Recipe Roll #2

Another busy week in our house.  This time of year is always full ... really my busiest time as a designer.  Matt's schedule is crazy as well ... and if I didn't have a plan, we'd be eating nacho chips with cheese melted in the microwave every night for dinner - literally.  It's happened before.

I'm a planner by nature, and in those moments of busy insanity, I cling to my plan.  I depend on fast, easy and low-maintenance meals ... which can be difficult when you have food intolerance of any kind.  My biggest ally, as I talked about in my last Recipe Roll, is Pinterest.  If you're struggling to come up with a menu plan - look there first.  With each menu plan, make a matching grocery list (listing everything you need for those recipes) ... then save them.  Before you head to the store, shop your pantry first ... then head out to shop for the remainder of the items you need for the week.  After 6 weeks you'll have six menu plans and 6 grocery lists to rotate!  You'll also be using up the things you have in your cupboards - a huge time and money saver!

Here's our week-at-a-glance menu - we're trying a few new things, along with a few of our tried and true favourites ...

Sunday I made Spinach Artichoke Dip by Annie's Eats

 
I don't usually cook on Sundays, but it was our turn to host small group Bible study and I needed an yummy warm snack to go with fresh fruit and goodies ... this was perfect.  I used fresh baby spinach instead of frozen and it turned out awesome.

I served the dip with Multi-Grain crackers by Crunchmaster I found at Sam's Club (I've also found them at Costco).

Monday we tried Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken Thighs by foodraf

I LOVED this chicken. Not only was it tasty, it came together so fast. I only made enough for the three of us and I wish I'd made more for leftovers. It would have been amazing chopped up on a fresh salad or stirred into my Lentils and Rice Stir-Fry. I served the chicken with a simple broccoli cheese rice and it was perfect!

Tuesday we tried Wine-braised Chuck Roast with Onions from Epicurious

I only have two words: MAKE THIS. It was so easy and the result was over the top. The onions and wine break down and create a delicious beefy sauce/gravy. I served with simple roasted garlic mashed potatoes ... and we were fighting over leftovers for lunch the next day.

Wednesday we tried Leek, Butternut Squash and Potato Soup by Cannelle et Vanille

The only things I did differently was roast the butternut squash ahead of time and add a bay leaf for extra flavour. It came out very tasty ... perfect for a chilly, snow-in-the-air day.

Thursday (today) I'm making my Meatless Baked Tacos.

This is one of our favourites for sure.  I love entertaining with tacos (we've invited Matt's parents for dinner) because they are customizable - each person can make their meal exactly how they like it.  The "meat" is actually a mix of beans and lentils combined with refried beans and onion (believe me, you won't miss the meat) ... throw all the fresh veg on top and they are a perfect quick, easy and healthy meal your family will love!

Friday I am going to BBQ the Best Ever Hamburgers by A Pretty Life

We actually make these burgers ahead of time and vacuum seal them in packages of 5 for the freezer ... and just like the name - they are the BEST EVER.  Matt prefers to grind his own beef ... though, if you've read any of my past posts, you know I eat a mostly vegetarian diet with only small portions of meat ... but I do allow myself to have one of these from time to time. ;)

I always substitute rice flour for the breadcrumbs and they turn out perfectly. I serve these on Udi's gluten-free buns (or wrapped in a large lettuce leaf) ...

... topped with Pickle Dip by Buns in My Oven and my Homemade Fries on the side!  Delicious!