Sunday, February 24th - March 2nd ~ Weekly Menu

Sunday, February 24th: Eggplant Chana Masala {pnp link}
Monday, February 25th: Chicken Bouillabaise {external link}
Tuesday, February 26th: Shrimp Scampi {external link}
Wednesday, February 27th: Italian Wedding Soup {external link}
Thursday, February 28th: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry {external link}
Friday, March 1st: Escarole and Beans {pnp link}
Saturday, March 2nd: Dinner Out!

February 10th-February 16th ~ Weekly Menu

What a storm!  Some serious comfort food is in order :)

Sunday, February 10th: Pioneer Woman Pizza (external link}
Monday, February 11th: Avocado Egg Salad, add celery, arugula, & a splash of lemon juice {external link}
Tuesday, February 12th: Black Bean Soup {pnp link}
Wednesday, February 13th: Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese {external link}
Thursday, February 14th: Valentine's Day Baked Potato Bar
Friday, February 15th: Spicy Chicken Tostadas {external link}
Saturday, February 16th: Out for Dinner

December 9th - December 15th ~ Weekly Menu

Sunday, December 9th: Pan-Seared Salmon, Braised Brussel Sprouts and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Monday, December 10th: Seviche-Style Shrimp and Avocado Tacos {external link}
Tuesday, December 11th: Meatloaf with Steamed Spinach and Roasted Cauliflower {pnp link}
Wednesday, December 12th: Lemon and Dill Chicken with Steamed Broccoli and Orzo (external link}
Thursday, December 13th: Penne with Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese {external link}

December 2nd - December 8th ~ Weekly Menu

Sunday, December 2nd: Garlic and Lime Shrimp and Beans {pnp link}
Monday, December 3rd:  Pasta with Butternut Squash, Spicy Sausage, & Baby Spinach {external link}
Tuesday, December 4th:  Black Bean, Corn, and Spinach Enchiladas {external link} 
Wednesday, December 5th:  Oven Roasted Tomatoes and Chicken {pnp link}
Thursday, December 6th:  Meatloaf {pnp link}
Friday, December 7th: Goat Cheese, Onions, and Mushroom Quesadilla {pnp link}
Saturday, December 8th:  Grilled Vegetable Wraps {pnp link}

November 25th - December 1st ~ Weekly Menu

Sunday, November 25th: Roast Loin of Pork {external link} with leftover Spices Cranberry and Dried Fruit Chutney {external link}
Monday, November 26th: Seared Scallops with Sauteed Savoy Cabbage {external link}
Tuesday, November 27th: Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas, Asparagus, and Parmesan {external link} 
Wednesday, November 28th: Minestrone Soup {pnp link}
Thursday, November 29th: Beef Stew {pnp link}
Friday, November 30th: Pork, White Bean, and Kale Soup {external link} with homemade bread {pnp link}

November 11 - November 17th ~ Weekly Menu

Sunday, November 11th: Orzo with Roasted Vegetables {external link}
Monday, November 12th: Chicken Gabriella {external link}
Tuesday, November 13th: Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Oven Roasted Cauliflower {external link}
Wednesday, November 14th: White Bean, Pancetta, and Tomato Pasta {pnp link}
Thursday, November 15th: Grilled Breaded Pork Chops {external link}
Friday, November 16th: Make Your Own Pizza Night featuring Frank Pepe's White Clam Pizza {external link}
Saturday, November 17th: Chicken and Mushroom Marsala {external link}

November 4th - November 10th ~ Weekly Menu

This is another busy week for us with meetings and such, so this is a limited menu.  Also, I am going to try to prep all of the meals on Sunday as I am testing out the "freezer cooking" method.

Sunday, November 4th: Meatloaf with Baked Sweet Potatoes {pnp link}
Monday, November 5th: Pineapple Chicken served over rice {pnp link}
Tuesday, November 6th, ELECTION DAY!: Butternut Squash Ravioli {external link}
Wednesday, November 7th: I have class so husband will fend for himself :)
Thursday, November 8th: Dinner out
Friday, November 9th: Minestrone Soup {make ahead- pnp link and regular- pnp link}
Saturday, November 10th: Seared Scallops with Napa Cabbage and Leeks {pnp link}

October 28th - November 3rd ~ Weekly Menu

Sunday, October 28th: Salmon, Spinach and Sweet Potatoes
Monday, October 29th: Shredded Chicken Chili {pnp link}
Tuesday, October 30th: Baked Potato Bar (steamed broccoli, plain greek yogurt, shredded cheese, green onions, and bacon)
Wednesday, October 31st: Taco Night!
Thursday, November 1st: Crab Cakes (from Whole Foods) and Mushroom Risotto with Peas and Parmesan Cheese {pnp link}
Friday, November 2nd: Cherry Tomato Margherita {external link}
Saturday, November 3rd: Date Night :)

October 21st - October 27th ~ Weekly Menu

This is a busy week for me with class, parent-teacher conferences, and after-school meetings.  I have planned some meals that are make-ahead or especially quick to accommodate our schedule.  Enjoy!

What meals do you all plan when you are pressed for time?

Sunday, October 21st: Spaghetti and Meatballs {external link} using Homemade Breadcrumbs {pnp link}

Monday, October 22nd: Risotto with Butternut Squash, Pancetta, and Jack Cheese {external link}

Tuesday, October 23rd: Breakfast for Dinner (Didn't you love this night as a kid?)  Here are some suggestions from Martha.  We might do the Croque Madame Sandwiches, adding cubed avocado.

Wednesday, October 24th: Mushroom, Red Pepper, and Spinach Quiche {pnp link} with simple side of greens
* This was previously made (prepared and baked) and frozen.  You do not need to thaw frozen quiche.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Remove quiche from freezer and bake for 20-25 minutes or until it is entirely heated through. *

Thursday, October 25th: Spaghetti with Mussels, Lemon, and Shallots {external link}

Friday, October 26th: Easy Baked Spaghetti Squash {external link} with grilled chicken sausages

Saturday, October 27th:  Chicken Tagine with Lemons and Olives {external link}, served with rice

October 14th - October 20th ~ Weekly Menu

Sunday, October 14th:  Minestrone Soup {pnp link}
Monday, October 15th:  Pumpkin Manicotti {external link}
Tuesday, October 16th: Shredded Chicken Mexican Lasagna {pnp link}
Wednesday, October 17th: Martha's Foulproof Fricassee {external link}
Thursday, October 18th: Potato Latkes  {external link} and Homemade Apple Sauce {external link}
Friday, October 19th: Macaroni and Cheese with Butternut Squash- so excited to try this! {external link}
Saturday, October 20th: Beef Stroganoff {external link}

Weekly Menu ~ October 7th - October 13th

I am going home this weekend to visit family so my menu begins on Monday of this week :)

Monday, October 8th:  Escarole and Beans {pnp link}
Tuesday, October 9th: Grilled Vegetable Wraps {pnp link}
Wednesday, October 10th:  Shrimp Scampi {external link}
Thursday, October 11th:  Stuffed Chicken Breasts {external link} with green beans
Friday, October 12th: Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup {external link}
Saturday, October 13th: Seared Salmon with spinach and sweet potatoes

Weekly Menu ~ September 16th - September 22nd

Summer is still holding on strong with temperatures in the mid-70s this week so I will save the heartiest meal for Thursday when it is supposed to be in the low-60s.  In a mere month or so that is going to seem hot!

Sunday, September 16th: I am off to a colleague friend's house for apps and drinks so the Husband will have to provide for himself :)  I am making "Zucchini Tots" to bring... yum!  {external link}

Monday, September 17th:  Mushroom and Egg Pizzas {Real Simple recipe} using this pizza dough recipe (make sure you make the pizza dough the day before)

Tuesday, September 18th:  Chicken Piccata with Mushrooms and Zucchini {external link}

Wednesday, September 19th:  I have Open House tonight so it will probably be burrito night for the Husband :)

Thursday, September 20th: Rigatoni with Sausage, Vegetables and Beans {pnp link}

Friday, September 21st: Salmon with Grilled Vegetables

Saturday, September 22nd:  Black Bean Soup {external recipe}

Weekly Menu ~ September 9th - September 15th

When is fall going to arrive?  I am really feeling ready for apple picking, light sweaters, and blistery mornings, but with two more days in the 80s next week, it doesn't look promising.  Hopefully this week is a nice blend of summer and fall classics.

Sunday, September 9th:  Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore {pnp link}

Monday, September 10th:  Husband's Birthday!  Grilled Rib Eye Steak with Onion Blue Cheese Sauce {external link}

Tuesday, September 11th:  Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Calzone {external link}

Wednesday, September 12th:  Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken {pnp link}

Thursday, September 13th:  Grilled Vegetable Wraps {pnp link}

Friday, September 14th: Seared Scallops with Tomato Beurre Blanc {external link}

Saturday, September 15th:  Chicken Stir Fry

Weekly Menu ~ September 2th - September 8th

I recently decided like Jennifer Reese, author of Make the Bread, Buy the Butter, that I am going to bake a loaf of bread each week rather than purchasing it from the grocery store.  This week I am trying out this recipe for oatmeal bread.  I am very excited about this and will let you know how it turns out.


This is also one of those weeks with a night that I have class after school and get home much later than usual.  I am testing out recipes that are quick (or made ahead of time) and relatively healthy for days such as this.  I am finding that this can be a difficult task (at least it is for me).  Crockpot meals are often easy, but the ones I have prepared so far are not that healthy.  I am definitely going to continue looking for those that are easy, healthy, and satisfying.  Any tips are appreciated!



Sunday, September 2nd:  Grilled Chicken Sausages and Herbed Spaghetti Squash {external recipe}

Monday, September 3rd: We are going to a picnic today so I will not be cooking dinner.  We are preparing and bringing this dish though as a last hurray for summer sweet corn.

Tuesday, September 4th: Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese {external link - Epicurious}
with two changes:

• spinach instead of arugula 
• sun-dried tomato pesto {external link - Eating Well} instead of just sun-dried tomatoes 

Wednesday, September 5th:  Mushroom, Red Pepper and Spinach Quiche {pnp recipe} with side greens

Thursday, September 6th:  Cobb Salad {external recipe}

Friday, September 7th:  White Pizza with Clams {external link - Eating Well} (I LOVE pizza on Fridays!)

Saturday, September 8th:  End of Summer Pasta {external recipe}

Enjoy!

Weekly Menu ~ August 26th - September 1st

First official week of school is here!!  I have planned meals this week (actually next week) that are (relatively) healthy, even a lighter version of my favorite comfort food, mac and cheese, for the first day of school.

Enjoy!

Sunday, August 26th: Seafood Risotto {external link- Cooking Light}

Monday, August 27th: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas {external link}

Tuesday, August 28th:  Opening day for staff!  Spring Panzanella {pnp link}

Wednesday, August 29th:  First day with the students!!  Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese  {pnp link}

Thursday, August 30th: Shrimp Paulista with Rice {external link- Eating Well}

Friday, August 31st: Black Bean Burgers {external link}

Saturday, September 1st: Breaded Chicken Cutlets and Zucchini, Squash, and Onion Au Gratin {pnp link}

Weekly Menu ~ August 19th - August 25th

It was such a treat to eat so many nice meals out on our vacation, but it was definitely a bit of a relief to be cooking again and eating home-cooked meals last week.  Hopefully I feel the same this week :).

I feel like this week's menu is a little more fall than summer.  This is for two reasons.  First, I return to school shortly and am starting to crave all things fall.  You know- light cardigan sweaters, warm apple cider, freshly sharpened pencils- YUM!  Second, our grill isn't working.  Don't ask me why- I just know I cannot use it.  Husband is looking into it today- wish us luck!!!

Sunday, August 19th: Mushroom, Tomato, and Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs {pnp link}

Monday, August 20th: Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca {pnp link}

Tuesday, August 21st: Chicken Salad Sandwiches {external link}

Wednesday, August 22nd: Tagliatelle with Prosciutto and Orange {external link}  * This is a delicious dish.  It is a bit rich though so maybe make it for a treat.  Like, because it's Wednesday...?

Thursday, August 23rd: Tacos with Black Beans, Feta, and Cabbage {pnp link}

Friday, August 24th: No planned meal for us.  We are driving to Western Massachusetts to go to Tanglewood.  Picnic- fun!  Perhaps I will prepare the chicken salad for our picnic instead of Tuesday...

Enjoy!

Weekly Menu ~ August 12th - August 18th

I am not going to be posting a menu for next week since Husband and I are off tonight for our HONEYMOON.  Yippee!!

Anyhow, the week of August 12th represents our last somewhat calm week before the craziness of the fall sets in.  Husband is in a graduate Nurse Anesthetist program and starts his clinical portion the third week in August. I begin the school year with several meetings and finishing up my classroom the week of August 19th before the opening day of Tuesday, August 28.  Anyhow, I will write some posts about how to plan healthy, quick meals in the near future.  (And feel free to chime in with ideas on how to do this as I am still very much in the learning stages!)

Sunday, August 12th: no home-made meal, still traveling

Monday, August 13th:  "Harrington Salad" with Grilled Chicken {pnp link}

Tuesday, August 14th: Make and Munch Craft night with the girls!  Husband will eat ?  We will not be having our Craft Night after all because our hostess for this one had a beautiful baby girl a few days ahead of her due date.  Yay Julia!

Wednesday, August 15th: Fenway Sausage {pnp link}

Thursday, August 16th: Spaghetti Carbonara with Zucchini, Spinach, and Corn {pnp link}

Friday, August 17th: Grilled Shrimp and Vegetables with Pearl Couscous ~ I make this recipe without the saffron.  I think it is better (and cheaper) without it... {external link}

Saturday, August 18th: Grilled Vegetable Wraps {pnp link}

Weekly Menu ~ July 29th - August 4th

First, allow me to give you some background on my weekly meal planning.  Like some of you, many  evenings in our household started off something like this:

T: "What do you want for dinner?"
A: "I don't know.  I'll eat anything."

About an hour later...

T: "Are you hungry?"
A: "I'm pretty hungry.  Are you?"
T: "I can eat."
A: "Well, what do you want?"
T: "Pretty much anything at this point.  I'm starving."
A: "Well, it's getting sort of late.  Should we just go get something?"
T: "Fine."
A: "How about ---"
T: "I am not eating pizza.  How about burritos?"
A: "Not into it."
T: "Barbeque?"
A: "Gross, we just had it last week. Thai food?"
T: "Definitely not.  Should we just go to Whole Foods?"
A: "Fine."

We would inevitably end up in the prepared food section of our local Whole Foods which is cool the first few times, but quickly gets monotonous and expensive.

Enter my weekly menu planning.  Each Sunday, I plan meals for the week and write them with my daily to -do lists.

Though not completely perfect, my Sunday planning helps to ensure a few things:


First, it mostly eliminates that feeling of dread at the end of a workday when you have to figure out what to make for dinner.  I am not sure about many of you, but after teaching 7th graders all day, usually the last thing I want to do is figure out what to make and then visit my local grocery store before getting home.


Second, planning on Sundays helps us to save money because I can sometimes reuse ingredients and plan according to local sales.  (I say sometimes because Husband doesn't like too much repetition and I can get a little hostile when I hear sarcastic comments like, "Great, black beans again.  Yummy.")


Third, I can make sure that we are eating a variety of balanced, healthy foods though out our week.  Pasta on Monday?  Great.  Pasta on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday?  Not going to do it.


Fourth, our weekly meals are based on our schedule.  If I have class on Wednesday night (I am currently working towards a Masters in Educational Leadership) then I will plan a quick and easy meal.  If Thursday is going to be hot and humid, we are going to grill baby grill.


Fifth and finally, my evening cooking becomes a welcome (most of the time) respite at the end of a long and busy day.  It allows me to enjoy the experience of preparing a meal for my husband and I rather than resenting a necessary, daily chore.  Though he will probably laugh when he reads this, I sincerely mean it.  Cooking by myself after a long day of teaching, errands, and other tasks can be a welcomed solitary experience in which I am creating a delicious (hopefully) and healthy (usually) meal that my little family can enjoy.  I feel a sense of pride when I am able to put a dish in front of my husband and find myself crossing my fingers less and less as I get better at the cooking process.

As far as Pink Notebook Planning (PNP) is concerned, I will share these weekly menus with you each week.  I will also provide either a link to another website or my own recipe.  (These will be written as short hand recipes.  You will need a general sense of cooking in order to follow them.  For example, if spaghetti is a part of the recipe, you need to know how to make it.  If you don't, figure it out.  I am sure there are some great youtube vids you can watch.  If you still can't figure it out, step AWAY from the stove and order a pizza pie.)

I obtain most of my recipes from sites like www.epicurious.com, www.eatingwell.com, or www.cookinglight.com.  Sometimes I have an idea for a meal and then I google it to see if it "exists".  If I am able to locate it, I find this as a sign that it is an acceptable recipe as long as it wasn't posted on www.disgustingrecipes.com.  Does that site exist?  (In a separate post, I will describe my cooking journal with you.  Yippee!)

Anyhow, feel free to copy, use, or adapt these menus to suit your own dietary wants and needs!

Sunday, July 29th: Goat cheese, onion, mushroom, and spinach quesadilla {pnp link}

Monday, July 30th: Greek salad with grilled chicken and creamy dressing {pnp link}

Tuesday, July 31st: Parmesan chicken {external link} with roasted corn {external link} and sauteed spinach

Wednesday, August 1st: Salmon burgers (on sale for $5.99/lb at Whole Foods this week.  Dress them up like regular burgers- yum!) and sweet potato fries

Thursday, August 2nd: Creamy garlic pasta with shrimp {external link}