First week is about to be in the books. It's much easier to write it down than actually do this but I'm giving it a whirl. Enjoy and use these recipes or give me feedback on your own version of this. I love input and ideas. After all...we are in this together ;-) Best of luck this week!
Monday
Zucchini, Black Bean & Chicken over Rice
In a skillet sauté 3 zucchini chopped finely along with a few tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. About 5 minutes or so....then add a can of black beans that have been rinsed and washed and a can of diced tomatoes which I prefer to drain but you take it how you like it. Also add 2-3 shredded chicken breast (depending on how many you are cooking for) which you cooked in the crockpot all day so they shred up easy and you can throw it in your recipe. Then add 1 cup water and 1 cup rice. Bring to a boil and once it is all stirred and boiling well remove from the heat and leave covered for around 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Once completed spoon into bowls and sprinkle with cheese (i like sargento six cheese italian blend) and serve with some bread or a salad and enjoy.
Tuesday
Parmesan Manicotti
Boil manicotti for about half the time allotted on the package. I am making this with no meat but sub whatever you want and brown it and drain it and add it to your sauce...beef, chicken ground turkey etc... Meanwhile, mix 1 tub of shaved parmesean cheese, 2 eggs, 1 tsp of Italian Seasoning, 8 oz of part skim ricotta and 1 cup shredded mozzarella as your filling. Once manicotti have cooled stuff with mixture and place in a baking pan. Spoon any kind of spaghetti sauce you prefer over the top and sprinkle with another cup of mozzarella or Italian cheese blend. Serve with bread or salad. In case you haven't picked up on my theme I don't mess with a whole lot of side dishes but you know what you like.
Wednesday
BBQ Potatoes
I use this six sisters recipe for the idea to give credit where due but make it in the crockpot instead of doing it as listed. because I like to simplify anything I can into a crockpot meal. http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/02/baked-bbq-chicken-taquitos-recipe.html
1 finely diced red onion, 1 bottle of any BBQ sauce you like, 3 chicken breast, 2 tablespoons of cilantro, 1 tablespoon olive oil then I set it and forget it! Crockpot on low for 6 hours. At some point during cooking I take the chicken breast out and shred it then throw it back in to cook and get fully coated in sauce. I cook my potatoes in the microwave on the setting we have for it and they come out perfectly. Usually takes about 30 minutes or less depending on their size. Serve with sour cream, chives, cheese or any other toppings you like. I just prefer Sour cream and cheese but I'm simple. You can get creative.
Thursday
Leftover Day
I think it is important to have a day of the week where you just set out your leftovers and divvy up what's left for the next days lunch and that nights dinner. That way no food geos to waste and you get a night off for all of your effort and planning ;-)
Friday
Breakfast for Dinner or Brinner
On nights where we have breakfast for dinner I like to always include hasbrowns. I typically buy the brand in the refrigerator section in the green bag. They run them on sale 2 for $4 fairly often and I like to put them in the freezer so I have some on hand. I also like to make sausage bisquick casserole as listed below. You will not be able to eat just one bite and please note I do not claim for all my recipes to be the healthiest so this is one of those you don't want to eat all the time ;-)
3 cups bisquick
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 cup water
1 lb sausage (I like mild but pick your fancy)
2 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar
Mix it all together well and spread out in a 9 x 13 pan you have sprayed with Pam. I bake for 30-45 minutes at 375.
