monday
General Tao-Style Tofu (1)
Chow Mien Noodles

Tuesday
Dinner out
Wednesday
Beans and Greens (2)

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Carrot Juice (3)
Friday
Leftover Bonanza
Saturday
Dinner out
Sunday
Leftovers - Round Two
Notes:
1. General Tao Style Tofu: Add a little bit of vegetable oil or coconut oil to a smokin' hot non-stick skillet. Add in cubed tofu pieces and cook, moving occasionally, until the tofu is the color you like (It usually takes me less than 10 minutes to do this and I like mine burnt - - so turn that heat up!!). Turn the heat down to medium or medium high. Add in your vegetables (when I am in a rush, I use the stir fry mixes that are in the frozen veggie section; but if you use your own, steam them slightly while the tofu is cooking; that way they will cook fast once you get them into the skillet). Pour in a sauce (store bought or homemade: 3 T soy sauce, 2 - 3 T water, 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. dried ginger, 1 clove chopped garlic, 1 T cornstarch, 3 T OJ, 1/8 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; mix). Simmer the sauce until it gets a little bit thick. Serve over noodles or rice
2. Beans and Greens: Not what you are thinking!! This is Cali-Style (not Italian-Style)!! Use white beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans and spice how you like. Warm up. Serve with steamed greens - we have a ton of kale, so this recipe uses it all up!!
3. Carrot Juice: Really! I bought 10 lbs. of baby carrots for Miss M's party and I could have gotten away with 2 - lol. I really thought that the other mommas would help eat them up!! So we will have sweet juice on the side (carrot mixed with a little lemon or orange juice and maybe a celery stick for fun).

What's something different that you are making this week?
More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Sloppy Joes, Stir Fry, and Sweet Potatoes

We spent one day this weekend in the city of Orange. There is the little "historic" area and right in the center is a traffic circle with a fountain and benches and small grass areas and lots of trees. .

I could see myself sitting here most of the day if I lived in this neighborhood!!!

But, we were really there to have high tea at this tea house called Paris in a Cup. It was really nice and a lot of fun. We go to high tea every year for Miss No-No's birthday - it's our little celebratory moment before the madness of the actual birthday party kicks into full gear.










This year, she is turning FIVE!!! (Holy man! Where has the time gone?!??!?!)








I got some awesome greens (from one of Miss No-No's friend's parents) and then some great looking baby bok choy (from Costco), and beautiful kale (from the farmers' market)...so we are having LOTS of greens this week! Here's what I am planning for dinner this week:

Monday
Stir Fry with Bok Choy

{From thekitchn.com}

Chow Mien or Glass Noodles
Quick Sauteed Kale

Tuesday
Tempeh Sloppy Joes (1)
Smashed Potatoes
Fruit Salad

Wednesday
Soup 
Sweet Potato and Beet Stacks
Kale and White Beans

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Sweet Potato Fries
Veggie / Fruit Skewers

Friday
Miss NoNo's Choice (2)

Saturday
Pasta Dinner
Salad with Homemade Crutons

Sunday
Dinner Out

Notes:
1. Tempeh Sloppy Joes - I use this recipe (from Rachael Ray) and just substitute tempeh for the meat and then omit any other dairy / meat products. I used to make this recipe using the vegetarian style crumbles, but substituting tempeh is sooooo much better for you!! (:
2. Friday is Miss No-No's Birthday! She gets to pick what she wants to eat and she hasn't decided yet!!

What are you planning for the week???
More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas - Soup and Sweet Potatoes

We had a busy, busy weekend!! We spent Saturday at the Golf, Wine, and Food Expo in Ontario. It was smaller than we expected (only 4 craft beer booths and 3 or 4 wine tasting booths and not very many golf-related booths at all). But, it was very fun. They had a lot of hands on things going on. So Mr. No-No got to get his golf swing analyzed:

And Miss No-No learned how to putt (she spent nearly the whole show on this little putting green - lol - oh, and that's not our baby....).

I told her that they would let her play golf, but I didn't know that she would have soooo much fun!! We may be looking into buying her golf clubs for her birthday and then taking her over to the putting practice green at the golf course some days.... Who knows? Maybe she will end up being a golf lover (maybe it skips a generation - lol).

Sunday, we went for brunch at this old historic hotel. We go every year with my mom and her friends from work and their families. One of the other little girls there is about the same age as Miss No-No so they end up being thick as thieves the entire time!! (:

The pictures came out fuzzy because for SOME reason, I didn't bring my camera to either of these events. And that means that I was stuck taking pictures with my cell phone!

It was nice and hot this weekend which seemed almost miserable until the cold wind blew in late Sunday night. I woke up to heavy drizzle this weekend....and according to our weather guy, it's the precursor for a wet week. But, I do not mind at all - - - Just means more soup and more comfort food!!!

I found a bunch of recipes featuring sweet potatoes this week (and while I generally don't go to the grocery store during the weekdays, I am DEFINITELY going tonight so that I can stock up and then have the ingredients on hand to make some of these great, easy, super healthy (and warming!) dishes). If you have time, check them out! I think I may make the Sweet Potato and Beet Stacks next week and maybe even the "Stuffed" Sweet Potatoes, too!!!

Anyways, here's what I have planned for this week:

Monday
Japanese style Soba Noodles with Carrots and Peas
Pan Fried Tofu
Broccoli

{Borscht}

Tuesday
Orzo with Roasted Veggies
Lentils
Wednesday
Quick Weeknight Borscht
Thursday
"Chicken" Burgers
Baked Beans
"Buttered" Broccoli
Friday
Burritos or Bean Tacos
Sweet Potato and Arugula Flat Bread
Saturday
Dinner Out
Sunday
Italian Dinner or Sweet Potato Chili
What fun things did you do this weekend?
More later! (:

A Week of Menus - Beans, Beans, Beans...

We had Eggplant Parmesan last night (that Mr. No-No made!!). Yay!! Sometimes, I am so busy with the little things every day that the big things don't always get done!!
Miss No-No had her spring break last week which meant I got to spend a couple of days with her at home. We ended up doing some craft projects, going to the Aquarium, going to a long, long lunch / play date, and watching a lot of movies (it rained one day and was cold for all the others). We also spent a lot of time one day at Chuck E. Cheese with 3 other kids from Miss No-No's class. This is only the second time that I have taken her there, but she has loved it every time. We may have over done it this time, tho - - when it was time to leave, she said okay and we just went over and got our stuff and got ready to go...I was surprised that she didn't fall asleep in the car on the way home! lol. But, I love spending the day with her where we have nothing rushing us, no appointments to get to, no set plan, we are just out to do some stuff and spend some time together!!

That felt like a little mini-vacation!! But, not we are back to the grind ;)

Here's what I have planned for this week:
<><>

{Lemongrass Tofu -Herbivoracious.com}

Monday
Minestrone Soup
Garlic Bread
Green and Red Lettuce Salads

Tuesday
Lemongrass Tofu with Green Bean Noodles (1)
Stir Fried Bok Choy
Coconut Rice

Wednesday

{Everyday Hummus}

Black Eyed Peas
Brown Rice
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Green Salads

Thursday
Hawaiian-Style Grilled Garden Burgers (2)
Leftovers

Friday

Grilled Vegetable Wraps (3)

Hummus and Carrot Sticks

Sweet Potato Fries


{Clean Out The Fridge Soup}

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Soup

Notes:

1. Green Bean Noodles - are for sale at the Asian market by my house. However, I just found them at Vons last weekend in the Asian food aisle. Now they are easier than ever to get a hold of....and they are so ridiculously good for you - they look like white (rice / vermicelli) noodles, but are actually made from GREEN BEANS. It's amazing. (:
Also - this recipe calls for Lemongrass (and I don't have any and won't be making another trip to the grocery store tonight), but I will be substituting in some lemon zest - maybe 1/4 to 1/2 of a lemon rind (yellow parts only). It won't be EXACTLY the same, but it will be close.
2. Hawaiian Style Garden Burgers - I just add grilled (canned) pineapple slices, substitute red onion instead of white and substitute teriyaki sauce for BBQ sauce that I would usually put on burgers. It's a quick and simple fix that can completely change the way a meal can taste!
3. Grilled Veggie Wraps - Using large tortillas, spread about 1/3 to 1/2 of the tortilla with a thin layer of hummus and then top 1/4 - 1/3 of the tortilla with grilled vegetables. Roll up burrito style and serve.

How did you stay dry last week??

More later! (:

A Week Of Menus - Greek Pitas, Cold Weather Chili, and Gardenburgers

I think maybe I should be calling these posts Meal Plan Tuesdays since I am having an issue getting this posted on Mondays, clearly (!!!).

Anyways!!

Our weekend was beautiful, but busy. We went to lunch with a bunch of our aunts, uncles, and cousins on Saturday. Sunday, we went over to my mom and dad's and my aunt and cousin came over and hung out with us for most of the afternoon. The little ones run around and play sooooo much that by the time it's time for one of us to leave, they are both tired and crying about how they don't want to go home, and they want to keep playing, and momma, momma, momma.....lol

Here's what I have planned for this week:


{courtesy of familydoctormag.com}

Monday
Gardenburgers
Grilled Sweet Potatoes (1)
Veggies

Tuesday
Chili
Brown Rice
Spinach Salads with Homemade Vinaigrette

Wednesday
Greek-Style (Soy Crumble) Pitas (2)
Cucumber Ribbon Salads
Couscous

Thursday
Leftovers


{Eggplant Parmesan}

Friday
Pizzas
Vegetable "Sticks"
Fruit Kabobs

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Eggplant Parmesan
Pasta
Salad
Garlic Bread

Notes:

1. Grilled Sweet Potatoes: Heat an indoor grill pan (or outdoor grill) over medium high heat. Scrub potatoes clean, but leave skin intact. Slice potatoes into 1/4 - 1/2" rounds and lay over grill. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for about 7 - 10 minutes (until starting to appear somewhat translucent on top and charred grill marks show on the bottom side - if the marks haven't shown after 5 minutes, slightly turn up the heat on the grill). Flip potatoes over to "mark" the other side. Sprinkle potatoes with a small amount of paprika and pepper while cooking. Cook uncovered for a few more minutes and then serve as is or add a small amount of (vegan) butter and mix.

2. Greek-Style Pitas: Dice 1/4 onion in a skillet over medium with a bit of oil letting cook until the onions get soft (about 5 minutes), add 1/2 - 1 package of Smart Ground (or equivalent ground beef substitute), add in a pinch of some spices (oregano, parsley, Mrs. Dash with lemon, scant pepper, salt to taste), and let cook until incorporated and warm throughout (about 5 more minutes). Lightly toast whole wheat pitas, split into two horizontally, and add 1 lettuce leaf, slices of both cucumbers and tomatoes, some red onions, and a scoop or two of the Smart Ground mixture. Also, you can add hummus or some Greek / Italian style dressing.

Do you have any fun plans for the week? On Thursday, we are going for haircuts and to take Mr. No-No out to lunch, then to the Aquarium near our house, then to a new, privately-owned (recycled goods!) craft store, and then home to make something with the cool crafts we buy. Friday we are planning a playdate and lunch with one of Miss No-No's friends and then a movie in the afternoon!

More later! (:

A Week of Menu Ideas

We had so much fun this weekend!
My cousin is getting married this summer and my mom and her sisters threw a shower for my cousin's fiance!!

The weather was beautiful and the little girls had tons of fun!

I made cake pops for the little girls and cake "balls" for the big girls. (I'm so happy with the cake pop maker that I got last Christmas...if you can't tell!)

It's hard to believe that after that beautiful day, it actually started pouring rain the next morning. We went for lunch and it was cold and windy and then we came out and it was raining and so windy my umbrella got turned inside out. So, you know that means we had soup for dinner, right? Hahahaha (...me and my soups!)

Here's what I have planned for dinners this week:

Monday
Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes (1)
Bean Salad (2)
Toasted Pita Triangles

Tuesday
Veggie Fried Rice
Fruit
Seaweed Salad (3)

Wednesday
Cuban Beans (4)
Brown Rice
Steamed Broccoli
Bread

Thursday
Garden Burgers
Leftover Bonanza

Friday
Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheeze Dippers
Romaine Lettuce Salads with Tomato and Cucumber

Saturday
Dinner out

Sunday
Pasta Dinner with Salad

Notes:
1. Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes: Preheat oven to 400F. Cook Quinoa according to package directions (for 4 servings). Mix in 1/4 tsp each: mint, basil, italian parsley. Cut tops off of tomatoes, core out center (seeds and pulp), leaving a "shell". Dice tomato tops that were previously cut off and add into quinoa mix. Season with salt and pepper and stuff quinoa mix into tomatoes. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes (don't let the tomatoes collapse, but you want them to be soft).
2. Bean Salad: My bean salad is like soup....it changes all the time based on what I have on hand. This is forgiving - you can add in, take out, substitute - it all comes out good...Mix two types of beans (1/4 - 1/2 cup each depending on what your family likes - I usually use garbanzo beans and kidney beans and just mix in equal amounts). Season with 1/2 clove of minced garlic, a little bit on minced red onion, salt and pepper, and some italian seasoning. Pour over a couple of teaspoons of light olive oil, 1 - 2 tsp. of red wine vinegar, and stir to mix. Serve as is or over lettuce greens
3. Seaweed Salad: My seaweed salad comes out of package (I buy it at a health food store, but they also sell it at Costco, Sprouts, and at Whole Foods). It goes great with Asian dishes and it comes in the package ready to serve - you don't even have to heat it up - and it's so good for you!
4. Cuban Beans: In a stock pot, over medium heat, add 1-2 Tbsp of light olive oil and let heat up. Add 1/2 of a diced onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 red bell pepper julienned, and let cook for a minute or two, stirring. Add in 1 tsp each of cumin and dried basil, 1/2 tsp of coriander, and let cook for 5 - 10 minutes, stirring, so that the seasonings are spread out over the onion mix. Add in 1/8 cup of white wine vinegar and stir for 1 minute. Add in 2 diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup of vegetable broth, and 2 cans of drained beans (either a mix of two kinds or all one kind). Bring to a slight boil, cover reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes. You want the beans to be soft, but not falling apart. Serve over brown rice.
{{Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes and Cuban Beans recipe adapted from the 400 Calorie Fix Cookbook}}

What was the most fun thing that you did this weekend?
More later!! (: