My Monday Menu

I'm always trying new recipes.  Some are hits, others bombs. Last week I had one of each.  I'm sad to say that Rachael Ray's lasagna was not a hit in my house.  It wasn't flavorable enough.  I wouldn't make it again.

However, Saturday night, I made the Cornish Pasties .  They were a huge hit with every member of my family.  It was lots of work to chop and slice, but it was a great treat.  I highly recommend that recipe. 

This week, I'm watching my calories a bit more since I started Weight Watchers.  However, sometimes I make something for my family and tweak it a bit for me.  While I'm getting back into the discipline of watching my portions and healthier eating, I will just make a chicken sausage or grilled chicken breast for me, skip the carbs and double up on the vegetables.

We'll see how I do the first full week of my plan.  Here is my menu this week:

Menu 1:   Smoked turkey salad  (It calls for strawberries, but I'm substituting apples)
               Foccacia bread w/ olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip

Menu 2:  Oven-roasted ratatouille
               Chicken sausages  (any of the gourmet variety)

Menu 3:  Oven-baked salmon  (On sale! - I sprinkle the top with salt, pepper & soy or teriyaki sauce)
              Baked potatoes
              Roasted asparagus  (Again, on sale!  I will toss this w/ olive oil & salt, and roast with everything else)
** On this menu, I'm using my oven for everything at 350 degrees.  The potatoes take an hour, and salmon and asparagus about 30 minutes.

Menu 4:   Moroccan-style stuffed acorn squash   (A vegetarian meal using seasonal foods)
           If this isn't enough for your family, try roasting a chicken as your main dish.

Menu 5:  Ham steaks
              Sweet potato fries
              Homemade applesauce (I use about 1 apple per person, peal, core and chop into 1/2 inch pieces.  Put in a sauce pan with one or two tablespoons of water, cover and turn heat on medium.  Check frequently and mash with a potato masher or fork as apples soften.  When complete, add sugar and cinnamon to taste.  We'll eat this warm.)

Menu 6:  Chicken enchiladas  (You'll love this recipe featuring cream cheese! It's similar to what I've created at home.  I use corn tortilla.)
               Spanish rice (This is my family's personal recipe - see below for instructions)
               Fruit salad


I hope you are enjoying the wonderful fall fruits and vegetables.  If you find something on sale you want to try, just Google that vegetable and the word "recipe" and you'll get lots of great ideas.

Happy Cooking!

Glynnis


Glynnis' Spanish Rice
Serves 4-6

1/4 cup chopped onions
3 slices bacon, cut into 1/3" pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup rice
1 Tbsp  chili power
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 can Rotel tomatoes (or 1/2 regular can of tomatoes and green chilies)
1 cup water

In sauce pan with lid, fry onions and bacon until bacon is cooked but not crisp.   Add garlic, rice, chili powder and cumin.  Stir until rice is well covered in seasonings and slightly browned.  Add salt, tomatoes and water.  Bring to a boil. Stir to remove any bits from the bottom.  Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes.