Menu 23

The little one is low on her iron, so we're going to try and amp up the red meat for the next little while. 
Monday: Eating Downtown with Derek
Tuesday: Broiled Tuna Fish Sandwiches, fruit, salad
Wednesday: Tator Tot Casserole, fruit
Thursday: Orange Chicken, Rice, green beans
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday:  Crockpot Beef Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Jello
Sunday: French Dip Sandwiches

Chicken Madiera

I've wanted to try and make this since Derek ordered it on our last outing to the Cheesecake Factory.  I tried out this copy cat recipe from

 http://www.food.com/recipe/copycat-cheesecake-factory-chicken-madeira-188770

and it turned out wonderful!  The only changes I made from the original recipe there was that I substituted 3 cups apple juice + 1 tsp vanilla for the Madiera Wine in the sauce.  It turned out a little bit lighter and perhaps a tiny bit sweeter, but I thought it was delicious!  Derek ate two helpings, so it must have been pretty good.  All in all, it was also pretty quick.  I made everything on the plate and set the table in just over an hour. 

Baking Day

With two bunches of overripe bananas and some ready-to-go pears, I designated today a baking day.  I tried one new recipe while sticking with two others. 

1.  Banana Bread

It's my staple recipe from the red-and-white checked Better Homes and Garden's cookbook.  It does a decent job, but if there are any super favorites out there I'm not too devoted to switch. 

2.  Banana Cake

This is one that I won't be disuaded from baking.  I love this coffee type cake from King Arthur Flour's Whole Grain Baking Cookbook.  I'll post the recipe later.

3. Pear Muffins

These turned out pretty well.  At least my two girls gobbled them up.  The recipe calls for chunks of pear, but I think I'd prefer them mashed or pureed.  Also, I think the recipe was a little bit heavy on the ginger.  Here's the link to the original recipe.

Now I'm off to clean up.  Hopefully my kiddos will either help or play nicely so I can do it.

Pears

Okay, 
I bought a bunch of pears when they were on sale, thinking I would can them.  However, I can't seem to muster up the energy to do that, so I'm going to try making some other pear recipes.  These are some that sound yummy.  I'll let you know which ones I try.

Pear Slices (apple slices recipe, just substituting pears)

Starkrimson Pear Cinnamon Cake

Pear Crisp

Savory Pear Pizza

Pear compote for pancake/waffle topping

Breakfast Pear, Bacon, and Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Pear Muffins

Pear Slush

Menu 22

Thursday: Taco Soup
Friday: leftovers
Saturday: Teriyaki Burgers, Pasta Salad, Fruit (found on my sil Jenny's Blog)
Sunday: Stuffed Shells, Breadsticks, Green Salad, Fruit Salad & Pear Slices
Monday: Leftover Shells etc.
Tuesday:  Chicken Taquitos, Spanish Rice, Salad, Pineapple (
Wednesday:  Tator Tot Casserole, Fruit
Thursday: Fish Sticks--(Deceptively Delicious) Broccoli, Applesauce
Friday:  Chicken Madeira, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans (trying a copycat recipe from The Cheesecake Factory)
Saturday: Chicken Alfredo Pizza, Green Salad, Breadsticks
Sunday: Leftovers