Monday Meal Planning

Day Late Edition

Yeah, sorry about that. Yesterday was just one of those days. I'm still catching up on rest after my killer week last week (no pun intended for those who read my last entry), and yesterday was the type of day where I started crying at the drop of a hat.

Stupid hormones.

So, in summary, it was quite a fun day, and a day in which Aaron took away the computer when I started crying over 1) not being able to decide what we should eat for the week (such a crisis, I know), and 2) our wireless router cutting out whenever I wanted to do something on the computer.

Grrr....

Anyway, I finally planned meals this morning, so that's a load off.

Here they are:

Tuesday: Chili Cheese Fries

Since we're still feeling lazy-ish today, we'll reheat chili leftover from Saturday's football extravaganza (which, don't mention that to Aaron, because his team lost. Big time), and put it over steak fries. We use frozen steak fries which we doctor up with a little olive oil to crisp them up and Montreal steak seasoning. Top the fries and chili with shredded cheddar and minced onion. If you don't have leftover chili, like we do, pick some up from the store or even Wendy's.

Wednesday: Sirloin, baked potatoes, roasted brocoli, salad

No real recipe needed here. Sirloin is on sale, so this week we eat steak! I just sprinkle it with some Montreal steak seasoning, toss it under the broiler for about 10 minutes (five minutes per side), and then throw a pat of butter on it when it comes out. Let it rest for a minute or two when you take it out of the oven so that the juices redistribute, and you won't lose them all when you cut into the steak.

I serve steak with a salad made with romaine, spinach, tomato wedges, red onion, and (for me only, because Aaron doesn't like cheese on his salad) some crumbled feta. This way I can thinly slice any leftover steak and have a steak salad for lunch the next day. Yum!

Thursday: Mozzarella and Ham Panini with Cherry Tomato Salad

Continuing the super-easy theme this week, this one is a big hit in our house. I'm not even a big tomato fan, but I'll eat this salad willingly and happily. Man, I love Martha Stewart and her staff and their awesome recipes!

Friday: Shrimp Scampi, salad, baked tomatoes, and rolls

Aaron and I have very differing opinions regarding Tyler Florence. I think he creates wonderful recipes, not to mention that he's easy on the eyes. For this second reason, I think, Aaron despises him and always says the things he makes look gross. Except for his shrimp scampi recipe, which we both drooled over. I may have even forgotten Tyler was on the screen, it looked so good.

For baked tomatoes, this is a recipe my mom handed down to me. Slice enough tomatoes for however many people you are serving (I usually do two tomatoes for Aaron and I) into 1/4 inch thick slices. Mix together a dollop of mayonaise, about an equal amount of parmesan cheese and some minced onion. Place a dollop of this mixture onto the tomato slices and place them under the broiler until the mixture turns golden. That's it. I love these things (again with the "ways to make Jessie eat tomatoes" recipes).

The shrimp scampi recipe also calls for parsley, which we tend to have a hard time using up, so I've been throwing it on everything. Those baked potatoes up there under Wednesday? Will be served with butter, sour cream, and parsley. Those salads? Will be having some parsley added to them as well. Parsley for everyone! We will use it all this time!

Saturday: I might be headed out of town for the night, but if not, dinner will be Mom's meatballs, chopped salad, and baked Cinnamon Apples with vanilla ice cream.

Use any ground beef meatball recipe to make the balls. This next part sounds gross, but it's delicious and everyone always loves this sauce. In a large skillet, mix together a bottle of chili sauce, a small glass jar of grape jelly and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Place the pan over medium heat, and whisk until it comes together. Once this happens, drop the meatballs into the pan, reduce heat to medium low, and cook for one hour.

Sunday: Easy Broccoli Quiche and hash browns.

Keeping it simple this last night before the work week starts again. Even Aaron, who considers himself a "Real Man" will eat this quiche.

Well, I wasn't hungry when I started this post, but now I'm starving! Have a happy Tuesday everyone!