Monday, March 3, 2014

Weekly Menu Retrospective #128


Welcome to my weekly roundup of the past week's eats. I prefer to report what we ate in the last week, rather than what we're planning to eat in the coming week. Why? The reason is pretty simple: although I usually have a general idea of what we're going to eat in the next week or so, life often unfolds a little differently than planned, and I adjust my menu plan on a near-daily basis to accommodate leftovers and other not-possible-to-plan-ahead circumstances. I find this is the easiest way to ensure that I minimize our family's food waste. I'm also willing to admit that I'm a rather spontaneous cook, given to preparing foods that strike me as the most appealing thing to eat right here and now!

If you'd like a whole book full of inexpensive, quick and kid-approved recipes, check out my book, Cheap Appétit : The Complete Guide to Feeding Your Family for Less Than $400 a Month (While Eating Better Than You Ever Thought Possible) on Amazon (Amazon.com, Amazon.ca and Amazon UK) and Barnes and Noble.  It's gotten multiple 5 star reviews!! I've included page references to recipes that are in the book in my menu plans so you can locate them quickly. For more details about the book, go here. 

 
Breakfasts:

Granola (p. 92), Banana Blueberry Muffins (sub blueberries for chocolate chips in this recipe, p. 96), Blueberry Clafouti (p. 223)
 
Lunches: 

leftovers, sandwiches, Meal-Sized Salads (built with random fruits, veggies, leftover tidbits, cheese, seeds, dried fruits all tossed onto a bed of greens)

Dinners:
Monday: Broccoli & Bacon Alfredo, tossed salad with honey mustard dressing

Tuesday: Sausage & Apple Sauté (p. 137)

Wednesday: Spinach & Mozzarella Egg Puff  (p. 181) 

Thursday: Pork Chops with wine jelly glaze, Skillet Millet, peas and carrots

Friday: Chicken Enchiladas (p. 127)
  
Saturday: Pasta e Fagioli (p. 168)

Sunday: Turkey Pot Pie (p. 175), mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, chocolate chip squares
 
In keeping with my local and organic challenge, I'd also like to note the local and/or organic items on this week's menu:

Organic: coconut (in granola), coconut oil (in granola), raisins, sunflower and pumpkin seeds (in granola), flax seeds, green onions, fresh ginger, garlic, lemons, coffee (locally roasted and delivered by bike!), cornstarch, mustard, tamari, oregano, basil, parsley, Fairytale tea, peppermint tea, lemon balm, oatstraw

Local: potatoes, onions, carrots, apples, salsa (home-canned), honey (unpasteurized), sour cream, whole wheat flour, sausage and ground beef (antibiotic and hormone free, pastured)
 
Local AND organic: 
oats, milk (used to make yogurt), millet, eggs (not "certified organic", but real free range and fed organic feed), apple cider vinegar

Want to know more about the specific food products I use and where I buy them? Check out my "What's In My Pantry" board on Pinterest.  I will keep this board updated with current information on what products we use, where we're buying them, and how much we're paying. It's a work-in-progress, and you can find it HERE.

For more great meal ideas, check out Menu Plan Monday at orgjunkie.com. 
Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c 
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2 comments:

  1. Mmmm..my son would love the broccoli and bacon alfredo! I love that you post your local and organic list. It's always interesting to see what others buy. I'm trying to buy more local and organic, focusing first on the Dirty Dozen and meats. It's an eye opening experience but we're loving it!! Have a blessed week!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by! The bacon & broccoli alfredo is definitely a favourite around here :) although I think my family members would all say the Sausage & Apple Saute and the Chicken Enchiladas rank even higher :)

      You have a great week, too!

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