1/28/13 Menu

Attempting to stay ahead of the game with 5 kids can be challenge to say the least.  Especially when they all go in different directions.  So for weeks with activity-filled nights I focus on evening meals that hopefully leave a little time for family bonding.  Now when I say family bonding, I don't mean we are sitting in a circle on the living room floor singing "Kumbaya".  I mean quality family time around the dinner table, talking about our day, the ups and downs, recognizing accomplishments etc..

With our lives being so fast paced it's hard to stay in touch with one another, even when we live under the same roof.  Then your normally talkative little kids become teenagers and it gets even more difficult to get communication, let alone family time.  We've been pretty lucky for the most part.  I believe our kids will talk to us about almost anything.  Each of them has their parent of choice depending on the topic, but at least they are talking to us. That can be the truly difficult part.

But I digress....this post is about what's on the menu for this week.  So let's get cookin!

• BLT's, Mac-n-Cheese with a side of sweet corn: We use a Texas Toast style bread and some of the kids like theirs toasted.  I've also found an awesome way to cook your bacon so you get mouthwatering bacon in every bite.  Weaving!  Who would've thunk it!  Thank you Pinterest!

• Crockpot Chicken Tenders over rice with crab rangoon or egg rolls.  This is another Pinterest Recipe but I couldn't find the original author.  Click on the picture for the recipe.  We cheat on our Asian sides and just buy them from the store but it's on my agenda to learn how to make them myself. I'm all ears for a good recipe.

•  Philly Cheese Pot Roast Sandwiches from Recipe.com with tater tots and cheesy broccoli casserole.  These tasty sandwiches pretty much cook themselves and you can do the prep the night before.

• Basil Buttered Salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and honey topped asparagus.  This is one of our 14yr old's favorite combinations so we try to make this on a night he'll be home at dinnertime.  We use C. Wirthy & Co Salmon Filets from Sam's Club because the skin has already been removed and the portions are just the right size.

    

• Bowtie Skillet Lasagne with a side salad and breadsticks.  Not all of my kids like ricotta cheese, which is what I put in my baked lasagne. This is a nice alternative.  Kind of like a Hamburger Helper, but made with real ingredients!   Thanks for the recipe fellow blogger Holly.

So there you have it.  Next week's menu.  Hopefully I've gotten it out to you early enough to get your shopping done.  Enjoy the food and extra family time!
 
~~~If you don't see a silver lining...make one~~~