Still alive & New recipe

Well I haven't fallen off the face of the earth but we are insanely busy. I had surgery at the beginning of July so I was laid up for 8 weeks and trying to be a Mom didn't leave much time for anything else. I haven't done a meal plan yet but will get back onto that as my business have picked up so much that I don't have time for much!

Anyhoooo we have an apple tree that grows super big apples and that has been my focus for the last 2 weeks. Apple Pie Jam, Apple Butter and Dutch apple pies. Well tonight we made....

Apple Pizza - Lynn's Kitchen Adventures

• 1 pie crust, unbaked single pie crust ( I use my gluten free pie crust recipe)
• 5 cups sliced peeled apples, tart baking apples work best
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cheese Topping

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

1. Roll pie crust out onto a 12 inch pizza pan. This will be thinner than a pie crust would be. If you do not have a pizza pan you could do this free form on a cookie sheet.
2. In a bowl mix together cheese topping mixture and spread on pie crust.
3. In a separate pan combine  apples, butter, sugar and cinnamon. Cook over medium low heat for 3-5 minutes or until apples are tender.
4. Spread apples over cream cheese layer. If your apples have a lot of liquid/sauce do not place all of the liquid /sauce on the pizza or you will have a mess in your oven. Ask me how I know. Apples vary on how much juice they have, but you do not want so much liquid that it runs all over the place. I left a few tablespoon of liquid in the pan last time I made it. (You may want to set a second pan on the rack below this in the oven to catch the drips, in case it does go over. That will help avoid a messy oven.)
5. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.
6. Cool slightly and serve.

Try it the my whole family loved it!

Meal Plan {{June 9th - June 15th}}

Wow I just found that this never posted! Duh! I am having one of those weeks now I have kids that are not feeling well! This am was spent at the walk in clinic and have a kids snuggled on the couch.
Meal Plan {{June 9th - June 15th}}
Monday - Frozen Meal - Chinese Food
Tuesday - (Skating - Soccer) - Taco - Taco in a bag - Taco Salad
Wednesday - (Skating) - BBQ'd buffalo turkey burgers
Thursday - (Skating) - BBQ'd Chicken and fried Potoatos
Friday - Fish and fries
Saturday - Chicken Wings
Sunday -Fathers Day (eat out) or BBQ steak

Rhubarb Squares

Well tis the season of Rhubarb (that by the way I cannot eat) this is our families favorite dessert of all time! Whipped up some tonight for them to enjoy!

Rhubarb Squares

16 servings.

• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup butter

Filling:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups fresh rhubarb or frozen rhubarb, finely chopped

1. Combine flour and powdered sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Press into the bottom of a greased 11-inch x 7-inch x 2-inch baking pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes.
4. For filling, combine the first four ingredients in a bowl.
5. Stir in rhubarb; pour over a warm crust. Bake at 350 F for 35-40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Cool on wire rack.
7. Serve warm if desired.
8. Store in refrigerator.

Meal Plan {{May 26th - June 1st}}

Well after the last week of dance and allergies and a head cold its been a long week. The upcoming week isn't crazy but it is a very special week. My punk girl cuts her hair of for the Alberta Childrens Hospital! The week concludes with a visit to the Hospital and Zoo.
So nothing really exciting but it is exciting for us!

Meal Plan {{May 19th - May 25th}}
Monday - (Holiday) BBQ's Chicken Burgers & pasta
Tuesday - (Skating - Soccer) - Quesadilla & Cucumbers in Vinegar
Wednesday - (Dress rehersal) -Smokies & Pasta
Thursday - (Skating - Soccer) - Crustless Quiche Left over smokies
Friday - Chicken Wings Eat out
Saturday -(Dance Recital) -Freezer Meal Pizza
Sunday - Turkey Chicken Wings

Meal Plan {{May 26th - June 1st}}
Monday - BBQ'd Chicken
Tuesday - (Skating - Soccer) - Left overs
Wednesday - (haircut) - Freezer Meal
Thursday - (Skating) - Take out - Driving
Friday - AWAY
Saturday - AWAY
Sunday - AWAY

See you next week y'all!

Meal Plan {{May 19th - May 25th}}

Hello all! Miss me? Its been crazy around here. Like so busy I am in bed right after the kids and out by 9:30pm. Sad but sleep is so needed for a happy Momma. Anyway last week we we just flew by the seat of our pants and it was the punk girls b-day weekend....long weekend baby!

So I here is the weeks menu and another busy week....
Meal Plan {{May 5th - May 11th}}
Monday - (Holiday) BBQ's Chicken Burgers & pasta
Tuesday - (Skating - Soccer) - Quesadilla & Cucumbers in Vinegar
Wednesday - (Dress rehersal) -Smokies & Pasta
Thursday - (Skating - Soccer) - Crustless Quiche
Friday - Chicken Wings
Saturday -(Dance Recital) -Freezer Meal
Sunday - Turkey Roast

So I am a slacker May is almost done.....I promise we will be back strong in May.

Meal Plan {{May 5th - May 11th}}

Well we are full blown into the single parent life and it SUCKS! Oh well. We survived the Kidney walk and our little community raised over $28,000. Woohoo! Well with the crazy week ahead we aill eat out more than normal...thank heavens for Salads! See you next week!

Meal Plan {{April 14th - May4th}}
Monday - (Dance - Cubs) Hot Dogs and KD
Tuesday - (Skating - Soccer) Eat Out 
Wednesday - (Choir) - BBQ'd Buffalo Burgers
Thursday - (Skating - Soccer) - Taco Salad/in a bag Eat out
Friday -  (Legging Party) Bang Bang Shrimp & Fish Pizza (mine was gluten free)
Saturday - Ribs & Salad (Maybe Potatos for the kiddos)
Sunday - Cilantro Lime Chicken w/rice & riced Cauliflower

Meal Plan {{May 5th - May 11th}}
Monday - (Dance - Cubs) Left over Cilantro Chicken & Shrimp
Tuesday - (Skating - Soccer) - Chicken Taco Pie (Gluten Free)
Wednesday - (Choir) - Crustless Quiche
Thursday - (Skating - Soccer) - Mystery supper - Left Overs or eat out
Friday -  (Camp) Eat Out - Subway
Saturday -(Bowl - Choir) - Eat out
Sunday - Pizza (found Frozen gluten free!)

Meal Plan {{April 14th - May4th}}

Well the past week was great fun hanging out with the kids. Thursday we had my follow up with my urologist. Great guy went in thinking the worst and so what he said wasn't so bad. Well is was kinda bad but it isn't that great of news either.

What was my bad/good news.....well I am not dying! There me trying to use my sense of humor. So what has to change more drinking water/beverages = more trips to bathroom. Doctor wants to see 3 ltr output! Yep apparently that is normal! Weird! Also her is the not great news a diet change....not a simple you can't have bread or dairy. I am on a low oxalate diet....what is oxalate? It is a mineral that my body does not like it and doesn't get rid of it like normal folk. So now I have to cut it back, add calcium and drink, drink, drink!

Now you are all thinking that can't be all bad. Well unfortunately it isn't bad but it is hard no breads (hard core gluten free - have to make my own mixes - wish me luck!) I would say 90-95% of fruits and veg I cannot eat. No Chocolate. No nuts (So act like a nut allergy). So I think I will just eat air! LOL!

Meal Plan {{April 14th - May4th}}
Monday - (Dance - Cubs) Hot Dogs and KD
Tuesday - (Skating - Soccer) Eat Out 
Wednesday - (Choir) - BBQ'd Buffalo Burgers
Thursday - (Skating - Soccer) - Taco Salad/in a bag
Friday -  (Legging Party) Bang Bang Shrimp & Fish
Saturday - Ribs & Salad (Maybe Potatos for the kiddos)
Sunday - Cilantro Lime Chicken w/rice & riced Cauliflower

So any gluten free recipes that are a fav please share or send me a link! I am ever greatful!

Meal Plan {{April 21st - April 27th}}

There is no meal plan. Yippy! Kids are out of school so we will just eat what ever we want and plus 2 days we will be away see the specialist for a follow up and to just get away Friday we will be prob doing Pizza as the girl is back staking this week so it will be what ever meals.

Sometimes you just need to have a bit of a break! Have a great Easter Break everyone see you next week.

Better Than Easter… Carrot Cake Poke Cake

I have a recipe for another poke cake that is so yummy so I thought this has got to be just as good. Trying it out on family and maybe some friends over Easter. I was holding off sharing it till I got feed back on the recipe but oh no someone need a dessert for tomorrow! Here you go CW.

Better Than Easter… Carrot Cake Poke Cake

Ingredients

• The 9x13 Carrot Cake recipe of your choice, baked and cooled (I used a box mix)
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 10.6 oz Cool Whip Vanilla Frosting (Cream Cheese flavor if your store carries it, mine doesn't) - Recipe below (this not available in Canada)
• 6 oz (half a tub) of whipped cream cheese (must be whipped)
• Approx. 1/2 cup caramel sundae sauce (just pour on as much or as little as you'd like)
• Approx. 1 cup chopped pecans (sprinkle on as much or as little as you'd like)

Instructions

1. Leave the cake in the dish it was baked in-- this is not a free standing cake.
2. Poke approximately 20-25 holes, spread evenly, over the top of the cake with the bottom of a wooden spoon. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over top, trying to fill the holes as much as possible.
3. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the cool whip, the cool whip frosting, and the whipped cream cheese until smooth. Spread over top of the cake.
4. Pour the caramel sauce over top of the cake, and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, really overnight is best.
6. Cut into 12 squares to serve (you can cut more, 1/12 is a pretty large piece!).

Cool Whip Frosting

Prep Time: 5 mins ~Total Time: 5 mins ~Yield: 4 cups

• 1 cup milk
• 1 (3 1/2 ounce) packages instant pudding mix, any flavor(I used Cheesecake)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces Cool Whip

Directions

1. Pour milk into bowl add pudding mix and sugar.
2. Beat with wire whisk for 2 minutes.
3. Gently fold in whipped topping.

Meal Plan {{April 14th - April 20th}}

Well we survived another crazy week and we think we are prepared to party like a 10 yr olds all week! I am really surprised he will make it to 10 as he is pushing our buttons this last week and right now as I type! BOYS! 

Meal Plan {{April 6th - April 13th}}
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl) - Fantastic Taco Casserole
Tuesday - (Skate) BBQ'd Bugers & Salad
Wednesday -(Choir) - Cowboy Spaghetti
Thursday - (Skate - Work) - Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Friday -  Fish & Fries We ate out at Joeys Only so still fish and fries!
Saturday - Leftovers & Pizza
Sunday - BBQ's Steak, potato & Buckwheat (Poor kid he begs for buckwheat!)


This week will be so busy as Monday is Pilates class, grocery price match shopping, wrapping gifts, ordering doughnuts and baking and icing cupcakes for the boys class on Tuesday! Tuesday I am then having lunch with the boy and having cupcakes with his whole class! Wednesday I hope to have a Pedicure and Thursday is big party day getting all our crap to the hotel to party will be on my shoulders! Wish me luck and I wish my imaginary friend lived closer to be my 3rd and 4th hands on Thursday! 

Meal Plan {{April 14th - April 20th}}
Monday - (Dance - Cubs - Bowl) BBQ'd Burgers & Salad
Tuesday - Eat Out  - The Punk Boys Birthday
Wednesday - (Choir) - Pasta w/ Kale, Lemon & Parmesan w/ Chicken
Thursday - (Work) - Party Day - Eat Out - Swim Party!
Friday -  BBQ'd Chicken and Baked Potatos
Saturday - Hot Dogs
Sunday - Easter Dinner - Turkey (infared cooker), Stuffed Potato Casserole, Chinese Salad

I have some recipes I cannot wait to post from last week that the family loved and on left over day was very good! See you all next week! Hopefully!

Fantastic Taco Casserole

Our supper from last night was so good I thought for sure the girl would have fought it for sure as she is not a fan of casseroles at all no matter what is in it! This would be great to take to a pot luck as well I made it in a much larger glass dish and it turned out wonderfully! The only this i did different was the refried beans we used had green chilies added and the boy wasn't a fan at all so plain beans for sure next time and I will make my taco meat like I do for taco salad! (Add Catalina dressing!) Also this apparently originally came from Taste of Home years ago!

Fantastic Taco Casserole

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Servings: 7-9

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) packages taco seasoning
• 1 (15 ounce) cans refried beans
• 2 cups monterey jack cheese, divided ( or mixed cheddar, jack etc.)
• 1 cup salsa ( I prefer mild, but if you would like to kick it up a notch, go for it)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 (2 1/3 ounce) cans sliced black olives
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 cups corn chips ( coarsely crushed or chopped)

Directions

1. Brown ground beef and drain.
2. Add taco seasoning and cook according to package directions, adding proper amount of water.
3. Put corn chips on bottom of 8x8" dish.
4. Cook refried beans on stove until hot.
5. Add 1 cup cheese and 1 cup salsa. Stir until combined.
6. Pour beans over corn chips in dish.
7. Add beef to top of beans.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top.
9. Sprinkle green onions and black olives over cheese.
10. Bake in a 375 degree oven until the cheese is sufficiently melted.
11. Take out of oven and sprinkle chopped tomatoes on top. Wait 1-2 minutes and then serve.

Meal Plan {{April 6th - April 13th}}

Well we survived the week of craziness! Now that I think we are used to it and I kind of have a plan on what we need to do till soccer actually starts then that will be crazy for sure!

Meal Plan {{March 31st - April 6th}}
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl-Soccer) - Macaroni Scramble (Hamburger Helper)
Tuesday - (Soccer-Skate) Gourmet Grilled Cheese Ate out
Wednesday -(Choir) - BBQ'd Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Thursday - (Skate) - So Juicy Chicken w/Italian Green Beans Eat Out
Friday - (Report Card Day) BBQ's Hotdogs Houstons's Pizza (reward for excellent report cards)
 Saturday - Leftovers or freezer meal BBQ'd Hotdogs & fried noodles
 Sunday -Chicken in Creamy Gravy with Mashed Potatoes & Buckwheat BBQ'd Asian Chicken with Baked Potatos and steamed Carrots

I really felt like we totally fell of the meal plan band wagon because of having to drive across the whole city 2-4 times a night it will be crazy for the next couple of months but we will deal with it!

Meal Plan {{April 6th - April 13th}}
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl) - Fantastic Taco Casserole
Tuesday - (Skate) BBQ'd Bugers & Salad
Wednesday -(Choir) - Cowboy Spaghetti
Thursday - (Skate - Work) - Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Friday -  Fish & Fries
 Saturday - Leftovers or Pizza
 Sunday - BBQ's Steak, potato & Buckwheat (Poor kid he begs for buckwheat!)
 Will see how well we stick to the week for Tues & Thurs especially! Oh and maybe throw in a home party at our house for some cool leggings!

See you all next week!

Meal Plan {{March 31st - April 6th}}

Last week wasn't to crazy except for Thursday I ran all day till my head hit the pillow. Craziness! Today we are back into the cold yucky weather so the punk and I are watching some weird animated movie, she is making bling rings and I am meal planning. I really want to nap tho. Thank heavens that it is leftover day...so its fend for yourself day!

Meal Plan {{March 24th - March 30th}}
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl) - Bacon Spaghetti with Caesar Salad
Tuesday - (Work) Sloppy Joes
Wednesday -(Choir & Work) - Ginger Beef & Rice (Freezer Meal)
Thursday - Beef Dip & Fried potatoes (Slow Cooker)
Friday - Fish & Fries Ate out @ Montana's
 Saturday - Oriental Party Pack - I also made Sushi -Buffalo Chicken, Crispy Mango and Veggie
 Sunday - Left Overs!

Well this week will be interesting as of last thinking we were done skating the punk was asked to join a junior skating group. She still has a way to go and learn but she absolutely loves it. We are going to try it for the spring session (as it is a year round program) take the summer off and then see about the fall! This means skating twice a week to start then go up to 5 or 6 days a week gah!  Altho I will complain constantly I would do anything for these kids as long as they are happy and having fun it means they stay out of trouble! Oh and throw in soccer assessments this week for our outdoor soccer playing soccer in this area in the spring is very entertaining.....rain, snow, thunder, lightening....blazing hot sun we get it all! Oh well....Well on to the new week will see how we stay on the plan as skating falls over supper so I may be a complete lazy bum!

Meal Plan {{March 31st - April 6th}}
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl-Soccer) - Macaroni Scramble (Hamburger Helper)
Tuesday - (Soccer-Skate) Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Wednesday -(Choir) - BBQ'd Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Thursday - (Skate) - So Juicy Chicken w/Italian Green Beans
Friday - (Report Card Day) BBQ's Hotdogs
 Saturday - Leftovers or freezer meal
 Sunday -Chicken in Creamy Gravy with Mashed Potatoes & Buckwheat

Wow this sure took me a long time got quite side tracked a few times! Well We baked a cookie man an have 2 loaves of bread rising too! So I guess good distractions!

Meal Plan {{March 24th - March 30th}}

Well our crazy week is over...the crazy skating program is over till a week in June (maybe!) It was an amazing show and worth all the work put into it.

So proud of my crazy punk! She amazed us so so so much! Can't wait to watch her grow as a figure skater!

 As some of last weeks plan showed we changed a few things and this week we hopefully will stay on plan.
Meal Plan {{March 17th - March 23rd}}
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl) - Cheese Potato & Sausage Casserole - Sausage and Perogies
Tuesday - Roast Chicken (Cooked @ local Deli) & Side Salads
Wednesday -(Choir & Work) - Cheeseburger Quesadilla
Thursday - (Skating) - Italian Wedding Soup
Friday - (Dress Rehearsal Skating) -Eat Out
Saturday - (Bowling-Skating Show) - Eat Out
Sunday - Roast Beef & Mashed - Oven baked Chicken WIngs w/ baked potatoes and greenhouse salad

Well here is our new weeks plan and hopefully no craziness!
Meal Plan {{March 24th - March 30th}}
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl) - Bacon Spaghetti with Caesar Salad
Tuesday - (Work) Sloppy Joes
Wednesday -(Choir & Work) - Ginger Beef & Rice (Freezer Meal)
Thursday - Beef Dip & Fried potatoes (Slow Cooker)
Friday - Fish & Fries
Saturday - Oriental Party Pack (M&M Meats)
Sunday - Left Overs!

Our new recipes will be sloppy joes courtesy of Lynn's Kitchen Adventures hopefully it is a hit. Last weeks new recipes were the Cheeseburger Quesadilla's and Italian Wedding Soup both were gobbled up leave no real leftovers! I will have to share the recipes with you all this week!

Meal Plan {{March 17th - March 23rd}}

Well another busy week has flown by. One more week of skating, but that means skating 3 days in a row! So we will be eating out 2 of those days because we will be at the rink till that time and it just makes life easy on Saturday we have 2 performances so it will be an all day ordeal!

Meal Plan {{March 10th - March 16th}}
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl) - Chicken in Cream (Moved from Sunday)
Tuesday - (Meeting) - BBQ'd Burgers
Wednesday -(Choir) - Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Thursday - (Skating) - Balsamic Chicken
Friday - Left Overs Chinese Buffet
Saturday - (Bowling-Skating) - Chicken Caesar Salad BBQ'd Burgers & Chinese Salad
Sunday - Roast Beef & Mashed - Steak, Pork Chopettes, Shrimp & Salads

This week we are trying 3 new recipes so it should be interesting during meal times here! I have been craving soup so the family will have to deal at least it has meat! Also I am trying out a new recipe from Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Bread I am the only one in my family who likes olives so this should be interesting!

Since I have been feeling like a human again (thanks Kidneys) I have been one busy mama. We  celebrate St. Patricks day in our house and also it is my Brother's Birthday. So I baked all afternoon 2 and a half hours by myself (minor interruption for road rash punk - both hands, side and knee) this is as far as I have gotten....

76 Rainbow Cupcakes for school and Cub meeting. Tomorrow will be a full day of breakfast out (cause I used all the eggs but 2 for baking) grocery shopping, look for Pimm's No. 1 (booze) and icing icing and more icing. I did make a batch of blue already but will need to make another recipe of blue and one of white. I will post pictures of the final product this week and reviews from the kids! I can't wait and yes I am that Mom! (Thank heavens cause I sure missed her! Being sick for so long sucks!)

Well here is our new weeks plan and hopefully no craziness!
Meal Plan {{March 17th - March 23rd}}
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl) - Cheese Potato & Sausage Casserole
Tuesday - Roast Chicken (Cooked @ local Deli) & Side Salads
Wednesday -(Choir & Work) - Cheeseburger Quesadilla
Thursday - (Skating) - Italian Wedding Soup
Friday - (Dress Rehearsal Skating) -Eat Out
Saturday - (Bowling-Skating Show) - Eat Out
Sunday - Roast Beef & Mashed


Have a great week, let me know how I am doing drop me a line or add a comment!

Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Tangy Slaw

Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Tangy Slaw

 

 4 ServingsPrep: 25 min. Broil: 10 min.
Ingredients
SLAW:
1/4 cup thinly sliced celery
1/4 cup shredded peeled apple
2 tablespoons fat-free blue cheese salad dressing
1 teaspoon finely chopped walnuts
SAUCE:
3 tablespoons Louisiana-style hot sauce
2 teaspoons ketchup
2 teaspoons reduced-fat butter, melted
BURGERS:
2 tablespoons chopped sweet red pepper
2 tablespoons plus 4 teaspoons thinly sliced green onions, divided
1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground chicken
4 lettuce leaves
4 hamburger buns, split
DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, combine the celery, apple, salad dressing and walnuts.

In another small bowl, combine the hot sauce, ketchup and butter; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the red pepper, 2 tablespoons green onion, applesauce, salt, garlic salt and pepper. Crumble chicken over mixture and mix well. Shape into four burgers.

Broil 6 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 165° and juices run clear, basting occasionally with reserved sauce.

 Serve on lettuce-lined buns; top each with 2 tablespoons slaw and sprinkle with remaining green onion.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutritional Facts: 1 burger equals 312 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 78 mg cholesterol, 682 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 23 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.

Recipe comes from Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook: New Family Classics Collection: Lose Weight with 416 More Great Recipes!

I have a few of these books from Taste of Home, I am not a huge cookbook person besides my personal but these as delicious recipes!
 

Meal Plan {{March 10th - March 16th}}

Another long busy week, jumping into another busy week. This time change is absolutely crazy! So much I need to get done yet I need a nap!

Meal Plan {{March 3rd - March 9th}} 
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl) - Grilled Cheese & Soup
Tuesday - (Work) - Pancakes (Shrove Tuesday!)
Wednesday -(Choir) - Ginger Beef with Egg Noodles & Snap Peas
Thursday - (Skating) - Salisbury Steaks & Mashed Potatoes
Friday - Cashew Chicken & noodles    Ate at the Mall

Saturday - Left overs    Quizno's
Sunday - Chicken in Cream (Sandi Richard Recipe) & baked potatoes   BBQ'd Steak & baked potatos

Meal Plan {{March 10th - March 16th}} 
Monday - (Dance-Cubs-Bowl) - Chicken in Cream (Moved from Sunday)
Tuesday - (Meeting) - BBQ'd Burgers
Wednesday -(Choir) - Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Thursday - (Skating) - Balsamic Chicken
Friday - Left Overs

Saturday - (Bowling-Skating) - Chicken Caesar Salad
Sunday - Roast Beef & Mashed


Anyone want to share a favorite recipe or your families meal plan? Shoot me an email at scraptastrophe at shaw dot ca

 

Kittencal's Salisbury Steak and Mixed Salad

So apparently there is no skating tonight...go figure I was just complaining to a Facebook friend that we never get a night at home. Look at me sitting here tonight posting recipes!!! So here we go.

As per request from K here is our supper tonight. I had to alter the recipe slightly but it turned out perfect so next time it will be way way way better! It is such a simple recipe as well. The only thing I may change is use fresh mushrooms finely diced as my kids aren't big fans. My edits are in behind in grey if there are any.

Kittencal's Salisbury Steak

Prep Time: 20 mins ~ Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins ~ Servings: 8

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 -2 tablespoon minced fresh garlic ( or use 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 of a package dry onion soup mix ( can use the whole 2-ounce package)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs ( more if needed to hold the mixture together) I used Stove Top Stuffing
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (optional)

CREAMY GRAVY

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 -2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic ( optional, I like to add it in)
• 1 (10 ounce) cans sliced mushrooms, drained I added 2 finely chopped large fresh mushrooms
• 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans low-sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted ( for more gravy use 3 cans)I only had one can really needs 2
• 1/2 of a package dry onion soup mix ( I use Lipton's 2-ounce package)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 -4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)I omitted this time
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper ( or to taste)
• 1/4 cup 18% table cream ( to thin if necessary) I used 1% milk (about a soup can full

1.  In a bowl mix together all ingredients for the burgers.

2.  Shape into desired size patties.

3.  Heat 1-2 tablespoons butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

4.  Brown the burgers for about 4-5 minutes on each side (the burger will be browned on the outside they do not have to be fully cooked as they will cook more in the gravy; remove to a plate.

5.  Add in onion and saute for about 3 minutes scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon while stirring.

6.  Add in fresh garlic and canned mushrooms; cook stirring for 1-2 minutes.

7.  In a medium bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 package dry onion soup mix, grated Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper; mix well to combine then add to the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat stirring.

8.  Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream to thin out the gravy (if you prefer a very thick gravy omit the cream).

9.  Place the burgers back then turn to coat with a spoon to coat the burgers with the soup mixture.Simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or even longer (I have simmered this for 2 hours on low heat, stirring occasionally, turning the burgers over a few time during cooking).

10. Serve with or over fries or mashed potatoes.

Our side salad lettuce came to us from a local greenhouse - Westland Fresh Produce. They are consistently amazing with there product and extremely great prices. For my local friends they are located after the second stop sign heading down Broadway turn right on 6th Street NW - they are on your right hand side Green Building. SO worth the drive. I met and spoke with the owner I couldn't rave enough at how great there produce is! Anyhow back to the salad recipe.....there isn't one (Sorry K). So here is how we go about salads in this house we add what we like. Tonight's had cucumber (greenhouse), Strawberrys, Gala apple and green leaf lettuce. The dressing was

Olive Garden lite dressing we stock up when we go the USA so good. (I am sure there are copy cat recipes if you guys want one I can search it for you). 

Anyway here is a little bit about our salads sometimes we cheat and buy the bagged varieties and its OK. Sometimes I buy the bagged blends and mix in romaine or leaf lettuce then add what ever we feel like....fruit, nuts, croutons and/or cheese. What ever floats you boat. Try adding something new each time like fresh blueberries or diced mango and pecans (candied ones are good too) or cashews. What ever you have on hand to be honest our salads sometimes have more other stuff than the actual salad (lettuce) part. We just look at it as adding to our daily intake of fruits and veggies!

Let me know if you try any of these and what concoctions you come up with!
Have a great night!