Meal ideas - for Erin

I have been back in my weekly meal planning mode the past few weeks.  There is something about the fall that makes me want to get back into meal planning, I am not as keen in the summer months.  I make a list of 6 or 7 meals and then shop once a week for them; saves time and a lot of money because I don't make any other runs to the grocery store (where I always spend more than I should!)

Here are some ideas for you Erin!

 - Tonight we had: a dijon and fresh herb rubbed roast chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and potatoes (cut into large pieces with salt, pepper and a bit of oil) served with lightly steamed green beans from the garden.  Tomorrow I will make chicken quesadillas with the left over chicken, some sauteed veggies and aged cheddar cheese.  I often make these with left over roasted chicken.  I have some peach and tomato salsa to serve with these which I made and canned last week with Sabrina's help!!

 - A few nights ago we had a pork tenderloin, also done with dijon and fresh herbs but rolled in a lovely panko mixture.  I served this with steamed broccoli and quinoa.   This is a really quick and easy dinner.

 - Last night Jody and I had fish (Rob was out) served with delicious caramelized onions with balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme - so tasty.  We ate our fish with quinoa and the onions plus a big plate of cut up tomatoes (from the garden) and cucumbers with homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

- I made a simple beef stew in the crock pot with stewing beef, onions and garlic and mushroom soup (a cheater stew but still good!!)  Served with potatoes for Rob and pasta for Loic and I.

- I made a salad compose for Rob and Jody - their favorite - which is just a huge tray of cut up veggies (raw), some cheese (vache qui ri) and salami served with a loaf of french bread and more of my homemade vinaigrette.

- Homemade quick tomato sauce - just cut up and saute tomatoes from the garden with a clove of garlic, a splash of white wine and fresh oregano served on hot pasta.  I also sauteed some zucchini on the side for my self in a bit of oil and hot pepper flakes.  While he will eat it in stuff, Rob is not a giant zucchini fan.

- We are having ground beef, rice and veggie stuffed red peppers this week - these are super easy and the mix I use to stuff them is really versatile.  Healthy too.

Oh.  I also experimented with cookies.  The first batch were awesome - chocolate chip with oatmeal and coconut.  The second batch?  Even better because I added little caramel pieces that I found at a gourmet cooking store!!!!  The last 5 pounds of baby weight are not going anywhere fast if I keep this up :)

Erin - email me if you want any recipes.

- E