Okay, so I made it to week two. I really hope I don't abandon this. I'm also hoping more people will start reading. But we will just have to see what happens. Here are my plans for after I go grocery shopping tomorrow.
Day One
Tuscan white beans and chicken
Sometimes we have busy weeks. Not always, but sometimes. And with the next two being the last of the school year, they will be busy. So sometimes, although I would prefer to eat more organic and budget friendly, I cheat. This is one of those quick and easy meals.
one rotisserie chicken, pull off meat and discard the rest
two medium zucchini, quarter then slice
one sweet onion, chopped
four cloves garlic, diced
two cans of organic great northern beans
fresh rosemary diced to taste
fresh thyme diced to taste
sea salt
black pepper
olive oil
freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (WILL NOT CHEAT ON THIS. If it's not in a hunk of cheese form, I will not buy it. There is a big difference.)
Saute onion and garlic in oil on medium high until transparent. I usually wait about 1 minute before I add the garlic so it doesn't overcook. Add zucchini and saute until just barely soft. Add beans, chicken, fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring about every minute until heated. Serve immediately. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Day Two
Black and blue salads
Steak, seared until blackened, sliced, then topped with crumbles of Gorgonzola or blue cheese and blue cheese dressing over field greens or romaine, celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion and yellow or orange bell pepper. A few turns of fresh ground pepper and you have perfection.
Day Three
Lasagna and side salad
I am going to cheat again. I would really like to make a wonderful home made bolognaise sauce but sometimes you have to consider how much less money it costs to buy pre made sauce when the garden isn't giving tomatoes yet. And then there is not having to have the stove on for two hours for reduction. Cooking can get expensive when done right. Muir glen makes a decent organic tomato sauce.
organic tomato sauce
lasagna noodles
ricotta cheese
fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
fresh basil
Assemble layers and bake on 350 for about 40 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
leftover lettuce from the night before with added celery, carrots, olives, onion, cucumber and a garlic powder, black pepper and salt seasoned balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil mix for dressing.
Day Four
Greek pita pizzas
Whole wheat pita bread, toasted until almost crispy and brushed with olive oil. Topped with (sliced olives, minced garlic, sliced tomatoes, sea salt and black pepper covered in balsamic vinegar to make a sort of "sauce"), either goat or feta cheese, torn baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake until heated then broil until cheese gets melty. Cut into fourths and serve immediately.
Day Five
Veggie black bean quesadillas
Fill flour tortillas with shredded cheese (I like monetery jack for quesadillas) sauteed onions, mushrooms, peppers, black olives and black beans. Fold on half then toast on skillet with a bit of butter or oil until insides are warm. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Day Six
A pork tenderloin grilled slow until just done, broccoli cooked with honey (see earlier post) and seasoned rice. Everyone will clean their plate tonight.
Day Seven
We should not waste food. And sometimes mom needs a break. So tonight is leftover night. If there aren't any left, then tomato soup and grilled cheese it is: )
