Menu Planning Monday

As an aside this week, I had to laugh when I was putting this week's menu together, The Da! made quite the funny as we sat watching television. I asked him -- he the man that loves sweets -- what he might want as a dessert this week because I want to start incorporating one dessert into the menu each week. He stared blankly, like he didn't understand. So, I began to list items such as cakes, brownies, muffins, pies, etc. I paused, thinking he'd have an idea by this point.

This was his response: "I'm feeling very overwhelmed right now."

He requested the ultimate dessert in our book: Eclair cake. The basic recipe can be found anywhere, but we leave ours in the refridgerator for one day prior to eating -- keeping the indulgence at bay for several hours. If only it didn't make so much!

I'm also incorporating one freezer meal a week. This week, I'm preparing our favorite Polynesian Pork BBQ. I'm a huge fan of ethnic foods and anything that even remotely resembles takeout foods. This is one of those dishes that's easier and tastier than most Chinese take out, yet it's healthier and cheaper. I usually fix it Friday nights with some rice. Anyway, we aren't eating it this week ... just preparing it and freezing it for another week.

What we are having this week:

Sunday: Nana’s BBQ
Monday: Moroccan Chicken (Rachael Ray) Note: I use chicken thighs instead of lamb for this.
Tuesday: Freezer Food Apple Pork (prepared two weeks ago)
Wednesday: Chicken Parmesan, the easy version (baked Perdue chicken, topped with spaghetti sauce and mozzerella and baked in oven until warmed and bubbly. Served with salad and multigrain rolls.
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Pizza Pancakes

Nana's BBQ

1 Pound hamburger, browned with onions and celery
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
2 T vinegar
3 T brown sugar
Paprika and salt, to taste.

Brown meat and veggies, add rest of ingredients and simmer until celery is soft. If you don't use celery, since it's optional, simmer about 15 to 20 minutes. Put on soft whole wheat rolls and serve with gourmet chips and a salad of your choice.

Poor, Laura! I have forgotten more than once to give her credit for hosting Meal Planning Monday. Please check out her menu and many, many others!