Weekly Menus

For most of our married life, I've planned weekly menus and have shopped for just the items on my list.  Originally, my careful planning saved us money, but now that our nest is empty and money is not so tight, I'm enjoying the benefits of organization even more. It is so nice to come home at the end of the day and know exactly what's for dinner, and better yet, to have what I need to put it together.  I'm saving each week's menu and recipes together on my computer, so I can put my hands on them quickly and use them again.  And, as always, these recipes meet my three requirements: fast, easy, real food.

Here's what's for dinner this week:

Rotisserie Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Zucchini & Yellow Squash

After a busy Saturday, this was perfect.  No muss, no fuss, no mess.  And even better yet, there is chicken left for today's meal, AND a sandwich for Flyboy's lunch on Monday.  And if I was pinching pennies?  There's no more economical meal for empty nesters than one that includes rotisserie chicken.  I spent $4.97 for a rotisserie chicken at Sam's Club (which, by the way is cheaper than buying a whole fryer and broasting it myself).

*Chicken and Feta Tabbouleh, Toasted/Salted Flatbread, Cantaloupe

Cover 3/4 C bulgur wheat with 1 C boiling water in a medium bowl. Let stand 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Combine 2 C chopped rotisserie chicken, 1 c chopped plum tomato, 1 C chopped English cucumber, 3/4 C chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 C crumbled feta cheese, 1/3 C finely chopped green onions, 1/4 C chopped fresh mint, 2 T fresh lemon juice, 1 T olive oil, 1 t minced garlic, 1/4 t salt, 1/4 t cumin, 1/4 t pepper. Add bulgur and toss.

*Sauteed Snapper with ** Beurre Blanc, Steamed Broccoli,  ***Goat Cheese Grits

I operate under the philosophy that at least one night during the week, we should have a something special on the menu...as long as it still meets the requirements. This one does.

*Sprinkle 6-oz red snapper fillets (any white fish will do) evenly on both sides with S&P. 3 min each side in canola oil.

**Combine 1/4 c dry white wine, 1 1/2 T white wine vinegar, 1 1/2 T minced shallots, 1/2 t whole black peppercorns in small saucepan. Bring to boil & cook until reduced to 2 T (about 4 min). Reduce heat to low, add 6T chilled butter, cut in small pieces, 2 pieces at a time, whisking until butter is fully incorporated. Strain over a bowl to discard solids. Season w/sea salt & white pepper and serve over the fish.

***Bring to boil 2 C water. Gradually add 1/2 c quick cooking grits and 1/4 t salt, whisking constantly. Reduce heat, simmer 5 min or until thick, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in 2 oz goat cheese, 2 t fresh parsley, 1 t finely chopped fresh basil, 1/2 t pepper.

Sloppy Joes on Toasted Buns,Tortilla Chips & Salsa, Dill Pickles, *Coleslaw

On the other hand, there are nights where dinner can't be ready fast enough. I always plan one meal that I can have on the table in 15 minutes flat.

*Combine 1/3 c mayo,1 1/2 t sugar, 1/2 t pepper, 1/4 t salt, 1/4 t dry mustard.Add to 3 C packaged coleslaw, toss well.

Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder,Relishes,Corn Muffins

I love this recipe so much I put it on this site not once, but TWICE. Pebbles spied it right away, and I quickly rectified that boo-boo. But Mexican Corn Chowder is really that good.  Go here for the recipe.

And there you have it.  Between leftovers and date night, dinner for the week is just that easy.

Comments

[Jennifer Havens]

I so enjoy reading your blog. I am an empty nester without a flyboy, wish I had someone to cook for. These meals sound terrific but for some reason I will not go to this much trouble for myself.
Thank you for writing. I am glad I found you.

[Gigi]

Welcome Jennifer! So glad to be found! Thanks so much for your kind remarks - and for the challenge to find some cooking ideas for singles. I forget that not everybody has a Flyboy, and I feel doubly grateful for him.

Gigi

[elisie]

ok I am gonna try that Mexican Corn Chowder... my "flyboy" is too busy adding and subtracting recipe ingredients to make it much fun to cook for him but this time I will tell him to say out of the kitchen and let me be. We have a new saying in our house.. who ever is doing it..does it.