Menu Plan Monday 9/7/09

I skipped Menu Plan Monday last week just because I ran out of time. I didn't have much of a menu either because I knew that we'd be out of the house a lot during the week. I posted one of the only meals I actually cooked last week a few days ago. My sister came home this weekend so we ate with my parents Friday and Saturday night and I'm guessing we'll be eating with them tonight... I think mom mentioned she was making chili tonight! The first chili of fall! YUM! And tomorrow my dad is grilling out BBQ chicken and smoked sausages! I'm sure we'll have some yummy sides to go with it too! I love when my sis comes home! We don't get to see her a lot so we really make the most of the time we have when she's here. Luke especially loves to hang out with Aunt B when she's home! After Monday, it will be Thanksgiving before she comes back!

So, I will have a short(er) menu this week.

Roast with Potatoes and Carrots, Rolls

Mini Homemade Pizzas, Corn on the Cobb (Rolled over from 2 weeks ago!!)

Spaghetti Bake, Salad

Enchilada Casserole (except I'm using chicken), Rice

The month of September we are doing a food theme for Luke's preschool activities. We're talking all about fruits and vegetables. Last week we talked about apples and bananas. We talked about where they grow, how they grow and discussed their color, shape, taste and what letter they start with to help with his letter identification! So, after talking about bananas we made these Lighter Banana Muffins. But you know me, I can't leave a recipe alone! I read a few reviews and saw that some said their muffins came out dry and that adding 1/2 c of applesauce helped, so we did that. I also though that adding vanilla and cinnamon might help with flavor. So, we added 1/2 tsp vanilla and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. And last, to make them a little healthier I used 1 1/2 c AP flour and 1/2 whole wheat flour. They were really yummy right after they came out of the oven! I have to admit that the next day I tried one (not heated) and it was a little chewy to me (which may have just been the whole wheat flour now that I think about it... sometimes you pay the price when you try to make things healthy! Haha!). But wrapped in a paper towel for a few seconds in the microwave and a little smear of Smart Balance might do the trick! The kids love them, so it's a keeper for me!!

Check out orgjunkie.com for more menu planning ideas!