Menu Planning

sources: southern living, savorysweet life, skinnytaste

Getting hungry?  So was I.  I've been really bored with cooking and what we've been eating recently. Last year was so busy with the move & starting school that I really slid into a cooking rut. 

Recently I realised that I love the feeling of coming up with a really good dinner. I feel so satisfied when we sit down together and I've put together a table full of goodness. It's like a little celebration on a regular night.

Taking time to plan a menu has really helped me get creative and devise great meals.  I've been trying a lot of new recipes as well.  Some are great, some won't get a second go-around. 

I'm sharing my menu for the current two weeks -- it helps keep me organized and maybe you'll take away a few ideas!

Chicken Marsala with Mashed Potatoes and  Sauteed Brussel Sprouts with Shallots

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce, Steamed Broccoli and Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Ginger-Cilantro Pork Chops, Wild Rice and Squash and Chive Pancakes

Ham & Bean Soup and Salad with Dried Cranberries, Walnuts, Shaved Parmesan and Poppy Seed Dressing

Honey Spiced Glazed Chicken, Balsamic Asparagus and Buttered Noodles

Herb and Potato Chip Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Brussel Sprouts Braised in Butter and Orzo

My friend Cindy told me how to make balsamic asparagus and it is now one of my favorite ways to prepare asparagus.  And, it's so easy!

Balsamic Asparagus

1 pound asparagus

1 T. balsamic vinegar

kosher salt

olive oil (about 1 teaspoon)

Cut the asparagus into 2 inch pieces and place in a skillet that has been sprayed with olive oil (or about 1 teaspoon oil).  Sprinkle on balsamic vinegar and salt to taste.  Saute on medium for about 5 minutes or until asparagus is crisp but can be pierced easily with a fork. 

You can also make this on the grill by leaving the asparagus stems whole and tossing them with the vinegar & salt before grilling.

Comments

[martha]

Oh, I'm so glad you posted this. I'm always looking for dinner ideas. Always. You'd think I'd have it all figured out, since I work with food, but in reality I just want to NOT think about food in my personal life :)

Thanks for the great ideas!