Menu Swap Week 2

Menu Swap Week 2
I'm linking up to Angela at Unexpected Elegance for Menu Swap Sunday. 

I can feel summer coming to an end (sigh).  I have one free week until we go back to school for teacher inservice.  We plan to use the grill as much as possible to enjoy this last week of freedom.

Monday:  Chicken Salad
Here's how I make mine.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Miracle Whip  (more to taste)
1 teaspoon dill weed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup finely chopped celery (1 - 2 stalks)
1/4 cup sweet relish (more to taste)
optional goodies you can add: red grapes, walnuts, dried cranberries or apples
Mix all ingredients together.  I like to eat it on croissants.

Tuesday:  1/2 price burgers at Sonic or Dairy Queen so I'm going to take it easy and let them cook.

Wednesday:  Grilled chicken and asparagus.  My husband will take care of this meal.  I'll help him out by using this marinade for the chicken. 

Thursday:  Darby at Fly Through Our Window has an easy and delicious marinade recipe for Asian Flank Steak.  I have the best luck finding good flank steak at Sam's Club.  Darby serves it with what I call Oriental Cole Slaw. 

Here's the recipe for Oriental Cole Slaw that I use:

Ingredients
1 head of cabbage (I like to buy pre shredded cole slaw for convenience.)
3 green onions (optional)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 package slivered almonds (4oz. or 1 cup)
1 package chicken Ramen Noodles
3/4 cup oil
6 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions
Break up and separate Ramen noodles.  Brown sesame seeds, slivered almonds, and Ramen noodles in oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes, check frequently to avoid burning.  Remove and cool before adding to cabbage.  Chop cabbage and green onions.  Add toasted sesame seeds, almonds and noodles to cabbage; stir together.

Dressing
Mix oil, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and chicken flavor mix from Ramen noodles.  Mix ingredients well and add to salad about 10 minutes before serving.

Friday:  Grilled chicken one more time with Paula Deen's summer squash casserole.

*The menu is a plan, but like any plan it is subject to change.  I wish I were this organized and prepared, but sometimes I don't stick to the menu because life happens.  I wouldn't want anyone to be overly impressed and think I'm always this prepared and industrious.

Menu Swap Sunday Week One

Menu Swap Sunday Week One

My best friend, Angela, at Unexpected Elegance had the great idea of getting together a menu swap.  This is so helpful because I'm always looking for new things to add to our dinner routine.  I'll have to admit that Angela and I think alike because a few of her menu items are what I had in mind for the week.  Head over to Angela's blog to check out more menu ideas :)

Monday: 
Lemon Pepper Tilapia.  I buy a big package of Tilapia fillets at Sam's Club.  I take the fillets in their package and run it under warm water to help it thaw.  I put a few tablespoons of butter in a pan and place the Tilapia fillets in the frying pan.  While the Tilapia is in the pan I sprinkle on lemon pepper seasoning to taste.  When the fish is flaky you know it's ready.  It only takes a few minutes and everyone in my house loves this easy meal.  I like to serve it with salad.

Tuesday:
Taco Tuesdays.  It's my easy go-to meal.

Wednesday:
Pork Tenderloin.  I like to cook mine in the Crock Pot with a package of dry onion soup mix and a can of golden mushroom soup.  Serve with sweet potato fries.

Thursday:
Leftovers from Wednesday's meal

Friday:
Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

*The menu is a plan, but like any plan it is subject to change. I wish I were this organized and prepared, but sometimes I don't stick to the menu because life happens. I wouldn't want anyone to be overly impressed and think I'm always this prepared and industrious.