Monthly Menu Plan Review- October

If you have been a follower of my blog for a while, you know how much I rave about menu planning. I've attempted menu planning in the past but I've never stuck with it as I have these past few months.

Why do I like menu planning so much? Well, for one thing, it is a HUGE time saver. I save so much time at the grocery store because I already know exactly what to get and I know what I'll be cooking each night. I come prepared with my list (which I make alongside as I meal plan) and cross off each item as it falls into my cart. There's no standing around, no wondering the aisle, wondering what to get.

I also menu plan because it's a great way to save money! Seriously, I've noticed a huge drop in our grocery bills since I started. Since I'm not wandering the store aimlessly, there are no impulse buys, and nothing ends up in my cart that we don't need.

Under my header, you'll see that I have a Weekly Menu Plan tab. If you're ever in need of some inspiration, check it out! I typically post my menu for the week every Sunday. I link the source for each recipe if I found it online.

I thought it would be fun to start reviewing what I planned for each month. If the entree has been crossed out, it's because I didn't make it, probably because we had dinner out or I was in the mood for something else. Just because it's on the menu plan doesn't mean you have to make it!

Slow Cooker Asian-Style Beef

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs

I've made these chicken thighs many, many times and they never disappoint. Marinate them the night before, or, for at least for one hour. Serve with rice or roasted potatoes and veggies. 

Lazy Day Casserole

BBQ Chicken Pizza

So easy and so good! We love this pizza, Miss A included (without the BBQ sauce). I like to make my own dough, but of course you can buy a ready-made pizza crust from the store. 

Potato Corn Chowder

A very tasty soup, that is done in no time. Perfect for the coming chilly nights. Toddler approved!

Cheesy Chicken Bake

We were really disappointed with this one- won't be making it again. :(

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Thighs

Gnocchi with Butternut Squash, and Spinach

A new favorite of ours that will be in regular rotation while butternut squash is in season. We LOVE gnocchi and I was so pleased when Miss A also fell in love with it. Gobbled up every last bite!

Baked Sour Cream Shrimp Enchiladas

I raved about these enchiladas after we ate them. I've made lots of different versions of enchiladas and these are definitely one of my favorites. I swapped out the chicken for shrimp and it was delicious. 

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

We don't have meals like this very often and I'm thinking we need to more! A meatless meal, with lots of veggies which will leave you feeling full. I added extra cheese to ours. 

Garlic Roast Chicken

Tomato, Pepper, Cheese Quiche

Ham & Cheese Waffle Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken Pot Pie

I make my chicken pot pie like this- using a store bought crust, I fill the pie shell with a vegetable medley of frozen corn, carrots, and peas, a can of cream of chicken soup, chopped cooked chicken, and 1/2 cup of milk. Bake in the oven at 375 for 45 minutes.

Seared Steaks & Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese

A great way to eat broccoli, I must say. I used my panini maker to press and melt the cheese and roasted the broccoli in the oven. Serve wilth tomato soup and you have yourself a warm and comforting meal.

Chicken, Bacon, Avocado Salad 

If you're still not convinced, or need some help starting, I'm thinking about creating a "how to" series. It'd be great if you could answer some of these questions!

Do you menu plan? What do you like about it? Where do you get inspiration? What do you find challenging about menu planning? 

Oh, and I can't forget to say, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I'm off to take Miss A to a Halloween party! Hope you're starting off the day right with some candy. :)

Weekend Bites + Menu Plan Monday 10/3

I'm loving every minute of October so far.

Saturday: Cleaned the house from top to bottom. Took a trip to the farmer's market to pick up these beautiful Fall mums. My favorite plant because I can't seem to kill them. Yay! 

Saturday night: A movie and DVR'd shows on the couch with hubby. <3

Sunday: Hubby had to work. Boo. However, he did just manage to come home early- yay! I went to the store and found this pumpkin cream cheese spread. Love.

These are my favorite cookies in the whole world. Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip. I only make them in October because I'm weird like that.

Sunday night: Salsa chicken in the crock pot. Finishing up with our DVR'd shows. Perhaps some hot chocolate with our pumpkin cookies? Oh the possibilites.

I love Fall. How was your weekend?

Menu Plan

Salsa Chicken in the Crockpot

Bacon Mushroom Honey Dijon Chicken

Bacon Burgers with Balsamic Bacon Jam

Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin

Mushroom Herb Mac and Cheese

How have you been enjoying the start of October? What's on your menu this week?

Weekend Bites + Menu Plan Monday 9/19

Wohooooo, I ended up feeling much better than I thought I would this weekend! Saturday morning I woke up feeling a little sickly, but as the day moved on I gradually improved. So weird. I don't get sick very often and when I do, I'm not sick for very long. Go me!

I laid around on the couch for most of the morning until I had the sudden urge for a pumpkin latte. I headed out to Target and ordered my first pumpkin latte of the season. It's the only form of coffee I'll drink. I hate coffee! With latte in hand I perused the Halloween section. Hubby, you should be very proud. I didn't buy anything. :)

Inspired, I went home and opened up my fall box.

I spent an hour decorating and re-introducing our home to fall scents.

Afterwards, high on my fall kick, I proceeded to the kitchen to make a pumpkin cream cheese loaf. Have you bought any pumpkin yet? I still have three cans from last season.

On Sunday I was feeling even better! Hubby was given the day off (yay!) so we went apple picking!

First we had to get some donuts. You can smell those babies from the parking lot.

Then we headed out to the orchards.

Empire, McIntosh, Jonathan, and Cortland were all available for picking. I whipped out my real camera for you.

Such a pretty day.

So ready for fall!

Afterwards hubby and I made a mad dash to the store to pick up what we need for dinner this week. It's going to be a busy week for me, so this is a tentative menu. Even still, I can't start the week off without some sort of plan. Here goes:

• Tomato, Sausage, Pecorino Pasta
• One-Pot Southwestern Chicken and Rice
• Smothered Pork Chops with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Honey Dijon Chicken Salad

I had such a great weekend I don't want it to end! What did you do this weekend? Or, what's on your menu plan? 

Menu Plan Monday 9/12 + Weekend Bites

Hello friends! How was your weekend? Do anything fun? I had a pretty good one! Let's review.

On Saturday I baked with pumpkin for the first time this season.

Pumpkin white chocolate muffins. Recipe coming soon! Then I made my grocery list, menu plan, and shopped. Hubby came home early and we sat on the couch and watched Human Planet. Awesome show. You should watch it.

On Sunday I went to a new yoga studio and took a class with a friend.

source

I loved the instructor. I'm hoping to go at least once a week. Later on in the afternoon I went shopping with some friends. Winter's coming folks. I've gotta update my wardrobe. For dinner, I attempted to make hot pockets. 

Meh. They were just okay. Too much bread and not enough filling. Needs to be modified.

I didn't get much baking done as I would have liked. Hopefully next weekend. What did you do this weekend?

If you're interested, here's what we'll be eating this week around these parts: 

• Chicken Tomato Herb Pan Sauce with Garlic Rice Pilaf and Veggies
• Baked Penne Chicken with Sun-dried Tomatoes
• Caramelized Onion Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
• Pan Seared Salmon with Rice and Roasted Asparagus
• Spaghetti and Meatballs

What did you do this weekend? 

Weekend Bites + Menu Plan Monday 8/22

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun, pick up a new hobby, ride a bike, make something new? I did a few of those things. I'd like to wish a happy first day of school back to everyone back home in Miami. I hope you all have a great day and like your teachers/professors/students. Show them who's boss! Or, be respectful. :) 

This weekend was a low key one for us. On Friday the hubbs and I tried to grilling pizza for the first time.

We were 89% successful. There was an incident with plastic and a tabletop (more on that to come). The bottom corner of our crust was also burned. But it was still really good! Thanks to MJ from MJ's Kitchen for the recipe!

Then there was an incident with cupcake frosting. Also a first time thing to happen in the This Woman Cooks! kitchen. Piping frosting. Who would've though it would turn me into a crazy person. I was determined to get it right before going to sleep Friday night and stayed up perfecting my circular design. If you're a follower on Twitter and Facebook, I shared this picture triumphantly with you when I was done. I was so proud.

A typical weekend lunch. Homemade mac and cheese with spinach!

Chocolate muffins for the hubby to take for breakfast.

Lastly, we've recently adopted a new weekend tradition. Gelato! We're obsessed with a small gelateria that just opened and changes out their flavors every week. Talk about a sure-fire way to get me going back. I had maple bacon and evil- a chocolate gelato with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. SO GOOD.


What did you do this weekend?

I almost forgot- it's Monday, here's my menu plan for the week!

BLT Pasta
Orange Honey Chicken with Broccoli and Rice
Smothered Pork Medallions with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Chicken and Lemon Basil Pasta
Pulled Pork Sandwiches

What's on your menu this week?

Menu Plan Monday 8/15

Happy Monday! I'm embracing this Monday as it's one of the last few that I'll  have all to myself before school starts again. I've got big plans to sit around, read Thirteen Reasons Why, bake something in the kitchen, run some errands, do some cleaning, and watch Masterchef. Sounds like a productive day to me.

How was your weekend? The hubbs and I spent a lot of time together, watching movies, going out to eat, and having some ice cream.

 Lunch from Zingermans. My first time, can you believe it?

A cute, small gelato place just opened nearby. I think this is going to become our weekend treat.

Doughnut muffins. Recipe coming ASAP.

We also went to see Sarah's Key. I thought it was a good adaption from the book. Intense.

 Anddd we went out for sushi with some friends.

What did you do? 

I got my menu together pretty quickly yesterday. That never happens. I had a lot of options to choose from! I'm excited to try out a lot of these new recipes, many that I got from this week's wrap up.

Honey Dijon Chicken Tenders with Zucchini Rice
Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream
One Pot Southwest Chicken and Rice
Grilled Pizza
Caramelized Onion Burgers with Spicy Mayo


What's on your menu this week?

Menu Plan Monday 8/8

I'm sure you've noticed that I fell off the menu planning band wagon this summer. Bad summer bad. The laziness. Let me tell you, not having one sucked. Every night I'd "wing" it, worrying throughout the day what to make. I also didn't get to try out as many new recipes as I would have liked. Bad blogger bad.

I'm back at it and you can expect me to stick with it, now that summer is slowly coming to an end. I know many of you are getting into the "back to school" mode as teachers, students, and parents. Those of us in Michigan still have about a month to ago. Sigh. Where has the summer gone? It goes by too fast.

If you are going back to school soon, good luck! Have a great first day and I hope you pack something besides a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. :)  

Almond Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Parmesan Zucchini & Couscous
White Wine Salmon with Mushroom Risotto
Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Smothered Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes
Summer Veggie Pasta

What 's on your menu this week?

Menu Plan Monday

This is going to be a crazy, action packed week! School ends on Wednesday, meaning all sorts of end-of-the-year activities are going on. Water park on Monday, field day on Tuesday, and a half day on Wednesday. I have a feeling I'm going to be pretty tired but hopefully I'll be able to enjoy it all.

Then, on Thursday, my parents are coming into town! They've only been to Michigan once since we moved here and I'm really excited to show them around. We're hitting up Chicago at the end of the week to celebrate my birthday (yayyy) and check out the city. To say I'm excited would be an understatement.

So why am I bothering to menu plan, you ask? Well, in all honesty it will be one less thing to worry about this week, and I do better with a plan. Of course, these ideas might not all happen, but at least I'll have something to fall back on.

Pork Tenderloin with Feta Couscous
Chicken Milanese with Tomatoes
Pork Medallions with Cranberry Sauce
Marinated Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob
CHICAGO!

I actually remembered to take pictures of what we had for dinner last night. Grilled chicken thighs with cauliflower mac and cheese. Good stuff. Hopefully I'll be able to share that with you soon! Oh, and, I got another early birthday present:

Apparently my love for cooking/baking is no secret. :)

Have a wonderful week!

Berry Chocolate Fools & Menu Plan Monday

I've got lots to share with you folks. This woman has been busy whipping things up. Waffles, grilled chicken, steak, muffins, popsicles...how I love summer cooking. And the fact that I have a grill. And a waffle maker. And popsicle molds.

And...

I won my first giveaway!!

SO excited. I don't have any kind of cookie, cupcake, or cake decorating set. I can't wait to use this stuff!

Anywho. Today. I'm sharing a simple, yet elegant, dessert.

You may have also seen it here. I gushed enough about the pork chops we had that night, now I'll gush about the dessert!

That night, I wanted a small dessert that two people could share. I didn't want to bake up a full pie or cake that would sit in the kitchen mocking me, calling me to eat the rest. The Food Network magazine has a great section for easy, small, quick desserts. I flipped through some past issues and found this.

I'm not kidding when I say this is ridiculously easy. First, you'll need to pour some whipping cream in a bowl with confectioner's sugar. Beat like you normally would to get whipped cream. Melt some chocolate and swirl that in with the whipped cream. Find some bowls, add several spoonfuls of the chocolate whipped cream, and top it off with strawberries, blueberries...any fruit you like really. It is lip-smacking delicious! Haha. :)

Source: Food Network 

1 quart quartered strawberries
a handful of blueberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Toss strawberries with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a bowl. Beat heavy cream with 2 confectioners sugar until soft peaks form. Melt semisweet chocolate in the microwave and cool slightly; fold into the whipped cream. Layer the cream and berries in glasses/bowls.


It is also Menu Plan Monday! I have a fairly simple menu this week as the hubby won't be home for dinner several nights. It'll be me and Sandy. :)

Marinated Chicken with Roasted Asparagus & Tomatoes
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Grilled Chicken Wraps
Gorgonzola, Pecan, and Cranberry Chicken Salad
Classic Mac and Cheese

Have a great week!

Menu Plan Monday + Great News!!

I know I'm late with the menu plan.

I had it all planned out on Saturday, but then I threw out half of it. I needed things I could make using this:

That's right folks. We bought a grill!! *does happy dance*

As you know I've been toying with the idea for a while now. I had an electric one all picked out on Amazon. It was just spending the money that held me back. Should I, should I not... Welllll, on Sunday we were doing some shopping and came across a couple of grills that were on sale (which I may or may not have already known about before said trip to store...) This one was a great price and seemed to fit our needs. Not too big, not too small, it was just right!

So we snatched it up and went on our merry way.

We (meaning the hubbs, I watched and offered moral support) set it up on Monday, which was the greatest day every, by the way. 90 degrees. Do you know how long it's been since we've had 90 degree weather? Too long, too long. So naturally I did what every person should do when it's 90 degrees out. I laid by the pool. Stuck my feet in the water because it was too cold to actually go in (for me anyway) but, still, I fully enjoyed myself. :) After a few hours (tanless, I don't ever tan), I went home to supervise the grill setup and prepare our Memorial Day feast. Being grill newbies, we read ALL the instructions and freaked out over turning on the propane tank and the smell of gas after the burners were lit. It was fun. Memories were made.

The hubbs took on the job of flipping the burgers and all was well until...

...one of the burgers fell to the floor. Memories of our 1st BBQ experience.

But the other one tasted great! I'll be sharing with you the red ranch dressing I made to go with the burgers and the roasted potato wedges. It was so good!

And now, if you're still with me reading, here is our menu plan. :)

Burgers with Red Ranch Dressing & Potato Wedges
Honey Mustard Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Pork Chops with Fresh Berry Compote
Marinated Flank Steak

Link up at orgjunkie.com

How was your Memorial weekend? Got any good grill recipes? Pass them on! I need to build a collection.

Menu Plan Monday

It's Memorial Week!! How excited are you to have Monday off? Hopefully you are lucky enough to enjoy this three day weekend. Anyone planning to grill out? I'm still dreaming of buying that grill...Hopefully the weather will be warm enough so that we can have our first pool day, or rather, lay-by-the-pool-day (that water still must be freezing).

The school year is winding down and the kids are starting to get a little crazy. With 16 days left, I certainly don't blame them. I for one am definitely excited for the summer. We've got family coming to visit us and you can bet I've already started thinking about what to serve at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And as well as what will be for dessert!  

Chicken Romano with  Lemon Butter Sauce
Crunchy Honey Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Glazed Salmon with Cranberry Quinoa
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Cheeseburgers with Roasted Potato Wedges

Got any exciting summer plans? What are you hoping to do this summer?

Link up at orgjunkie.com.

Menu Plan Monday

Our freezer and pantry is fully stocked. If we were to be attacked any time soon, we' ll be able to live off of chips, chocolate chips, crackers, and cheese. Costco trips are the best.

How was the weather in your neck of the woods this weekend? We had rain. A lot of rain. And then the temperature decided to drop a good 30 degrees from what we had on Thursday. Needless to say, I was not amused. This weekend was pretty low key, besides our Costco trip and Panera lunch, we didn't do much. I did do a fair amount of baking: granola bars, muffins, and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. I also made a delicious mushroom mac and cheese and garlic breadsticks. 

I'm still looking for dinner ideas, so if you've got any, please pass them on. :)

Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mushroom Sauce & Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Chicken Piccata with Roasted Asparagus
Classic Pot Roast
Pecan-Crusted Chicken Salad
Breakfast for Dinner: Blueberry Banana Pancakes
Penne with Asparagus, Chicken, and Gorgonzola Cheese

What's on your menu plan?

Link up at orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday & Warm Weather Excitement

I fell in love with Michigan all over again this weekend. You see, this state and I have a love/hate relationship. On our first visit to Michigan, it was snowing. I had never seen snow before and I was mesmerized. I couldn't get enough of it and I sat in our hotel room the day the hubby had his medical school interview staring out the window. It was the most beautiful thing. On our second trip, it was summer. The days were long and warm (I couldn't believe there was still light out at 9:00 at night), the grass was SO green, and the skies SO blue. I loved it.

We left Florida in late July. Moved in and set up our new apartment. I began looking for a job. Then Fall came and oh my god if you thought I was bad about winter, I was madly in love with Fall (some much that I have to capitalize it). I love everything about Fall- the colors, the smells, the apple cider, doughnuts, and cider mills. It is hands down my favorite season and I can't comprehend how I lived before without having a Fall.

And then winter. Don't get me wrong, I actually do like winter. Up until February that is. By then I can't WAIT to shed all my layers and wear sandals again. 

So, coming around back to how I started this post, I fell in love with Michigan all over again because this weekend was gorgeous. It felt like the city has woken up again and everyone was dying to be outside. We went to the farmer's market (which you would know if you follow me on Twitter :) and it was full of people. We explored a new part of town that we didn't even know about. We opened up all the windows and breathed in the fresh air.

This is when I love Michigan.
And in the Fall, too. :)

So how about you? How's the weather in your neck of the woods? Are you as excited about the warmer temps as I am (or am I a tad bit crazy)? I hope you got to spend Mother's Day with your Mom, or your kids, or your grandma's. I didn't get to spend it with my Mom, but I am definitely excited to see her next month when she comes to visit! :) 

 Mom & I Christmas 2010

I don't understand how, but I'm finding myself with a lack of new recipes to try for dinner. Got any that have recently rocked your socks off? Please share. :)

Sauteed Chicken with Sage and Browned Butter
Orange Chicken Stir Fry
Pork Marsala
Mushroom Herb Mac and Cheese
Shrimp with Basil and Fresh Tomatoes

What state do you live in? What do you love/hate about it?