Jun 21st - 25th

Sunday: Father's Day & Kennedy Family arrives, Tri Tip Roast, Paula Deen's Mashed Potato Bake (family fav), Salad, & Chocolate Chip Brownies for dessert.

Monday: Kennedy's here, Sausage & Broccoli Penne Pasta

Tuesday: Kennedy's here, Risotto with Chicken, Lemon, and Basil & Rolls

Wednesday: Kennedy's here

Thursday:

Friday: Family in town for Claire's birthday

Penne with Sausage and Broccoli
Serves 4-6
(One large head of broccoli should yield about 8 oz. of florets. Alternatively, bags of cut broccoli florets are available in the produce section of most supermarkets)

1 lb. hot or sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped fine
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced thin
8 oz. penne (about 2 1/2 cups)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 t. red pepper flakes
1 c. white wine
2 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. heavy cream
8 oz. broccoli florets, cut into 1 in pieces
1/2 c. grated parm cheese
1 T. finely chopped fresh basil
2t. balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper

1. Cook sausage in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up pieces with wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain sausage on paper towel-lined plate.
2. Cook onion and bell pepper in sausage fat until softened, about 8 minutes. Add penne and cook, stirring often, until pasta is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and pepper flakes until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in wine, broth, and cream and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover an simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta begins to soften, about 8 min.
3. Arrange broccoli on top of pasta and continue to cook, covered, until broccoli is bright green and tender and pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. Off heat, stir in Parmesan, Sausage, basil, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Risotto with Chicken, Lemon, and Basil
Cook's Country Oct/Nov 2008
Serves 4 (fast)

If the finished risotto is too thick, stir in hot water, a few T. at a time, to adjust the consistency.

1 C. Arborio rice
4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
6 T. unsalted butter
1 onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 rotisserie chicken, skin discarded, meat shredded into bit sized pieces (about 3 cups)
1/2 c. chopped fresh basil
2 t. grated zest and 2 T. juice from 1 lemon
1 C. grated parm. cheese, plus extra for serving
salt and pepper

Combine rice, 3 c. broth, and 2 T. butter in lg. bowl. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and microwave until rice is softened and most of liquid is absorbed, 10-16 min.2. Meanwhile, melt additional 2 T. butter in med. saucepan over med. heat. Stir in onion and cook until softened, about 3 min. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 sec. Stir in hot rice mixture and remaining broth and simmer, stirring constantly, until rice is tender, 5-7 min. Stir in chicken and cook until heated through, about 1 min.3. Off heat, stir in basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and remaining butter. Season with salt and pepper. Serve, passing additional Parmesan at table.

Jun 14 - 19

Ryan out of town this week

Sunday: BBQ Bacon Cheese Burgers
Afternoon treat: Monster Cookies

Monday: Shredded Chicken Tacos (Hannah's pick)

Tuesday: Left Overs

Wednesday: Spaghetti (Claire's pick)

Thursday: Hannah's Dress Rehearsal girls at Upkes

Friday: Hannah's Ballet Recital, Chicken Parmesan Panini's

March 23-28, 2009

Monday: Chicken Caesar Salads

Tuesday: Chicken Enchiladas

Wednesday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, & Rolls

Thursday: Left Overs

Friday: Lasagna, Corn, & Bread

Saturday: Smothered Pork Chops served with Egg Noodles
Cooks Country Cookbook pg. 349

Dessert: Peach Crisp with Maple Cream Sauce

Snack: Banana Bread w/ chocolate chips

Meatloaf

1 lb. ground beef
1 dry onion soup mix packet
½ cup Ketchup
1 egg
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard
½ cup dry breadcrumbs (I use the Progresso Italian Style Breadcrumbs)

Mix all ingredients together, form in pan, and bake.

Oven temp: 350 Degrees Time: 1 hour

Smothered Pork Chops
Cook's country cookbook p. 349
Serves 4

("Make sure the chops are quite dry before browning them to prevent sticking and to promote the best crust. The pork chops pair well with a variety of starches, which you will want to soak up the rich gravy. We liked them best with simple egg noodles, but rice or mashed potatoes also taste great.")

4 slices bacon, diced
3 T. all-purpose flour
1 3/4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
1 T. vegetable oil
4 bone in rib loin pork chops 1/2 - 3/4 in thick
Salt and pepper
2 onions, halved and sliced thin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 t. minced fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 T. chopped fresh parsley

1. Fry the bacon in a medium saucepan over medium heat until lightly browned and the fat is rendered, 6-7 min. Remove the browned bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a small plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gradually stir in the flour with a wooden spoon, making sure to work out any lumps that may form. Continue stirring constantly, reaching into the edges of the pan, until the mixture is light brown, 4-5 minutes. Add the chicken broth in a slow, steady stream while vigorously stirring. Reduce the heat to low and keep the sauce warm.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering, 2-3 minutes. Meanwhile, pat the chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the chops in the pan in a single layer and cook until a deep brown crust forms, about 2 minutes. Turn the chops over and cook for another 2 min. Remove the chops from the pan and set aside on a plate.

3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions and 1/2 t. salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, and scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan, until the onions soften and begin to brown around the edges, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Return the chops to the pan in a single layer and cover each chop with onions. Pour in the warm sauce, add the bay leaves, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the meat is tender, about 30 minutes.

4. Transfer the chops to a warmed plate and cover with aluminum foil. Increase the heat to medium high and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency, 4-5 minutes. Stir in the parsley and adjust the seasonings as desired. Cover each chop with a portion of the sauce, sprinkle with the reserved bacon, and serve immediately.

Banana Bread
Martha Stewart

1 Stick of Butter, softened
1 C Sugar
2 Eggs
1 1/2 C Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 C. Mashed Bananas
1/2 C Sour Cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 C Nuts (optional or substitute for chocolate chips)

Cream together butter, sugar, and eggs. Add dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt. Add vanilla, bananas, and nuts or chips. Mix completely and pour into greased loaf pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

March 15-21 2009

Sunday: Lemon Chicken Risotto & Rolls

Monday: Spaghetti & Garlic Bread

Tuesday: Corned Beef & Cabbage

Wednesday: Left Overs

Thursday: Lemon Chicken Artichoke & Potatoes

Friday & Saturday: Left Overs (SMS not home)

Risotto with Chicken, Lemon, and Basil
(Cook's Country Oct/Nov 2008)
Serves 4 (fast)
If the finished risotto is too thick, stir in hot water, a few T. at a time, to adjust the consistency.

1 C. Arborio rice
4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
6 T. unsalted butter
1 onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 rotisserie chicken, skin discarded, meat shredded into bit sized pieces (about 3 cups)
1/2 c. chopped fresh basil
2 t. grated zest and 2 T. juice from 1 lemon
1 C. grated parm. cheese, plus extra for serving
salt and pepper

1. Combine rice, 3 c. broth, and 2 T. butter in lg. bowl. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and microwave until rice is softened and most of liquid is absorbed, 10-16 min.

2. Meanwhile, melt additional 2 T. butter in med. saucepan over med. heat. Stir in onion and cook until softened, about 3 min. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 sec. Stir in hot rice mixture and remaining broth and simmer, stirring constantly, until rice is tender, 5-7 min. Stir in chicken and cook until heated through, about 1 min.

3. Off heat, stir in basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and remaining butter. Season with salt and pepper. Serve, passing additional Parmesan at table.

Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Potatoes
Serves 4
Though we prefer the flavor and texture of frozen artichoke hearts, one 14 oz. can of artichoke hearts (drained and patted dry with paper towels) may be substituted.

1 lb. small red potatoes, quartered
2 T.vegetable oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs)
Salt and Pepper
1 9oz. box frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 t. grated zest and 1 T. juice from 1 lemon
2 T. finely chopped fresh oregano

1. Toss potatoes and 1 T. oil in large bowl. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and microwave until edges of potatoes begin to soften, 4-7 min, shaking bowl (without removing plastic)to redistribute potatoes halfway through cooking.

2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat remaining oil in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 min per side. Transfer to serving platter and tent with foil.

3. Add potatoes to empty skillet and cook until well browned, about 4 min. Stir in artichoke hearts and cook until heated through, about 2 min. Add garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and oregano and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to platter with chicken. Serve.

March 9-13, 2009

Monday: Steak Teriyaki (Really Yummy)
Cooks Country 2008 Feb/Mar insert card; 30 min meal)

Tuesday: Left overs

Wednesday: Tacos

Thursday: Penne with Sausage and Broccoli (Really yummy)

Friday & Saturday in Seattle

Steak Teriyaki
Cooks Country 2008 Feb/Mar insert card; 30 min meal
Serves 4
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve with rice, if desired.

1/2 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. grated fresh ginger
1/8 t. red pepper flakes
2 T. Cider vinegar
2 t. cornstarch
3 strip steaks (8-10 oz .ea), about 1 in. thick
2 t. vegetable oil
2 scallions, sliced thin

1. Whisk soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes, vinegar, and cornstarch in bowl.

2. Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add steaks and cook until well browned, 3-5 min per side. Transfer to plate and tent with foil.

3. Wipe out skillet and add soy sauce mixture. Simmer over med. heat until sauce is thickened, about 2 min. Slice steak thinly against grain and transfer to platter. Pour sauce over steak and sprinkle with scallions. Serve.

Penne with Sausage and Broccoli
Serves 4-6
(One large head of broccoli should yield about 8 oz. of florets. Alternatively, bags of cut broccoli florets are available in the produce section of most supermarkets).

1 lb. hot or sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped fine
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced thin
8 oz. penne (about 2 1/2 cups)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 t. red pepper flakes
1 c. white wine
2 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. heavy cream
8 oz. broccoli florets, cut into 1 in pieces
1/2 c. grated parm cheese
1 T. finely chopped fresh basil
2t. balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper

1. Cook sausage in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up pieces with wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain sausage on paper towel-lined plate.

2. Cook onion and bell pepper in sausage fat until softened, about 8 minutes. Add penne and cook, stirring often, until pasta is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and pepper flakes until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in wine, broth, and cream and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover an simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta begins to soften, about 8 min.

3. Arrange broccoli on top of pasta and continue to cook, covered, until broccoli is bright green and tender and pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. Off heat, stir in Parmesan, Sausage, basil, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

February 22nd - Feb 28

Sunday: Baked Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, & rolls

Monday: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Cooks Country Oct/Nov pg. 8

Tuesday: Left overs (Hannah's school program)

Wednesday: Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole, Salad, & Rolls

Thursday: Chicken Caesar Salads

Friday: Chicken Broccoli & Cheese Ziti & Garlic Bread
The Cooks Country Cookbook pg. 259

Saturday: Left overs

Baked Ham
15 lb ham serves 30

15 lb bone in or 7-8 lb shank, smoked ham
1 ½ c. (1 jar) orange marmalade
1 c. Dijon mustard
1 1/2c. brown sugar
1 T. Whole Cloves

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Set rack on lower middle level. Cut off excess fat and tough outer skin. Put in large roasting pan. Score ½ inch deep and 1inch apart. Roast 2 hrs. plain or 1 ½ hours for 7-8lb. ham.

Remove ham, increase oven temp to 350 degrees. Put cloves at intersections of scores and brush with glaze generously. Cook 1 ½ hrs. (15 lb) less for 7-8 lb ham, brushing with glaze at least 3 times.

Total cooking time 3 ½ hrs. (15 lb ham) or until proper temp.
Rest 30 min. before carving.

Cheesy Potatoes

1 24 oz package frozen hash browns (square style)
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 small carton of Sour Cream
1 lb. Velveeta Cheese
1 small onion (we only used ½ of one-easier of stomachs-family member’s don’t digest them very well)
1 stick of margarine/butter
Salt & pepper
Cornflakes

Thaw hash browns. Cube cheese, and mix all other ingredients together. Put hash browns in 9 x 13 baking dish. Put cubed cheese on top of hash browns. Put the mixed ingredients on top of the cheese and potatoes. Cover with cornflakes crumbs. Bake for 45 min to 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole

2 T. oil olive
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
1/2 lb. diced ham
2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
4 T. butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
14 oz chicken broth
3 cups cooked rice of choice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella or swiss cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Heat oil in large 5 quart rimmed skilled over medium heat. Saute onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, ham, and chicken. Cook for additional 5 minutes. Melt butter, stir in flour, add salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Slowly stir in chicken broth until well combined. Stir in cooked rice.

Transfer to a 9X13 baking pan. Top with cheddar and mozarella (I used swiss) cheese. I also mixed the cheese into the dish.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

February 9 - Feb 15th

Sunday: Afternoon Treat! Hershey's Best Brownies
My mom & I used to make these when I was younger and they are SO yummy!

Monday: Tacos

Tuesday: Pork chops & Rice

Wednesday: Chicken Caesar Salad & French Bread

Thursday: French Dips, Pasta Salad & Chips

Friday: Left overs

Saturday: Valentine's Dinner! Lasagna, Corn, & Garlic Bread

Sunday: Left overs

Pork Chops & Rice
Mom's recipe (serves 4-6 )

Boneless Pork chops
Yoshida's Teriyaki Sauce
2 Cans Beef Consume w/ Gelatin
2 Cans Minute Rice
1/4 of small onion, chopped
Garlic Powder
Italian Seasoning
Pepper

Brown pork chops in Yoshida's until done. Drain soup into 9 x 13 pan. Use soup cans to fill with Minute Rice and pour 2 cans of rice into the soup. Add chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper to taste. (I just shake a bit in and go for it) Mix all together and lay browned pork chops on top. Cover with foil and bake at 325 degree for 25 minutes.

Onion Beef Au Jus
Serves 4-5

1 boneless beef rump roast
1 T. Vegetable oil
2 lg. white onions, cut ¼ in. slices
6 T. butter/margarine, softened, divided
5 c. water
½ c. Soy Sauce
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Loaf French bread
1 c. (4 oz) shredded swiss cheese (sliced works fine too)

In a Dutch oven over med-high heat brown roast on all sides in oil; drain. In a lg. skillet, sauté onions in 2 T. butter until tender. Add the water, soy sauce, soup mix & garlic. Pour over roast. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 2 ½ hours or until tender.

Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Return meat to pan juices. Slice bread in half lengthwise; cut into 3 in. sections. Spread remaining butter over bread. Place on a baking sheet, broil until golden brown. Top with beef & onions, sprinkle with cheese. Broil until cheese is melted. Serve with pan juices.

Nov 30 - Dec 5

Sunday: Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, & Corn

Monday: Left overs

Tuesday: Supper Nachos w/ Chicken

Wednesday: Pork Chops with Roasted Red Pepper cream served over egg noodles (SO YUMMY)

Thursday: Shepherd's Pie & Rolls

Friday: Chicken Penne Pasta & Bread

Pork Chops with Roasted Red Pepper Cream
Cook's Country April/May 2008
serves 4 (recommends Divina jarred roasted red peppers)

4 bone in rib or center-cut pork chops (1 in thick)
salt and pepper
1 T. Vegetable oil
1/2 onion, sliced thin
6 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 c. heavy cream
1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
2 t. light brown sugar
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil

1. Pat chops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add cops and cook until well browned and meat registers 145 degrees. about 5 min. per side. Transfer to serving platter and tent with foil.

2. Add onion to empty skillet and cook until softened, about 5 min. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth, cream, roasted peppers, and sugar and simmer, scraping up any browned bits with wooden spoon, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 min. Off heat, add any accumulated pork juices back to pan and stir in basil. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce over chops. Serve

Shepherd’s Pie
Serves 6 to 8

3 lbs of ground beef
2 TB Vegetable Oil
2 medium onions, minced
Salt
4 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 4 teaspoons)
2 TB tomato paste
1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
¾ cups dry red wine
2 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce1 tsp minced fresh rosemary or ¼ tsp dried
1 1lb bag frozen pea and carrot medley (about 3 cups; do not thaw)
Ground black pepper
3 lbs. russet potatoes (about 6 med potatoes) peeled and sliced ¾ inch thick
1 ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
4 TB (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Brown the hamburger in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink and the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes.
Drain the hamburger through a fine-mesh strainer. Add 2 TB of vegetable oil to the pot and heat over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add the onions and 1 tsp salt and cook until softened and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1 minute. Whisk in the broth and wine, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the drained hamburger, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and rosemary and cook until the mixture begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. Off the heat, stir in peas and carrots and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture into a 13 by 9 inch casserole dish; set aside.
Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a large Dutch oven and cover by 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender (a paring knife can be slipped into and out of the center of the potatoes with very little resistance), about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot set over low heat, and mash to a smooth consistency. Stir in the cream, followed by the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.With a large spoon, dollop the mashed potatoes over the hamburger filling. Using a rubber spatula, smooth the potatoes out into an even layer and push to the edges of the baking dish.Adjust an over rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400 degrees. Unwrap the dish and place the casserole on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the sauce is bubbling and the top is browned, about 20-25 min.

Chicken Vegetable Pasta

3 or 4 Chicken breasts cut in pieces
2 Zucchini
2 Yellow Squash
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 pint Heavy Cream
¾ C Cheddar Jack Cheese

Cut all veggies thin, so they cook quickly. (Squash & Zucchini cut in half and then slice, bell pepper cut into thin slices and then chop into squares/bite sizes).
Brown 2 cloves of garlic in vegetable oil. Add Chicken and season with salt & pepper.
Drain off oil and juices.
Add small amount of vegetable oil and all veggies. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning. Cook until veggies are soft. Taste to check seasoning.
Start water for pasta ( mini penne is what I use)
Drain off oil/juices, as much as you can.
Add 1 pint Heavy Cream. Season again with salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning. Allow sauce to thicken while pasta is cooking. Taste sauce to check seasoning, add if necessary.
Drain and add desired amount of pasta.
Add about ½ cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese and stir in.

Use remaining cheese to top your pasta in the bowl. I serve with warm French bread.

Oct. 19- 25th

Sunday: Pumpkin Waffles, Maple Syrup, & Almond Whipping Cream
Dinner: White Cheese Chicken Lasagna & Garlic Bread
(VERY GOOD)

Monday: Slower Cooker Beef Stew & Rolls

Tuesday: Left overs

Wednesday: Quiche

Thursday: Garlic Lime Chicken & Rice

Friday: Pizza Night

Saturday:

Sunday:

Pumpkin Waffles
2 c. flour (half whole wheat if desired)
2 TBSP packed brown sugar
1 TBSP baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ginger
1 3/4 cup milk (maybe a little more or less)
1/2 c pumpkin
1 egg2 TBSP. vegetable oil

Mix and drop into hot waffle iron. SO YUMMY!!!!

Quiche
Mix together well
1 Pkg. Stouffer's Spinach Souffle (thawed)
2 eggs
3 T milk
2 t chopped onion
1 C cooked crumbled pork sausage (NOT Italian sausage)
1 C grated Swiss cheese

Pour mixed in an un-baked pie shell. Baked @ 400 degrees for 25 to 30 min.

Garlic Lime Chicken
Serves 6
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons lime juice

In a bowl, mix together first 7 ingredients. Sprinkle mixture on both sides of chicken breasts.In a skillet heat butter and olive oil together over medium high heat. Saute chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Turn down the heat, remove the chicken (keeping warm) and add the lime juice and chicken broth to the pan, whisking up the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Keep cooking until sauce has reduced slightly. Add chicken back to the pan to thoroughly coat and serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Roasted asparagus (preheat oven to 400 degrees, lay your asparagus in a baking dish or pan, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and a smidge of thyme, bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness of asparagi), baked potatoes (try Yukon Gold potatoes?delicious!) and steamed baby carrots (add a little butter after steaming and sprinkle some nutmeg on top before serving).

Oct 12-Oct 18th

Sunday: Baked Gnocchi With Tomato and Basil & Garlic Bread
Recipe: Cooks Country Oct/Nov '08 RC

Monday: Porkchops & Rice (Kid's choice)

Tuesday: Tortolini & Garlic Bread (Kid's choice)

Wednesday: Left overs

Thursday: Garlic Lime Chicken & Rice

Friday: Shepherd's Pie & Rolls (Mom & Dad here)

Saturday: Slower Cooker Beef Stew & Rolls

Sunday: White Cheese Chicken Lasagna & Garlic Bread

Garlic Lime Chicken
Serves 6

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons lime juice

In a bowl, mix together first 7 ingredients. Sprinkle mixture on both sides of chicken breasts.In a skillet heat butter and olive oil together over medium high heat. Saute chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Turn down the heat, remove the chicken (keeping warm) and add the lime juice and chicken broth to the pan, whisking up the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Keep cooking until sauce has reduced slightly. Add chicken back to the pan to thoroughly coat and serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Roasted asparagus (preheat oven to 400 degrees, lay your asparagus in a baking dish or pan, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and a smidge of thyme, bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness of asparagi), baked potatoes (try Yukon Gold potatoes?delicious!) and steamed baby carrots (add a little butter after steaming and sprinkle some nutmeg on top before serving).

Shepherd’s Pie
Serves 6 to 8

3 lbs of ground beef
2 TB Vegetable Oil
2 medium onions, minced
Salt
4 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 4 teaspoons)
2 TB tomato paste
1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
¾ cups dry red wine
2 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp minced fresh rosemary or ¼ tsp dried
1 1lb bag frozen pea and carrot medley (about 3 cups; do not thaw)
Ground black pepper
3 lbs. russet potatoes (about 6 med potatoes) peeled and sliced ¾ inch thick
1 ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
4 TB (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Brown the hamburger in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink and the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Drain the hamburger through a fine-mesh strainer.

Add 2 TB of vegetable oil to the pot and heat over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add the onions and 1 tsp salt and cook until softened and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1 minute. Whisk in the broth and wine, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the drained hamburger, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and rosemary and cook until the mixture begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. Off the heat, stir in peas and carrots and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture into a 13 by 9 inch casserole dish; set aside.

Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a large Dutch oven and cover by 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender (a paring knife can be slipped into and out of the center of the potatoes with very little resistance), about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot set over low heat, and mash to a smooth consistency. Stir in the cream, followed by the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

With a large spoon, dollop the mashed potatoes over the hamburger filling. Using a rubber spatula, smooth the potatoes out into an even layer and push to the edges of the baking dish.

Adjust an over rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400 degrees. Unwrap the dish and place the casserole on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the sauce is bubbling and the top is browned, about 20-25 min.

Oct 5- Oct 11th

Sunday: Chili & Cornbread (Slow Cooker)

Monday: Leftovers

Tuesday: Bow Tie Pasta (Slow Cooker) & Garlic Bread

Wednesday: Garlic Lime Chicken & Rice

Thursday: Baked Gnocchi With Tomato and Basil
Recipe: Cooks Country Oct/Nov '08 RC

Friday: Pizza Night

Saturday: Taco Salads

Revised: Saturday - Taco Salads, Sunday - Baked Gnocchi, still have makings for Garlic Lime Chicken

Garlic Lime Chicken
Serves 6

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons lime juice

In a bowl, mix together first 7 ingredients. Sprinkle mixture on both sides of chicken breasts.
In a skillet heat butter and olive oil together over medium high heat. Saute chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Turn down the heat, remove the chicken (keeping warm) and add the lime juice and chicken broth to the pan, whisking up the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Keep cooking until sauce has reduced slightly. Add chicken back to the pan to thoroughly coat and serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Roasted asparagus (preheat oven to 400 degrees, lay your asparagus in a baking dish or pan, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and a smidge of thyme, bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness of asparagi), baked potatoes (try Yukon Gold potatoes?delicious!) and steamed baby carrots (add a little butter after steaming and sprinkle some nutmeg on top before serving).