A little pic update

A handsome Zach






Pumpkin carving


A tired after trick or treating Freeda

Enjoy!

Salutations and all that Jazz

Good morning world! Well I guess I have been taking my Prozac and I am feeling good this morning. A fairly quiet weekend here. However a good week to be interrupted by a short week at school because of parent teacher conferences. I have to make 3 dozen assorted muffins on Wed for teacher meals and I am hosting a dinner party on Sat. night..uggghhh. We are purchasing a mini-van on Friday. We were suppose to get it last Friday, but we have to wait until Gene's next pay period. Like I told you last week it's a chickeny week due to finances. Enjoy!


Monday:
Chicken Broccoli pasta

2 cups uncooked smaller size(like spirals) pasta
2 cups frozen broccoli
1 cup light sour cream
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
3/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
4 1/2 ounces sliced mushrooms(optional)
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

In large saucepan, cook pasta, adding broccoli during last 5 minutes of cooking. Meanwhile, in saucepan, combine sour cream and flour, blend well. Stir in milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until hot but not boiling. Stir in chicken, basil, mushrooms and 3 tablespoons of the cheese. Cook until heated. Drain pasta and broccoli; return to saucepan. Add chicken and toss to coat. Serve with rest of the cheese.

Tuesday:
Pork steak
steamed cauliflower
chicken flavored rice(make double to have for Thursday)

1 teaspoon Garlic powder
2 teaspoons Black pepper
½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon Paprika
½ teaspoon Thyme
½ teaspoon Oregano
½ teaspoon Rosemary
½ teaspoon Salt

Rub pork steaks and let sit over night or at least a few hours before cooking. Broil for about five minutes on each side.


Wednesday:
Scalloped potatoes with veggies

5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 turnip thinly sliced
2 carrots very thinly sliced
1/2 head broccoli chopped fine
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 cups milk
1 small onion, finely chopped

Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat until melted. Blend in flour, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk, 1/2 cup at a time. Heat to boiling. Boil and stir 1 minute. Arrange potatoes and veggies in greased 2 quart casserole in 3 layers, topping each layer with part of the chopped onions and 1/3 of the sauce. Dot the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, broken into little pieces.
Cover and bake until tender, about 60-70 minutes. Let stand 5 to 10 minute before serving.


Thursday:
Roasted Rosemary Chicken
leftover rice
steamed green beans

1 whole cut up chicken
3T fresh snipped rosemary
course salt
pepper
balsamic vinegar
2T diced garlic
olive oil

Place chicken in roasting pan. Preheat oven to 350. Pour over olive oil and splash with balsamic vinegar. Salt and pepper generously. Sprinkle with rosemary and garlic. Bake at 350 for about and hour or until juices run clear.

Friday:
BBQ chicken sandwiches
Baked beans
potato salad

Shred and warm 2 cups of leftover chicken. Add BBQ sauce, serve on buns with pickles.

Short Week in menu

I made spaghetti last night, who needs a recipe for that??
I hope everyone one had a great Halloween. We had a good one..on the scale of one to ten I would give it a 6.5 and a big ehhh. No one got hurt and there was little shouting. Gene and Zach and I went downtown to the annual store front trick or treating. We brought Gene and Freeda..yes the dog was in a witch costume, home and then Gene headed for more beery pastures at the Replay Lounge and Zach and I went to a more wealthy neighborhood to hit the door to doors. In Zach's words it was "trick or treaters paradise." He got a bucket full of chocolate so we are both pretty happy. All in all a huge load of candy 2 1/2 buckets full, so we will be able to fill his pinate for his birthday party. And he gets a piece a day until his party.

We have found our minivan at last and we can afford it, well with a little belt tightening we can.. So light on the wallent menus for a few weeks..I hope you like chicken cause we will be eating a lot of it. :)

Tuesday:
Asian chicken dumplings
veggie fried rice

1 package coleslaw mix with carrots•3 tsp salt, divided
1 pound lean ground chicken or pork
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, with tops
1 TB rice wine vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil
Dash pepper
wonton wrappers

Mix cabbage mixture with 2 teaspoons salt and set aside for 5 minutes. Squeeze out the excess moisture. In a large bowl, mix the cabbage, pork, green onions, vinegar, cornstarch, the remaining 1 teaaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and the pepper.
Wrap a tsp of mixture into each wrapper, seal edges with water.
Heat a wok or nonstick skillet until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, tilting the wok to coat the sides. If using a nonstick skillet, add 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil. Place 12 dumplings in a single layer in the wok and fry 2 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Add 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook 6 to 7 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Repeat with the remaining dumplings.

Dipping Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil


Wednesday:
Tuna Noodle casserole


Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1/4 cup dry white wine
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low-fat (1%) milk
1 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
2 tablespoons Neufchâtel cheese (reduced-fat cream cheese)
1 6-ounce can solid white tuna packed in water, undrained
1 6-ounce can chunk light tuna packed in water, undrained
1 cup frozen petite peas, unthawed
8 ounces farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
1/2 cup crushed baked potato chips (about 1 ounce)



Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray glass baking dish with vegetable oil spray. Whisk wine and cornstarch in small bowl to blend. Whisk flour in heavy medium saucepan to remove any lumps. Gradually add milk to flour, whisking until smooth. Add broth and thyme and whisk over medium heat until liquid thickens and boils, about 4 minutes. Add cornstarch mixture and whisk until liquid boils and is smooth, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add Neufch‰tel cheese and whisk until melted. Stir in both cans of tuna with their liquid and frozen peas. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta. Return to pot.
Add tuna to pasta, stir to blend well. Place in baking dish. Sprinkle with potato chips. Bake until top is golden and sauce bubbles around edges of dish, about 25 minutes.



Thursday:
Baked chicken and veggies


1 frying chicken, cut up
2 lg. potatoes, diced
3 lg. carrots, sliced
2 lg. ribs celery with tops, sliced
1/2 c. hot water
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. each thyme & salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Put chicken in center of large roasting pan. Mix vegetables and put around chicken. Stir together remaining ingredients and spoon over vegetables and chicken. Bake in 425 degree oven, basting once or twice with pan drippings for 1 hour.

Friday:
Chicken and cheese quesadillas
steamed broccoli

I know you can make these. :)

Halloween Week

It's hard to believe its already the end of October. The holidays are coming on fast. I have a few things coming up this week: Zach's school party, a little pumpkin carving party, and an art opening for a friend. I am looking for interesting things to bring to them, themed of course. A busy week hence an easy menu.

Monday:
Parmesan chicken strips
steamed broccoli
chicken flavored rice

1 clove garlic, minced
1 stick unsalted butter melted
1 cup dried bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
A large pinch of Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 lbs of chicken cut into strips

Preheat oven to 450°F. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic with the melted butter. In another bowl mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into garlic butter, then into crumb mixture to coat. Place coated chicken pieces on to a baking dish. Drizzle with remaining garlic butter and bake uncovered 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Tuesday:
Pulled pork sandwiches
coleslaw

1 Boston pork butt roast (4 pound)
1 bottle favorite barbecue sauce
1/4 cup water
1 large onion sliced into rings
salt and pepper
1 T oil

Salt and pepper roast all over. Brown on all sides in pan with oil. Put onions and water into the crock. Place roast into crock, pour sauce over it. Cook on high for 1 hour and then on low for 6-8 hours. Remove from crock, let cool, then shred, serve with additional BBQ sauce on buns. Reserve some meat for Thursday.

Wednesday:
Butternut Squash soup
good bread and butter

butternut squash, diced (about 2 cups)
1-1 1/2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
1/2 onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbs olive oil
2 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves only
1/8 tsp nutmeg, freshly ground
salt/pepper, to taste
1/4-1/3 cup half and half

Peel and dice butternut squash. Peel and dice carrot and onion. Mince garlic. To a soup pot, add 2 TBS olive oil. Heat oil and add chopped onion and garlic. Season with a bit of salt. Saute on med/low heat till onion is soft...about 5-7 minutes.
Add diced carrot and squash. Saute for a minute or so. Add 1 cup chicken stock, making sure the vegetables are pretty much covered in liquid. Add thyme and nutmeg. Season with a bit more salt, if needed. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until squash is tender. This can be anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. Place cooked squash and liquid in a blender(I use my Immersion blender).
Blend till smooth. Place the pureed mixture back into the pot. It is at this point that you can leave it the way it is...it is a bit thicker... or you can thin it by using half and half. Garnish with thyme leaves,croutons, Parmesan cheese or just leave it plain.

Thursday:
Quick Pork burritos

leftover shredded pork
salsa
refried beans
Spanish style rice
tomatoes
lettuce
sour cream

Use leftover shredded pork to make burritos with the listed ingredients. YUM!

Friday:
Sorry folks but I am not cooking tonight! get some cheap take-out :)
Have a Happy Halloween weekend! I hope to publish some festive photos from this week, toodles Evie.

WOW!

Gone but not forgotten. I can't believe I have not posted since May. I have no excuses, really I don't. Things are the same around here. Unhappily married check. Kiddo a handful check. Still cooking and making weekly menus check. Sewing once in awhile check.
I just spent the last month planning our schools fall festival, it was last thursday nite. Now I am just tying up those loose ends from it. I am in full swing with daycare but this morning I find myself quietly alone and wondering how long it will last?
My son is doing well in 1st grade, he is an excellent reader and two teachers(not his) have commented how well he is doing in math...I guess they talk in the breakroom?? I glow with pride. His reading is wonderful and I love to hear him read to me, although he still prefers to be read to.
His 7th birthday is just around the corner..I can't believe how fast he has grown. We are having a lego party this year, it should be a blast. Although I told him 20kids was the limit since we have had so many more in the past. And this is one of the few years I am not making his cake. I have contracted with another mama to make a lego cake for me, it should be pretty cool. I am however going with a ususal theme
I always give soap and washcloths for party favors. This year I bought a lego mold to make the soap myself and we are stamping the cloths with legos for a polka dot effect. The other party favors will be lego creation made by Z. We bought 200 used lego pieces on ebay(much cheaper than new)and Z will use 10 of each to make one of a kind pieces. I am thinking of games to play still, but it will be a fun party I am sure.
The weather here has been unseasonably warm and the evenings have been extremely pleasant. I love driving over the bridge in the morning and watching the steam rise off of the water. It's a nice site and reminds me of one more reason to live on the other side of the river. I do love living in North Lawrence.
I have resumed work on a baby quilt for my good friends three month old a little smiley guy, I will try and post some pics once I load my camera software onto my new computer. Feels good to be here! Now how about a menu.

Monday:
Special burgers
oven fries
salad

Burgers:

2 lbs local grass fed beef
1 package Organic dry onion soup mix
2 diced shallots
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4tsp miced garlic
1/8 cup ice water

Mix until incorporated without over mixing.(mushy burgers fall apart)Broil in oven for 6-8 min each side. Serve on yummy soft buns with fries and salad.

Tuesday:
Slow cooker German style sausages and cabbage

2 pounds red-skinned potatoes sliced about 1/4-inch thick
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
1 medium onion sliced
1/2 small cabbage, coarsely chopped or shredded
6 to 8 links of smoked sausage
1/2 cup apple juice
2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Arrange sliced potatoes in the bottom of a 4-to 7-quart slow cooker. Drizzle with the butter and sprinkle with about half of the salt, pepper, and thyme. Toss to coat then add the cabbage and onions. Sprinkle with remaining seasonings and top with the sausages. Pour the apple cider over all and then drizzle with vinegar.
Cover and cook for 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH.

Wednesday:
Oven Baked Tilapia
Steamed Broccoli
boxed mac and cheese

1 small lemon
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions, with tops
4 tilapia fillets, about 6 ounces each, about 1 1/2 pounds total

Preheat oven to 400°. Zest lemon and squeeze 1 tablespoon of juice. In a small bowl, combine the peel and juice with the softened butter, parsley, salt, pepper, and green onions. Place fillets in baking dish. Top fillets with the butter mixture. Bake fillets for 15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Thursday:
Chicken taco soup
cheese quesadillas

1 onion, chopped
1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 16-oz can corn (drained)
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies
1 1.25-oz packet taco seasoning
1-2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Cook chicken in boiling water on stove about 30 minutes or until cooked. Cool and shred. Place in stock pot and add remaining ingredients cook 30 minutes on meduim heat. Serve with fresh made quesadillas for dipping and sour cream.

Friday:
Slow Cooker Beef and mushrooms over egg noodles
steamed green beans

1 can Organic Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup Beef Stock
1/3 cup dry red wine
1 package organic dry onion soup mix
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1 package sliced mushrooms
1 (2-pound) boneless chuck roast, trimmed
1/2 (16-oz.) package extra-wide egg noodles
3 tbs chopped fresh parsley, divided


Whisk together first 5 ingredients in a lightly greased slow cooker. Stir in mushrooms. Add roast to slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH 4 to 4 1/2 hours or until beef is tender and shreddable. Meanwhile, prepare noodles according to package directions. Toss hot cooked noodles with 2 tablespoons parsley. Place beef mixture over hot cooked noodles. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley. Serve with steamed green beans on the side

Enjoy!

Oh the woes...

I won't go into detail, but it involves visiting in-laws and husband troubles...I bet you are hungry for some menus..here is a two week one to keep you busy. Toodles

Monday:
Baked Tilapia
rice
steamed asparagus

1 small lemon
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions, with tops
4 tilapia fillets, about 6 ounces each, about 1 1/2 pounds total

Preheat oven to 400°. Zest lemon and squeeze 1 tablespoon of juice. In a small bowl, combine the peel and juice with the softened butter, parsley, salt, pepper, and green onions.
Butter a baking dish. Place fillets in baking dish. Top fillets with the butter mixture. Bake fillets for 15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Tuesday:
Breaded pork tenderloin
mashed potatoes
steamed broccoli

1 lb. pork tenderloin, cut crosswise into 6 pieces
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 beaten egg
2 tbsp. milk
3/4 c. fine dry bread crumbs
1 tsp. paprika
3 tbsp. oil

Pound pork to 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut small slits around edges to prevent curling. Coat meat with a mixture of the 1/3 cup flour, seasoned salt and pepper. Combine egg and milk. Dip cutlets into egg mixture, then into a mixture of crumbs and paprika. Cook in hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side.


Wednesday:
Black beans with red peppers and coconut rice

2 tablespoons oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 large red bell pepper sliced
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt and pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 cup coconut milk
1 box frozen spinach
1 can black beans

Cook rice replacing 1 cup of water with 1 cup of coconut milk. Meanwhile saute onions and garlic in oil, 2-3 minutes, then adding red peppers and eventually spinach. Add black beans with liquid and all spices cook for 5 more minutes. Serve over rice.

Thursday:
Homemade pizza
raw veggies

Friday:
Pork Steak
rosemary potatoes
garlic sauteed spinach

Salt and pepper 2lbs pork steaks broil on each side 5-7 minutes or until done.

Slice 2 lbs potatoes, place 2T oil or bacon drippings in non-stick skillet. Layer in potatoes, salt and pepper and 1T fresh minced rosemary. Cook covered on medium heat for 10 minutes, turn and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until done.

Wash and prepare one large bunch spinach, saute in 1tsp oil with one minced garlic clove until soft and cooked.

Saturday:
Smoked Beef Brisket(this is a husband job meal)
roasted potato salad

1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons black pepper

Combine ingredients and marinate brisket overnight. Remove, and discard marinade. Place on smoker and cook for 7-9 hours at about 160-190.

salad:
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup chopped green onion
1 pound bacon cooked
2 hard boiled eggs diced
5 pounds unpeeled red potatoes

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add cut up potatoes and cook for about 12 minutes or until cooked. Remove and let cool.
In a small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, eggs, sour cream and green onion. Cover, and refrigerate for about 2 hours to blend flavors.
Stir the mayonnaise mixture into the bowl of potatoes. Crumble bacon into the bowl, and stir to distribute.

Sunday:
Italian roasted chicken
garlic bread
salad

1 1/2 tsp. rosemary leaves
1 tbsp. parsley flakes
1/2 c. sherry
1/2 c. water
1 small jar sun dried tomatoes(packed in oil)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pkg. whole chicken cut into parts (leg, thighs, breast and wings)

Wash chicken pieces thoroughly and remove skin.
In food processor combine all ingredients. Place chicken into a baking dish. Pour over chicken. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes then lower oven to 350 degrees for 1 hour. Turn once and baste with juices often. Turn chicken pieces right side up to brown.

Monday:
sesame veggies and rice

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut up
1 large red bell pepper, cut up
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil

In a saucepan combine broth, rice and butter. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.
Meanwhile, heat peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until very hot. Add asparagus, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender but crisp. Stir in soy-sauce and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds. Serve over rice.


Tuesday:
Crock pot beef Stroganoff

1 1/2 pounds round steak, cut into thin strips
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 large onion, sliced
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 tablespoon dry white wine
4 to 8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms, lightly sauteed in butter
1/3 cup flour
1 cup sour cream
hot cooked egg noodles

Sprinkle steak strips with salt and pepper; place in the bottom of crock pot with the sliced onion. Mix garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon and ketchup. Pour over meat. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until tender. Turn to high and add sauteed mushrooms. Dissolve flour in a small amount of cold water. Add to meat mixture, stirring until blended. Cook on high for 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in sour cream; turn slow cooker off. Serve over noodles.

Wednesday:
Shredded pork tacos
Spanish rice(mix)

pork tenderloin (2 lb), cut into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 large can tomato sauce(16 oz)
2 small cans chopped green chilies
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
tortillas, warmed
Shredded lettuce and chopped tomato, optional

In a skillet, brown pork in oil. Remove from pan and keep warm. In same skillet, saute onion and garlic in drippings until tender. Stir in the tomato sauce, chilies, chili powder, salt, oregano, cumin and pepper. Add pork; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until pork is tender.
Cool slightly; shred with two forks. Return to sauce; heat through. Serve in tortillas with lettuce and tomato if desired.

Thursday:
Chicken with wine and mushrooms
steamed green beans
rice

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 ground pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup AP flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 lb sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp dried thyme or 1T fresh
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1T water

Salt and pepper chicken then dredge in flour. Heat oil to high, place chicken in pan and reduce to medium. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side. Remove and keep warm. Cook mushrooms and onion for 5 minutes De glaze pan, by adding wine, cook for 3 minutes until liquid is reduced. Add broth, thyme and boil for about 5 minutes, add cornstarch until thickened about 1 minute.

Friday:
Spinach and cheese ravioli
salad

Use prepared raviolis, heat and top with sauce.


have a good one!

Break time over!

I took a long needed break from blogging and super meal planning...I have been flying by the seat of my pants for meals, and its been more costly than ever. So back to normal for us.

Sunday:
Oven Baked Country-Style Ribs
pasta salad
canned baked beans

3 lbs boneless country-style pork ribs
1 medium onion, chopped fine
3 large garlic cloves, minced
olive oil
3/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
juice of one lemon
1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
1 teaspoon grated horseradish
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the ribs in a lined baking dish.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add the onions and saute until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, stirring constantly for another minute. Add the remaining ingredients. Turn the heat to medium and let the sauce bubble for an additional 10 minutes. Pour the sauce over the ribs, evenly coating them. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for one hour, then remove the foil and turn the meat over with tongs and cook, uncovered, about 30 minutes longer.

Monday:
Spinach and turkey sausage calzones
salad

2 loaves frozen bread dough or make homemade dough
1 lb. Ricotta
1 lb. shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1 lb. frozen thawed chopped spinach, drained well or use fresh, blanched and drained
3 links Italian turkey sausage
Salt and pepper and garlic powder to taste

Let dough rise twice. Remove skin from sausage and brown, into tiny pieces, then cool. Mix cheese, eggs, spices, spinach, and sausage together. Divide dough into 6 pieces. Flour working area - flatten each piece (one at a time) into about 5 inch circles. Fill center of dough with about 1/2 cup of filling, then fold dough over into turnover shape.
Moisten edges with water then press together tightly to seal. Brush with watered egg on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until browned.

Tuesday:
Salmon burgers
oven baked onion rings
burger fixings: lettuce, tomato, pickles

1 (6 1/2 oz.) can Alaska pink salmon
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 c. dry bread crumbs
1/4 c. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1/8 tsp. garlic salt
Oil

In medium bowl, combine salmon, mayonnaise, egg and lemon juice, bread crumbs, onion, parsley and garlic salt. Mix well. Shape into burgers (mixture will be moist). Heat 1 or 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet. Place burgers in skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned. Turn. Brown other side. Serve on whole wheat buns.

Wednesday:
Turkey chili (or chicken may be used)
cornbread

1 lb. ground turkey breast
1 med. onion, chopped
1 (8 oz.) can tomato paste
1 c. water
3 tbsp. chili powder or to taste
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 cans red beans, rinsed
1 c. tomato catsup, low sodium
Vegetable cooking spray

Brown ground turkey and onion in a skillet coated with cooking spray. Mix remaining ingredients except beans together. In a 3 quart saucepan, combine turkey, onion and sauce. Simmer, covered 20 minutes. Add beans and continue cooking for 45 minutes.

Thursday:
Easy fish tacos
mac and cheese (boxed is fine)

2 lbs Tilapia
2 tsp butter
1 tsp olive oil
whole wheat tortillas
tartar sauce
shredded cabbage

Heat butter and olive oil in pan, cook fish for 3 minutes on each side. Serve in tortillas with tartar sauce and shredded cabbage.

Friday: (A repeat but heavily requested)
Chicken and mushrooms
with sauteed spinach
baked sweet potatoes

Chicken:
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 cup feta cheese
salt and pepper
fresh chopped parsley
2 cups spinach

Heat butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in non stick pan and saute mushrooms for 4 minutes. Remove from pan, replace with remaining olive oil and diced(salt and peppered) chicken and cook over medium heat until chicken is cooked thru about 7-10 minutes. Add mushrooms and spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted and incorporated, about 2 minutes. Serve with baked sweet potatoes.