It’s time to plan the menu for week 84. Where does the time go? I made a fairly big decision as I pulled out several containers from the freezer. We are going to eat whatever is inside those plastic storage tubs, creating space in the freezer and getting rid of previously prepared meals. The joke around here is that sometimes we eat mystery meals, because I can’t figure out what is inside those unmarked receptacles. I have a bad habit of freezing leftovers without labels (thinking that I will remember what is inside). NOT.
This time when I invaded the freezer drawer, I discovered a dozen frozen breakfast cookies, a rhubarb giant pancake, a bacon ranch chicken casserole, and taco cornbread bake.
You guessed it! The breakfast plan for week 84 includes cookies and giant pancakes. The ‘Ole Buckeye never tasted the cookies when I first baked them. I shared one with him last week and his reaction was positive. I have enough for two mornings. The attempt of using rhubarb in the giant pancake recipe was not successful. The berries that the recipe calls for are so much better. But, it must be eaten. Several weeks ago I made savory meatballs for Garden Club. One was for a paleo meatball which was soooo yummy, and the other was my old standby bisquick meatball that was a hit with my entire family, but not THM compliant. This past week I found a THM recipe for the later which I will definitely try. A success would be terrific.
Sausage Balls…1 lb breakfast sausage/6 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated / 8 oz of cream cheese/ 1 1/2 cups baking blend/ 1/2 cup water. Put them all in a mixer and mix until blended. Use a cookie scoop to make balls and bake 400 for 25 minutes. You should have 50 of them on a tray in less than 15 minutes.
The menu plan for lunch during week 84 utilizes several freezer finds, more servings of the white chicken chili, and the left over omelet that was more of a lunch than a breakfast.
The dinner plans for week 84 include cook once/eat twice offerings, as well as three repeats of successful and enjoyable meals. The week will be highlighted by Easter Dinner with the entire family. Most of the Easter meal will be comprised of THM recipes, but I did decide to make two traditional sides, the “Sunshine Salad”, which my mom always made when we had lots of hard boiled eggs and a jello salad. I have already experimented successfully with the dressing replacing the sugar with THM Gentle Sweet. The jello salad will be an orange jello and orange sherbet salad that my kids grew up enjoying. I have never made it for the grand girls…so they can eat it and I will take a pass. My daughter is making bread, and my daughter in law is making an appetizer and a dessert. I so hope the weather cooperates and it will be warm. This has been the coolest March in Virginia in years.
Crockpot Spinach Lasagna THM S
Best Chicken Ever THM S
Shrimp, Tomatoes and Feta THM S
Orange Sherbert Jello Salad Off Plan
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole THM S
Chocolate Cappuccino Cheesecake THM S
Last week I made dinner for my son’s family. Since I have recently been giving “experience” gifts to most of my family, this was part one of my daughter in law’s birthday gift. Since she works full time and meals can be hassle, I gave her 6 homemade dinner entrees to be delivered on a date requested…dinner for 4. On Wednesday last week I prepared the first dinner. We purchased a new Cuisinart Slow Cooker for their family as a house warming gift and I prepared the crockpot spinach lasagna. It was a convenient way to prepare their dinner, and it was a hit. I had forgotten just how much we enjoyed that meal, so I included it on our menu plan this week. Because the grand girls always expect some kind of dessert, I made a new cookie and the feedback on this recipe was very positive. I have included links to both.
As a recap for several new meals last week, I will say that the White Chicken Chili seems to be unending. Initially I did not serve it as originally planned because the beans remained very al dente. After cooking in the crock pot an additional day this chili was served. It is very thick and needed additional broth. The flavor of the chili was quite good, and it has feed it for days, and days. It is a very filling E meal. It remains on the lunch menu again this week. You would think after so many meals, I would have a picture. Obviously not.
Crock Pot White Chicken Chili THM E
The Rustic Farmer’s Omelet was very good, but a better dish to be served at lunch or brunch. It was packed with flavor and easily finished in the oven.
Crock Pot White Chicken Chili THM E
Rustic Farmer’s Omelet THM S
Crockpot Spinach Lasagna THM S
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
The often repeated favorite Sausage, Onions, and Peppers was enjoyed once again. Link to Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
I would be remiss if I did not mention that when I prepare this meal I omit the potatoes and use lots more peppers and onions. Normally I have 2 large trays to go into the oven. I also use hot Johnsonville Italian sausage.
Roasted Sausage, Onions and Peppers THM S
The upcoming week features favorites as well as a celebration together as a family. If the weather cooperates it would be great to be outside and on the water, but so far the forecast isn’t very promising. Regardless week 84 promises once again to hold healthy eating without feeling deprived.
Bon Appetit!
