Week 27

*Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

*Chicken Fajitas

*Instant Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

*Hashbrown Waffles

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

• 3 lb chuck roast
• 1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
• 8 oz. pepperoncini pepper slices + splash of juice
• 8 oz. Giardiniera (Chicago style Italian sandwich mix), drained
• 1 can beef broth
• White American (or provolone) cheese slices
• hoagie buns

Place Chuck roast into the bottom of a crock pot then sprinkle with salad dressing mix. Add pepperoncini peppers plus a splash of juice, Giardiniera, and beef broth then lift up the roast to get broth underneath. Place a lid on top then cook on low for 9 hours or high for 5 or until meat shreds easily with a fork. Shred and place meat back into crock pot and cook on low for 1 more hour.

Split buns in half and put on a large baking sheet with middles face up. Put cheese on one half of the bun. Put in oven on broil and watch them constantly until they are golden brown. Take them out and spoon meat mixture on top and add additional cheese if desired.

Variation: cook meat as above and then drain and spoon off everything else leaving only meat. In a skillet sauté sliced onion in avocado oil until them are cartelized and then add sliced bell peppers (whichever color you prefer) for a few more minutes. Combine with meat and serve same way as above.

Chicken Fajitas (can be made with steak)

• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 3 chicken breasts cut into strips (or steak)

Combine spices in a large ziplock bag and toss and then add chicken (or steak) that has been cut into thin strips and shake and massage the bag until all the meat has been coated with the spices.

• 1 onion sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper sliced
• 1/2 orange bell pepper sliced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced (or green if you prefer)
• juice of one lime
• 1 Tbsp flour
• 1/4 cup water or broth

In a medium skillet, heat a Tbsp of avocado oil and add the onions and cook until they becomes translucent and then add peppers just for a couple minutes. Set aside when they are done.

In a large skillet, Heat 2 Tbsp avocado oil and add the contents of the ziplock bag and saute until meat is cooked through. The steak will cook faster than the chicken. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and stir for 1 minute. It should be a little pastey. Add the lime juice (more if you'd like) and the broth and stir until it makes a tiny bit of sauce. Add the onions and peppers to this skillet and toss until mixed together. Serve on fresh tortillas with lime wedges and sour cream and add some cheese if you'd like.

Instant Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

• 1 Tbsp Oil
• 8-10 country style boneless pork ribs
• Spice rub (recipe below)
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 tsp. liquid smoke
• homemade BBQ sauce (recipe below)

Spice Rub

• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 TBSP brown sugar
• 1 TBSP pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 TBSP chili powder
• 1 TBSP smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 pinch nutmeg

Combine in a bowl and mix well. Make this spice rub and rub each rib with the rub. It makes quite a bit, so either cut it in half or put what you don't use in a ziplock for next time. It will keep for a few months.

Turn the instant pot onto the saute mode or heat a pan over medium high heat if you don't have that mode. Add the oil and a few ribs at a time, turning to each side to brown slightly. Remove to plate and repeat until all ribs are seared.

Turn it off Saute mode and add the apple juice and liquid smoke into the bottom of the instant pot and stir, scraping up the remains from frying the ribs. 

Add the trivet and place the ribs on it. Attach the line and set the valve to seal. Turn the instant pot to high pressure and set for 45 minutes. Allow for 10 minutes natural release then turn the valve to do a quick release. 

Carefully, the ribs will be falling apart, remove the ribs to a baking sheet. Drizzle some of the homemade BBQ sauce over them and then serve the rest on the side for those that want more.

BBQ Sauce

• 2 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 TBSP honey
• 3 TBSP brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 TBSP mustard (honey mustard if you have it)
• 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp molasses
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Add all ingredients to a saucepan over medium high heat and stir together. Heat just to a boil and then turn down to a low simmer and allow to cook for 30 min.

Hashbrown Waffles

• 2 cartons dehydrated hash browns rehydrated OR 1 Pkg frozen shredded hashbrowns
• 1 egg per waffle stirred with a fork
• shredded cheese
• cooked bacon crumbled or cubed pieces of ham or ground sausage cooked

Heat a waffle iron. Spray it really well. Sprinkle a thin layer of hash browns, then top with a raw scrambled egg and then sprinkle with cheese and meat and salt or seasoning salt and then top with another thin layer of hash browns. Close lid and cook until crispy.

Week 26

*Protein Smoothie
*Taco Crunch Wrap
*Red Curry
*Tuna Lettuce Wrap

Protein Smoothie

• 8 oz. almond breeze unsweetened vanilla almond milk (I like the one with coconut too)
• handful of spinach
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 TBSP peanut butter or scoop of peanut butter powder
• 1 scoop favorite chocolate (or vanilla) protein powder 

Blend together in a blender. Enjoy


Taco Crunch Wrap

• Large burrito size Tortillas
• tostada shells
• 1 can Refried Beans 
• 1 pound ground beef
• taco seasoning
• jar of salsa con queso
• shredded lettuce
• shredded cheese
• sour cream

In a skillet, cook ground beef, drain fat and add taco seasoning according to pkg directions. Set aside. Warm refried beans in a separate pan. Cut a tortilla in an X across the center  - into 4 sections. Set aside.

Take a whole tortilla and spoon some beans onto the center in a circle as large as the tostada shell. Then spoon some ground beef onto the beans and then top with queso. Then take a tostada and place it onto the beans, meat and cheese. Top tostada with a thin layer of sour cream and then add shredded lettuce and cheese. (You can also add things like olives, tomatoes, avacados, cilantro) Then take one of the tortilla triangles and place it on the lettuce and cheese. Carefully take the edges of the whole tortilla that is on the bottom and fold it up over the triangle piece of tortilla and continue folding up the edges until its all wrapped up. Carefully place it folded side down onto a griddle or skillet and cook it until it is browned and then turn it over and cook the other side until it is toasted. The wrapped side should stay together after cooking.

Red Curry

• 3 skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 1 can bamboo shoots slivered
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 cup carrots sliced
• 8 lg. basil leaves slivered
• 1 Tbsp oil (olive, canola, coconut)
• 2 tsp fresh garlic
• 2 tsp fresh ginger
• 2-3 TBSP red curry paste
• 13 oz can coconut milk
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 Tbsps brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime

Cut chicken breasts up into bite size pieces. In a little bowl, combine coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside. Put oil, garlic, ginger, chopped onion in a skillet. Sautee until onion is transparent and then add the chicken pieces. Cook until cooked through. Add curry paste and cook about 1 minute. Add coconut milk mixture and bring to a boil on med high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook until reduced and thickened, about 10 min. Add carrots, bamboo shoots and basil and cook about 3 more minutes. Remove from heat and add lime juice. Serve immediately with rice.


Tuna Lettuce Wrap

• Romaine lettuce leaves washed
• 1 can tuna
• mayo or miracle whip
• sharp cheddar cheese sliced
• granny smith green apple sliced

Drain water off tuna and add mayo or miracle whip to your liking. Take a romaine lettuce leaf and put tuna down the center. Top with cheese slices and apple slices. Wrap it up in the lettuce leaf and enjoy.

Week 23

*French Dip Sandwiches 
*Chicken Caeser Pasta Salad 
*Crock pot Honey Sesame Chicken 
*Ham and Swiss Mini Melts 

French Dip Sandwiches

• Beef Shoulder Chuck Roast
• 2 cans Beef Consomme
• 2 onions, sliced
• Au Jus packet
• swiss cheese
• Buns

Melt 3 TBPS butter in a large skillet and sautee onions.  Remove onions and set aside.  Place roast in skillet and sear both sides.  Place roast in crock pot or roaster pan and place onions on top.  Pour both cans of consomme over roast and put on lid.  Cook all day on low in crock pot or 3 1/2 - 4 hours on 275 degrees in oven.  Pull apart meat with fork, removing any excess fat.  Make au jus sauce just before serving.  Put buns open face on a large cookie sheet and melt swiss cheese on them under the broiler until melted.  Pile on the meat and enjoy.


Chicken Caeser Pasta Salad

• Romain lettuce
• 2 chicken breasts grilled and sliced
• 12 oz. bowtie pasta cooked and cooled
• shredded parmesan cheese
• croutons
• Brianna's caesar dressing

Grill chicken breasts and set aside. Cut up lettuce into bite size pieces.  Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and cool on cookie sheet.  Mix it all together in a large bowl.


Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken THIGHS (a must)
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 TBSP canola oil or vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 4 tsps. cornstarch dissolved in 6 TBSP cold water
• 1/2 TBSP sesame seeds
• 3 green onions, chopped

Lightly season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper, put into crock pot. In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, garlic and pepper flakes.  Pour over chicken.  Cook on low for 4 hours.
Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce.  Dissolve 4 tsp. of cornstarch into 6 TBSP of water and pour into crockpot. Stir to combine with sauce.  Replace lid and cook sauce for high for ten more minutes or until slightly thickened.
Shred chicken into bite sized pieces.  Then in individual bowls, place chicken pieces over rice and spoon some sauce on top.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.


Ham and Swiss Mini Melts

• 2 dozen Kings Hawaiian rolls (sweet dinner rolls)
• 1 1/2 pounds Boars Head Ham
• 1 lb. sliced swiss cheese
• 1 1/2 TBSP poppy seeds
• 1 1/2 TBSP yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 TBSP minced dehydrated onion
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Stuff sliced rolls with meat and cheese.  Place sandwiches in two 9x13 baking dishes.  Heat remaining ingredients in a saucepan until butter is melted, stirring often.  Brush tops of sandwiches with sauce and cover pans with foil.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve warm.

This recipe is also very good with Turkey and Havartii

Week 21

*Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup
*ChiliGhetti
*Teriyaki Chicken Salad Croissants
*Shrimp Linguine 

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

• 3 TBSP butter
• 3 TBSP flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth 
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 can Enchilada sauce (10 oz)
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and jalapenos 
• 1 can corn drained 
• 1/2 cup onion chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped 
• 2-3 chicken breasts
• cheese

Melt butter in a saucepan on medium heat.  Stir in flour. Keep stirring until smooth and bubbly. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and 1/2 cup milk, stirring to keep smooth. Bring sauce to a gentle boil and keep stirring until thickens slightly.  Remove from heat and whisk in enchilada sauce. Then gradually whisk in remaining milk until smooth.  Set aside.

In a crockpot, combine drained beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, and bell pepper. Place the uncooked chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Pour the enchilada sauce mixture over all the ingredients in crockpot. Cover; cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high for 3. Remove chicken and shred and put it back into the soup.  When you are ready to serve, top with cheese, avacado, sour cream, whatever you'd like and a lot of tortilla chips.  I prefer the blue ones.


ChiliGhetti

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 3/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (32 oz.) can chili
• 1 (16 oz.) package spaghetti
• 3 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesean cheese

Brown ground beef and onions, drain off fat. Stir in tomatoes and chili.  Simmer 45 minutes.  Meanwhile, cook spaghetti; drain and set aside. Remove skillet from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Fold in sour cream. Mix with cooked spaghetti.  Spoon into casserole dish. Sprinkle with
parmesan cheese. Cover. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.


Teriyaki Chicken Salad Croissants

• 2 chicken breasts
• kikkoman teriyaki baste and glaze
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 mango, cut into small cubes
• 1 small can mandarin oranges drained
• 1 small can pineapple tidbits drained or fresh pineapple chunks
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• salt and pepper to taste
• Croissants or pitas or lettuce leaves

Marinate chicken for at least 4 hours in teriyaki baste/glaze. Grill. Combine celery and green onions in a small mixing bowl or a plastic storage container with a lid. When chicken is done, allow to stand for about 10 minutes and then cut into bite sized pieces. Toss with celery and onions and then add mayonnaise and mix thoroughly. Start with 1/3 cup and go from there.  Add 2 - 3 TBSP of Teriyaki sauce to taste. Refrigerate for several hours.

Right before serving, add mango, pineapple, oranges and nuts.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve on a croissant, pita or lettuce leaf.


Shrimp Linguine

• 8 oz. linguine
• 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1/2 lb. small shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 1 yellow squash
• 1 zucchini
• 2 medium carrots in julienne strips
• 3 green onions, cut into strips
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tsp. grated lemon peel
• 1 tsp. salt

Prepare linguine according to package directions. Drain. In medium skillet, heat italian dressing - add remaining ingredients except linguine. Cook and stir 8 to 10 minutes. Add linguine, mix and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan.

Week 20

*Breakfast Casserole
*Chicken/Corn/Tomato Soup
*Chopped Chinese Salad
*Tri Tip

Breakfast Casserole

• 10 slices of white bread cubed
• 1 lb. Jimmy Dean Regular ground sausage browned
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 1/4 cup milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. ground dry mustard
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk

In a greased 9x13 pan, arrange the cubes of white bread on the bottom.  Sprinkle the cheese on top of the bread cubes. Brown the sausage and drain. Sprinkle the sausage on top of the cheese. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt and pepper and dry mustard. Pour over the bread cubes.  Cover and refridgerate overnight or 8 hours. In the morning, combine the soup and 1/2 cup milk and gently spread it over the sausage layer.  Bake at 300 for 1 1/2 hours.


Chicken/Corn/Tomato Soup

• 2 - 30 oz. cans of crushed tomatoes
• 1 - 14 oz. can chicken broth
• 2 can white shoepeg corn
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

In a large soup pan, combine crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and corn.  Heat to boiling and then cover and simmer for 30 minutes.  In the meantime, in a small skillet, heat 1 TBSP butter and cook the garlic for 15 seconds then add cut up raw chicken breasts.  Stir fry until chicken is cooked through then add red pepper flakes.  Cook for 1 more minute.  Shred chicken into smaller bite sizes and then put back in skillet to coat with butter, garlic and red pepper flakes.  Pour all of it into the soup.  Add chopped cilantro and heat for 5 more minutes. Top each serving with grated cheddar cheese, sour cream and FRITOS!!!!!


Chopped Chinese Salad

• 1 head cabbage, chopped
• 2 chicken breasts cooked and cubed
• 2 packages chicken flavor ramen
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 - 5 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 2 TBSP toasted sesame seeds

Chop cabbage.  Toast almonds. Chop red bell pepper into little pieces. Chop green onions. Cut up chicken into little pieces and sautee in teriyaki sauce in skillet with a little oil. Put aside ramen noodle spice packets. Break up ramen noodles into tiny pieces. Combine all and toss with dressing.

Dressing:

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 tsp. sugar
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1 TBSP soy sauce
• 1 packet of ramen noodle spice
• salt and pepper to taste

Tri Tip

• 2 1/2 pounds tri-tip beef steaks
• 1 large onion
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup A-1 steak sauce
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce (kikkoman)
• 3 TBSP chopped garlic
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. hot sauce
• 1 can sprite
• 1 TBSP butter
• 1 8 oz. package mushrooms sliced

Stir together oil, steak sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, pepper flakes, hot sauce and sprite. Pour marinade into a large Ziploc bag, then add steaks and onion. Marinade overnight.

Remove steaks from marinade and grill for 5 - 10 minutes each side.  Meanwhile, strain onions from marinade.  Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add strained onions and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms have softened.  Serve sauteed mushrooms and onions with grilled steaks.

Week 19

*Chicken and Veggie Alfredo Soup (or Pasta)
*Asian Flat Iron
*Spinach and Chicken Pasta Salad
*Chicago Style Hotdogs

Chicken and Veggie Alfredo Soup (or Pasta)

• 2 cans chicken broth
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup diced red pepper
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 jars alfredo sauce (I like Classico creamy alfredo)
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 chicken breasts

In a small skillet, melt 1 TBSP butter and sautee onion until slightly golden brown. Place chicken breasts in a small baking dish and spoon onions on top of chicken.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cut up into very small pieces when it's done...keeping the onions on it so they kind of mix in. In a large soup pan, combine broth, broccoli, carrots, pepper and garlic. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes, no more. Add 3 jars alfredo sauce.  You can decrease or increase depending on how creamy you want it.  Add the chicken and onions. Sprinkle each serving with parmesean.
I like to cook some thin spaghetti noodles and pour the soup over them. Makes a yummy pasta.


Asian Flat Iron Steak

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 TBSP Sesame Oil
• 2 TBSP heaping minced fresh ginger
• 2 TBSP minced garlic
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 Flat Iron Steaks
• toasted sesame seeds
• sliced green onions

Mix all ingredients except sesame seeds and green onions and whisk together.  Place steaks in a large ziploc with marinade and chill in the refrigerator for 3-6 hours.  Grill steaks to your preference (4 minutes each side for medium rare).  Allow steaks to rest for 5 minutes.  Slice and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.


Spinach and Chicken Pasta Salad

• 16 oz. bowtie pasta 
• 15 oz. fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup craisins
• 3 (11 oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 (8 oz) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 cup honey roasted peanuts
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small pieces

Dressing:

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup bottled Teriyaki sauce
• 2/3 cup white wine vinegar
• 6 TBSP sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper

Blend dressing ingredients together in a blender or food processor.  Mix dressing and cooked pasta and chicken together in a medium bowl and marinate for 2 hours. Combine rest of salad ingredients in a large salad bowl, add pasta, chicken and dressing and toss.

Chicago Style Hotdogs

• All beef hotdogs
• yellow mustard
• plain cream cheese
• sweet pickle relish
• dill pickle spears
• diced grilled onions
• grilled red, orange, and yellow peppers
• diced tomatoe

Grill hot dog. Sautee onion and peppers in a skillet and then pile it all on a hot dog bun.  Don't forget the cream cheese.  It's the best part.

Week 17

*Thai Chicken Enchiladas

*Grandma's Lasagna
*Grits a YaYa
*Fiesta Pasta

Thai Chicken Enchiladas

• 8-10 flour tortillas
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 TBSP canola oil
• 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped/shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped/shredded cabbage
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 4 green onions
• 1/3 cup chopped and crushed  peanuts
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 1/2 cups light coconut milk
• 1/3 cup + 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add canola oil.  Throw in onions, cabbage, carrots, garlic and and 1/4 tsp salt, stirring to mix.  Let cool until vegetables are soft, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chicken, green onions, peanuts, cilantro, remaining salt and pepper, tossing to coat and let cook for  1-2 minutes. Add in 3/4 cup coconut milk and 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce, mixing thoroughly to combine. Turn off heat.
Spray a 9x13 baking dish with spray. Whisk together remaining coconut milk and sweet chili sauce.  Pour about 1/2 cup or so on the bottom of the dish.  Slightly warm tortillas to make them more rollable. Place a few spoonfuls of the chicken mixture in each, rolling up tightly and placing in the dish.  Cover with remaining coconut milk and chili sauce mix.
Bake for 20 minutes at 350 or until heated through. Top with additional peanuts and cilantro.

Grandma's Lasagna

• 1 lb. hamburger browned
• 2 TBSP minced onion
• 1 TBPS basil -dry
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 cans (16 oz) stewed tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 oz) tomato paste

Combine and simmer for 30 minutes.

• 1 8 oz package lasagna noodles cooked
• 1 lb. mozzarella cheese grated
• 2 eggs beaten
• 2 cus cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 TBSP parsley
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Cook noodles according to package instructions. Combine eggs, cottage cheese, parmesan, parsley, pepper and salt together.
Put some sauce on the bottom of a 9x13. Layer noodles, egg mixture, cheese, sauce, noodles, egg mixture, cheese, sauce, noodles, sauce, cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Grits a YaYa

The Grits:

• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups grits (Dixie Lily)
• 1/4 lb. butter
• 1/2 lb. shredded smoked Gouda cheese

The YaYa:

• 8 strips applewood-smoked bacon, diced
• 1 TBSP minced garlic
• 1 TBSP minced shallots
• 3 TBSP butter
• 1 lb. peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp
• 1 portabello mushroom cap, diced
• 1/4 cup diced scallions
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups smoked Gouda cheese grits
• salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste

First, you make the grits. Run the chicken stock into a thick-bottomed saucepan and turn on high til it boils.  Mix in the grits and stir like crazy. Reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add cream if you need more liquid.  Then tumble in the butter, drizzle in the rest of the cream and stir til it's all in the family.  Then shake in the shredded cheese and stir very well until it's all nice and smooth.
While your grits cook, bring a large saucepan to medium heat.  Add bacon and cook for about 3 minutes, then add garlic and shallots. Saute and then add butter. When the butter is half melted, add the shrimp. When the downsides of the shrimp become white, flip them and add mushrooms, scallions and spinach. Saute for 2 minutes. Remove the shrimp. Pour in the heavy cream and let simmer while stirring.  When reduced by one third, add salt, pepper and hot sauce.  Return shrimp to the sauce and combine.  Spoon the sauce and shrimp onto heaping mounds of cheese grits. Top with fried sweet potato straws.

Fiesta Pasta

• 1 lb. orzo pasta (or any pasta)
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp Tabasco
• 1 tsp. cumin
• salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

Cook pasta according to package directions. Cool. In a large serving bowl, combine everything but the cilantro and feta.  Add the cooked pasta and toss. Sprinkle with the cilantro and feta and toss again. Serve immediately.

Week 15 -

*Thai Chicken Panaang
*Granola

*Sweet and Sour Meatballs

*Quesadillas

Thai Chicken Panaang

• 1 can light coconut milk
• 2 TBSP soy sauce
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 TBSP curry powder

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
In a skillet over medium-high heat add:

• 2 TBPS olive oil
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (less for milder)
• grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 TBSP minced garlic

Stir fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add coconut milk mixture and bring to a boil, stirring occassionally.  Reduce heat and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.

• 4 - 5 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Stir fry chicken in 1 - 2 TBSP olive oil over med-high heat until cooked through. Add red pepper and stir fry until tender-crisp. Pour sauce over chicken and peppers and add basil. Heat through and serve over jasmine rice.


Granola

• 8 cups oats
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup coconut (not sugared)
• 1 cup powdered milk
• dash of salt
• 1 2/3 cups almonds
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup flaxseeds

In blender combine:

• 1 cup brown rice syrup or honey
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix honey mixture with oat mixture; work in. Dehydrator (with solid plastic liner) 95 degrees for 1-2 hrs. Stir. Not hard. Store in quart size ziploc bags in freezer.  It tastes best when eaten with Light Vanilla Soy Milk and fresh blueberries and strawberries. Or your favorite yogurt.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 egg slightly beaten
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 tsp salt
• pepper
• 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup milk

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well (you can use your hands). Roll into balls. Place meatballs in a 9x9 in a single layer. Cover with sauce. Bake at 350 for 45 min. Half way through baking, turn meatballs or spoon sauce over them. Serve over rice.

Sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 2 tsp mustard
• 1/2 cup preferred BBQ sauce
• 2 tsp worcestershire sauce

Quesadilla with corn salsa

• LaFlor uncooked tortillas
• shredded cheddar and monterrey cheese

Corn salsa (This is a large recipe - cut in half if you don't want so much)

• 1 12 oz bag frozen sweet white corn, defrosted and drained
• 2 medium-sized jalapeños, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix, mix, mix.

Cook one side of the tortillas on a griddle or in a skillet. Flip and add cheese and spread corn salsa over tortilla. Cook until light brown on other side.

Week 14

*Tomato Soup/Big Kid Grilled Cheese 

*Garlic Lime Chicken

*Tostadas

*Cookout Hamburgers

Tomato Soup/Big Kid Grilled Cheese 

• Campbells Tomato Soup
• Chicken broth
• Prairie Grain Honey Whole Wheat Bread
• Gruyere cheese
• Vermont White cheddar
• American cheese
• Smoked Bacon

Mix the Tomato soup with as much chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Heat til bubbling. Butter one side of each piece of bread and layer on cheese and bacon.  Grill.


Garlic Lime Chicken

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. mustard
• 6 cloves garlic
• 3 TBSP lime juice
• 3 TBSP lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 6 chicken breasts

Mix all ingredients in a bowl with a wire whisk. Put chicken strips into a lg. ziploc bag.  Pour marinade over chicken and seal bag.  Refrigerate for  hours. Pour chicken and marinade onto a jellyroll pan that has edges.  Sprinkle with paprika.  Broil for 15-20 minutes until chicken is done.

Tostadas

• Tostadas
• Mexican Rice (see recipe below)
• Refried Beans or refried black beans
• Shredded Cheese
• tomatoes diced
• olives
• shredded lettuce
• salsa verde
• sour cream

Warm tostadas in oven. Warm refried beans in a saucepan. Make mexican rice. Layer all ingredients on a warm tostada.

Mexican Rice

• 1 cup rice
• 1 TBSP oil
• 1/2 green pepper, diced
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (small) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. Knorr Suiza chicken bouillon
• 1/2 tsp. cumin

In a shallow, large saucepan, brown rice in oil with green pepper.  When browned add tomato sauce.  Mix together. Add water and spices. Cook on high, covered for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 more minutes, still covered.  Turn off heat until done.


Cookout Hamburgers

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• potato buns
• cheese
• ketchup
• mustard
• lettuce
• pickles
• grilled red onions
• tomatoes

How I make my patties:

I buy 75/15 ground beef if I'm cooking them on the grill. It has more flavor.

I take a 1/3 cup measuring cup and fill it with ground beef. I then flip it onto a square of wax paper and flatten it with the bottom side of a small salad plate. It makes a perfect circle and you can squish it to desired thickness. I sprinkle them with all seasoning salt on the grill. Add cheese just before taking them off the grill.

I always make grilled onions by slicing a red onion and then grilling them in a skillet with a little brown sugar until they are just tender. They're awesome.

Week 13 -

*Crustless Quiche

*Oven Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
*Chicken Noodle Pasta with Brocolli and Carrots

*Classic Tacos

Crustless Quiche

• 9 - 10 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or cheddar (or combination)
• 1/4 cup minced green onions
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper

Sprinkle meat, cheese and onions in a greased 9-inch glass pie plate (or non-stick cupcake/muffin tins - for little individual quiches, either regular or mini).  Beat eggs, milk and seasonings in mixing bowl.  Pour over meat mixture. Bake at 350 for approximately 20 minutes or until center is set. (less time if using muffin tins).

Oven Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

• Shoulder Chuck Roast
• 2 onions, sliced
• 5 - 7 Potatoes cut into fourths 
• Bag of Baby Carrots
• 2 Whole Celery stalks (Preferably the ones with leaves still attached. These are for flavor only)
• 2 cans Beef Consomme
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

Pour 1 can of Beef Consomme into a large Roaster Pan.  In a large skillet, melt 2 TBSP of butter and sear both sides of the roast.  Transfer to roasting pan. Add sliced onions to skillet and sautee until light brown.  Spoon onto top of roast in pan.  Place cut up potatoes and carrots and celery stalks in roaster. Mix other can of beef consomme and cream of mushroom soup in a small bowl and then pour over veggies and roast.  Cover and Bake in oven on 275 for 3 1/2 - 4 hours.  

Chicken Noodle Pasta with Broccoli and Carrots

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 packet Knorr Leek soup mix
• 1 tsp. Garlic powder
• 2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded
• 1 onion sliced
• 2 TBSP butter
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups wide egg noodles
• Broccoli and carrots

Chop broccoli and carrots into little pieces. Steam for a couple of minutes. In a skillet, melt butter and sautee onions until limp and slightly browned. Place chicken breasts in a small baking dish and then put the cooked onions covering the top of them. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. In a large soup pot, bring broth, soup mix and garlic powder to a boil.  Add noodles and boil for 7 minutes. Add heavy cream. Cut chicken into little pieces along with onions. Add to soup. Add veggies to soup. Heat through and serve.

Classic Tacos

• Ground Beef
• Tortillas
• Cheese
• Lettuce
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Brown Ground beef and drain. Add Taco seasoning packet. Shread Cheese, cut up lettuce and serve on tortillas with all the fixings. If you're feeling crazy, fry up some corn tortillas in a little oil in a skillet.

Week 11 -

*Chauncy's Asian Noodles

*Pizza Roll-ups
*Santa Fe Chili
*Tandoori Chicken Skewers


Chauncy's Asian Noodles

• 12 oz. EXTRA FINE egg noodles
• 2 chicken breasts diced
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 whole bunch green onions chopped

Cook pieces of chicken in teriyaki sauce in a skillet. Heat oil in a small saucepan. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and spread out onto large cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle chicken and onions onto noodles. Gently pour soy sauce over noodles. Then spoon oil over noodles.  The green onions will crackle and sizzle. Serve immediately.

Pizza Roll-ups

Dough:

• 4 cups warm water
• 4 TBSP yeast
• 8 TBSP sugar
• 4 tsp salt
• 4 TBSP oil
• 10-12 Cups flour

In a large bowl, add 5 TBSP sugar to water. Dissolve yeast in water, wait until it bubbles. Add remaining sugar, salt, and oil then stir. Add flour 3-4 cups at a time until sides of bowl are clean. Let it rest for 15 minutes. Knead and divide dough in half.

• 2 pkg. pepperoni slices
• pizza or spaghetti sauce
• grated mozzarella or other cheese

While dough is resting, put pepperoni in the blender and chop it.

Oil counter and rolling pin. Roll out half of the dough at a time about 3/8 inch thick. Sprinkle half of pepperoni and plenty of cheese over dough. Roll up like cinnamon rolls. Cut into 1" slices.  Let rise about 15-20 minutes. Bake at 350 for 20-22 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately spread with pizza/spaghetti sauce. Top with grated parmesan cheese.


Santa Fe Chili

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cans (16 oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (15 oz.) Black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (15 oz.) chili beans, don't drain
• 2 cans (11 oz) corn
• 1 can (14 oz. ) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 can (11 oz) V8 juice
• 2 envelopes ranch salad dressing mix
• 2 envelopes taco seasoning
• sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes

In a skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat. Drain. Transfer to a crock pot. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Serve with sour cream, cheese and corn chips.

Tandoori Chicken Skewers

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 TBSP curry powder
• 1 tsp fresh ginger
• 1 tsp garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• chicken tenders

Combine ingredients and marinate chicken for 3 hours in a ziploc bag. Put chicken on skewers and grill.

Week 9 -

*Shrimp Scampi

*Chicken Pot Pie

*Black Bean Soup

*Beef Brisket

Shrimp Scampi 

• 6 TBSP butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 TBSP minced garlic
• 1 TBSP minced shallots
• 2 TBSP snipped fresh chives
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• angel hair pasta

Preheat the broiler. Combine the butter, olive oil, garlic, shallots, chives, salt and pepper and paprika in a large bowl.  Blend thoroughly. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until thoroughly coated. Broil the shrimp as close as possible to the heat for 2 minutes on each side.  Serve immediately on a bed of pasta.

Chicken Pot Pie

Shell:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup chilled butter - cut up
• 4-6 TBSP ice cold water

Combine flour and salt and cut in shortening and butter until coarse crumbs.  Sprinkle with ice water a TBSP at a time.  Stir with fork to moisten. Gather dough into a ball with your hands and divide in half. Roll out into a 9 inch circle.

Filling:

• 2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded
• 3 potatoes diced
• 2 carrots sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 rosemary sprig
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup peas/corn/green beans

Bring 2 cups of the chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan.  Add the potatoes, carrots, onions and rosemary sprig and boil for 5 minutes. Drain, reserving the liquid and set the vegetables aside. Discard the rosemary. In the sauce pan, reheat the chicken stock.  Combine the cold water and flour together and slowly stir into the broth to thicken.  Add the veggies and chicken. Pour into a greased pie dish and cover with the pre-made crust. Seal and flute the edges. Cut a slit in the top.  Bake at 350 for 40 min.

Black Bean Soup

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1/4 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 small chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, undrained
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 lemon, juice of
• 1 1/2 TBSP cornstarch

In a pot, combine first 6 ingredients. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add half a can of beans, salt and cumin, cook for 5 minutes. puree the soup. Add the rest of the beans to the soup. Combine the cornstarch with 1 1/2 TBSP of cold water. Add the lemon and the cornstarch to the soup. Cook until thickened.
Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado and cilantro.

Beef Brisket

• 1 beef brisket
• 1 bottle teriyaki sauce
• 3 TBSP worchestershire sauce
• Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 TBSP minced onion
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• crushed red pepper to taste
• salt and pepper

Combine ingredients and marinate for a few hours and then cook covered in marinade for 3-4 hours on 285. Cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to brown the top.

Week 7 -

*French Toast/ Lil' smokies

*Grilled Chicken Pasta
*Mongolian Beef

*BBQ Chicken Pizza

French Toast and Lil' Smokies

• 8-10 pieces of texas toast
• 3 eggs beaten with a little milk and vanilla

Dip bread in egg mixture and place on griddle. Sprinkle each piece with cinnamon. Flip. Cook other side. Serve with cream cheese, syrup, and powdered sugar.

Put a whole bag of Lil' smokies in a skillet with 2 TBSP of water.  Cover and let simmer on med high heat for a few minutes.  Take off lid and let water evaporate and toss smokies until they start to brown a little on the sides.

Grilled Chicken Pasta

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 16 oz. of favorite pasta (fusilli, penne, bowtie)
• 1/4 red pepper diced
• 1/4 green pepper diced
• 1/4 orange pepper diced
• 3 - 4 spring onions sliced (or red onion)
• 2 - 3 carrots chopped
• 1/2 cucumber chopped

Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayo
• 1 TBSP vinegar
• 1 TBSP lemon juice
• 1 TBSP veggie oil
• 1 TBPS water
• 1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 clove garlic minced

Grill 2 chicken breasts with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. After it cools, chop into bite sized pieces. Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain, but don't rinse. Spread on a cookie sheet to cool and dry. Combine pasta, chicken and veggies in a large bowl and pour about 3/4 of the dressing on top and mix well.  Add a little salt and pepper. Taste becomes more intense if it sits in the fridge for several hours, but you may need to add a little more dressing before serving.

Mongolian Beef

• 2 tsp. avocado oil (canola,vegetable)
• 1/2 tsp. fresh ginger ( I get this in a little jar already minced)
• 1 TBSP garlic minced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup DARK brown sugar
• 1 cup oil for frying
• 1 lb. flat iron steak (flank steak works too)
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• 3 - 4 green onions chopped

Cut steak into thin slices. Put cornstarch in a bowl and dip each piece of steak into the cornstarch to apply a VERY thin dusting to both sides. Lay the meat on a cookie sheet.  Let the meat sit for about 10 minutes.  Make the sauce by heating 2 tsp. of oil in a medium saucepan.  Add ginger and garlic to the pan and sautee for 30 seconds then add soy sauce and water.  Bring to a boil and then add sugar.  Bring back to a boil and let it boil for 3-4 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside.  Heat oil in a large skillet.  Put the meat a few pieces at a time in the oil for about 10-30 seconds just until the meat begins to darken on the edges.  Turn meat.  Cook only for 20 more seconds.  Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the meat out onto a paper towel.  When all the meat has been cooked, dispose of hot oil and clean pan or use a new pan. Put cooked meat into the pan, add the sauce and heat over medium heat. Add green onions at the last minute. Serve over cooked rice.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

some of my kids don't like cilantro or onions

• Pizza Crust
• 2 chicken breasts
• Favorite BBQ Sauce
• Smoked Gouda shredded
• Red onion Diced
• Cilantro chopped

Place 2 chicken breasts in baking dish and cover with BBQ Sauce.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Shred. Make Pizza crusts. When Crust comes out, spread BBQ sauce on it and cover with cheese.  Sprinkle red onion, cilantro and chicken over cheese. Bake until cheese is melted.

Pizza Crust

• 1 pkg. dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 1/2 - 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 2 TBSP honey
• 3/4 cup cold water

Dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand for 10 minutes. In mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, olive oil, honey and cold water. Add yeast mixture and knead with dough hook for 5 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise about 1 hour.
Divide dough in half and shape each half into a 12" round.  Prebake custs for 10 minutes at 450 degrees before adding toppings.  After topping pizzas, bake again for 10 - 12 minutes.  Make 2 pizza crusts.

Week 6 -

*Ham and Veggie Fried Rice/Potstickers

*Slow Burn Chili
*Pasta Carbonara

*Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ham and Veggie Fried Rice

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 TBSP oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp. fresh chopped ginger
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped brocoli
• 4-6 slices of ham chopped into bite size pieces
• 4 green onions
• 2 TBSP soy sauce

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet. Add cooked rice and stir fry until heated through.  In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add chopped onion. Stir Fry until golden brown.  Add ginger and garlic and stir fry 1 more minute.  Add to rice skillet.  Make a hole in the middle of the rice and crack egg.  Cook egg in center by gently mixing. When cooked, mix into rice. Steam the carrots and brocoli for 4 minutes and then add to rice skillet.  Add ham and green onions.  Drizzle soy sauce over rice and gently mix together.  Do not OVERSTIR or it will become mushy. Serve immediately.

We love to eat this with Pork/Veggie Pot Stickers that you buy at Costco. 

Slow Burn Chipotle Chili

• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 pound ground sausage, browned and drained
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced green pepper
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained
• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans with liquid
• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 TBSP chili powder
• 1 tsp. chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp. chipotle flavored Tabasco sauce, or more
• salt, brown sugar and water as desired

Place all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 - 12 hours.  Adjust seasoning, sweetness and thickness as desired with salt, brown sugar and water.

Pasta Carbonarra

• 1 cup parmesan
• 1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and cut into small slivers
• 1/2 cup onion
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 - 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 eggs
• 16 oz. fettucini pasta 

Cook bacon and cut up.  Sautee onion and garlic in butter. Beat cream and eggs together and set out to room temperature. Cook Pasta according to package directions, drain, and IMMEDIATELY toss cream and egg mixture into noodles until eggs are cooked.  Then toss in onions and garlic and then toss in parmesan cheese and bacon.  Serve.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

• 4 - 5 boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• garlic powder
• 2 eggs beaten
• bowl of flour

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 1/2 TBSP ketchup
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1 TBSP soy sauce

Combine sauce ingredients in a saucepan and heat until sugar is dissolved. Set aside. Place chicken strips on a plate and sprinkle with garlic powder. Heat 1 cup of canola oil in a lg skillet.  Take one chicken strip at a time and dip in the egg and then dredge through the flour - coating both sides of the strip.  Put strips in the oil until the pan is full, turning them once, just until they turn golden brown.  Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate.  Then transfer them to a 9 x 13 pan.  Continue with this until all the chicken strips are fried. Pour sauce over strips in pan and bake for 35 - 40 minutes at 350.  If you like the sauce you may want to double it. Serve with rice.

Week 4 -

*Hawaiian Haystacks

*Flat Iron Steak
*Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Pasta
*Baked Potatoes

Hawaiian Haystacks

• 3 chicken breasts
• onion
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup with herbs
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream

Cut onion into slices and grill it in 1 TBSP of butter in a skillet until golden brown. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and lay the onions on top of the breasts. Cook for 40 minutes at 350. Cut the breasts with the onions still on top of them into bite size pieces. Combine the soups and sour cream in a large sauce pan. When the soup starts to bubble, add chicken and keep warm. Serve over rice with toppings.

Toppings:

• corn
• peas
• tomatoes
• green onions
• olives
• hard boiled eggs cut up
• grated cheddar cheese
• red pepper
• coconut
• cashews
• rice noodles
• raisins
• pineapple tidbits
• mandarin oranges
• celery

Flat Iron Steak

Buy a flat iron steak and grill it on the grill seasoned with McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning (Grill Mates).

Chipotle Cheddar Pasta

• 16 oz. bowtie pasta
• 1- 15 oz. can black beans rinsed and drained
• 1- 15 oz. can sweet corn, drained
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 10 oz. package pico de gallo, drained
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced red pepper
• 1/2 cup diced orange pepper
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 2 ripe avocados, diced

1 lime, halved

1/2 (12 oz) bottle Brianna's Chipotle Cheddar dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water.

Toss together beans, corn feta and remaining salad ingredients. Squeeze 1/2 lime over the top and cut remaining 1/2 lime into wedges for serving. Add cooled pasta and toss with enough dressing to coat. Chill until ready to serve. Before serving, toss with more dressing.

Baked Potatoes

Wash and prick potato skins. Bake on 400 for an hour or until sides are tender when you squeeze with an oven mit on. Top with butter, sour cream, cheese, and brocolli.

Week 2 -

*Chicken Stir Fry
*Sloppy Joes
*Asian Pasta Salad
*Grilled Pork and garlic mashed potatoes

Chicken Stir Fry

• 2 chicken breast cut into little pieces
• broccoli
• carrots
• red pepper
• onion
• bean sprouts
• snap peas

All veggies cut into bite size pieces

Sauce
In a small saucepan, mix together and heat until bubbly.

• 2 TBSP soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice

In a bowl, mix together

• 2 TBSP cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water

Add cornstarch mixture to soysauce mixture and stir until sauce thickens.

Stir fry chicken in a TBSP of peanut oil along with a little garlic and fresh ginger. Then add Broccoli and carrots and stir fry until tender crisp, then add red pepper, onion, bean sprouts and peas and stir fry just 1 minute more. Add sauce and stir until coated. Serve with rice.

Sloppy Joes

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 can campbells chicken gumbo soup
• 1 can manwich
• sharp cheddar
• hamburger buns

Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain grease. Add 2 cups of soup and mix together. Let simmer 15-20 minutes. Slice cheese and put on buns. Top with sloppy joe mixture.

Asian Pasta Salad

• 16 oz. penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts cooked in Terriyaki sauce and shredded
• 1 1/2 cups red grapes cut in half
• 1/2 cup celery chopped
• 1 can madarin oranges (optional)
• 1 small can pineapple tidbits (optional)
• toasted sesame seeds
• 3/4 cup slivered almonds toasted
• cilantro chopped

Sauce:

• 1 cup mayo
• 3-4 TBSP soy sauce
• 2 tsp fresh chopped ginger

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water. Set aside. Cook chicken and shred. Add chicken to pasta and toss. Add everything to pasta except almonds and cilantro and mix in sauce. Add almonds and cilantro just before serving.

Grilled Pork

6-8 boneless pork chops -- thick

Newman's Own Restaurant recipe Italian Dressing

Marinate pork in dressing all day in a ziploc bag. Grill Pork chops.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• 8 russet potatoes
• 1/2 warm milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• garlic
• butter

Peel and quarter potatoes. Boil until fork tender. Drain water and mash with potatoe masher. Add 1-2 tsp. garlic powder or 3-4 pressed garlic cloves to 4 TBSP melted butter. Add to potatoes along with milk and sour cream. Mash together.

Week 1 -

*Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad
*Pizza bagels
*Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
*Baked Rotini

Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad

• Romaine Lettuce
• Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Seasoning Blend - Meat Magic (blue label)
• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 TBSP butter
• Caesar dressing (I prefer Brianna's Caesar or Paul Newman's light CREAMY caesar, but truth be told, I always eat the good old fashioned HOMEMADE Ranch (bottled isn't acceptable!)
• Caesar salad croutons
• Fresh shredded parmesan Cheese

Cut up Romaine Lettuce. Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in a large skillet. Pat chicken breasts dry and sprinkle one side until completely coated with Chef Paul seasoning. Lay chicken breasts seasoning side down in the butter and quickly coat other side with seasoning. Sear each side only for a minute and then place on a baking sheet. Pour remainder of butter over chicken breasts and bake for 30 minutes. Slice chicken and serve on lettuce that is tossed with parmesan cheese and croutons and dressing.

Pizza Bagels

• 6 regular bagel thins
• Mozzarella Cheese
• pepperoni
• spaghetti sauce

Cut bagel thins in half and place open face on a cookie sheet. Spread spaghetti sauce on each bagel side, top with cheese and pepperonis and cook until cheese is melted.

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup lime juice
• 1 TBSP chili powder
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 10-oz cans green enchilada sauce
• 1 cup half and half
• flour tortillas
• shredded Colby jack cheese

Stir together honey, lime juice, chili powder and garlic powder until combined. Add chicken and let sit in marinade for at least 30 minutes. (I put it in a Ziploc bag). Mix enchilada sauce with half and half. Spread roughly ¾ cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Take a flour tortilla and spoon a little bit of the sauce down the center of it then fill the tortilla with marinated chicken and shredded cheese. Roll up and place side-by-side in the baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas and top with more cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. (Paul likes olives on top of it.)

Baked Rotini

• 1 lb. rotini (or ziti or penne) pasta cooked to package directions
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 26 ounce jar favorite spaghetti sauce (I like Emirils Homestyle Marinara)
• 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese
• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 TBSP fresh parmesan

In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Drain off fat. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer 15 minutes. In a greased 9x13 baking dish, layer half the rotini, half the sauce, provolone cheese and sour cream. Top with remaining rotini, remaining sauce, mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes.