Menu Plan Monday, August 11, 2008

Good morning! Only 2 weeks until school begins for me! I am excited to go back, but sad the summer is almost over. We've been so busy and the kids have had so much fun that I hate to see it end.

Over the weekend we attended dh's family reunion. I made this Seven-Layer Salad that was well received. It was nice to catch up with family we don't see very often and for the cousins to get to play together. On Sunday, ds had his first archery tournament for 4-H. He placed 5th. Then dh and I went on a date. We went for dinner and a movie at a local theatre. They serve us each a sandwich platter, bottomless popcorn and drinks during the movie for 30 dollars. We saw Get Smart!

This week will be another busy one for us! Here are our dinner plans for the week:

Sunday~ Dinner and a Movie Date Night

Monday~Out to Dinner and Back to School Shopping

Tuesday~DH's Annual Work Picnic

Wednesday~Spaghetti, Veal Parmesan and Fried Zucchini

Thursday~Zesty Grilled Pork Chops and Vegetables, Rice Pilaf

Friday~Pizza and Wing Night

Saturday~Grilled Cheese Kielbassi, Potato Salad, and Baked Beans

For more great menus, check out Laura at http://orgjunkie.com

Have a week full of blessings!

Lisa

Raisin- Zucchini Spice Cupcakes

I made these tonight. They didn't bake in the time recommended. I put them back in for another 10 minutes. I think the zucchini needs to be put in a towel and the moisture removed before adding it to the batter. They do taste good, though! The icing is very good!

Raisin-Zucchini Spice Cupcakes from the current issue of Taste of Home

INGREDIENTS
1 package (18-1/4 ounces) spice cake mix
1-1/3 cups water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup raisins
CINNAMON FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Stir in zucchini and raisins. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, in a small mixing bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add enough milk to achieve a spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes. Yield: 2 dozen.

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Lisa

Going off to College Gift Basket

Our niece, Krista, is heading off to college. Obviously it's to PITT. I made her this bucket filled with snacks for her birthday. I found the bucket at Lowe's, of all places! The bottom is filled with blue and gold shreds. Inside she'll find fruit snacks, Starburst, Jolly ranchers, Skittles, microwave popcorn, Cheez-its, Iced Animal Crackers, Salt and Vinegar Chips, and 2 magnetic clips to keep her snacks fresh, in blue and gold, of course! I finished it up with shrink wrap and a big, blue bow.

I'm hoping she enjoys it!

Blessings,

Lisa

Tasty Thursday, August 7, 2008

Trista at The Pumkin Patch hosts Tasty Thursday. Visit her to see more tried and true recipes.
Here's a new tried and true recipe for me. This is a summer favorite of mine:


BBQ Chicken Salad

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive Oil
Mrs. Dash Chicken Grilling Blend
Sweet Baby Ray's Original BBQ Sauce
1 (12 ounce) bag of mixed salad greens
2 small tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 1/2 cups croutons (I used cheddar garlic croutons)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Ranch Dressing

1. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides of breast with Mrs. Dash Chicken Grilling Blend. Grill chicken until done, about 10-15 minutes. Slice cooked chicken into strips. Toss the strips with enough BBQ sauce to coat.

2. Toss remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Serve topped with the warm chicken mixture.

Makes 4 lunch size servings

Enjoy!
Blessings,
Lisa

Sunday at Raystown

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window...are the bed of Black Eyed Susans in full bloom. So cheerful!

I am thinking...about everything that I need to get ready for school in 21 days...


I am thankful for...my husband and his love





From the kitchen...fresh green beans for dinner tonight from my dad's garden





I am wearing...navy shorts and a red t-shirt with a flag on it





I am reading...Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard





I am hoping...to finalize the date for a trip to NYC! I'm so excited!





I am hearing...music from dd's favorite Cinderella movie and dd singing along.





Around the house...very little tidying, washing beach towels and suits from our day on the boat, cooking dinner





One of my favorite things...is the sound of my kids laughing and giggling together.





A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...meetings at school and church, grocery shopping, making dn's gift basket, family reunion, and ds's Archery Tournament





Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is our precious daughter chasing the bubbles she is blowing in the yard.

Have a blessed week!
Lisa

Menu Plan Monday, August 4, 2008

It's the first Monday in August, and I am wondering...where did the summer go?! This means that I only have 21 more days to accomplish everything that I wanted to this summer. I better get busy! ;0)

Instead of last Saturday's Menu, we went out to dinner Saturday night and had the Tortellini Antipasto Salad on Sunday with Kielbassi Sandwiches at camp after our day at the lake. Otherwise our menu was followed for the week.

Here's the plan for this week:

Sunday~Kielbassi and Sauerkraut Sandwiches with Tortellini Antipasto Salad, Fresh Fruit, and Veggies with Dip

Monday~Ham Steaks, Candied Sweet Potatoes and Fresh Steamed Green Beans (from my dad's garden)

Tuesday~Italian Cheeseburgers, Oven Steak Fries, Tossed Salad

Wednesday~Lemon Basil Chicken Breasts, Rice Pilaf, Carrots

Thursday~Grilled Steaks, Baked Potatoes with toppings, Fried Zucchini

Friday~Pizza and Wing Family Movie Night

Saturday~Family Reunion

View more menus at http://orgjunkie.com/

Have a week full of Blessings,

Lisa