Weekly Menu for May 17th thru May 22nd

Running, running, running...whew!  While I’d like to say that the running I've been doing is the type to help me stay in shape, I’m afraid it’s the type that has me running around like a chicken without a head!  I’m sorry for the delay in posting but I wanted to make sure that I finished my two submissions for the Real Women of Philadelphia site.  Of course the hope is to actually be chosen as a finalist, but I have to say I was filled with so much excitement to share the recipe I came up with this week!  Now, I’m not sure everyone will share in this excitement but I know that the folks back in New Mexico, California, Arizona and Texas are going to be saying yuuummmmm, in unison!  You see I came up with a new burger recipe..... Smothered Green Chile Queso Burgers!  OMG (as my daughter would say) these burgers ROCKED!  Now if your a fan of green chile and oozing cheese, you will love this recipe.  

This week I will be continuing to feature recipes from the amazing women on the Real Women of Philadelphia (RWoP) site.  In fact I think that unless I come up with a new recipe to share with you, I will be featuring their work weekly.  Like I mentioned last week, I had no idea how hard it was going to be to choose so I started with those on my friend page, 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.  www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com  This week as usual I searched for recipes that would fit into my categories along with different proteins and cuisines, and after many hours I think you will enjoy what I came up with.  Don’t forget to head over to the page that features the great blogs that the RWoP have.  I have 15 more to add this week!   Also I'd be thrilled if you 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 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!  

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Quick Meal 1

James and Phil Beef Stroganoff - Recipe

By Jo

I was reminded of a funny story when I started to recreate my stroganoff recipe and I think you will be amused and after your done laughing make sure and whip up this quick and easy meal.

Quick Meal 2

Susie’s Spicy Chicken Pasta- Recipe

by Susan West

“This is a one pot casserole that has everything in it” according to Susan.  A very easy and really, really good meal.  The kids are going to love it.  

Got Some Time - Meal 1

Fantastic Fish Tacos - Recipe

by Paula Todora

Talk about a mothers love.  When Paula’s son moved back to Texas from California he couldn’t find a place to buy the fish tacos he loved so much, so it was Mom to the rescue!  Not only were they spot on, but I’m told they are so good that if there are any left they eat them for breakfast!

Got Some Time Meal - 2

Cheesy Squash Casserole - Recipe

by Tresa Hargrove

Tresa is one tuff cookie!  She has endured so many operations and is on her second kidney.  To look at her and see the joy the radiates out of her, you would never think all the above happened.  Tresa created this recipe when she was all of 12 years old, wow and it is a perfect entree for children who would rather not eat their veggies.

Got Some Time Meal - 3

 Nana’s Fairy Godmother’s Shrimp and Asparagus Cannelloni - Recipe

by Debi Wood aka Nana

Now Nana has to be the one gal on RWoP that keeps you in stitches as all times!  She is an amazing cheerleader and one Nana I would love to call my own, I just love what this lady has brought to the RWoP site.  Make sure and check out more than this one recipe out, she is hilarious!  I’m also told that she now has the blogging bug so I’ll make sure and link her site from mine once I find out the details.

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

Smothered Green Chile Queso Burger - Recipe

by Jo

Drum roll please.... here is the recipe for those ROCKING burgers!  Like I said before if your a fan of messy burgers that are loaded with flavor, these are the burgers for you!  You will not be disappointed!  YUM!

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 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.

Grocery List: 5/3 thru 5/8

Produce

1 pkg. Spring Mix Salad

1 Red Bell Pepper

1 Seedless Cucumber

1 Avocado

1 Tomato (your choice)

4 Roma Tomatoes

1 Red Onion

1 Purple Onion

1 Yellow Onion

Shallot

1 8 oz. Pkg. Sliced Portobello Mushrooms

8 ears of corn*

1 bunch of sweet green Vidalia onions or 3 medium leaks

1 small red chile pepper

1 Green Apple

2 Mangos

Italian Flat Leaf Parsley

Thyme

Dill

Garlic Bulb

3 Lemons

Pantry

Tortilla Chips

Sourdough Bread

Tomato Paste

1 14.5 oz. can of Diced Tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano

Corn Meal (optional)

1 3.25 oz can of black olives, sliced 

1 lb. fettuccini

Spices/Staples

Salt and Pepper

Olive Oil

Paprika

Red Pepper Flakes

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Chicken Stock

Dijon Mustard

Flour

Meats/Deli/Seafood

2 Steaks - your choice of cut

8 slices of Deli Ham - thick sliced

1 12oz. pkg Sweet Italian Sausage (pre-cooked)

4 oz. sliced Pepperoni

Smokey Bacon

Prosciutto di Parma (1 1/2 tbls.)

4 (7 oz.) skinless cod filets

Dairy

Butter - Salted and Unsalted

Brie, small wheel

1 lb. Wonton Wrappers

Eggs

7 oz. Ricotta Cheese

4 oz. Cream Cheese

Parmiggano-Reggiano Cheese

Mozzarella Cheese

3 8oz. pkgs of refrigerated crescent rolls, garlic flavored

Frozen

Corn*

Green Chile**

Misc.

Red Wine

* you will be purchasing fresh corn so either add a 2 more ears to your list or use frozen.

** Chile can be purchased in frozen, canned or fresh form

Chile Relleno Ravioli

Recipe courtesy of Jaime Carrillo

Serves 4

1 pound Wonton Wrappers 

2 eggs slightly beaten with water

7 oz. Ricotta Cheese

4 oz. Cream Cheese, softened

1/2 cup chopped green chile

1 tsp.garlic powder

4 tbsp. shredded Parmiggano Reggiano

4 Diced Roma Tomatoes

1/2 Purple Onion cut Fajita Style into slivers

2 Diced Mangos

1 handful of fresh italian flat leaf parsley, chopped

4 tbsp.olive oil

1 diced clove of garlic

1 tbsp.vegetable oil

salt to taste

black pepper to taste

Directions:

1)In a large mixing bowl, mix 4 oz. of softened Cream Cheese, 7 oz. of Ricotta Cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped green chile, 1 tsp. of garlic powder.

2)In a small bowl, beat 2 eggs slightly with a splash of water to create "eggwash"

3)Lay One Wonton Wrapper onto cutting board and brush with "eggwash" in a square following the edges of the wonton wrapper.

4)Add a teaspoon of chile cheese filling in 4 spots in the corners of the wonton wrapper down just far enough to give room to seal the edges on all four sides of each filling spot.

5)Place another Wonton Wrapper on top and seal edges and seal well around each filling spot - press gently but firmly to seal well. Use a knife or ravioli cutter to cut into 4 raviolis along the sealed seams.

6) Repeat steps 3-5 to create ravioli with remaining wonton wrappers and filling.

7) In a sautee pan over med to low heat, sautee 4 tbsp. of olive oil with one clove of garlic, 1/2 purple, the 4 roma tomatoes and salt to taste until onions become translucent, then add the 2 diced mangos and sautee for a minute longer - turn off heat and cover to keep warm

8) Boil Raviolis in Water (with 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil and a small handful of salt) for 2 to 3 minutes. Lift gently and carefully with flat spatula or ladle with holes to drain water. 

9) Plate Raviolis, cover with sauce on top, add italian flat leaf parsley, shredded Parmiggano Reggiano and black pepper to taste. Serve hot :)