Weekly Menu for May 3rd thru May 8th

Sorry, I guess I should have posted a “Out Sick” sign on my blog!  Unfortunately on Thursday of last week I got sick and was unable to post recipes for this week, but, I’m sure you were still able to rock dinner without me. While I’m not 100% and my voice still sounds like a drag queen, I am up and cooking again!  Yay!  This week the dishes consist of a couple of repeats; since I was entering some of my recipes in contests, I had to remake them so lovely pictures could be taken (I’m trying to remember to take pics of my dishes daily!).  I’m also posting a new and really cool fusion recipe from my sis-in-law that I know you will love, along with a couple from the subscriptions that arrived in the mail this week.  I think that you’ll agree that this weeks menu is pretty fabulous and I hope you enjoy.

The last time I posted I mentioned how impressed I was with the talent out  in the blog world and posted recipes from some great blogs that I found and according to your emails, you were equally impressed.  So, next week I will be featuring recipe submissions from the Real Women of Philadelphia contest.  There are some talented women out there and I think you’ll enjoy what they are cooking in their kitchens.  As always I hope your week is fabulous and Happy Mothers Day to all the mom's out there!  May you be spoiled silly on Sunday!

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

Steak Salad - Recipe

The weather outside has been so lovely lately that salads have been on my mind.  Of course this is one of my favorites and since it’s packed with lots of great ingredients including steak, it is very satisfying and filling.

Quick Meal 2

Ham, Brie and Apple Paninis - Recipe

I entered this dish into a contest this week and the family was happy that I did, not only for the potential prize but because they got to eat it again.  It truly is one of their favorites.  This time I had my deli slice the ham in thick slices as opposed to thin and I enjoyed it even more especially because the green apples I used were so crisp and the brie melted perfect.  Yum!

Got Some Time - Meal 1

Chile Relleno Ravioli - Recipe

My sister-in-law created this recipe as part of her fusion cookbook she is working on.  She has described this recipe as “an exotic fusion recipe being savory and sweet with just enough heat and spice from the chile to tickle the taste buds”.  Not only is this recipe easy to make you will love the combination of flavors.

Got Some Time Meal - 2

Ring of Flavor - Italian Style - Recipe

I’m not sure if you remember my recipe for my original Ring of Flavor that had chicken in it, this one is similar but with Italian type ingredients.  It resembles a calzone and it was a hit at our table and I think it will be at yours also, and more importantly I’m hoping it will be with the judges of the other contest I entered.  The winner gets a spa trip... aaahhhh... I definitely could use a spa weekend! 

Got Some Time Meal - 3

 Fettuccini with Sweet Corn and Fresh Dill - Recipe

I love fettuccini alfredo mostly because of it’s wonderful creamy texture.  Since it’s not exactly the most healthiest meal out there, I don’t eat as often as I would like, yet Rachael Ray created fettucini dish that has the same creamy texture as alfredo but is soooo much healthier.  This dish screams spring and makes you feel like your cheating a bit.

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

Roast Cod with Garlic Butter - Recipe

April’s issue of Coastal Living featured recipes from it’s top coastal chefs and the picture of the Roast Cod in Garlic Butter made even me, a non-fish lover want to try it.  A nice green salad with a wonderful wild rice made this a wonderful weekend meal.

Weekly Menu for March 1st thru 6th

Happy Friday!  I’m not sure how your week was but mine seemed to be a bit more nuts than usual.  Last week I told you about all the new March magazines I was receiving, and since the week was so busy I only got thru two of them and only had time to test one of the recipes I flagged.  You are going to be so happy though, because the one I tested, ROCKED!   Along with that rockin’ meal, we have a really great variety of proteins and flavor profiles this week.  Times like this make me feel very happy that I’m not a picky eater, or more importantly a boring eater.  I have known people to eat the same 7 meals on the same days of the week, or those who eat chicken at every meal.  I just don’t get it, there is so much great food out there!  (Disclosure in a hushed announcer voice - If you know someone who fits into the above category, you should send them this blog, it’s your foodie duty.)

Speaking of March, we have St. Patty’s Day this month.  Since I’m not Irish, green is my least favorite color and I tend to eat more of the potatoes during the Corned Beef, Cabbage and Potatoes meal (when we have been invited to such a shindig in the past), I can’t say I will be the one providing any inspiration if your wanting to celebrate the 17th in a big way.  Although in my opinion, March does bring us one of the best days of the year in my book; daylight savings time begins!  Gone will be the days of feeling like you want to go to bed at 5:30 p.m., you somehow just seem to have more energy, the kids can stay outside longer, (wink wink) and I don’t know about you, but for me, when that extra hour comes back into play I get excited! Woo hoo!  I’d never make it in Alaska!

Last week I asked you how you liked the new layout?  Well, don’t get too used to it, this template isn’t working out as I would like so the background will most likely change, but you will still be able to just click the title of the recipe to access it.  Throughout the week I’m sure I will continue to tweak the site, so please email me at mydinnerplaybook@aol.com with any suggestions, recipe ideas, or how...ha!  You thought I was going to say; “how I can take over the world with my blog”, well not this week, I’m a bit on the tired side, however I’d still love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget about my goal of having 100 followers, sign up today and send this blog off to family, friends and strangers!  As always, have a fabulous week!

Find this weeks Grocery List here

Quick Meal 1

Baked Rigatoni with Spinach, Ricotta, and Fontina Recipe

This is a meal that gets made every so often, or at least often enough that it has made into my BBB (big blue binder).  This recipe is a kid friendly meal because of the pasta and cheese; but as the commercials say, it’s Mom approved because it has spinach cleverly disguised in it. 

Quick Meal 2

Steak Salad Recipe

I’m sure you have noticed that most of the meals I post are hardy meals that have many flavors and components; and with many them I seem to only add a small salad as a side dish.  Well, this salad is the whole meal with no need for a side kick and the flavor components are just as satisfying.  For those of you who like black beans and want to up the fiber intake for the day, throw them in, they will compliment the dish nicely.

Got Some Time - Meal 1

Tilapia Baked in Couscous Recipe

Remember when I told you that I’m not a big seafood eater but try to make fish recipes so that the family gets those Omega-3 fats into their diets?  Well, it’s time for another one.  Tilapia is a great fish for those who really don’t like “fishy” fish. Those of you who just love seafood won’t understand this, but those of you; like me who aren’t the biggest fans of fish will.  The flavor of the fish is very mild and with the added couscous and seasonings, I’m thinking it’s a dish you will like and be able to say you ate something healthy.     

   

Got Some Time Meal - 2

Provolone and Pancetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

This recipe is a BBB favorite.  I found this recipe in the Williams-Sonoma magazine about four years ago and it’s a recipe that we all love and a great way to add some zing to your chicken.  In fact, it is such a great recipe that I’ve even made it for company.  I find that most times I don’t need a starch and I usually just add asparagus or a side salad.  This recipe instructs you to use toasted bread crumbs but I find that Panko bread crumbs work just as well and save time.

Got Some Time Meal - 3

Italian Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

I’m going to be honest with you, meatloaf isn’t one of my favorite meals.  I know that it’s what people would call a staple in American cooking but my thinking is; if I’m going to have a big chunk of cooked ground beef, I’d rather it be in the form of a burger.  This week a request has been made for a good recipe and in the past when I’ve been asked to make a meatloaf, this is the one recipe I turn to.  I’m sure the reason I like this version is because it’s stuffed with ham, bacon and cheese.  If you feel the same way I do  about meatloaf I’m sure that after trying this recipe your perspective of it will change.  If you do not have a meatloaf pan, which is a rectangle dish that has an insert in it to catch the grease I highly suggest that you get one.  They are inexpensive and your meatloaf doesn’t sit in a pile of grease.

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

Cheese-Potato Slab Pie Recipe

Taadaa, the big finish. This is the rockin’ recipe I mentioned in the beginning.  I found this recipe in my March issue of Food Network Magazine and the picture looked so good, I had to try it.  After reading the recipe thru I was a bit shocked that 3 sticks of butter, yes I said three, was used just for the crust, but it was sooooo good and flaky.  When you look at the time on the recipe you will understand why it’s in this category, but I have to say it didn’t take as long to assemble as I thought it would.  I used my food processor for the apples and potatoes and it shaved off lots of time.  Also, I chose to use ham because the mortadella (môrtəˈdelə|noun a type of light pink, smooth-textured Italian sausage containing pieces of fat, typically served in slices) just looked weird to me and since I was already going to be using 3 sticks of butter I just couldn’t do it. This dish was a hit and the combination of the apples with the potatoes was delicious. Although the next time I make this recipe (it has already been requested again) I’m thinking I will double the ham portion, as it did get a little lost.  This certainly is a dish you need to make this week.

Steak Salad

Serves 4

Recipe courtesy of Jo Davison

1 pkg Spring Mix Salad

1 cup frozen or fresh corn

1 sm red bell pepper, sliced

1 seedless cucumber, sliced

1 Avocado, diced

1 Tomato, Lg, diced

1 Red Onion, sm, sliced

1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

2 Steaks, your choice of cut

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Garlic Powder

Paprika

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Heat a sauté pan on high, add 1 tbs of olive oil**.  Season steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika, on both sides.  Sear each side for 1 minute.  Place steaks on a cookie sheet and place in oven and cook to desired doneness.  Example: 1 inch steak, bake 11 - 15 minutes for medium.  When steak is done, remove from sheet and allow to rest for 5 to 7 minutes.  After steak has rested, slice and create 4 portions.

In the same sauté pan, add the corn and bell pepper and sauté for just a couple of minutes to absorb the steak flavors.

In a large salad bowl combine the salad mix, cucumber, tomato and onion.  Add 1/4 cup of dressing and combine well. Separate mixture into four equal parts on the plates.  Top each plate with chips and corn mixture evenly. Add the steak slices and avocado to finish.

** Steaks can be grilled on an outdoor grill.  Coat steaks with olive oil and season before grilling.