MPM- meal planning monday

Monday- Goulash
Tuesday- Tex-Mex Lasagna... a great way to use up taco leftovers
Wednesday- Polynesian Meatballs
Thursday- Honey Glazed Chicken Kabobs
Friday- Hot Dogs

Today I tried a piece of BLT pizza at the HyVee Gas Station. I am envisioning trying to replicate it and cook it on the grill. Stay tuned to see what I come up with!

Zesty Zucchini & Spinach Rigatoni

From "Cooking with Pheeling" Philadelphia cream cheese cookbook
Prep time: 20 minutes          Total time: 45 minutes         Makes: 6 servings, 1 1/3 cups each

8 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tsp oil
1 zucchini, sliced
1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
1 pkg (6oz) baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, divided


1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms,  and garlic; cook and stir 3 to 4 min. or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Add flour and seasonings; cook and stir 1 min. Stir in broth; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until thickened. Add cream cheese; cook and stir 2 to 3 min or until melted.
4. Drain pasta; return to pan. Add zucchini mixture, spinach, Parmesan and 1/2 cup mozzarella; mix lightly. Spoon into 2-qt casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake 10 min. or until mozzarella is melted.


* I also added some diced ham that I needed to use up. I also only used about 1/4 t red pepper to give it just a little zip, but not to much so Gabby wouldn't notice it.

This was a hit in our house, it will definitely go in the rotation! I loved how it just tasted like great comfort food, was quick, easy and it had quite a few veggies. The only complaint I would have is that I dirtied 3 pans cooking this meal. I really LOVE one pot meals, but this recipe is soooo worth the extra dishes!

MPM, and a challenge!

I seem to have gotten over my cooking rut pretty quick this time! I think it was eating out twice this weekend that but me right back on track. I never thought I would get to a point where I would rather cook then eat out, but my friends I am there... I sometimes dread eating out. So here is our menu for the week and I even already have idea for next week! Hooray for me!!!

Monday- Zesty Zuchini, Spinach, and Ham Rigatoni
Tuesday- Rush Hour Chicken Fajitas
Wednesday- Greek steak Kabobs
Thursday- Possibly... Olive Garden... See I am not excited but they had a coupon on Facebook for FREE kids meals. And "if its free...its for Me!!"
Friday- Pizza

So, the challenge... I was told by one of my husbands co-workers that she noticed around the blogoshpere that most women have like a "pet" or "product" name for their husbands, instead of calling them by their name. I have seen this as well, but have never given it much thought! My goal/challenge this week is to come up with a name that suits my husband.

Growing Green Onions... Inside

Once again I saw a brilliant idea on Pinterest to grow green onions on your counter in glass of water. The idea was genius! What a great way to get more for your money. 

Most recipes just use the green top of the onion, so once you cut off what you need you place the rest in a cup with water. 








Ten days later, this is what my cup of onions looked like. Quite a bit had grown. I couldn't believe it actually worked. 


This was the second time growing these particular onions. I will update after a month or so to let you know how its going. I am not sure if it will be an endless growing thing or if there is an end to their life.

Another idea I found on Pinterest, is a way to store the green onions if you don't need them at the time. I chopped them up, placed them in a bottle, and put it in the freezer. Then when I do need them I can just shake out the amount I need and put it back in the freezer.

MPM- on a tuesday

It's just been a little crazy around here... I have struggled with meal planning and cooking. I seem to fall into this rut every now and then where I am tired of cooking, but I must forge on because all the little and big mouths need to eat.


Monday- TatorTot Casserole
Tuesday- HyVee Kids night
Wednesday- Hot Beef Sandwiches
Thursday- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Friday- Grilled Pork Chops, Zuchini
Saturday- French Toast Casserole
Sunday- Cheese and Cracker Party


Long over due, but here is a family pic from Easter....

Heaven in a Tub!

I bought a tub of Philadelphia White Chocolate spread a few weeks ago. I had never heard of it, let alone did I know what to do with it. It sat in my fridge for awhile, until one day I decided to just take a pretzel and give it a try. OMG.... it is my new "indulgence"! It almost reminds me of almond bark pretzels without the mess and hassle. When I am having one of those cravings for something sweet and salty... I now have an easy fix I just grab a few pretzels and start dipping (well more like scooping I guess). I believe the price of this "Heaven in a Tub" is around $2, but since it is a new product you can find coupons for it in the paper or on coupons.com. It also comes in Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate!

I am also thinking this would make a good cheesecake. I may possibly look into that in the future! Let me know if you try some and what you did with it. 

BTW... I wasn't paid by Philadelphia to write this, nor am I associated with them in any manner. 

Meal Planning Monday- well tuesday!

This weeks Menu...
Monday- Tuna and Noodles
Tuesday- Kids Night at Pizza Ranch! In Dex's words "Who-ho dessert pizza"
Wednesday- Perogie Casserole
Thursday- French Toast and Sausage
Friday- Beef Burgers and Fries

Smiles behind "dodo" despite our run in with the banister.