Thursday, October 23, 2008

Meal Plan - Oct 27th - Nov 2nd 2008

We have a BUSY week this week and even busier next so I did my meal plan already.
I am starting to freeze in MASSIVE amounts for my upcoming birth so I am going back to the family favorites to get a bunch in the freezer. My spreadsheet
has LOTS of details on prep this week...hehe...gotta remember to defrost enough and prep enough or this just doesn't work.

I am 32 weeks right now...so not too much longer.

Monday
B- Veggie Loaded Quiche x6 (using roasted veggies from Sunday lunch)- Freezing 4
L- Creamy Salmon Pasta (got put off from this week)
D- Midwife Appt (eating out)

Tuesday
B- Baked Oatmeal (Blueberry & Cherry) x4 (freeze 2) & Vanilla yogurt cheese
L- Crockpot Veggie Coconut Curry (doubled to freeze)
S- Crudités, cream cheese & hummus
D- Tacos (6lbs of seasoned meat - freeze 2x2lbs)

Wednesday
B- French Toast Casserole x4 (freeze 3) & Bacon
L- Egg Salad, tomato, lettuce, avocado, sauerkraut
D- Church

Thursday
B- Eggs, Blueberry Yogurt Muffins (x2 - freeze) & sausage
L - Antipasto Salad
S- Kefir Fruit Nut Smoothies
D- Out of town

Friday
B- Out of town
L- Out of town
D- Reuben Mac-n-cheese, steamed broccoli & sauerkraut

Saturday
B- Banana/Blueberry Pancakes (x4 - freeze), Bacon & Fresh Fruit salad
L - Leftovers
S- Raw Cheese, Crispy Nuts & Fresh Fruit
D- Teriyaki Salmon Patties (x4 -freeze), Lentil Salad, Roasted Butternut squash, Blackbean/mango salsa

Sunday
B- Caramelized Pear Rice Pudding (make 4x rice...freeze extra)
L- Waldorf Chicken Salad (from 2 sticky chickens in crockpot last night)
S- Deviled Eggs & Crudités
D- Broccoli Chicken Roti (freeze extra shredded chicken)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Earthy Mushroom Crockpot Stew

"This crock pot recipe is easy to assemble and needs no attention while it cooks. The flavors blend nicely to give it a wholesome earthy flavor."

INGREDIENTS:
2 quarts beef broth (or veggie broth)
2 cups sliced fresh Cremini mushrooms
1 ounce dried Shiitake mushrooms, torn into pieces
2 cups sliced Portabella mushrooms
2 cups dry green lentils
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cut in chunks
3 medium turnips, peeled and cut in chunks
1 cup caramelized onion (I do these ahead and freeze)
4 cloves minced garlic
2 teaspoons dried oregano
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a slow cooker, combine all of the above.
2. Cover, and cook 4 to 6 hours on High or 10 to 12 hours on Low. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Serve over RINSED & cooked quinoa

Roasted Veggie Wrap

Ingredients:
1 cup Diced Fresh Tomatoes
1 cup Eggplant Cubes (salted & drained)
3/4 cup Diced Turnips (1 medium)
1/2 cup Diced Fresh Onions
1 cup Sliced Red & Yellow Pepper
1/3 cup Fresh Zucchini Cubes
1 cup sliced Portabello mushrooms
1 Tbs Dried Oregano Leaves
1 Tbs Dried Basil Leaves
2/3 tsp Dried Rosemary Leaves
1 tsp Dried Thyme Leaves
1 Tbs Celtic Sea Salt & Fresh Cracked black pepper
1 cup Northern Beans, canned
1 cup Chickpeas, canned
Virgin Coconut Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
4 oz Sundried tomato/basil feta, crumbled
4 Tortillas (spinach is best)

Grease large stoneware bar pan with VCO. Toss veggies in VCO. Spread veggies evenly on pan. Sprinkle with seasonings.

Roast vegetables at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Drain and rinse beans. Add beans to roasted vegetables and continue to cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender and browned. Remove from oven.

Sprinkle lightly with balsamic vinegar. Spoon 1-cup vegetables and 1 oz. cheese on each tortilla. Fold and serve hot.

Serve with salsa, sour cream or avocado dip

Mother Food



An awesome new book I am reading. I am so excited to see a book that deals with REAL nutrition and the breastfeeding mother/infant. I have a feeling this book with be heavily highlighted and while used during the next year. I have only read a little and skimmed the rest but so far...I HIGHLY recommend it.

I will be back with a more indepth review later..but for now......everyone interested in nutrition and is breastfeeding...this is a must have.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Meal Plan - Oct 20-26th

Message
Monday
L- Leftovers
D- Hamburgers, Hot dogs, Potato salad & baked beans

Tuesday
D- Crockpot Rst Sticky Chicken, Butternut, Apple, Onion Gratin

Wednesday
L- Waldorf Chicken Salad
D- Church

Thursday
B- French Toast, sausage & scrambled eggs
D- Salad, Earthy Mushroom Stew w/Quinoa

Friday
B- Apple Cinnamon Puffed Pancake, Bacon & scrambled eggs
L- Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta (haven't tried this yet...will use rice pasta and cream cheese....will redo recipe to my tastes after we eat it :)
D- Kielbasa, Braised Cabbage & Onions, augratin potatoes

Saturday
B- Dippy Eggs & Fried Egg Croissant Sandwiches
L- Baked Sweet Potato Coins & Tomato Coconut Corn Chowder
D- Black Beans & Rice, sauteed spinach, hard boiled egg

Sunday
L- Mexican 7 layer dip and chips
D- Sushi Spring Rolls

Friday, October 17, 2008

Postpartum 40 Day Meal Plan

This is my 40 day postpartum menu plan. Anything listed in green will be premade and frozen. I have included 2 days of labor meals. These are are all easy, cook from frozen and have vegetarian options (for my midwives). I have made up shopping list for each week for any extra perishables that might be needed. I will also have a stocked "pantry tub" that will be put to the side so those items don't get used prior to the plan starting.

I do have a plan for every day and every meal...including snacks and desserts. I am not expecting us to follow the plan completely...therefore this should last for more than 40days. But I want a PLAN for each meal...I don't want any question about....so what are we having.

Now I just have to get cooking all this food.

Daily

Beverages

Breakfast - 16oz fresh apple juice
Snack - 8oz fresh apple juice
Lunch, Dinner & Nursing - 16 oz Nursing Tea (1 qt total) & Water w/Lemon (1 qt total

Supplements
RL One-a-day B-Complex, B6, B12, CLO/BO, EPO, JP, Primal Defense, Buffalo Liver

THE PLAN..............

Labor Day 1
B- Veggie Loaded Quiche & Pumpkin Berry Muffins
L- Pepperoni Pizza & Rstd Veggie Pizza
S- Coconut Macaroons & Coconut Milk Popsicles
D- Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas & Chicken Cheese Enchiladas, Sweet Corn Bread Muffins
(Sour Cream)
DD- Cherry Pie

Labor Day 2
B- Cherry Baked Oatmeal & Apple Cinn Baked Oatmeal, (Van Yogurt, butter & maple syrup)
L- Tomato Coconut Corn Soup & Zucchini Feta Pancakes, Apple Sauce (Sour Cream)
S- Raw Date Nut Cookies
D- Baked Mac-n-Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Raw carrots & Celery
DD- Ice Cream & Brownies

PP Day 1
B- Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole (butter & maple syrup)
L- Chicken Noodle Soup & Leftovers
S- Carrot Muffins w/cream cheese icing
D- "SUSHI" take out - My reward!
DD- Caramelized Pears & Apricots

PP Day 2
B- Cranberry Orange Yogurt Muffins (butter), Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Sausage
L- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Rolls, Apple Sauerkraut
S- Granola Yogurt Parfait
D- Garden Salad, Lasagna, Breadsticks (fresh parm)
DD- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

PP Day 3
B- Waffles & Bacon, Broiled Grapefruit (Fermented apple butter, butter & maple syrup)
L- Zucchini Custard Casserole, Sauerkraut
S- Carrots, Celery, Red Peppers, Cream Cheese & Hummus
D- Sausage Honey Baked Lentils, ginger carrots, sauteed spinach & hard boiled eggs
DD- Cinnamon Rice Pudding

PP Day 4
B- Egg Cheese Pie & Ham Spinach Cheese Quiche & Fresh Fruit Salad
L- Veggie Bean Chili & Sweet Corn Bread (sour cream, jack cheese shred)
S- Strawberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D- Crockpot Sticky Chicken, Roasted Root Veggies, Buttered Rolls
DD- Ice Cream & Brownies

PP Day 5
B- Puffed Pear Cranberry Pancake, Chicken Apple Breakfast Sausage
(Fermented apple butter, butter & maple syrup)
L- Waldorf Chicken Salad Sandwiches w/tomato, chips & pickles
S- Peanut Butter Pudding
D- Coconut Veggie Curry, Marinated Coconut Cucumber Salad, Quinoa
(sour cream)
DD- Choc Chip Cookies

PP Day 6
B- Veggie Loaded Quiche & Pumpkin Berry Muffins
L- Pepperoni Pizza & Rstd Veggie Pizza
S- Raw Date Nut Cookies, Date Almond Smoothie
D- Garden Salad, Chicken Pot Pie
DD- Peach Cherry Cobbler

PP Day 7
B- Cherry Baked Oatmeal & Apple Cinn Baked Oatmeal, (Van Yogurt, butter & maple syrup)
L- Ham, Cheese Turkey, & Apple Sandwiches, Applesauce, Apple Sauerkraut (tomato, lettuce)
S- Strawberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D- Tacos (tortillas, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, refried breans, lettuce, sour cream, salsa)
DD- Apple Pie

PP Day 8
B- French Toast, Bacon & Fresh fruit salad
L- Egg Salad. lettuce, tomato, raw cheese, ginger carrots
S- Pears, Raw cheese, Yo cheese dip & Crispy Almonds
D- BBQ Turkey Meatballs, Quinoa, Steamed Broccoli, Sauerkraut
DD- Peanut Butter Cookies

PP Day 9
B- Scrambled Eggs, Blueberry Yogurt Muffins, Breakfast Sausage, Bananas
L- Antipasto Pasta Salad
S- Deviled Eggs
D- Marinated Mahi-Mahi, squash casserole, Creamy polenta, ginger carrots
DD- Popcorn

PP Day 10
B- Waffles & Bacon, Broiled Grapefruit (Fermented apple butter, butter & maple syrup)
L- Mushroom, Blackbean & Cheese Quesadillas (Tortillas, Sour cream & Avocado)
S- Apricot Honey Oat Bars
D- Mushroom Swiss, Bacon Burgers, Hot Dogs, Tator Tots, potato salad, baked beans (tomatoes, lettuce, avocado)
DD- Ice Cream & Brownies

PP Day 11
B- Breakfast Casserole, Fresh Fruit Salad & Vanilla Yogurt
L- Eggplant Parmesan (parm & moz shred cheese)
S- Blueberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D- Baked Ham Mac-n-Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, garden salad
DD- Choc Chip Cookies

PP Day 12
B- Crockpot Oatmeal w/fruit & nuts, Scrambled eggs & Bacon
L- Waldorf Chicken Salad Sandwiches, apple sauerkraut, w/tomato, chips & pickles
S- Crudites & Dip
D- Cuban Black Beans & Rice, Steamed Kale w/balsamic, Mar. cucumber salad (Sour cream & Salsa)
DD- Banana Fritters

PP Day 13
B- Scrambled Eggs, Blueberry Yogurt Muffins, Breakfast Sausage, Bananas
L- 7 Layer Mexican Dip & Chips
S- Coconut Macaroons & Popsicles
D- Chicken Cordon Blue, Green Beans. Mashed cauliflower & Quinoa
DD- Baked pears & cranberries

PP Day 14
B- Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Pudding
L- Beef Lentil Soup & Rolls
S- Strawberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D- Mexican Lasagna, Marinated Tomato Avocado Salad (sour cream & salsa)
DD- Coconut Butter Balls

PP Day 15
B- Cheese Dreams (french toast), Fresh Citrus Fruit Salad (double for dinner)
L- Egg Salad. Lettuce, tomato, raw cheese, ginger carrots
S- Crudites, Cream Cheese & Hummus
D- Zucchini Sausage Bake & Citrus fruit salad
DD- Peanut Butter Cookies

PP Day 16
B- Puffed Apple Raisin Pancake, Chicken Apple Sausage (butter & maple syrup)
L- Greek Salads w/marinated LF veggies
S- Apricot Honey Oat Bars
D- Teriyaki Salmon Patties, Lentil Salad, Rstd Butternut squash, Blackbean/mango salsa
DD- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

PP Day 17
B- Banana/Blueberry Pancakes, Scrambled eggs, Bacon, Broiled Grapefruit (Fermented apple butter, butter & maple syrup)
L- Ham, Cheese Turkey, & Apple Sandwiches, Applesauce, Apple Sauerkraut (tomato, lettuce)
S- Deviled Eggs
D- Meatloaf, Sweet Potato Coins, spinach casserole, pumpkin bread
DD- Pumpkin Crème Caramel Custards

PP Day 18
B- Egg Cheese Pie & Ham Spinach Cheese Quiche, Fresh Citrus Fruit Salad (double for dinner)
L- Veggie Bean Chili w/Sweet Corn Bread (sour cream, jack cheese shred)
S- Raw Cheese & Crackers
D- Baked Ziti Florentine, bread sticks, garden salad, Citrus Salad
DD- Ice Cream & Brownies

PP Day 19
B- Pumpkin Rice Pudding, Sauteed Pears & Van Yogurt
L- Waldorf Chicken Salad Sandwiches, apple sauerkraut, w/tomato, chips & pickles
S- Blueberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D- Tuna Noodle Casserole w/buttered rolls
DD- Baked Apples w/cinnamon


PP Day 20
B- Veggie Loaded Quiche & Pumpkin Berry Muffins
L- Antipasto Pasta Salad
S- Popcorn
D- Crockpot B-B-Q Chicken Sandwiches, Corn, au gratin potatoes, Tomato & Avocado salad
DD- Pumpkin Pie

PP Day 21
B- Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Pudding
L- Tomato Coconut Corn Soup & Zucchini Feta Pancakes, Apple Sauce (Sour Cream)
S- Carrots, Celery, Red Peppers, Cream Cheese & Hummus
D- Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas & Chicken Enchiladas, Sweet Corn Bread Muffins
(Sour Cream)
DD- Apple Empanadas

PP Day 22
B- Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole (butter & maple syrup)
L- Egg Salad. Lettuce, tomato, raw cheese, ginger carrots
S- Carrot Muffins w/Cream cheese frosting
D- Crockpot Cabbage Rolls, Mashed Cauliflower, Sauteed Cabbage, Honey Carrots
DD- Cherry Pie

PP Day 23
B- Citrus Yogurt Muffins, Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Sausage
L- Chef Salad
S- Granola Yogurt Parfait
D- Homemade Stuffed Pizza
DD- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

PP Day 24
B- Banana/Blueberry Pancakes, scrambled eggs & Bacon
L- Roasted Veggie Wraps, avocado dip & sour cream
S- Citrus Salad & Deviled eggs
D- Crockpot Coconut Beef Stew, Buttered Egg Noodles, sauteed greens
DD- Caramelized Pears & Apricots

PP Day 25
B- Breakfast Casserole, Fresh Fruit Salad & Vanilla Yogurt
L- Goulash
S- Strawberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D- Eggplant Parmesan, rolls (parm & moz cheese)
DD- Ice Cream & Brownies

PP Day 26
B- Puffed Pear Cherry Pancake, Chicken Apple Breakfast Sausage (Fermented apple butter, butter & maple syrup)
L- Salmon Salad w/avocado. Cucumber, tomato
S- Raw cheese & Crackers
D- Grilled Steak, Creamed Spinach, Baked Potatoes, sauteed mushrooms
DD- Chocolate chip cookies

PP Day 27
B- Egg Cheese Pie & Ham Spinach Cheese Quiche, Fresh Citrus Fruit Salad
L- Coconut Veggie Curry, Marinated Coconut Cucumber Salad (Sour Cream)
S- Raw Date Nut Cookies, Date Almond Smoothie
D- Butterfly Roasted Chicken w/crispy Potatoes & sauteed green beans/mushrooms
DD- Apple Pie

PP Day 28
B- Cherry Baked Oatmeal (Van Yogurt, butter & maple syrup)
L- Ham, Cheese Turkey, & Apple Sandwiches, Applesauce, Apple Sauerkraut (tomato, lettuce)
S- Popcorn
D- Tacos (tortillas, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, refried breans, lettuce, sour cream, salsa)
DD- Banana Fritters

PP Day 29
B- Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding & Bacon
L- Egg Salad. Lettuce, tomato, raw cheese, ginger carrots
S- Pears, Raw cheese, Yogurt cheese dip & crispy almonds
D- BBQ Turkey Meatballs, Quinoa, Steamed Broccoli, Sauerkraut
DD- Peanut Butter Cookies

PP Day 30
B- Scrambled Eggs, Orange/Cranberry Yogurt Muffins, Breakfast Sausage, Bananas
L- Chef Salad
S- Deviled Eggs
D- Marinated Mahi-Mahi, squash casserole, Creamy polenta, ginger carrots
DD- Pumpkin Pie

PP Day 31
B- Waffles & Bacon, Broiled Grapefruit (Fermented apple butter, butter & maple syrup)
L- Mushroom, Blackbean & Cheese Quesadillas (Tortillas, Sour cream & Avocado)
S- Apricot Honey Oat Bars
D- Mushroom Swiss Bacon Burgers, Hot Dogs, Tator Tots, potato salad, baked beans (tomatoes, lettuce)
DD- Ice Cream & Brownies

PP Day 32
B- Breakfast Casserole, Fresh Fruit Salad & Vanilla Yogurt
L- Zucchini Sausage Bake
S- Blueberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D- Chicken & Veggie Lo Mein, Steamed Dumpling, White Rice, Steamed Snow Peas
DD- Peach Cherry Cobbler

PP Day 33
B- Crockpot Oatmeal w/fruit & nuts, Scrambled eggs & Bacon
L- Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomatoes
S- Carrots, Celery, Red Peppers, Cream Cheese & Hummus
D- Sushi Spring Rolls
DD- Popcorn

PP Day 34
B- Fried Egg Croissant Sandwiches, Fresh Citrus Fruit Salad
L- 7 Layer Mexican Dip & Chips
S- Coconut Macaroons & Popsicles
D- Breaded Boneless Chicken, Stuffing, Broccoli/Cheese Casserole
DD- Baked pears & cranberries

PP Day 35
B- Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Pudding
L- ABC Beef Veggie Soup
S- Strawberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D- Steak & Veggie Fajitas (red peppers, onions, shred chedd, mushrooms, sour cream)
DD- Choc Chip Cookies

PP Day 36
B- Caramel Apple French Toast & Bacon
L- Egg Salad. Lettuce, tomato, raw cheese, ginger carrots
S- Carrots, Celery, Red Peppers, Cream Cheese & Hummus
D- Crockpot Sticky Chicken, Rstd Veggies, Buttered Rolls
DD- Vanilla & Chocolate Pudding

PP Day 37
B- Scrambled Eggs, Blueberry Yogurt Muffins, Breakfast Sausage, Bananas
L-Greek Salads w/marinated LF veggies
S- Apricot Honey Oat Bars
D- Shrimp Coconut Cakes, whole roasted sweet potatoes, Blackbean/Mango salsa
DD- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

PP Day 38
B- Puffed Apple Raisin Pancake, Chicken Apple Sausage (butter & maple syrup)
L- Ham, Cheese Turkey, & Apple Sandwiches, Applesauce, Apple Sauerkraut (tomato, lettuce)
S- Deviled Eggs
D- Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, pumpkin bread
DD- Ice Cream & Brownies

PP Day 39
B- Egg Cheese Pie & Ham Spinach Cheese Quiche, Fresh Citrus Fruit Salad (double for dessert)
L- Veggie Bean Chili w/Sweet Corn Bread (sour cream, jack cheese shred)
S- Blueberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D- Baked Ziti Florentine, Bread sticks, Garden Salad
DD- Citrus Salad

PP Day 40
B- Pumpkin Rice Pudding, Sauteed Pears & Van Yogurt
L- Waldorf Chicken Salad Sandwiches, apple sauerkraut, w/tomato, chips & pickles
S- Popcorn
D- Teriyaki Salmon Patties, Lentil Salad, Rstd Butternut squash, Blackbean/mango salsa
DD- Baked Apples w/cinnamon

Pasta w/roasted butternut squash & sage

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 2/3 cups cubed butternut squash
* 1 large onion, chopped
* salt and pepper to taste
* 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
* 1/2 pound turkey sausage (chicken is good too)
* 1/4 cup heavy raw cream
* 2 teaspoons dried sage (we don't like sage...so I use fresh basil)
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* Shredded Parmesan
* 3 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a roasting pan with the olive oil. Place the squash and onion in the pan, and season with salt and pepper. Roast 30 minutes, or until squash is tender.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place penne pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey sausage until evenly brown. Transfer the cooked squash and onion and the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gradually pour in the cream. Season with sage. Continue cooking until heated through. Mix in garlic. Transfer to a large bowl, and toss with shredded parmesan and balsamic vinegar to serve.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Meal Plan - Oct 13-19th

Monday
B - Apple Cinn Oatmeal Pudding & Fresh Fruit Salad
L - Out
D- Lasagna, Salad & Rolls

Tuesday
B- Rice Pudding & Yogurt Muffins
L- Leftover Lasagna
D- Butternut Turkey Cheesy Pasta

Wednesday
B- French Toast, Scrambled Eggs & Sage Breakfast Sausage
L - 7 layer Mexican dip & Chips
D- Church

Thursday
B- Strawberry Banana Waffles, Bacon & Broiled Grapefruit
L- Roasted Veggie Wraps & Hummus
D- Garden Salad, Mushroom/Quinoa Stew, Baked Sweet Potatoes

Friday
B- Pear/Cherry Puffed Pancakes
L- Egg Salad, Crudités, Raw cheese
D- Crockpot Sticky Chicken, Roasted Root Veggies & Rolls

Saturday
B- Dippy Eggs or Fried Egg Cheese Croissants, Fresh Citrus Salad
L- Baked Sweet Potato Salad & Asparagus Fries
D- Spinach/Sausage Puffed Pastry

Sunday

B- Breakfast Casserole
L- Mushroom Burgers, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Broccoli Coleslaw, Tots,
D- Cuban Black Beans & Rice

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

New Basic Menu Plan

I have been working on putting together my 40 day baby freezer/menu plan.

Here is a starting outline.

Basic Meal Plan

Day 1
Breakfast - Quiche & Muffins
Lunch - Pizza
Snack - Popsicles
Dinner - Chicken
Dessert - Pie or Cobbler

Day 2
Breakfast - Oatmeal (Baked or Pudding)
Lunch - Soup & Sandwiches
Snack - Muffins & Fruit
Dinner - Mexican
Dessert - Ice Cream & Brownies

Day 3
Breakfast - French Toast (or Casserole) & Sausage
Lunch - Egg Salad
Snack - Crudites & Dip
Dinner - Lamb/Turkey/Pork
Dessert - Cookies

Day 4
Breakfast - Eggs, Toast & Sausage (muffins)
Lunch - Big Salad
Snack - Yogurt/Kefir Fruit Smoothies
Dinner - Seafood
Dessert - Baked Fruit

Day 5
Breakfast - Pancakes/Waffles, Bacon & Fruit
Lunch -
Snack - Fruit Bar or Cookies
Dinner - Beef
Dessert - Popcorn

Day 6
Breakfast - Breakfast Casserole & Fruit Salad
Lunch - One Pot Food - Goulash, Chili, Curry
Snack - Raw Cheese, Nuts & Crackers
Dinner - Vegetarian
Dessert - Cookies

Day 7
Breakfast - Puffed Fruit Pancake or Rice Pudding
Lunch - Chicken/Tuna Salad
Snack - Deviled Eggs & Crudites
Dinner - International
Dessert - Special and Fancy

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Egg Custards

Ingredients.....per 1 cup of custard. Adjust accordingly.

2 eggs
1/2 cup raw milk/coconut milk
2 Tbs honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
fruit/nuts/spice

Place your ramekins into a cold water bath, place your fruit or nuts in the bottom of the dishes. Beat together the eggs, milk, honey and vanilla. Pour them evenly into the dishes. Sprinkle with any spice.

Bake at 300F for about 65 minutes or until set. I usually leave them in the water bath until it cools down enough for me to touch them (about an hour), then I dry off the dishes and stack them in the fridge. These last a week easily.

Our favorite is raspberries or blueberries sprinkled with nutmeg/cinnamon

Note: You can adjust this to family size custards...just bake longer.

Ultimate Kim Chi Recipe

I have found this recipe and will never turn back. I haven't made it in a few years but I have been craving it lately.

http://www.treelight.com/health/nutrition/UltimateKimchi.html

So...why Kimchi....check out more about it here.
http://www.treelight.com/health/nutrition/KimchiHealthy.html

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Creamed Spinach (fresh)

Ingredients:
1 large bunch fresh spinach (approx 4 lbs)
1 onion, diced
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1 lb cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup GF bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste


Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Trim & wash spinach well. In a pot of salted, boiling water, add spinach. Simmer, stir occasionally, for 10 minutes. Drain; refresh & squeeze dry.

Saute onions in 2 Tbs butter until caramelized.

In a bowl Mix all ingredients well (Onions, spinach, sour cream, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper & nutmeg to taste)

Transfer to buttered baking dish. Mix bread crumbs in 2 tablespoons melted butter until browned. Sprinkle bread crumbs on spinach. Put in oven & bake 20 minutes.

Serves 6-8

Sauteed Green Beans & Mushrooms

Ingredients:
1 lb green beans, fresh
2 Tbs Sea Salt, celtic
1/2 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 Tbs butter, unsalted
1 Tbs EVOO


Snap both ends off the beans and pull off any strings.

Fill a mixing bowl or medium pot with 4 cups cold water and add 1
tray of ice cubes. Set aside.

Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil over high heat and add the beans.
Blanch beans until bright green, tender but still crisp. This will 3 to 5 min.

Remember this is only a preliminary preparation so do not overcook the beans.

Drain the beans and place them immediately into the ice water bath. Stir until cool, then drain. Spread the beans on towels and pat dry.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, add mushrooms.
Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add green beans and toss to coat. Cook until beans are hot, about 3 minutes longer. Sprinkle with more sea salt. Serve immediately.

Squash Casserole

A recipe from The Huff House…….

Servings: 8


Ingredients:

4 pounds fresh or frozen yellow squash (I do half zucchini/half yellow squash)
1/2 pound shredded Cheddar cheese (I double this)
6 fresh eggs, beaten
1/2 pound yellow onions, sliced (I leave these out)
1 cup evaporated milk (I use raw cream)
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic (Sub 2-3 minced fresh cloves)
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon sweet basil flakes
1/4 pound unsalted butter, melted
Unseasoned bread crumbs (I use millet)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

•Slice squash and cook with all ingredients except eggs, milk, and cheese in a small amount of water until tender.
•Drain well.
•Blend in eggs, cheese and milk.
•Put mixture into a baking dish and top with onions.
•Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
•Mix melted butter into breadcrumbs and spread over top of casserole.


• From Mark Two Dinner Theater, Orlando, Florida (Chef, Cleveland Cotten).

Carrot Coins with Maple-Balsamic Browned Butter


Ingredients:


1 pound peeled carrots, sliced 1/4" thick (sometimes I do this in a crockpot with baby carrots the lazy way)
1 tbs butter
1 tbs maple syrup
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tsp freshly chopped parsley

Steam carrots until tender, about 15 minutes.

Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook 3 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Add syrup, vinegar, salt and pepper, stirring until combined.

Add carrots; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated, stirring to coat. Stir in parsley.

This Freezes really well.

Zucchini Feta Pancakes

Originally from The Moosewood Cookbook but I changed to fit our families taste and make GF.

Ingredients:
4 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup feta crumbled (fresh from my farmer)
3 eggs separated
3/4 tsp. basil
1/3 cup caramelized onions (I do these in bulk in my crockpot and freeze for later use)
1/3 cup Pamela's Baking Mix
salt and pepper
butter for cooking

Lightly salt the grated zucchini and let it sit in a colander for 15 minutes.

Beat the egg whites to form soft peaks.

Mix together the egg yolks, basil, onions, feta, baking mix, salt and pepper.

Rinse the zucchini, squeeze out the excess moisture, and add to the rest of the ingredients.

Fold in the egg whites.

Cook over medium heat in butter until browned on both sides.

Banana Fritters

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 egg, beaten
Pinch salt

Mix together and fry spoonfuls in coconut oil.

Optional: sprinkle w/powdered sugar or drizzle w/maple syrup

Halvah

My version

1 cup tahini
1/4 cup raw honey
1/4 cup wheat germ (GF Sub: sesame seeds)

1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp vanilla

Mix together well. Line a loaf pan with waxed or parchment paper. Press mixture into the bottom to make a nice even layer. Chill well for an hour or two. Turn out onto counter & cut into squares.

Chocolate Coconut Pudding Pops

Ingredients:
1 can coconut milk
2 Tbs arrowroot (or other GF thickener)
2 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder (or carob
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 Tbs butter (or coconut oil)
1 Tsp Vanilla extract

Whisk to combine above in a saucepan
Heat until thickened
Turn off heat
Add butter and vanilla.
Pour into popsicle molds and chill thoroughly

My Meal Planning System

My system for planning is....

I start with my excel spreadsheet. It has 3 tabs....meal plan with spaces for each meal, prep, supplements and my husband's schedule.

I put in our schedule for the week....my husband's work, church, meetings, eating out, etc.

I check the frig and make a list of available produce/leftovers/dairy that needs to be used/etc.

I also have an inventory of my freezers and pantry on hand. I keep a well stocked pantry with the basics we always use (beans, canned tomatoes,
coconut milk, GF baking supplies)

We also have some freezer basics....ground beef, ground sweet sausage, ground lamb, whole chickens, shrimp, frozen broccoli, peas and corn, corn
tortillas, lots of different kinds of stock. (trying to think of it all....I have a spreadsheet....I would be happy to share)

I move meals that we didn't make (but still want) to the next week.

I have two large 3 ring binders for recipe ideas......
1) KerryAnn's menu mailer (cookingtf.com) and
2) recipes I have printed and family favorites.

I keep the ones we haven't tried yet in the front and file the ones that we want to keep behind dividers. I start
flipping thru for ideas. I try to fill in breakfast first...cause those are easy after I move the meals over.

If I have an ingredient that I can't find something that I like off hand and want ideas....I pull up Kerry Ann's recipe archive first (cookingtf.com).
Karina's GF Blog (glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com), and then allrecipes.com or Foodtv.com (usually Alton Brown or Paula Deen)

Then just start picking things that sound yummy...keeping in mind...... ways to use leftovers and what we have on hand. Such as cooking lots of
rice....for a dinner, then rice pudding for breakfast and maybe leftover rice in another meal. I also like to double meals to put things in the
freezer such as cooked rice, casseroles, etc. So I add in a reminder to package up leftover/extras for the freezer.

I have a tab on my excel spreadsheet that is a shopping list so if I find an ingredient that I know we will need...I flip over and add it to the list
while I am planning.

I put in prep...like soaking grains, defrosting meat, prep for crockpot along the way.

I then pull out (or print) all the recipes for that week, put them in plastic sleeves (if they aren't already) put them in the small weekly binder.

I print the meal plan and insert that in the cover of the weekly meal binder.

Then I usually do a quick flip thru to make sure everything necessary has been added to my shopping list. Then print the shopping list....put that in my purse.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Renee

Teriyaki Salmon Cakes

14 oz. canned salmon

1/2 cup dry plain GF bread crumbs (or cooked rice, GF waffle crumbs)

1/2 cup shredded carrots (or green onions)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 Tbsp. orange juice

1 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce (homemade per NT Cookbook)

2 large eggs, beaten

1 Tbsp. coconut oil

In large bowl, combine salmon, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, orange juice, and teriyaki sauce.

Stir in eggs and mix until combined. Shape mixture into 6 patties.

Heat oven to 375. In cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add patties and cook 2 minutes. Turn patties over and cook 1 minute more.

Transfer to baking sheet, and place in oven. Bake 10 minutes.

Serve with bowl of teriyaki sauce for dipping.

Tuna Noodle Casserole (no canned soup)

INGREDIENTS
(serves 8-12)

1 cup butter, divided
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked medium egg noodles
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
4 clove garlic, minced
16 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbs Thyme
1 Tbs Basil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups milk (or half cream & milk)
1 cup white wine
salt and pepper to taste
Nutmeg
2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
4 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained and flaked
2 cups frozen peas & carrots combo, thawed
6 tablespoons bread crumbs
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese


DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with 2 tablespoons butter.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.

Melt 3 tablespoon butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion and caramelize.

Add an additional 1 Tbs of butter, add celery and garlic, and cook until tender, approx 3-5 minutes

Increase heat to medium-high, and mix in mushrooms. Continue to cook and stir until sauteed, approx 5 minutes.

Add in spices - salt, pepper, basil & thyme. Stir and set aside veggie mixture.

Melt 8 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan, and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk, and continue cooking 5 minutes, until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

Season milk sauce with wine, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add in shredded Parmesan cheese until well incorporated.

Stir in tuna, peas & carrots, mushroom mixture, and cooked noodles. Transfer to the baking dish.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with Salt, Pepper & Nutmeg.

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a small bowl, mix with bread crumbs, and sprinkle over the casserole.

Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Breakfast Casserole

"Eggs, sausage, potatoes, cheese - it's a hearty breakfast prepared in a single dish!"

INGREDIENTS:
1 bag hashbrowns
1 pound ground pork sausage
3 tablespoons butter
1 onion, sliced
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
12 eggs, lightly beaten
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
2. Cook sausage in cast iron until browned, then drain, break apart and set aside
3. Melt butter in cast iron fry pan, caramelize onion. Add hashbrowns and cook together until browned. Sprinkle with salt and garlic powder.
4. Add potato onion mixture to bottom of casserole dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
5. Add cooked sausage on top. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
6. Top with beaten eggs and season with salt & pepper.
6. Bake until eggs are fully cooked, about 30 minutes
7. Sprinkle with another 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Bake again until all melted, about 5-6 minutes

Meal Plan for 2 weeks (Sept 29th thru Oct 12th)

Monday
B- Oatmeal Pudding
L - leftovers
S - Strawberry Yogurt Smoothies
D - Pasta, Meatballs & Sauce
DD - Brownies

Tuesday
B - Scrambled Eggs w/cheese, Bacon & Toast
L - Out
D - Cuban Black Beans & Rice
DD - Banana Fritters

Wednesday
B - Banana/Blueberry Pancakes & Red Pepper Sausage Quiche
L - Leftovers or Basil Pesto Veggie Pizza
D - Church

Thursday
B - Blueberry French Toast Casserole & Van Yogurt Cheese
L - Grilled chicken & broccoli cheese casserole
S - Fruit & Raw cheese
D - Tuna Noodle Casserole
DD - Chocolate Coconut Milk Popsicles

Friday
B - Apple Raisin Puffed Pancake & Chicken Apple Sausage
L - Tomato, Coconut Corn Chowder & Deviled Eggs
S - Yogurt Granola Parfait
D - Crockpot Sirloin Roast, Cheese Perogies, Sautéed Mushrooms, Honey carrots & rolls
DD - Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Saturday
B - Cherry Yogurt Muffins & Veggie Loaded Quiche
L - Roasted Veggie Pizza or Leftovers
S - Oatmeal Raisin Cookies & Blueberry Banana Yogurt Smoothies
D - Teriyaki Meatloaf, Sweet Potato Fries & Sautéed Veggies
DD - Honey Baked Apples w/figs & cinnamon

Sunday
B - Breakfast Casserole
L & D - BBQ Out

Monday
B - Strawberry/banana Waffles & Bacon
L - Pulled Pork Sandwiches w/roasted potatoes & sauerkraut
D - Teriyaki Salmon Patties, Crockpot Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Asparagus
DD - Halvah

Tuesday
B - Pear Cranberry Puffed Pancake & Chicken Apple Breakfast sausage
L - Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Broccoli/Carrot Slaw
S - Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies
D - Chicken Rice Casserole (hidden livers)
DD - Blueberry Brownies

Wednesday
B- Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast, Apple sage sausage patties & dippy eggs
L - Chicken Noodle Soup & Greek Salad
S - Raw Date Almond Cookies
D - Church

Thursday
B - Pumpkin Rice Pudding & Pumpkin Berry Muffins
L - Egg Salad, raw cheese & crudités tray
D - Crockpot Rst Sticky Chicken & Root Veggies
DD - Leftovers or Ice Cream

Friday
B - Cranberry Orange Muffins, Roasted Veggie Quiche & Bacon
L - Waldorf Chicken salad & raw cheese
D - Salad, Lasagna & Bread sticks
DD - Peanut Butter Pie

Saturday
B- Fried (or dippy) Egg Cheese Croissant & Fruit salad
L - Mexican 7 layer dip & chips
D - Crockpot Beef Lentil Stew, quinoa & buttered rolls
DD - Sunflower Cookies

Sunday (my mom's B-day so these are her favorites)
B - Cheese Dreams (french toast/grilled cheese) & Fruit Salad
L - Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomatoes & raw cheese
D - Coconut Shrimp, Blackbean mango salsa, fried plantains & brown rice
DD - Coconut Custard Pie



I am hoping to add some of these new recipes to my blog later this week when I get a new wireless card. Right now I am tethered to a uncomfortable chair and my 29 week preggo body is not handling sitting for very long. I am working on a 3 week baby meal plan...that will include freezer cooking/pantry stash/perishable shopping list. I will share once I get it done.