Weekly Meal Plan for September 26, 2009

Monday - Fish, Healthy, Ready in 15 minutes

This was a new recipe for me. I love Rainbow Trout, simply pan fried. The addition of the cherry tomato sauce really appealed to me because they are available year round. We decided to quickly saute the tomato sauce after we took the fish out of the frying pan, since it was a cool day and we didn't want a cold topping. In the summer though, grilling the trout and using the tomato sauce raw, as detailed in the recipe, would be lovely.

Tuesday - Pasta, Ready in 20 minutes

Pasta Carbonara (Emeril's from the Food Network) with Fresh Tomatoes/Lettuce/Cucumber on the side.

This was a very good carbonara recipe. I found some chunk pancetta at the grocery store, which was very nice in this dish. Definitely use good parmesan for this dish (Parm Reg). I made the pasta at home or just use a good quality dried spaghetti.

Wednesday - Chicken, Ready in 30 minutes

General Tao's Chicken (From my archives) with Rice and Fresh Green Beans

I make this dish often as it is one of my daughter's favourites. To make it healthier, I often cook it without breading the chicken. I just pan fry the chicken and then add the sauce once the chicken is cooked. Choose whatever kind of rice your family likes (we like Jasmine) and a "green" veggie on the side.

Thursday - Beef, Healthy (with small portion of beef), Ready in 30 minutes

Grilled Asian Flank Steak with Sweet Slaw

This was another new recipe for me. I loved the idea of using flank steak (cheap!) and marinating it. I marinated the beef longer than suggested, maybe 2 hours. We tossed it on the BBQ and it was great - fork tender and very flavourful. Will definitely make this again. As for the slaw, I thought when making it that there didn't seem to be enough dressing for the amount of cabbage but the taste indicated otherwise (do be sure to toss it several times before serving though). I only used 1/2 of a jalapeno, diced (not the 2 as suggested), since I'm a wimp. I thought it was enough but if you love jalapenos, adjust to your taste.

Friday - Soup, Ready in 1 hour

The weather is getting cooler here every day, so soup is back onto the rotation around here. I love this soup and make it often. It comes together in less than an hour and with the potatoes as a thickener, needs only a little light cream to make a hearty, creamy soup. Don't leave out the bacon. It adds a great, smoky flavour to the soup. Pair with your favourite biscuit recipe (just Google if you don't have one as there are lots out there).

Potential Grocery Items Needed for These Menus

I've not included basics here, just the main ingredient items for each dish. Including extra items for school lunches, pantry and fruit, my grocery bill for the week was just a shade over $100 (including a whopping $12 for the Parm Reggiano, as I was out). Not bad!

Chicken
Trout Fillets
Flank Steak (1 1/2 lbs)
Chicken Stock
Dry Spaghetti
Parm Reggiano
Pancetta, slab
Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Spring Mix
Potatoes
Carrots
Red Pepper
Green Beans
Jalapenos - 2
Green onion
Napa Cabbage
Cucumber
Frozen Corn
10% Cream