Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Weight Watchers BLT Pasta Salad

Here you go M as requested this is what is on the meal plan for tonight! I may sprinkling with some grated cheese maybe??? (Recipe called for sugar not sure why but I omitted it and it is just fine without it we think.

Weight Watchers BLT Pasta Salad

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Servings: 6
    • 4 cups cooked large macaroni shells
    • 4 cups Tomatoes, cut up
    • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
    • 3 cups of thin sliced Lettuce(will use when plating)
    • 1 teaspoon sugar(I omitted)
    • 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
    • 1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise (I used 1/3c)
    • 1/3 cup light sour cream
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • salt and pepper

Directions

  1. In a large bowl mix together shell, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce.
  2. In a small bowl mix the sugar, vinegar, mayo, sour cream and mustard, salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Pour over shell mixture, stir and chill.
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Sunday, January 26, 2014

Meal Plan {{January 27th - February 2nd}}

This past week was a crazy week both kids reacted to something (altho 5th Disease & Chicken Pox is going around) 2 doctors said it was an allergic reaction. Maybe all the juicing we have been doing flushed some crap out of their little bodies? Maybe. I go some results and get to go see my urologist this week. The news didn't surprise me altho it explains a lot now.


Meal Plan {{January 20th - January 26th}}
Monday - (Cubs & Dance) -Taco in Bag/Salad
Tuesday - (Nothing) - Beef & Broccoli w/rice
Wednesday -(Working) - Ham & Scalloped Potatoes
Thursday - (Skating & Choir) - Chicken Burritos & fresh Veg
Friday - Left Overs
Saturday Soup & Sandwiches Frozen Pizza (I had soup)
Sunday - Roast Chicken Oven Baked Fried Chicken & mashed potatoes & Candied Carrots

 Meal Plan {{January 27th - February 2nd}}
Monday - (Cubs & Dance & Bowling) -Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Tuesday - Burgers & BLT Mac Salad (new recipe)
Wednesday -(Choir & Working) - Crockpot Santa Fe Chicken (new recipe)
Thursday - (Skating) - Friend is feeding the kids as & I am out of town for doctor
Friday -Fish & Fries (incase I am hospitalized something Dad can cook or its will be take out!)
Saturday Deluxe Cheeseburger Bake (newish recipe)
Sunday Roast Beef & mashed potatoes Some sort of Veggie. *EDIT* Either Pizza or Nuggets the Parentals have a hot date and comedian. Kids get a sitter!!!

Here is to hoping that my appointment goes well and that I get a chance to get my poop in a group incase there is a surgery scheduled.

What recipes are you guys wanting me to share or just keep going by the seat of my pants??? If there is a recipe you are looking for let me know I can more than likely track on down maybe get you a few options to choose from. Just let me know as I may have some extra time on my hands as per doctors orders!

Have a great week and stay warm where you are I know it sure got chilly here over night!


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Monday, January 20, 2014

Bacon Spaghetti - Lynn's Kitchen Adventures

This is an all time favorite in our house...it is a 2nd helping kind of dish. It usually doesn't leave much for left overs. As i show in the recipe I leave out 1 can of tomatoes just because I have a kid who is acid sensitive (and well so am I). I also do not bake it it smells so good we just can't wait that long. After cooking the peppers & onions i remove them from the pan and heat the can of tomatoes then add the pepper & onion mix back in then toss with hot pasta then add the bacon and cheese then toss again. Hope you enjoy as much as our family does.

Bacon Spaghetti

  • 8 ounce spaghetti noodles
  • 1 lb bacon, cut into pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 2 -14 ounce cans diced tomatoes (I use 1 can)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (I omit as the bacon we use is quite salty!)
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ( I use the real stuff, not the stuff from the green can.)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta in water until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. While pasta is cooking, fry the bacon until browned and cooked completely.
  4. Drain bacon, reserving a few tablespoons of grease.
  5. Cook onion and pepper in reserved bacon grease until tender and lightly browned.
  6. In a large bowl combine bacon, cooked onion and pepper mixture, tomatoes, and spices. Add cooked spaghetti noodles and mix together well.
  7. Spread into a greased 9×13 pan or other similar casserole dish.
  8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until heated.
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Sunday, January 19, 2014

Meal Plan {{January 20th - January 26th}}

Well last week such a S&#^ show that I didn't think it would make it today...Sunday. Of course Sunday didn't disappoint either 3 hours at the walk-in clinic with a kid in an allergic reaction. Poor itchy kid! As you can see we moved things around and some meals made it all the way into the new week.

Meal Plan {{January 13th - January 19th}}
Monday - (Swimming, Cubs & Dance) - Left Over Roast supper
Tuesday - (Swimming) - Fried egg on rice w/soya sauce
Wednesday -(Swimming) - Pasta with Kale, lemon & parmesan w/chicken
Thursday - (Swimming, Skating & Choir) - Taco in bag - Chicken Fries and Tater Tots
Friday - Fish and home fries Costco - Hot Dogs and Fries
Saturday Freezer Meal - Fish and home fries
Sunday - Bacon Spaghetti

Meal Plan {{January 20th - January 26th}}
Monday - (Cubs & Dance) -Taco in Bag/Salad
Tuesday - (Nothing) - Beef & Broccoli w/rice
Wednesday -(Working) - Ham & Scalloped Potatoes
Thursday - (Skating & Choir) - Chicken Burritos & fresh Veg
Friday - Left Overs
Saturday Soup & Sandwiches
Sunday - Roast Chicken & mashed potatoes

Not a bad plan for no motivation and a wicked headache! Off to kick this weeks butt thank heavens its only a 4 day week! Gawd love me some PD days.

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Sunday, January 12, 2014

Meal Plan {{January 13th - January 19th}}


Well we did divert toooo far from our plan this week.  They all went over well minus the pork chops I guess no matter what we do pork just isn't popular in our house unless it is pulled pork sandwiches. Makeover casserole from Thursday will be used again but will be divided up and one half frozen.
Meal Plan {{January 6th - January 12th}}
Monday - (Swimming, Cubs & Dance) - Hamburgers
Tuesday - (Swimming) - Chicken Stew & Dumplings - Regina Burn Unit Cook Book
Wednesday -(Swimming) - Crockpot Pork Chops - online recipe
Thursday - (Swimming, Skating & Choir) - Makeover Tater-topped Casserole - new
Friday - Left Overs
Saturday - Freezer meal - eat from the freezer...Its crammed full right now! Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup
Sunday -Roast Beef w/ Mashed Potatoes, Buckwheat & mixed greens salad.

This week it will be a one parent meal week so we will be eating what is our fav's. Really its only 2 meals that we will be on our own so its not that bad!
Meal Plan {{January 13th - January 19th}}
Monday - (Swimming, Cubs & Dance) - Left Over Roast supper
Tuesday - (Swimming) - Fried egg on rice w/soya sauce
Wednesday -(Swimming) - Pasta with Kale, lemon & parmesan w/chicken
Thursday - (Swimming, Skating & Choir) - Taco in bag
Friday - Fish and home fries
Saturday Freezer Meal
Sunday - Bacon Spaghetti

I have been posting random recipes that certain people have emailed me about so if there is something in particular you are looking for please let me know we may have a great recipe for you to try!

Hope you all have a great week!


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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Taco Seasoning - Budget Friendly Seasoning for Tacos, Burritos

A friend was asking what I use for seasonings an explained that I buy some and I make some.  I always double this but we use alot of it during the week! We omit the salt why add salt if you don't need it. 

Taco Seasoning - Budget Friendly Seasoning for Tacos, Burritos
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Total Time: 5 mins
    Yield: 4 1.25 oz (7 tsp )Packets

        2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
        1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
        2 tablespoons cumin, we love cumin- feel free to adjust to your taste
        2 teaspoons oregano, preferably Mexican oregano
        1 tablespoon garlic powder
        1 1/2 tablespoons onion flakes (minced dried onion) or 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
        1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, omit if you like it mild and increase if you like it spicier
        1 teaspoon salt, adjust for your taste the salt helps to keep it fresh when storing

    Mix all spices together.
    Store in airtight container. Will keep for 6 months to a year.
    7 teaspoons of this spice mix is the equivalent of one 1.25 oz packet of store bought taco seasoning. This recipe makes the equivalent of 4 spice packets.
    To make tacos- mix 7 tsp (or 2 T and 1 t) to 1 lb ground meat that has been browned and drained of fat. Add 3/4 cup water and stir to blend. Cook til water has evaporated.

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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Chicken Caesar Pasta With Peas

So I couldn't wait to share this recipe with you all I love love love that my whole family loved this one. will for sure change it up with different pasta and toss it all together next time for sure! Instead of Mrs. Dash I used a garlic based seasoning mix it was so yummy and we used turkey tenders still was very tasty. The kids said it mush be added to the family rotations for sure. Also it gave us a large amount of left over pasta which sadly will not go to waste on left over day! It may also be turned into a pasta salad for punk girls lunch one day this week.

Chicken Caesar Pasta With Peas

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 4

About This Recipe

"Recipe taken from the book Eating Forward by Sandi Richard Hit with my family!"

Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 chicken breasts, boneless skinless ( 1lb 350g)
    • 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash table blend seasoning  
    • 5 1/3 ounces light cream cheese ( or 83g )
    • 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing
    • 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
    • 12 ounces vermicelli ( or 340g)
    • 4 slices bacon, fully cooked & low sodium

Directions

  1. Fill a pot with water and bring to boil for pasta.
  2. Heat oil in large pan on medium heat. Cut chicken into small bite sized pieces, adding to pan as you cut. Add spice. Toss until meat is no longer pink.
  3. Add cream cheese, dressing and milk. Stir until cheese is melted and ingredients are combined.
  4. Place pasta in boiling water, stir and cook uncovered.Cook to package directions appox 5 minutes.
  5. Place bacon on paper towel in microwave. Cook for 1 minute Set aside. Gently smash croutons with a mallet. Set aside.
  6. Rinse peas and place in a microwave safe dish, cover and cook on high for 3-4 mins until heated. Let stand.
  7. Rinse pasta under hot water in colander. Let drain and return to pasta pot. . Cover. NO HEAT, let stand. Slice and crumble bacon. Serve pasta on plate or bowl with sauce poured over top. Garnish with croutons, bacon and parmesan cheese.
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Sunday, January 5, 2014

Meal Plan {January 6th - January 12th}

Well our plan kinda got thrown for a loop this week but thats ok no one died  and we can just move it around!
Meal Plan {{January 6th - January 12th}}
Monday - (Swimming, Cubs & Dance) - Hamburgers
Tuesday - (Swimming) - Chicken Stew & Dumplings - Regina Burn Unit Cook Book
Wednesday -(Swimming) - Crockpot Pork Chops - online recipe
Thursday - (Swimming, Skating & Choir) - Makeover Tater-topped Casserole - new
Friday - Left Overs
Saturday - Freezer meal - eat from the freezer...Its crammed full right now!
Sunday -Roast Beef w/ Mashed Potatoes

So with this week we are back to school but the injured child is still injured and not doing 2 of her activities the the other punk is starting swimming lessens for the next 2 weeks. So meals are going to be a little more experimenting I think!

Monday - Chicken Caesar Pasta w/peas - new recipe Eat Forward (carry over from last week)
Tuesday - New Years Eve - M&M Meats and appetizers
Wednesday - Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Thursday - ate out at Local the boys went to a WHL game
Friday -Donair-ish Wraps & Veggies - new recipe Eat Forward
Saturday - Little Caesars Pizza - both kiddos had friends sleep over.
Sunday -Chicken Caesar Pasta w/peas - new recipe Eat Forward

Next week we are down a parental unit so we will be eating weird! Shrimp, Eggs & rice, and other things! What do you eat while a certain member of your family is away???


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Saturday, January 4, 2014

Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup



One of our favorite soup recipes that is so quick and yummy and good the next day! Everyone in our house enjoys this and gobbles it up.
 
Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
  • Prep Time: 10 mins  Total Time: 35 mins  Servings: 8-10
Ingredients

    • 3 - 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
    • 4 cups chicken stock
    • 2 cups half-and-half
    • 1 stalk celery, diced
    • 1 garlic cloves, chopped
    • 1/2 carrots, shredded
    • 1/2 onions, diced
    • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ - 1 teaspoon thyme & parsley
    • ¼ tsp nutmeg
    • salt and pepper
    • 16 ounces potato gnocchi
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
Directions
  1. Sauté the onion, celery, garlic, carrot in oil over medium heat until onion is translucent.
  2. Add chicken, chicken stock, half and half (add cornstarch in half and half at this point if you want a thicker soup.), salt and pepper, thyme. Heat to boiling, then add gnocchi. Gently boil for 4 minutes, then turn down to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
  4. Ladle into bowls and serve! If you have a great soup recipe please share we love trying new recipes especially tried and true family favorites!
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Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year Yummys

Sitting here waiting to ring in New Years (SO basically trying to keep myself awake) I thought I have to share some of our fav nom nom's from tonight.

 First one is Hungry Girl's Holy Moly Guacamole, if you haven't tried some of her recipes hit her site HERE or your local library and borrow one of her many books before you invest but we have yet to have a recipe bomb on us!
To find the complete recipe HERE.
Yes the main ingredient is smashed peas, gross maybe but once smashed and mixed up with everything it is so good and well quite healthy for you! ~ 1/3 cup: 78 calories, 3g fat, 320mg sodium, 10.5g carbs, 3.5g fiber, 4g sugars, 3.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 2.
I have changed it up by not having any plain greek yogurt and subing light sour cream it is looser than normal guac some times but still yummy....this time I omitted the jalapenos so the kids may try it. To my surprise the boy punk couldn't get enough in his face the girl punk we couldn't bribe her to even have the tiniest bit! Silly kids! But she did gobble up the pico de gallo. The pico is one of those things that I just throw together I will give you what we add and you can play around with it!

ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped ( I prefer a nice ripe Roma but have used may different types that all turn out great)
small white onion, finely chopped ( I use a pampered chef chopper to get it quite fine)
cilantro leaf, chopped (or more to taste!)
jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
fresh lime juice - HAS TO BE FRESH no, if and's or buts about it people!

A sample recipe is here read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/pico-de-gallo-83371?oc=linkback

Hope you all had a great New Years Eve and a relaxing New Years Day.


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