Showing posts with label Menu Planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Menu Planning. Show all posts

Monday, December 01, 2008

Cranberry Goodness


Buying a 5 pound bag of cranberries seemed like a good idea at the time. After all, they are only available seasonally, right? The Thanksgiving cranberry sauce we made barely made a dent in that bag! So, I've been trying out lots of different cranberry recipes to use up all this wonderful fruit. I thought I would share a few of them.

Cranberries are also an anti-oxidant super food, s
o I can feel good about baking and cooking up that cranberry goodness! Here are some of my favorite recipes of the week. They are kind of hard to read in this format, but you can view a pdf version HERE.


Reduced Fat Cranberry-Almond Scones

Low in fat, these semi-sweet scones are packed with the goodness of cranberries and almonds that make this a healthy sweet treat any tim
e of the day!

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup raw or brown sugar (or more if you like them sweeter)
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped cranberries
1/2 cup almonds or walnuts - chopped
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1/2-3/4 cup milk (or half buttermilk and half milk)

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a pan sprayed with olive oil spray, cook cranberries on medium heat until tender and reduced by about half. Let cool.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can even do this with your fingertips. Stir in the cranberries and walnuts, then slowly add the milk, just until the dough is moistened. Make a tough dough like cookies.

On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough gently, 5 to 10 times. Pat into a 1-inch-thick round. Cut into 16 wedges with a buttered knife; place on a baking sheet, 2 inches apart.

Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes, at 425 degrees. Let cool on a wire rack before trying to remove them.


Nutrition per serving: Calories 121; fat 3.2 mg; fiber 1.8 g; protein 2.9 mg


Broiled Tilapia with Cranberrry-Tarragon Sauce

Broiled Tilapia

Ingredients:
4 4-oz boneless fish fillets (Tilapia, Flounder, etc)
1 tsp fresh tarragon, minced
1 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 lime, cut in 4 thin slices
juice from the other half of the lime

Directions:
ONE: Preheat broiler to high
TWO: Place fillets in shallow baking dish and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and tarragon. Lay a slice of lime in the middle of each fillet.
THREE: Place baking dish 5-6 inches away from broler. Broil fish for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through, but still moist. Drizzle with lime juice. Serve topped with Cranberry-Tarragon sauce.

Cranberry-Tarragon Sauce

This delicious sauce can be made ahead of time and simply reheated when you need it.


Ingredients:

1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh onion, minced
1 1/2 cups cranberries
1 Tbsp water

1/2 tsp fresh tarragon, or to taste
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 cup maple syrup, or to taste
2 tsp fresh lime juice

Directions:
In medium sauce pan over medium-high heat cook onion until onion is translucent and a bit browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook a minute more. Add cranberries, water, tarragon and salt and cook for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring occasionally, and cook until thickened and reduced, abut 20 minutes.

Remove from heat, whisk in maple syrup and lime juice. Serve over tilapia.

Nutrition for 4-oz fillet and 1 1/2 Tbsp sauce: Calories 210; Fat 2.5 g; Fiber 2 g; Protein 31 g; sodium 240 mg; cholesterol 75 mg



Fruited Curry Chicken


Ingredients:
Olive oil or cooking spray
1 apple, diced
1 pear, diced (or use an extra apple if you don't have pears on hand)
1 small onion, diced
1/2 jalapeno pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp gingerroot, chopped
1/8 cup unsalted cashews
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
3 boneless chicken breast
Fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:
Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Spritz a large pot with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add chicken and 1/2 of the onion and cook on both sides. Remove from pan and keep chicken warm. Next, add fruit (except cranberries), remaining onion, pepper, ginger, cashews, curry, cumin, and salt. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add broth and cranberries and mix well. Add chicken back in and spoon some of the mixture over the top. Simmer for 5 minutes and turn chicken over. Simmer another 5-10 minutes, or until chicken is no pink. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

This is great served on a bed of brown rice.

Nutrition info: Calories 226; Total fat 5 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 9 g, sodium 321 mg, cholesterol 44 mg.


If you have any favorite recipes containing cranberry, I'd love to link them here.

Happy cooking!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Monday Menu Plan


Monday - Pasta Roll-Ups with Turkey and Spinach
Tuesday - Spicy Chicken with Brown Rice Salad
Wednesday - Chicken and Rice Soup with Spring Vegetables
Thursday - Curried Chicken Salad with Tropical Fruit
Friday - Turkey Meatball Subs

This is a menu with shopping list from Clean Eating Magazine, Spring 2008, "One Grocery Bag, Five Delicious Dinners" on pages 63-69. All the 'clean eats' recipes with pictures and nutritional info are in the issue, and all I had to do this week was copy the grocery list!

Monday, October 06, 2008



What are you serving at your family table this week? I love hearing what others are doing. My menu was lifted from the Fall 2008 Clean Eating issue, in case you're wondering about the page numbers. : ) I love having photos of all the healthy recipes featured, and am absolutely smitten with this magazine! You can request your own free copy from Clean Eating, or look for the latest issue at your local book store.

Day 1: Quinoa, Apple & Walnut Salad (p. 80)

Day 2: Mahi Mahi Tacos (p. 34-35)
Day 3: Sesame-Mango Chicken ( p. 57)

Day 4: Roasted Cauliflower, Leek & Garlic Soup (p. 46) with Balsamic-Glazed Cracked Pepper Salmon (p. 29)
Day 5: Turkey Ragout (p. 58)
Day 6: Shrimp & Edame Stir Fry “Salad” (p. 50-51)


To happy, healthy dining!





Monday, May 12, 2008

Menu Plan Monday - Lunch Menu


This week we will experiment with intentional leftovers at lunch time. These particular recipes are old standbys at our house! I am also following the Eat Clean breakfast/snack lists (downloaded from the Eat Clean Magazine website) pretty closely, and trying to drink lots of water. It is amazing how eating well makes me feel so much better in such a short time! I am committed to eating clean until the end of May and will reassess in June.


Thankfully, the Saving Dinner Low Carb system is in line with Eat Clean ideas, and it saves me from having to plan out a shopping list or pick out recipes. I am the type of cook who just wants to be told what to make and exactly how to do it; I am not very creative in the kitchen at ALL! We are still finishing up last week's Saving Dinner menu, and will start a new SD menu Wednesday.


Snacks this week are choice of: watermelon, apples, bananas, low fat cheese sticks, raw pumpkin seeds, almonds, almond butter on Ezekiel bread, plain yogurt with chopped banana, baked blue corn tortilla chips with organic fresh salsa and baby carrots, peppers or cucumber with roasted garlic hummus.


MONDAY/WEDNESDAY

Mexican Wrap – whole wheat tortilla wrap or other flat bread, fill with heated, vegetarian refried beans or chili beans (a can is fine but dry the beans well), crispy lettuce and some cherry tomatoes. Put a spoonful of salsa on top. Serve with fresh fruit.


TUESDAY/THURSDAY

Wild & Brown Rice Salad – Toss together 2 1/2 cups of cooked and cooled Wild/Brown Rice Blend (I buy the pre-blended type so I can cook it altogether), 3-6 chopped green onions, 1/3 cup craisins, raisins, or dried cherries, 2 T chopped fresh cilantro, 1 T chopped fresh parsley with Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing (I love Paul Newman's). You can make this the night before and store in the frig. Just before serving, top with pecans or cashews. Serve with fresh fruit.


FRIDAY

Hummus, Tomato & Cucumber Sandwich. Serve with fresh fruit and cheese sticks.



Monday, April 28, 2008

Monday Menu Planning


Here is what is on our family table this week, from Saving Dinner Low Carb, Summer Menu #3:

Monday - Turkey Pomodoro
Tuesday - Teriyaki Fish
Wednesday - Dijon-Tarragon Chicken
Thursday - Beef Stroganoff
Friday - night off - pizza & movie night
Saturday - Shrimp & Snow Peas
Sunday - Crockpot Summer Sausage




Sunday, April 06, 2008

Monday Menu Planning


Do you like to try new foods? I enjoy adding new items to my menu on a regular basis. My new item is....drum roll.....hummus! I was severely addicted from my first bite last week, and am adding it into our meal rotation. Where has hummus been all my life - I can't believe I've never tried it. The two flavored kinds that I've tried so far, roasted pepper and roasted garlic, are sooooo good. Miss M and Iron Chef love it too, so it's a hit with the whole family.

I'd love more ideas on what to eat hummus with. So far, we have done hummus with wheat crackers, baby carrots, and sandwiches. Really any excuse to eat the stuff is good!

Here's our menu for this week.

Monday
Lunch - Greek Wraps or Burgers
Dinner - Broiled Greek Shrimp

Tuesday
Lunch - Strawberry Spinach Salad
Dinner - Bleu Cheese Steak

Wednesday
Lunch - Cucumber, Tomato and Hummus sandwiches on whole wheat
Dinner - Szechwan Chicken

Thursday
Lunch -Black Bean Couscous Salad
Dinner - Herbed Roasted Flounder

Friday
Lunch - Egg Salad and Cucumber sandwiches on whole wheat
Dinner - Chicken Chili

What are you serving on your family table this week?



Monday, March 03, 2008

Newest Lunch Menu



This new menu is what my husband came up with when I asked for help planning something new and different (but healthy!) for lunch. I think he did a great job, and I can't wait to try these recipes! One helpful thing about allrecipes.com is that most of the recipes have reviews with modification suggestions. Plus, the nutrition info is included.


Monday

Spicy Turkey Wraps with Strawberry Salsa

Tuesday
Black Bean and Couscous Salad

Wednesday
Soup and Sandwich - kid's choice

Thursday
Mediterranean Turkey Pita Fold

Friday
Blackberry Spinach Salad



Planning for meals makes eating healthy a snap! It's amazing how much better we eat when I plan ahead a bit.



Wednesday, February 20, 2008

NEW! LUNCH MENU

I spent some time this afternoon making a lunch menu for next week. We usually do lots of soups and sandwiches, along with frozen South Beach or Kashi meals, but I'm getting a little bored with it. I thought I'd try my hand at a lunch menu and see how I like it. As Providence would have it, dh called to see if I wanted anything from the grocery store today. Just in time, hon!

Wild and Brown Rice salad (Tuesday) -- MMMmmm! Very yummy.


MONDAY

Mexican Wrap – whole wheat tortilla wrap or other flat bread, fill with heated, vegetarian refried beans or chilli beans (a can is fine but dry the beans well), crispy lettuce and some cherry tomatoes. Put a spoonful of guacamole on top (or natural yogurt for a low fat version). Wrap tightly.


TUESDAY

Wild & Brown Rice Salad – Toss together 2 1/2 cups of cooked and cooled Wild/Brown Rice Blend (I buy the pre-blended type so I can cook it altogether), 3-6 chopped green onions, 1/3 cup craisins, raisins, or dried cherries, 2 T chopped fresh cilantro, 1 T chopped fresh parsley with Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing (I love Paul Newman's). You can make this the night before and store in the frig. Just before serving, top with pecans or cashews.


WEDNESDAY

Soup and Sandwich - Egg salad with Cucumber on Whole Wheat paired with Tomato, Italian Wedding, or favorite low sodium soup


THURSDAY

California Wrap – Start with whole wheat tortilla, wrap or other flat bread. Top with turkey, ham, and a slice of tomato. In a small bowl, combine an avocado slice and 1 tsp lime juice, and then spoon onto the tomato (or use prepared guacamole). Top with the watercress or arugula and Ranch dressing. Wrap tightly in cling film and chill until required.


FRIDAY

Lunch Time Salad – Toss Spring Mix or other greens with pecans or almonds, chopped deli chicken, cherry tomatoes, seedless grapes, strawberries, sliced cucumber, cottage cheese, Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing (I love Paul Newman's).





Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Menu Planning

I found out that I love having a menu plan. It is freeing! Tasty, healthy meals really minister.

Our breakfast plan is still working well. It is nice to just get up in the morning and see what is for breakfast -- and it ain't Fruit Loops! LOL! I haven't gotten around to planning lunch, but am open to it. Just don't have the time at the moment. Here is what is our family is eating this week:



Breakfast Menu
Monday: Whole grain fruit muffins or fruit bread (I made a double batch last time, so this week I simply pulled them out and unthawed), cheese, fresh fruit

Tuesday: Fruit Smoothie, hard-boiled eggs, wheat toast

Wednesday: Oatmeal with a touch of natural maple syrup, Protein bar, fresh fruit

Thursday: Self-serve

Friday: Cheesy spinach egg scramble or fried eggs, wheat toast or bread, fresh fruit


Dinner Menu
( I am using Saving Dinner: Low Carb - Winter Menu #6):

Monday: Pan-Seared Fish with Lemon-Sage Butter

Tuesday: Carolina Crock Pork

Wednesday: Skillet Chicken Mediterranean

Thursday: Polka-Dot Meat Loaf

Friday: Thai Shrimp on Red and Green Cabbage

Week-end: Cube Steaks with Rich, Sweet Onion Gravy

Saturday, November 10, 2007


Breakfast Menu Planner

Cereal, cereal, cereal. We are eating WAY too much of it, and am ready for a change in our breakfast menu. Breakfast needs to be simple, nutritious and quick! After looking at various breakfast planners online, I reluctantly decided to take a stab at making my own. Most of the menus I saw were loaded with both sugar and white flour and were lacking in protein. We have been working really hard to improve our diet over the past couple of years and we want to continue to move forward!

Here is my breakfast menu (View as PDF):

Menu A
Monday
Whole grain fruit muffins or fruit bread (I substitute wheat flour for 1/2 of the white flour called for and also add a little wheat germ or flax)
Cheese
Fresh fruit

Tuesday
Fruit Smoothie
Hard-boiled eggs
Wheat toast or bread

Wednesday
Oatmeal with a touch of natural maple syrup
Protein shake
Fresh fruit

Thursday
Self-serve (choose bagels, cold cereal, instant oatmeal, toast, or whatever)
Fresh fruit, cheese or nuts

Friday
Cheesy spinach egg scramble or fried eggs
Wheat toast or bread
Fresh fruit

Sunday night prep
Make whole grain muffins or fruit bread
Boil eggs and refrigerate

Grocery shopping
muffin or sweet bread ingredients
favorite cheeses
lots of various fresh fruits, including bananas and berries
yogurt – plain or whatever you like
eggs
oatmeal
flavored protein powder
almonds, cashews or other favorite nuts
wheat bread
spinach (optional)



Menu B
Monday
Breakfast casserole or bacon and eggs
Fresh fruit


Tuesday

Fresh fruit salad
Wheat toast
Protein shake


Wednesday

Broiled Tomato and Cheese English Muffin
(top a whole-grain English muffin with 2 ounces Cheddar cheese and 2 tomato slices. Broil until cheese melts)
Fruit yogurt

Thursday

Self-serve (choose bagels, cold cereal, instant oatmeal or toast)
Fruit, cheese, or nuts


Friday

Omelete
English Muffin
Fresh fruit


Sunday night prep
Make breakfast casserole and refrigerate until morning

Grocery shopping
Ingredients for breakfast casserole (bread, breakfast meat, cheese, favorite fillings such as green onion or red peppers)
lots of varied fresh fruit
tomatoes
English muffins
flavored protein powder
almonds, cashews or other favorite nuts
fruit flavored yogurt
omelet toppings