We are finally turning the corner of moving past all of the illnesses that have been plaguing us for weeks. At least I hope so. Poor e is still really congested and had another ear infection but it hasn’t slowed her down too much. We have also entered into the weeknight evening activity arena – something I had hoped to avoid a bit longer. But it was time for c to move up to the big boys gymnastics class and it is only offered in the evenings during the week. So my planning now takes on another dimension so that we can walk in the door to a meal that is ready to eat. My slow cooker is definitely my best friend, as are leftovers!
From this past week’s menu, the Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis pictured above are a family favorite. Rather than white cheddar, I used goat cheese crumbles that were already on hand. It added a more mellow flavor to the meat loaf, but it still worked well. I crumbled up the leftovers and added it to my leftover mashed potatoes with some carrots and peats to make my own version of Shepherd’s Pie – my childhood comfort food.
I also did a good bit more cooking than what was planned on my menu. I made my own overnight French toast in the slow cooker – I want to play with the recipe some more before I post it. And I used our leftover fresh spinach to make Meal Makeover Mom’s Cheesy Spinach Bake. Lately c has decided that he likes spinach. I’m very happy that we have another vegetable I can count on him eating. It is funny how quickly a 4 year old’s palate can change. Dishes that were once favorites are no longer touched and things he used to not touch are favorites! It just reminds me that persistence is key with children – keep trying new foods and flavors as it can take 15 exposures before a child likes a food!
Here is what is planned for this week, with whatever fresh fruit is on hand added for good measure:
Monday: Tasty Tofu Nuggets with Zucchini and Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Tuesday: Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken over Brown Rice with Broccoli
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese and Chicken Sausage Waffles with Pineapple
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Split Pea Soup with Red Wine and Ham with Pao de Queijo
Saturday: Evening Out
Sunday: Simple Supper
Have a wonderful week. For more menu planning ideas, jump over the Menu Plan Monday on I’m an Organizing Junkie!
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