Weekly Menu for June 4th thru July 9th

Happy 4th of July!

I’m baaacckkkk!.  I missed you and am hopeful that you missed me, you did miss me right?  I’m so excited to share the latest news regarding the changes that are taking place on the site, my mind has been spinning with ideas and I’m hopeful that those ideas will make it to the site soon.  I’m also equally excited to share this weeks menu with you especially since my return back includes the 4th of July, Happy Birthday America!    I love the 4th of July, for us, it’s usually a day to kick back enjoying the company of family and friends, amazing food and spectacular sky views once the sun has set. The 4th also seems to mark that summer has arrived and is in full swing, most of us have started to settle into our daily routine now that the kids are home all day, and before I moved to Florida it was a time to cram in all the summer activities I could.  Because of all those summer activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking elaborate meals, I want food that is easy to make, tastes great and doesn’t take too much time to prepare, plus if it can be made on the grill, it’s even better.  This weeks menu is exactly that, we will start off with my 4th of July menu, and then 5 easy and tasty meals will follow along with that grocery list that was M.I.A. for such a long time.

If you have logged on lately I’m sure that you have noticed some changes and I’m excited to share them with you.  Although, lately it’s felt like road construction; there are the delays, the annoying orange barrels and the anxiousness that it should be done already!  Each day I’m hoping that my construction of the site will come to an end and that it will be like a nice Sunday drive down a newly paved road.  It will get there soon, but in the meantime please hang with me.  During the past few months I have met some very talented women, these women blog, cook, create beautiful items and the list seems to be endless.  My plan is to feature a new site each week and to organize all the blogs that are listed (and those that still need to be listed) by their different genre.  I’ve also created a Facebook page and a Twitter account for the site and once I’m finished setting them up, I’ll send out an email asking you to be a friend and a follower!  Now the BIG news... Giveaways!  Yep, I’m working on what I hope will be the start of many giveaways and sometime, oh so very soon, my first giveaway will be set into motion and this first one will include two of my favorite words, Williams - Sonoma!  Now, let’s get to some food....

A few reminders for the newbies; you can click the title of any recipe to access it and if you are interested in a blank grocery list sheet formatted for Excel, send me an email and I’ll send one off to you, this sheet is such a time saver at the grocery store!  As always you can email me at mydinnerplaybook@aol.com with any suggestions, recipe ideas or blog tips!  

Click HERE for grocery list

4th of July Meal

Red, White and Blue Burgers

Hot Potato Salad

S’more Brownies

“You can never go wrong with a burger” as quoted by my husband and I agree wholeheartedly.  When I come up with a new burger idea my family gets excited and this one is no exception.  The combination of sun dried tomatoes and blue cheese on top of a grilled burger creates flavor fireworks in your mouth.  

Tired of the same ol’ potato salad, this one is sure to please and am sure that potato salad will start showing up as a side dish around your dinner table and not just the salad you make for a BBQ.  

Love s’mores, but hate the hassle of making the fire, finding just the right stick to use for your marshmallow, burning that marshmallow along with your finger when you try to remove it from that stick and then dropping it onto the floor, only to have to start all over, because the 5 second rule just apply when it’s been dropped into dirt?  My S’more brownies are the cure, you will be able to kick back and enjoy them with no mess or injury!

Quick Meal 1

Deconstructed Lasagna - Recipe

I love lasagna and to this day I have been unable to find that perfect recipe. The lasagna recipes I’ve tried tend to either come out too runny or too dry regardless of the method or the ingredients and until I find that perfect I find or create recipes that have the flavors within them.  This recipe has the flavors and was very quick to knock out, I’m sure you’ll will enjoy it.

Quick Meal 2

Grilled Chicken Summer Veggie Skillet - Recipe

If your a fan of a barbeque flavor this meal is for you; the barbeque flavor is front and center.  While I made this dish according to the recipe I will add a veggie such as broccoli or peas to it next time.

Got Some Time - Meal 1

B.L.T.A.C. Sandwiches - Recipe

If you love bacon then you probably love making BLT sandwiches, I love bacon but for always feel that the BLT needed the company of avocado and cheddar cheese!

                                  Got Some Time Meal - 2

Caprese Style Stuffed Chicken Rolls with Greens - Recipe

Chicken for dinner is such a staple in most households that it seems we are always looking for new ways to dress this protein up and this dish is ready for a wonderful summer occasion.

Got Some Time Meal - 3

 Steak Tostadas with Grilled Corn Salsa - Recipe

I tend to laugh at commercials from the fast-food taco place when they are advertising a new burrito or taco, they make it seem like it’s the new “it” food and something totally new and unheard of; when in fact regardless of the ingredients or new name they are both still just a burrito and a taco!  I’m not claiming to have created a new tostada, but I am here to tell you that tostada does rock and I’m sure you will prefer it over a plain ol’ regular tostada.

  

Pass the Wine; I got all the time - Meal 1

 See the 4th of July Menu

Weekly Menu for May 24th thru May 29th

A tribute to the women who have touched my life these past eight weeks....

I remember long ago my Mom asking me if and when my life was ever going to slow down, and I would simply respond with, when this project is done, when my kids are no longer involved in this or that and over time I’ve noticed that I would just replace the current task, project or adventure with another task, project or adventure.  I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m just wired to be busy, I like being busy. I enjoy being creative, helpful, and adventurous and have decided that busyness is my drug of choice!  

This week was the last installment for the video submissions for the Real Women of Philadelphia (RWoP) contest and the week was all about desert.  I did not participate in desert week as deserts are not made very often anymore in this household.  As I child I remember I would always be the one who was responsible for the desert, basically because I wasn’t responsible for anything else, my mom was - so for years I cranked out some pretty amazing sweets.  Today I am the one who is responsible for the majority of what goes on in my household and when it comes to feeding the family deserts are not part of the plan.  Of course my kids would be thrilled to have a homemade desert for dinner each night, heck they would be happy to have any type of desert every night, but that’s not going to happen!  We have desert type food once in a blue moon, not because I don’t allow my kids to have desert, they do so now and then, but because by the time we have our big dinner there is absolutely no room for desert.  In fact I remember heading to a restaurant once and I ordered a desert as my dinner.  I knew that if I ate an entree there would be no room left and that desert just looked too good not to do it.  Of course my kids were with me and every now and then they have ask if they can have desert for dinner and I always reply, yep, when your a mommy!  

So if I wasn’t making, filming and editing deserts this week, what was I doing?  A lot, just a lot of other things.  My sons football practices have started, the new cheer season for my daughter has started and after a bit of a break I’m back to helping with the coordination and coaching of an all-star team.  Then there was what seemed like all of the insurances needing to be renewed at the same time, a billing problem with a bill and it seemed like I was on the phone for most of the week and then I had to be out of town yesterday.  Regardless of what task I check off my to-do list, it is replaced by yet another task.  As I said before, I really do like being busy, but like everything else, too much of one thing is not always good for you.  I’m really tired today and have a headache that will just not go away regardless of how much Advil I pop.  

So I ask, do you find that you place so much pressure on yourself sometimes to get it all done?  I know I do, take this blog for instance.  On Thursday night I had already figured out what recipes were going to be featured and I just had to put it to cyber paper, but when 11:00 p.m. rolled around I had absolutely no energy to do so, even though I’m a night owl.  Knowing that yesterday I was going to be out of town for the majority of the day, I figured when I returned I would then do my posting, but after a long day of driving and then returning home and answering emails that could not wait any longer, I found myself tired exhausted! Yet, I was beating myself up telling myself that my blog is SUPPOSED to be posted on Fridays!  As I sit here today; Saturday, evening no less, typing away I wonder why I do this to myself and why we as women do this to ourselves?  I do this blog because I want to be a help to others and to share my love of food.  I do not get paid to do this blog nor do I have to meet the Friday deadline for a publisher, so why the pressure?  I have absolutely no idea!  Perhaps it is the same for everyone, we are own worst critic, we feel that we must be the “perfect” mom, wife, sister, friend, etc., yet I know that I have absolutely no one in my life expecting this from me.  I’ve learned that I need to follow their lead and stop expecting perfection from me and realizing that while I want to be the best me I can be, I will never be a perfect me, it’s impossible, there has been only one perfect one, and there will never be another.  

This week I’ve been thinking about the last 8 weeks of the Real Women of Philadelphia contest - there are so many women, over 500 I believe, who had the same goal; to head to Savannah, GA as a finalist in this contest.  Yet, the odds of becoming one were going to be slim as there were only 16 spaces to be won.  In reading the forums I would feel for the women who were heartbroken when Wednesdays rolled around and they were not one of the two chosen that week, on occasion myself include I have to admit.  They started to question themselves as to why they were not chosen.  Perhaps it was because they weren’t the right height, weight, or shape, was their hair not combed right, was their kitchen not big enough or fancy enough, was their lighting not right, was their recipe not good enough, was it too hard to make, was it too easy to make, was the recipe too common, was it to exotic, were they not perky enough, were they too perky, were their editing skills not good enough, and on and on it went.  Women beating themselves up over these very insignificant reasons, reasons that those around them, those they cook for daily, those they provide for daily, those they love on daily, do not see.  For those who love them only see that they were blessed with the best mom, wife, sister, friend, etc.  They know that they have the most beautiful, loving, fun, and I’ll say it, the most perfect person in their life, that just happens to be the best cook in their book, and should have won a spot hands down. Why? Because those around us feel the love we place in everything we do for them, there is no paycheck or recognition when we provide our family with love, nourishment and encouragement, it is just what we do, and I have to say that all the women demonstrated these characteristics in abundance.  I am so proud to have been part of the community of women at the Real Women of Philadelphia.  The friendships, dinner ideas, tips, laughter and not to mention the amazing food has truly been a blessing to me and I’m sure to the majority of the women who participated.  While I along with over 500 women may not be going to Savannah, I know that we feel we truly did win; we now have new friendships that would have never formed if it had not been for this contest, we have learned to step out of our comfort zones, we have added new titles such as camera operator, editing guru and software tech to our already long resumes and have become even bigger stars in our families eyes. I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life, a thank you to Paula Deen, EQAL and Kraft foods for this journey and for bringing a bunch of foodie women together.  So after what has to be my longest intro ever (LOL) I invite you to enjoy this weeks menu featuring more amazing women of the RWoP, and as always have a fabulous week, you deserve it you beautiful and amazing woman!

I encourage you check out the site www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com for more amazing recipes.  I have also updated the RWoP Blog page, new blogs are popping up daily and last but not least, don’t forget to sign up as a follower, by doing so you will show up in the “really cool people” slot.  Thanks for sending this blog off to family, friends and strangers!

A few reminders for the newbies; you can click the title of any recipe to access it and if you are interested in a blank grocery list sheet formatted for Excel, send me an email and I’ll send one off to you.  This sheet saves you time in the grocery store!  As always you can email me at mydinnerplaybook@aol.com with any suggestions, recipe ideas or blog tips!  

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Quick Meal 1

Creamy BBQ Pork Loin Steaks - Recipe

By Jan Peer

Steaks as a quick meal?  Really?  Yep, that’s what Jan has accomplished.  She has created a dish that transforms a pork loin into steaks infused with a sweet and savory rub, and then tops them off with a creamy BBQ sauce, yes a creamy BBQ sauce.  Yum-my!

Quick Meal 2

Creamy Shepherds Pie - Recipe

by Helen Wickert

Nothing says comfort food like shepherds pie, I believe that it truly is a dish that so many love, and I know that you are going to love Helen’s version, and her.  :)

Got Some Time - Meal 1

Stuffed Chicken Breasts “A Bonzetta” - Recipe

by Kathryn Rezza

I think it’s best to let Kathyrn describe this dish - This entrée is a takeoff of an Italian dish I grew up with “Bonzetta” (stuffed breast of Veal).  It was served only on special occasions, but I did love it so. I reworked some of the ingredients, made it a bit more affordable and weeknight meal friendly. Make no mistake though, this entrée is elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.  Accompanied by herbed rice and a garden salad it’s a winner.  I think that summed it up nicely!  Yum.

Got Some Time Meal - 2

Amazing Bacon, Shrimp and Spinach Quiche - Recipe

by Laurie, aka flgirlchapy

I love quiche, and I remember way back when, my husband used to say, men don’t eat quiche!  LOL.  Yeah right, I know men will eat pretty much anything that  is placed in front of them including quiche and there will be no complaining when you are serving one that has shrimp, spinach and BACON!  Everyone loves bacon!

Got Some Time Meal - 3

 Philly’s Best Eggplant Lasagna - Recipe

by Mary Dubick

Lasagna.  In my book you can do no wrong if you can make a great lasagna.  I would always secretly wish I had an Italian grandmother who would cook all that was Italian for me all the time!  In fact, maybe I’ll start taking applications, hmmm.  Lovable foodie seeking Italian grandmother.....  Anyway, check out Mary’s eggplant lasagna, I have a feeling you are gonna love it!

Pass the Wine; I got all the time - Meal 1

 Sweet Merlot Beef Stew - Recipe

by Paula Deen

Since Paula Deen was the reason we at the RWoP came together I wanted to pay tribute to her and include one of her recipes this week (not like I haven’t done this before, she rocks!) and this recipe just screamed weekend dinner to me.  If you don’t have Paula’s merlot steak sauce you can do what I did, I combined A-1 and Merlot wine, 1/4 cup of each and simmered in a small saucepan until it was reduced by 1/2. 

Weekly Menu for May 10th thru May 15th

Before we get started with this weeks menu I want to wish all the mom’s out there a very Happy Mother's Day!  It amazes me what we as moms do daily  for our families and while a CEO of a company could sum up their responsibilities within the title on their business card; a mom would need to drag a filing cabinet behind her!  Because of this, it is my hope that on Sunday you are pampered beyond belief and hopeful you can sleep in! 

Since Mother's Day is only one day, I’m sure that come Monday your family will be expecting dinner.  The last time I posted I mentioned I would be featuring recipes from the amazing women on the Real Women of Philadelphia (RWoP) site.  I had no idea how hard it was going to be to choose, these women rock!  Even though I will be able to feature their recipes for a long time to come I encourage you check out the site!  This week as usual I searched for recipes that would fit into my categories along with different proteins and cuisines, whew!  After many hours I think you will enjoy what I came up with.  There are so many entree recipes, in fact, I think there are more than 550 right now and new entrees will start being posted next week!  I was feeling rather overwhelmed as where to start so I decided that I would start choosing the recipes from the women who are my friends on my profile page.  With each week it is my hope to include as many RWoP recipes as possible knowing that you will enjoy them.  Also, I will be featuring a section that will link you to the great blogs that the RWoP have; their talent abounds.  Enjoy your weekend and as always have a fabulous day!

A few reminders for the newbies; you can click the title of any recipe to access it and if you are interested in a blank grocery list sheet formatted for Excel, send me an email and I’ll send one off to you.  This sheet saves you time in the grocery store!  As always you can email me at mydinnerplaybook@aol.com with any suggestions, recipe ideas or blog tips!  Don’t forget to sign up as a follower, by doing so you will show up in the “really cool people” slot.  Thanks for sending this blog off to family, friends and strangers!  

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Week!

Xtra, Xtra!

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls - Recipe

by Jo Davison

For my RWoP side dish entry I chose to make my Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls and thought you would enjoy them, these little puppies are fabulicious!  My family loves these and I know you will too and since a few of the dishes I’m featuring this week are in need of a side dish I thought it was a great time to share.

Quick Meal 1

Creamy Pesto Shrimp - Recipe

by Monica Olson

Wow, I don’t think I have ever seen a quicker recipe, Monica has this full entree done in 13 minutes flat!  It’s almost as this recipe should be placed in a Quick, Quick Meal category.  Like she mentions during her video adding a  salad, some bread and a lovely wine would round out this meal and believe me you will definitely have the time.  Monica is also a blogger, here is a link to her site.   www.themysticaldiva.blogspot.com.  

Quick Meal 2

Three Cheese Ziti with Eggplant - Recipe

by Sara Burton

If you’ve been following by blog for some time you know that I love all food that is Italian and Sara’s recipe caught my eye.  Not only is Ziti a great family favorite, this dish uses eggplant in it for substance thus making it a great meatless meal.

Got Some Time - Meal 1

Chicken Prosciutto Stuffed with Philadelphia Cream Cheese and Basil - Recipe

by Naty Alayon

Throughout this competition I’ve noticed that there are so many of us who have a chicken dish that is stuffed with some type of ingredients, in fact, I make a Spinach and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken Recipe that is a favorite in my house, but Naty has topped her dish with a wonderful dressing that combines savory and sweet, taking stuffed chicken to a completely different  level. Naty is also a blogger, check out her site: http://mybestcookinyet.blogspot.com

Got Some Time Meal - 2

Apple Pecan Stuffed Pork Chops - Recipe

by Joyce Conway

Aahhh stuffed pork chops!  I love all recipes that include proteins stuffed with yumminess and the words “pork chops” and “apples” are not only harmonious but yummy!  Joyce takes this classic dish and updates it. 

Got Some Time Meal - 3

Not Yo Mama’s Jambalaya - Recipe

by Debbie Fabre

Debbie describes this recipe as creamy, spicy and hearty and as her granddaddy used to say, it will “set your soul on fire.”  I love what he said, plus I love spicy food and I think you will love this recipe!  Debbie has a site that features her creations of flip flops and bows, check them out at: www.debsfabflops.blogspot.com

Pass the Wine; I got all the time - Meal 1

Philadelphia Mushroom Stuffed Beef Filet with Port Wine Reduction - Recipe

by Stacy Shields

While this recipe doesn’t take any longer than some of the recipes above, it just seemed to scream weekend meal!  Pairing this dish with some wonderful mashed potatoes and a veggie will impress those sitting around your dinner table.

Weekly Menu for April 19th thru April 24th

Whew, what a week! Do you find yourself seemingly busier now that spring has sprung?  Now that the days are longer I find I that I try not to waste a moment of daylight and cram as much as possible into that day.  This week seemed no different and yet will not stop until late Sunday night.  This is also the reason why this weeks blog will be posted late today, sorry.  Although, I must say that because of the type A personality I seem to possess I'm happy when I have a week where multiple tasks and activities are completed and enjoyed.  Weird, I know, but I really think that staying busy is my drug!

My in-laws are in town this week and we’ve had the opportunity to explore places in our community that we had not yet been able to, we had a wonderful day at the beach that allowed for a great day of peace and relaxation from the never ending to-do list,  filming for my recipe submission for the Real Women of Philadelphia contest ended up being a family affair and the weekend is spoken for with our daughters cheer competition.  Happily I have to say that regardless of the hectic week, it was a week filled with great conversation, much love and good food (thanks to my family for eating all the food I keep making for the contest) and we will be sad when the week is over.  I have also found that I can agree with many when they say sleep can be very overrated when one is having so much fun!  

Speaking of good food, I do have a week full of new recipes for you that I think your going to enjoy; and I’ve also included this weeks video for my Jalapeno Popper Burgers that I entered as my entree submission and I think it will make a great dinner option for you this week.  Next weeks submission will be desert, and the family seems very happy that there will be much cake to eat!  Well, my friends my hope is that whether your week is busy or mellow, it will be filled with great conversation, much love and good food.  As always, have a fabulous week!

A few reminders for the newbies; you can click the title of any recipe to access it and if you are interested in a blank grocery list sheet formatted for Excel, send me an email and I’ll send one off to you.  This sheet saves you time in the grocery store. As always you can email me at mydinnerplaybook@aol.com with any suggestions, recipe ideas or blog tips!  Don’t forget to sign up as a follower, by doing so you will show up in the “really cool people” slot.  Thanks for sending this blog off to family, friends and strangers!  As always, have a fabulous week!

Find this weeks Grocery List here

Quick Meal 1

Lemon-Garlic Spanish Chicken Thighs and Rice Pilaf - Recipe

It looks like Rachael Ray did it once again and created a meal full of flavor without killing the budget.  The combination of all the ingredients come together so well that you don’t feel like your eating a budget friendly meal.

Quick Meal 2

Butter-Almond-Crusted Fishwiches - Recipe

You guessed it, it’s time to have incorporate some fish into the menu.  This recipe has a lot going on in it and since tilapia is fairly mild, those of us that do not automatically choose fish as an option will enjoy this dish.

Got Some Time - Meal 1

Jalapeno Popper Burgers - Recipe

As a wise man once said, “You can never go wrong with a burger”; the wise man being my husband loves burgers, in fact we all do and I have to say we ate these burgers twice this week; since the first round of filming didn’t turn out so well and both times were equally delicious.  Yum!  Check out my video here. 

Got Some Time Meal - 2

Fettuccine with Peas, Asparagus, and Pancetta - Recipe

Fettuccine and Pancetta, need I say more?  I love Fettuccine and when my copy of Bon Appetit showed up in the mail this week the picture automatically made me want to make this dish, agreeing with those who say we eat with our eyes first.

Got Some Time Meal - 3

 Ham-Taleggio Grilled Cheese - Recipe

Now when I saw that this recipe takes 40 minutes I wasn’t sure why since I seem to get my Ham, Apple and Brie Paninis made in 25 or so and then figured out it’s the caramelized onions.  But since I’m a lover of all cheese and caramelized onions this one was worth the extra time.

Pass the Wine; I got all the time - Meal 1

Jay’s Potato-Crusted Pork Chops with Pesto Sauce - Recipe

May’s issue of Food Network Magazine had a challenge to create a recipe using potato chips and this recipe seemed to work for a weekend dinner with a twist, plus don’t we all have a bunch of bags of chips that have nothing but crumbs at the bottom?

Weekly Menu for April 12th thru April 17th

TGIF!  I’m not sure how your week was but mine was busy, and in all honesty I can’t believe it is Friday already; I feel like I have been running at a frantic pace all week.  If you read last weeks blog you know that I decided to enter the Real Women of Philadelphia Challenge and while I came up with an amazing appetizer the work required to get it submitted was a lot of work!  I have to say creating the recipe was by far the easiest part,  having to film my recipe, edit it and then upload it was crazy!  After submitting my recipe I came to the conclusion that:

One - I see the importance of a great space when filming, my kitchen was not exactly the ideal place.

Two - It would have been so much easier if there was an actual camera person filming.

Three - Editing takes forever!

Four - I so need some acting classes!!!!

Now I’m going to post my video for your amusement, perhaps it will make you laugh, actually I’m sure it will and hopefully it will make your Friday go by a lot quicker!  Bottom line, I encourage you to make my Heavenly Little Puffs of Flavor you are going to love them!  The family has already asked for them twice!

Looking at so many submissions for appetizers at the Real Women of Philadelphia Challenge website I was so impressed with all the good cooks out there and it got me thinking; I want to feature others in this weeks recipes.  Now the submissions for entrees will not start posting until Monday so to have meals for you this week I searched blogs from The Foodie BlogRoll.  I think you’ll not only enjoy their recipes but I think you will be impressed with their blogs I know I was.  

I chose four recipes from the blogs at The Foodie BlogRoll, one from Ms. Paula Deen to honor her for roll in the Real Women of Philadelphia Challenge and one of my originals.  I hope you enjoy each of them, and as always, have a fabulous week!

A few reminders for the newbies; you can click the title of any recipe to access it and if you are interested in a blank grocery list sheet formatted for Excel, send me an email and I’ll send one off to you.  This sheet saves you lots of time in the grocery store. As always you can email me at mydinnerplaybook@aol.com with any suggestions, recipe ideas or blog tips!  Don’t forget to sign up as a follower, by doing so you will show up in the “really cool people” slot.  Thanks for sending this blog off to family, friends and strangers!  As always, have a fabulous week!

Quick Meal 1

Ham, Apple and Brie Panini’s - Recipe

As you know, I love Panini’s and it has been a while since I made these ones. Spring is in full bloom here and this sandwich along with a fresh salad seems like a perfect dinner to enjoy outside in the lanai.

Quick Meal 2

Garlic Tuna Pasta with Asparagus - Recipe

Speaking of spring, when you take a look at this recipe from the blog My Kitchen Cafe, you are going to agree.  I love tuna and while I make a Tuna Noodle Casserole that I’m fairly fond of when I’m in the mood for Tuna, my dish screams more fall and winter and this version looks fresh, light and spring like.

Got Some Time - Meal 1

Orange Thai Flank Steak - Recipe

I haven’t really experimented with Thai food all that much but was looking for another way to use an inexpensive cut of beef.  I came across this recipe at the For the Love of Cooking Blog and I think the author nailed it.  

Got Some Time Meal - 2

BBQ Shredded Chicken and Caramelized Red Onion Ranch Spaghetti - Recipe

Okay, I have to admit that when I stumbled upon this blog the picture of the lady shopping in high heals got my attention, one, because I’m such a girly girl and two I have had to run to the store after being dressed up and in 5 inch heels and people look at you like they are wondering if you truly do your grocery shopping in heels!  The expressions on their faces are priceless and I look at them with a look that says - yes I do and I keep them on when I vacuum too!  Ha ha! The author of the Picky-Palate blog created this recipe and it ended up being a hit despite it’s name.

Got Some Time Meal - 3

 Spinach, Red Pepper and Feta Stuffed Pork over Herbed Cous Cous - Recipe

I love this blog!  Poor Girl Eats Well shows us that we can always have flavorful food without breaking the pocket book.  This dish got my attention once I saw the words feta and stuffed!  Yum! 

Pass the Wine; I got all the time - Meal 1

Salmon Burgers - Recipe

I love Paula Deen and you know that when it comes to seafood you can turn to her to make a great dish.  Since we haven’t had seafood in a while salmon burgers seemed like the perfect dish to enjoy a great spring day!

Weekly Menu for March 15th thru 20th

Are you as excited about spring as I am?  March 20th is officially the first day of spring for 2010 and with Daylight Savings Time beginning on the 14th I am thrilled.  When I lived in the mountains where we were at 7000 feet in elevation, spring meant that the snow would finally start to melt, the mud would dry up, the trees would begin to bud and I would thaw out.  I do not like to be cold and when winter would last 7 months I was beyond ecstatic when the calendar promised that spring would come regardless of what it looked like outside.  When we moved to Florida I figured it would look like summer all year long and that there would be no signs of new beginnings or growth.  Well, I was wrong, if you’ve noticed the weather, we have been freezing here lately; it has been so cold that the lizards left (not that that’s a bad thing) there were many trees that lost their leaves in December and January and they are now starting their growth process again producing their vibrant greens and beautiful flowers.  In addition it seems that whoever I talk to, they are ready to start spring cleaning to get rid of the old and allow the new to come in. 

Since I’m still not doing any repeats I had to go back, way back to find this weeks recipes.  I found recipes that I had pulled and saved from as far back as 2003, but no worries they are equally as delicious. While this week contains older recipes I am excited for the week of the 22nd. To celebrate spring I will be posting a full week of “Clean” recipes.  Happy spring!

A few reminders for the newbies; you can click the title of any recipe to access it and if you are interested in a blank grocery list sheet formatted for Excel, send me an email and I’ll send one off to you.  This sheet saves you lots of time in the grocery store. As always you can email me at mydinnerplaybook@aol.com with any suggestions, recipe ideas or blog tips!  Don’t forget to sign up as a follower, by doing so you will show up in the “really cool people” slot.  Thanks for sending this blog off to family, friends and strangers!  As always, have a fabulous week!

Find this weeks Grocery List here

Quick Meal 1

Turkey Burger Drumsticks Recipe

The title of this recipe I feel is a bit deceiving because in order to make the turkey burger look like a drumstick you have to stick a wooden skewer in it. I personally do not do this (as directed by the recipe) but I do like that this recipe is easy, fast and another way to use the cost effective protein of turkey.  Of course adding the skewer makes it much more fun for the kids. I usually serve these over buttered egg noodles or rice with a side veggie.

Quick Meal 2

Slow Cooker Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

This recipe is a quick version of my regular chicken enchiladas and takes no time at all to assemble.   I top our dishes with fresh avocado, tomato and sour cream most of the time but every now and then I decide to top the dish with a fried egg.

Got Some Time - Meal 1

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

As a kid I remember my mom would heat up leftover spaghetti in a saute pan, sprinkle it with cheese and serve it to us.  I loved this meal, but then again I could eat leftover spaghetti for a whole week regardless of what it was topped with or how it was served.  In 2006 I found a recipe from Paula Dean (love her) for Baked Spaghetti; not only was it delicious but it brought back some wonderful memories.  I think you will really enjoy it and since it’s spaghetti and cheese the kids will love it.

Got Some Time Meal - 2

London Broil with Herb Butter Recipe

When compiling this weeks menu this was the last one I came up with.  I needed a dish that used beef and I wanted something budget friendly since we had steaks the previous week.  I find that the herb butter finishes this dish wonderfully and the only variation I made was that I used 1/2 cup of beef broth so I wouldn’t have to deal with the bouillon cube and I added 1/4 cup of red wine for the marinade.  Serving over mashed potatoes completes the meal.

Got Some Time Meal - 3

Potato, Bacon and Chicken Skillet Recipe

Skillets, yumm!  I love skillet meals because all of your flavors are combined within a crispy outer coating. This recipe is easy and tasteful in fact it’s so easy that if it weren’t for the time it takes to cook the potatoes it would be moved to my Quick Meal category.  Usually just adding a side salad  completes this dish.

Pass the Wine; I got all the time - Meal 1

Pork Wellington Recipe

My copy of this recipe is dated December 2003, so old school that I couldn’t find it online anymore.  Although I’ve seen other versions, this is the one I turn to whether we are having a nice Sunday dinner or if company is coming over.  Pork tenderloin, prosciutto, and herbed goat cheese encased in puff pastry, do I need to say more?  This recipe is absolutely amazing (so amazing I was willing to type the whole recipe for you) and such a crowd pleaser that once you make it, you will never want to try another version again.