Monday, January 2, 2012

Duncan Dinner Time

5 people, 5 different likes and dislikes.  This momma has her work cut out for her,.  Some days I would just rather put a box of cereal and a gallon of milk on the table and walk away.  Some day's I have.  Did I mention these kids are GROWING and need more than cereal and milk?  Mitchell is hungry instantly after food has passed his mouth.  Brady is adventuresome in his tastes but would rather graze 5 small meals still as if he were a toddler and not a 5 year old.  Ryan only likes processed food until we convince him it is not poison and he MUST take no thank you bites.  Randy and I...well we could probably eat less.

Each month I attempt a menu.  I like to get the big shopping out of the way in the beginning of the month.  Meats, canned goods etc.  I love going to our Public Market for our fruits and veggies..but I gotta admit in the winter I am less likely to do this.  I do try to stick to the weeks plan as I know those ingredients are in the house, but will mix it up from the day I may have assigned it to.  Here is our 31 dinners in January.  Last night I had 4 keepers, and one pass.  Mitchell loves all meat except ham and salmon...no one likes salmon but me. OH and that is another thing..the mom dinners are used frowned upon..my favorites are usually stock full of veggies, a seafood and cheeses...so notice the lack there of...it is just not worth the battle.  I was lucky enough to get get soup on the menu on Mondays:)

1: ham steaks, hassle back potatoes, rolls, broccoli and cauliflower...chocolate cake for dessert http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2009/05/hasselback-potatoes.html
2. Pasta and meatballs..slow cooker frozen ones with prepared sauce, salad
3.Scalloped Potatoes and mixed veggies
4. Burgers and baked homemade steak fries on the George Foreman Grill
5. Grilled Lemon Chicken and Red Beans and Rice (WW)
6. Mole Chicken Chili (crock pot)
7. Supper Nachos
8.  Apple Maple roasted Pork Loin and Salad..>Dinosaur BBQ
9.  Beef noodle Soup (crockpot)
10.  Chicken Patties and salad
11.Tacos
12.Picadillo and Brown Rice(WW)
13. Make your own Calzones
14.  Not Your Mama's Meatloaf (Dinosaurs BBQ) and Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
15.Stuffed Shells and Salad
16.Chinese Chicken and Ramen Soup (slow Cooker)
17.  frozen pizza
18.  Burgers and Mac Salad
19.  Amazing Chicken Enchiladas
20.  Cheese Tortellini with pesto and mixed veggies
21.  Jerked Pork Tenderloins, cucumber salad, cornbread
22. Chinese Chicken Salads (ww)
23.  Tuscan White Bean Soup (Slow Cooker, WW)
24.  Chicken Patties and fries
25.  Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Winter Veggies
26.  Taco Puffs
27.  Garlic Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
28. Lasagna and Salad and garlic Bread
29.  Curried Chick Pea Soup (slow cooker)
30.  Sausage and Egg Noodles and Broccoli
31..MYSTERY Birthday Dinner for my sister..

5 comments:

  1. Hmm...I can't seem to plan that far ahead! Good for you that you can! I make two big trips to the stores. I hit Aldi's, a big M for meat and then Wegs for produce that I haven't found on my other two stops. I am not a couponer, but love that people can do it!

    How do you make your mole chicken chili?

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  2. I will post the recipe Ina bit April..I haven't tried it yet but I love mole!!

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  3. http://www.amazon.com/Cooker-Revolution-Editors-Americas-Kitchen/dp/1933615699/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325628316&sr=8-1#reader_1933615699

    Hopefully this link goes to the recipe..A Christmas gift was Slow Cooker Revolution by America's test kitchen...if the link doesn;t work I will scan it in

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  4. Slow Cooker Mole Chicken Chili
    from Slow Cooker Revolution

    2 onions, minced
    2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    2 tablespoons chili powder
    2 tablespoons cocoa powder
    3 garlic cloves, minced
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
    2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
    1 14-oz can diced tomatoes
    1/2 cup raisins
    1/4 cup peanut butter
    3 tablespoons Minute tapioca
    2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chilis
    2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    2 scallions, thinly sliced
    1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (I omitted)

    Combine the onions, vegetable oil, chili powder, cocoa powder, garlic, cinnamon and cloves in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until the onions are softened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker. Add the broth, tomatoes (and their juice), raisins, peanut butter, tapioca and chipotle chilis and stir to combine. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper then nestle into the slow cooker.

    Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fall-apart tender. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and, using 2 forks, shred the meat into bite-size pieces. Let the chili settle for a few minutes then skim any fat from the surface with a spoon. Add the chicken back to the slow cooker and heat for just a few minutes to warm through. Mix in the scallions and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over white rice and garnish with the sesame seeds.

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  5. Hassleback potatoes will be made this weekend! Love that new twist to them. My hubby won't eat half or more of your menu but I love 99% of it! Max & Ry would get along great loving their processed foods. What are taco puffs? Can't wait to see the Top Hat!

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