Weekly Menu

I make a weekly menu at the beginning of the week. 

It helps with the grocery list/budget and usually eliminates a lot of wastage at the end of the week with items that perished before I could come up with a plan for them.

I have a few friends who have been asking me to share my menus so that they might enjoy them. 

I try and make most meals fairly healthful and the basic rule is 

1 Fish Dish, 1 Chicken Dish, 1 Beef Dish, 1 Vegetarian Dish (not true vegetarian just skipping the meat)  

and 1 Friday Night Cheat Dish (something like Pizza).

It doesn't always work out that way but its a general guideline.

Beef Dish

My husband is a big fan of Hamburger Helper but since I try and cook healthy meals he has not had it since his bachelor days. 

So when I saw this recipe on Eating Well 

I thought I would give it a try since 11/2 cups is only about 350 calories.

Photo By Eating Well

Vegetarian Dish

Summers Panzanella

One of my favourites and always a big hit around here. It is loaded with flavour and super refreshing.

The best part you can have a second helping without feeling the slightest bit guilty.

Photo by Smitten Kitchen

Vegetarian Dish 

I have been making this quiche recipe  for years with just a few changes.

I use a large pie shell not the mini shells and I cut back on the milk but add some cheese.

I buy a ready made pastry shell from the freezer section at the super market and pre-brown it. 

Then I mix 6 eggs about 1/2 cup of milk with 1 package of Knorrs vegetable soup mix and some shredded cheese (your choice or whatever is handy) then bake for about 30-40 minutes until its browned.

Its super easy and excellent served with a green salad, this week I'm serving spinach salad with raspberries and red onion slivers.

Photoand recipe by Knorss

Chicken Dish

For my chicken dish this week I plan to baked a couple of chicken breast with some lemon and salt and pepper you can add any spices that you like anything goes.

Once cooked I then slice the chicken into bite sizes and serve with a cup of rice and a salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. 

Toss the salad with a simple vinaigrette and a little salt and pepper. 

My favorite part of this meal is mixing all the chicken rice and salad together.

Photo By Launched

Friday Night Cheat Dish

We usually try and keep dinner very simple on Friday and whats easier than a Quesadillas.

For this meal I just plan on cleaning out the fridge and using any vegetables that are still in the crisper.

Sauté up some mushrooms, red or white onion, bell peppers (really anything goes for this recipe).

Layer the sautéed vegetables on a tortilla with a little cheese, some chilli pepper flakes or even better fresh jalepenos if you have them. 

Then grill them in a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is browned (flipping once). 

I like to serve these with salsa, a slice of avocado and a margarita, after all it is Friday.

Photo by Seasaltwithfood

These recipes or ideas can be altered to suit your own taste and its really just a guide line for planning a menu for your week. 

I hope you enjoy them and if you have any fun ideas to share I would love to hear them.