Week 15 Dinner Menu

Well, I’m a day late (no excuse), and $9 richer (thanks to coupons I used at the grocery store yesterday). 

I have to admit, sitting down to write out my menu yesterday was like watching grass grow. I could not have been less motivated, or uncreative (is that a word???). I don’t know what it was. I came off of this fabulous week of great meals (seriously, we were happy eaters last week), and then boom. It was like I hit the proverbial wall (I’m no distance runner, but I hear this happens to the best of them). I was going along, not a care in the world, and then I literally could not move my feet…or in this case my pen. The way I was thumbing through my cookbooks you would think it was the first time I had ever looked at them – and trust me I have looked at them MMMMAAANNNYYY times. Strange.

So I squeaked out a pathetic menu. Pathetic I tell you. I’m actually quite embarrassed. Considering I know only one other person reads this, I’m really not that mortified (Cheryl, I know you’ve got my back).  It could be worse.

I know the anticipation is just killing you.

Sunday: Kung Pow! Vegetables with Chicken/Tofu and Rice. I’ve made this before – the recipe is here, and it is AWESOME!  I had it for lunch today and have another container for tomorrow. Score!

Monday: Pasta with Sausage and Salad.  Really the gist of this recipe is pasta prepared with tomatoes, basil, and cheese, and then you add browned sweet Italian sausage to the mix. I’m doing everything, vegetarian style, and the huz will add the sausage to his pasta. Some people garnish with grated Parmesan. The huz garnishes with crumbled pig. Oink.

Tuesday: Sesame Noodles with Chicken/Tofu and Vegetables. Does this sound like Sunday? Told you. Uncreative. Anyways, this meal traveled so well for my lunch last week, I had to make it again (I’m working out of town on Wednesday).  Plus it gives me an excuse to use up the rest of that tofu brick from Sunday.

Wednesday: Vegetarian Chili. Don’t tell the huz. He’s not the biggest chili fan. I’m thinking this is one of the last times I will be breaking out the slow cooker before we have warm, sunny weather (I’m optimistic that it’s coming).Maybe I can sell it to him with some chips and salsa – kind of like deconstructed nachos.  I, however, love chili. No selling needed. Cheddar cheese, scallions, and sour cream. I’m salivating.

Thursday: Chicken Meatball Wraps. I found the huz has buffalo chicken meatballs in the freezer that should be gobbled up soon (gotta love Costco).  I thought this might be a creative way to use them up. I will be enjoying a fine Morningstar Farms “Chicken” Patty in mine. I’m thinking of putting together some kind of coleslaw or shredded vegetables and an amazing sauce. Who doesn’t love their protein, veggies, and carbs in one neat little bundle?

Friday: Sandwiches and Football Salad.  We both have a long day on Friday and I wanted to do something easy (I’ll actually make the salad on Thursday to save time). I don’t think I’ve shared my “football salad” recipe yet. I’m reluctant to share because it is SO good. It is one of my favorite things to take to potlucks.  Consider this a gift.

Saturday: Wild Card. I know I’m cooking; I’m just not sure what. The steam officially ran out when I tried finding a recipe for Saturday. I know I have food. I may have to wing it. I’m really thinking I’ll be buying some salmon on Saturday. We need some heart healthy fish this week.

To all the other struggling cooks out there, my apron is off to you this week. Hang in there.  If you cook it, they will come.