Menu Recap

This will be the first of a new "regular" series of posts I plan on doing this year - basically my weekly menu but with links or recipes listed and reviews of them.  I am a serious foodie and love cooking almost as much as eating.  It has been a chore the past couple years to get back into my "pre baby" groove of cooking every night, and I think I'm finally back, but the recipes definitely reflect this season of life.  Almost everything is make-ahead or 30-minute type meal.
We have also made it a priority of eating together as a family at night, where everyone eats what momma cooked; OR kids may eat earlier but they eat what we had the night before.  Macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, pizza, and Spaghetti-o's are reserved for babysitter nights and vacations.  I cannot tell you how glad I am we are at this place.  The kids might eat only one or two bites on any given night, but they are learning.  I grew up having family dinner every night and it is a great priority in our family as well.  A lot can happen at the dinner table - the world's problems might just be solved.  Of course general "how was your day" conversation is accepted as well. ;)

I decided that, instead of sharing what I plan on cooking the week coming up, I would share what I actually cooked the week prior.  This way I can leave feedback as to if something was worth the time or too spicy or just plain terrible.  Most of the recipes I cook these days are found on Pinterest, but originate on a blog or cooking website.  I have had great luck with some amazing meals, and been inspired by others to create my own.  I hope this helps someone's meal plannings in some way, or at least just gives me a place to turn back to when my recipe files are running low!

Enjoy

Friday:
Venison Tacos
of the good ole El Paso Stand 'N Stuff variety


Saturday:
out with friends {babysitter night, pizza for the kids :)}


Sunday:

Lentil Stew
see post here for recipe and review!


Monday:

Crock Pot Carne Asada Nachos
very good! and pretty.  I used Dorito's scoops, two different kinds of cheese I had in the refrigerator, and topped it with guacamole, lettuce, cilantro, corn and tomatoes.
Recipe found here


Tuesday:

Tomato Basil Chicken
so simple and SO good.  All three kids ate it up! This will definitely be on rotation at our house.
recipe found here


Wednesday:

Spicy Thai Noodles with Shrimp and Vegetables
kids ate leftovers as this meal is a spicy one.
based off a recipe found on Pinterest, that I cannot find original link to :/, so here is what I did:

1 package angel hair pasta
3/4 cup oil : equal parts sesame seed and vegetable
1T red pepper flakes {more if you like very spicy, less if you don't - we enjoy spicy and this was just enough for us}
6T honey
6T soy sauce
1 lb raw peeled and deveined shrimp
bagged shredded carrots
bagged broccoli slaw
chopped cilantro
chopped green onions
lightly salted cashew halves and pieces

While you are waiting for water to boil for pasta, preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Heat oils in small saucepan until warmed.  Drop red pepper flakes in oil and heat for about 5 minutes, but do not let them burn {mine did…didn't effect pasta but sure did make my house stink}.  Strain out and discard the red pepper flakes but save the oil.  Whisk in honey and soy sauce and set aside.
Place shrimp on foil lined baking sheet seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Place noodles in boiling water and shrimp in preheated oven.  Both should take only about 6-7 minutes.
While noodles are boiling and shrimp is cooking chop cilantro, green onions, and cashews if you wish {I just poured mine out of the can}.
Drain cooked noodles and combine with oils to coat.  Add carrots, broccoli slaw, cilantro, green onions, cashews, and shrimp.
Serve at room temperature or chill for at least an hour and serve.  Tastes even better out of the refrigerator the next day!