Luckily the meal plan for week #23 confirmed my newest goal, Cook Once, Eat Twice. In fact, even more than that, one new recipe emerged as an eat once, provide a family meal once, and eat yet again for a third time! Each new meal proved to be totally enjoyable.
The successful new recipe that I prepared was a Chicken Enchilada Casserole from Gimme Some Oven.
This recipes made an excellent casserole. It completely filled a 9 x 13 baking dish from top to bottom. A truly “deep dish” delight. I made it just as directed and served it with the suggested chopped avocado, chopped green onion, and chopped cilantro condiments. One change that I did make was to add sour cream to the topping choices, adding an additional dimension of flavor.
This casserole proved to be delicious and a definite HIT. The biggest problem on the first night—we didn’t make a dent in the casserole. Our servings were generous and filling, but the casserole remained virtually untouched!
The family returned from their Colorado trip and our leftovers proved to be the perfect meal to serve as a welcome home celebration. Believe or not there was plenty remaining to serve all 6 for us. This time in addition to the original condiments I added the choice of guacamole for a topping as well, Excellent choice, it proved to add yet another layer of flavor.
The need to prepare a salad to accompany this dish without going to the grocery proved to be the only quandary. I had a generous bag of fresh arugula on hand. I googled “mexican arugula salad.” Up popped a new recipe which proved to be delicious and the dressing will be a keeper for additional salads in the future.
Bobby Flay’s Avocado Arugula Salad
The new salad was a HIT and a perfect accompaniment to the casserole.
There was one last addition to this meal.
Because
The grand girls expect a dessert from Granma. So naturally I decided to attempt a new recipe, easy, last minute, and a HIT.
Each family member to a person thoroughly enjoyed the meal. It brought us together without a full day of cooking for me.
and
Believe it or not, this casserole that feed the hungry family of 6, went on again to feed the two of us for yet another evening meal. Cook once, Eat Thrice!
The other new meal that I made, was not really new, but the light version of a new favorite of ours. I tried my sister’s light version of Huli Huli Chicken.
Lightened Up Huli Huli Chicken
Slimmed Down Huli Huli Chicken
Slimmed Down Huli Huli Chicken You may have noted that Carol posted a link and a rave review for Huli Huli Chicken. I am sure the original recipe is phenomenal since Carol is a terrific cook and hostess but the chicken thighs and the amount of sugar in the recipe made it a challenge for our current weight loss regime.
The only change….I used Monk Fruit in the Raw for the sugar substitute.
A Hit.
So, all in all, the new recipes included in my meal plan not only proved to be winners, but also proved to provide exceptional eating for many of us over several days. That in itself is a BIG HIT!!
There will be no new menu plan for next week, nor will I go to the grocery. Yippee!
My only goal is to use as up as much as possible in the refrigerator to avoid things spoiling while we are on our road trip. We leave midweek for our road trip from Norfolk to Gatlinburg for a Wedding on Saturday.
I am taking a cooler…Gazpacho, Pasta Salad, fresh fruits, chips, cheese, Mountain Dew (to keep us awake) and wine. So excited for the week ahead. Can’t wait to celebrate the union of two very special people at their “sunrise” wedding while creating a travel experience along the way!
