3.02.2009

Menu Planning

Yep, I'm doing this again. Everyone keeps asking me about this, I think it's really the only reason why anyone ever reads my blog. Hah!

But now I have a new goal in menu planning: cook things that can be almost completely prepared before 3pm. Cooking dinner at dinner time just isn't working for me anymore. It's just too chaotic and everyone is grumpy. And Elliot is into *everything* now which makes it all the worse. So for the past few weeks, I've been gathering recipes and trying new things, trying to perfect this new strategy. And I might add that a rice cooker, a crockpot and a freezer full of lean, organic frozen veggies meat helps a lot!

So far I've made:
Tacos / taco salad - I prepared the meat, beans and rice around lunchtime

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna - (my favorite crockpotting lady was on Good Morning America!) I used a little less wing sauce because I wanted the kids to eat it too and I omitted the peppers (Ryan hates them)

Poppyseed Chicken (our family recipe)

Sweet Potato Enchiladas - I turned this into casserole, layering the tortillas instead of rolling them up like traditional tortillas

Baked Spaghetti - YUM

And I'm planning to make the following in the next few weeks:
Mexican Chicken Soup
Farmhouse Chicken
Mexican Lasagna
Crockpot Layered Dinner - This will make Ryan happy
Lasagna - I want to try adding the eggs and all the veggies like she did

I'm telling you: this really, REALLY works. I have been a much happier person since implementing this new strategy and as a result, everyone else is happier too. And very well-fed, I might add.

Oh, and ps: Elliot is walking! He started taking steps here and there a few weeks ago but in the past few days, he started walking more than crawling and walks first when he wants to get somewhere. It's so weird! Don't have any pictures to prove it yet, but here are a couple more recent shots...and I made the shirts!

pss - No snow in Savannah and I was quite happy. Living in Charlottesville for 3 years cured me of ever wanting to be around snow again. Really

4 comments:

Sarahbeth said...

I am on board with that!!! My crockpot is my best friend. along with bacon and diet dr. pepper and cheese and jesse. i'm going to browse your recipes now and plan my week. thanks!

Anonymous said...

I have seen E walk!! YAY!!!

WASPy Girl said...

I was wondering what happened to your menu planning Mondays. I'm glad you've reinstated them. I've procured some great recipes and tips from your blog!!

Marlo said...

I may have to look into these as well, Em.
And the shirts really did turn out great. You're such a great homemaker!