Menu 2/18/2013

You know me.  I'm always on the lookout for new recipes, but I DO keep a handful as our favorites.  And since the man of the house is going to be home for 11 whole days, I thought I'd make it a week of his top dish choices (Even if it means he helps cook them).  Hehehe.  As a side note, we deviated from our menu last week because our schedule changed and we ate out one night.  In addition, I had a difficult time finding Sea Bass.  What that means is we haven't been able to try our Fish Fry yet.  However, I found Sea Bass last night, so we'll be gettin' our fry on this evening.  I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out!

In the meantime, here are just a few of the hubs' favorite dishes.  Hopefully some of these entree's will make it on your favorite's list too!

1.  Bacon wrapped shrimp over rice pilaf. (We just use a box variety of pilaf to move things along, but it is pretty easy to make from scratch).  Add a green veggie like asparagus or green beans or if you'd prefer a starchy side, try roasted red potatoes, which have a bit of kick to them and we love them!

2. Weeknight Bolognese - This tasty pasta should  be combined with a flavorful red leaf and romaine side salad topped with a light Italian dressing and a warm baked garlic breadstick....to help soak up the yummy sauce.  Pair this with your favorite red or white wine to add an intimate touch. 



3. Cajun Chicken Pasta - I don't have the actual recipe for this this yet, but I have a good excuse.  Our 18yr old daughter learned a recipe in her foods class and plans on making it for the family.  She swears it's AMAZING!  I'll be sure to share it.  In the meantime, click here for a Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

4. Taco Salad - Our version of taco salad varies slightly from what you might find at a restaurant because we don't use cool taco shell bowls.  By the time you've added all your favorite toppings, it's more like a mountain that no bowl could hold.
     

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED 

• Ground Beef, browned (we use approximately 3.5lbs because there are 7 of us and we are serious carnivores).  1-2lbs would be fine for a smaller family.  Be sure to add your favorite seasonings to the meat while it's cooking.  Try a premixed Taco seasoning or add salt, pepper, mined onion, cumin, red cayanne pepper and a dash of chili pepper for some extra kick.

• Iceberg lettuce, 1- 2 heads chopped into bite sized pieces.  Shredded won't work for this so avoid chopping it too small.

• Favorite Shredded Cheese.  We like Cheddar Jack a lot, but this will pair nicely with a variety of flavors.

• Chili Cheese Fritos, 1-2 bags depending on family size.  These go on last.

Then Customize YOUR Taco Salad with

 your favorite toppings!

• Chopped Cilantro and onion (mixed or separate)
• Tomatoes, diced
• Salsa, (The man uses 2-3 kinds in one sitting)
• Avocado
• Refried Beans (we add cheese to ours for more flavor)
• Sour Cream   
• Jalepenos (fresh are best but precut will work too)
• Banana Peppers
•  Any other of your favorite Mexican toppings

Then dive in!

   

5. Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese with a fresh tomato and basil salad.  This dinner may not be everyone's favorite, but the man loves it. For your pickier eaters, change up the grilled cheese to include ham or turkey and leave off the jalapenos.  Substitute the salad with Mac-N-Cheese or offer some fresh fruits and veggies with coordinating dips.  

So there you have it.  The menu for next week.  I'm sure the man will be very happy to have some of his favorite home cooked meals considering works keeps him on the road so often. I know we will enjoy him being home.  Have a great week!

~~~If you don't see a silver lining...make one~~~