I have said it before, and I'll say it again - You rule your Menu Plan... It does not rule you!
At our house tonight was a perfect example of "Ruling the Menu Plan." Let me explain. I had on the menu for tonight:
Thursday - Salad Night - Turkey Taco Salad...I use Mixed Baby Greens, Black Beans, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Avocado, Salsa, Raw Cheese and Ranch Dressing as toppings. I love Bolthouse Farms Creamy Yogurt Classic Ranch Dressing...look for it in the refrigerated section of the produce department.
Well... that sounded great and all and may have made the kiddos jump for joy, but it was not what I felt like making at 5 o'clock. So, I looked at what I had in the fridge and pantry and threw this number together...
I started by caramelizing some red onions in olive oil. I added minced garlic, mushrooms - as you know by now we are a shroom loving family, sausage - not the piggy kind - mild Italian chicken sausage from Al Fresco...very tasty sausage. Then, I added lots (did I say lots?) of fresh spinach and a few leaves of fresh basil chopped up. I tossed it all together with some whole wheat medium size shell pasta, fresh grated parmesan cheese, ground black pepper and called it dinner.
Let me just encourage you again... menu planning is awesome! It frees your mind, helps you stay on budget, allows you to easily follow a diet and eat more healthy. I want you to menu plan...seriously...I think it is that important. BUT, I also want to remind you that it's OK to stray from the plan if you don't feel like cooking tacos for dinner. Cheers!
I meant to get a photo, but this is all that was left - nothing!
Categories: Chive Talkin,Menu Plan Blog Roll
Tags: menu planning chicken sausage spinach mushrooms carmelized onions parmesan cheese garlic whole wheat pasta basil
that sounds so yummy! you're lucky that your kids eat. the minute i cook anything besides noodles or chicken nuggets...there's mutiny.
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We try to make eating an adventure...try knew things,etc. I hope I keep it interesting for them. Plus, I do make some of their favorites every now and then... it is a gradual process. They know that they at least have to try it and not just one little bite, but really try it. It's that or they starve!
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hey, i know that bowl
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Good eye! Sadly, my husband broke this bowl on Saturday...
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Oh my that sounds so good!
And I totally hear you on the "flexible" part. We had a boring weekend and I could not bear to cook... hello takeaway!
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