Carrots, Lettuce, Peppers Oh My! March 7-Mach 11th

Carrots, Lettuce, Peppers Oh My!

This week I only added a share of carrots to my box.  We enjoy eating fresh carrots throughout the year in our meals and dishes and what better way then to blanch and freeze for later use, farm fresh carrots!

My box consisted of:

• carrots
• green peppers
• bibb lettuce
• strawberries
• clementines
• yellow squash

I never defrosted during the week a freezer crock pot meal instead I made something else for dinner and treated the family to a church fish fry rather than making chicken pot pie.

The strawberries and clementines are quickly disappearing as sweet snacks and toppings for breakfast pancakes and yogurts. As mentioned above I will be blanching and freezing the carrots for later use.

Friday March 7-  Church fish fry was our dinner.

Saturday, March 8-  With the arrival of Spring weather I am grilling hamburgers and hotdogs served with fresh sliced tomatoes from last weeks box, clementines and garnished with bibb lettuce.  I also serve up either some beans or pasta salad.  And some garlic and olive oil grilled squash.

Sunday, March 9-  I NEED room in my freezer and I foresee another beautiful day "playing" outside.  So what better solution to not wanting to be trapped in the kitchen and making room in my freezer then with a crock pot meal?  Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes

Crock-Pot Chicken Sweet Potatoes

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup peach preserves OR apricot preserves
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

1. Sprinkle chicken with salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, curry powder, and ginger. Add peach preserves, vinegar, and soy sauce to gallon freezer bag. Add in sweet potatoes and onion, and top with chicken. Seal bag and place in freezer. When ready to use thaw in fridge overnight. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with fork.
2. Combine chicken broth and cornstarch and mix well. Add to slow cooker. Cover and cook on high 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened.

Monday, March 10-  With the first soccer practice of the evening tonight, I need simple and quick.  I'll make fajitas using the green peppers from my box.

Tuesday, March 11-  I will make fish tacos using the bibb lettuce roughly cut in place of the slaw. 

Fish Tacos  WW Pts: 9

Marinade

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
• 1 pound cod, cut into chunks

Dressing

• 1 (8 ounce) container light sour cream
• 1/2 cup adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (I might reduce to 1 tbspn)
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
• salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped Cilantro
• packaged cole slaw mix
• 1 (10 ounce) package tortillas
• 3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced

Directions

1. To make the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce in a bowl until blended. Place the fish in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the fish. Cover, and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours.
2. To make the dressing, combine the sour cream and adobo sauce in a bowl. Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning. Add salt, and pepper in desired amounts. Cover, and refrigerate until needed.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake fish in preheated oven until it easily flakes with a fork, 9 to 11 minutes. (Fish can also be grilled)
4. Assemble tacos by placing fish pieces in the center of tortillas with desired amounts of tomatoes, cilantro, and slaw; drizzle with dressing.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 416 * Total Fat: 19.2g * Cholesterol: 43mg * Sodium: 709mg * Total Carbs: 38.5g * Dietary Fiber: 6g * Protein: 22.6g

Pulling my recipes together this week 3/21-3/26

I always seem to fall at bay with keeping up a weekly menu when TPB is not in season.  Which is one of many reasons I enjoy getting fresh produce delivered to my doorstep every week.  Subsequently, both my waistline and budget have seen the effects of not planning each week.  With the beginning of The Produce Box season right around the corner, I am getting a kick start into creating my weekly menus again.  Below is a compilation of recipes I am inspired to try this week.

Thursday, March 21- With much cooler temps and book club tonight, I opted for a warm and simple meal, Tastfully Simple's Potato Soup with diced ham along with sliced warm bread.
Perfectly Potato & Ham Cheddar Soup
Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup Mix
5 cups hot water
1 Tbsp. Onion Onion
1 cup cubed cooked ham
Prepare Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup Mix as directed on package with water. Add remaining ingredients; simmer 30-40 minutes. Makes 5-6 servings.

Friday, March 22-  We might be running an errand which will result in a quick fast food dinner. (I know not healthy or economical) 

Saturday, March 23-  My daughters have a dinner date and dance with their father tonight :)  Leftovers for me!

Sunday, March 24-  I'll throw together my Chicken Pot Pie for this cold evening, always a crowd pleaser!

Chicken Pot Pie 6 WW Pts

• 2 deep dish pie shells 
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (per a friend's suggestion I am using cream of chicken with herbs)
• 1or 2 cans of veg-all vegetables (or combination of fresh & frozen veggie mix- I used carrots, celery, onion, peas & corn)
• 2-3 cups cooked chicken 
• 1/2-3/4 cup milk 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

1. Boil chicken in chicken broth.  After it is cool cut in to small pieces 
2. Reserve broth and boil fresh or frozen vegetables for 5 minutes and drain.
3. Pre heat oven 375 degrees 
4. Mix chicken, vegetables, soup and milk in a medium bowl 
5. Add salt and pepper to taste and thyme
6. Pour mixture in pie crust cover with 2nd pie crust 
7. Cook pie for about 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.  Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

 Monday, March 25-  I'll the following recipe as a guide for tonight's meal.
Zesty Beef Tacos (Woman's Day recipe)

• 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 1/4 pound(s) ground beef
• 2 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon(s) chili powder
• 2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• 1 can(s) (10- to 14.5-ounce) petite cut diced tomatoes with chiles
• 8 hard taco shells, warmed
• 8 leaves Boston or green leaf lettuce
• Fresh salsa, for serving
• Cheese, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Increase heat to medium-high. Add beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes (and their juices) and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes.
4. Line taco shells with lettuce and fill with beef mixture. Top with salsa, cheese, and sour cream, if desired.

 Tuesday, March 26-  Again I came across this recipe on Woman's Day website.

Guinness Beef Stew

• 2 tablespoon(s) olive oil
• 2 1/2 pound(s) lean beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• 2 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
• 2 cup(s) stout beer, such as Guinness Extra Stout
• 1 can(s) (6-ounce) tomato paste
• 3 medium onions, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 4 clove(s) garlic, smashed
• 8 sprig(s) fresh thyme, tied together
• 1 small (about 1 pound) rutabaga, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 medium parsnips, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup(s) chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Mashed potatoes, for serving

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Working in batches, cook beef, turning occasionally, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes; transfer to a plate and sprinkle with flour.
2. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together beer, tomato paste, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add onions, garlic, thyme, and beef and any juices, and toss to combine. Scatter rutabaga, carrots and parsnips on top. Cook, covered, until beef and vegetables are tender and sauce has slightly thickened, 7 to 8 hours on low or 5 to 6 hours on high. Gently fold in parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, if desired.

 

July 31- August 6

This week my Box includes:

• 1 qt. Peaches
• 1 pint Blueberries
• 4 Mixed Sweet Peppers
• 6 Ears of Sweet Corn
• 1 qt. Irish Potatoes
• Heirloom Tomatoes

Tuesday, July 31- Since last week while forming my menu I didn't know what I would be preparing tonight, I have decided to include tonight's meal on this menu posting since I have finally decided!
I found this recipe at allrecipes.com and added the recommendations from reviewers.  I also halved the recipe since the original made 10 servings! I'll add Italian Sausage to this dish to bulk it up and create a main course.  I may substiute the kale with spinach as well.  This recipe without the addition of tomatoes and beans yields 4 WW Pts.  for 1 cup.

Orzo with Kale

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 cup Chicken Broth or White Wine
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped
• 1 15oz can of white beans drained and rinsed
• 1 diced tomato or cherry/grape tomatoes halved
• 1 large lemon, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
• salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly-salted water to a boil; sprinkle the turmeric over the boiling water and stir in the orzo; return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain. Scrape into a mixing bowl and set aside.
2. While orzo is cooking, Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the garlic and red pepper in the hot oil. Add red pepper flakes and broth or wine.  Stir the kale into the broth, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the cover and  add the beans.  Continue cooking and stirring until the kale is tender, about 10 minutes more (add more liquid if necessary). Stir the kale mixture into the orzo along with the lemon juice, nutmeg, Parmesan cheese and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 206  Total Fat: 4.2g  Cholesterol: 2mg  Sodium: 91mg  Total Carbs: 36.1g Dietary Fiber: 2.8g  Protein: 7.9g
Wednesday. August 1- With company arriving and delivering for the Produce Box, I want a simple meal tonight.  Therefore, I will serve hamburgers and hotdogs along with fresh corn on the cob from my Box and baked beans.

Thursday, August 2-  With company in town, tonight's meal is always a crowd pleaser and works great for the masses.
Chicken Enchiladas  approx. 7 WW Pts.
1 lb chicken
4oz can of chopped green chile peppers (I'll be using my hot green chiles from last week's Box)
1 small onion
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1 tsp chili powder
Small Can of Enchilada Sauce
1 package of large sized soft flour tortillas
1 package Mexican cheese (or cheddar)

1. Heat large skillet on med/high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat pan
3. Cook chicken through about 8-10 minutes.
4. While chicken is cooking chop onion
5. Remove chicken to cutting board, add chopped onion to skillet and chili powder
6. While onion is cooking, dice up chicken
7. In a small bowl combine the can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream & 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce. Mix and set aside.
8. Once onion is tender add chicken, green chilies, about 1/4 cup of sour cream mixture & enchilada sauce (add enough to add moisture to skillet about 1-3 tablespoons) Stir and Heat through.
9. In a 9 x 13 baking dish lightly cover bottom of pan with the sour cream mixture.
10. Add chicken mixture to tortillas and roll up, place seam side down in baking dish. (tortillas can be touching each other in dish)
11. Cover tortillas with remaining sour cream mixture and sprinkle with cheese
12. Bake in a 350 degree oven covered for 20-25 minutes then uncover and bake additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

**Meal can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. When ready to bake add 15 minutes to bake time or until heated through.

Friday, August 3-  With indulging in a large lunch today, I am not sure if we will all be in the mood for a heavy dinner tonight.  I will need to play this evening's meal by ear.

Saturday, August 4-  Grilled steaks, lamb and either grilled or roasted potatoes (from my Box) along with green beans (blanched and frozen from an earlier Box) will round out this evening's dinner.

Sunday, August 5-  Depending on my company's preferences, I may make Fish Tacos tonight.  Otherwise, I am thinking of making my Chicken Pot Pie recipe.  Taken from a previous post on this blog comes tonight's dinner, Fish Tacos.  The Fish Taco recipe was taken from allrecipes.com with a few modifications as follows.

Fish Tacos  WW Pts: 9

Marinade

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
• 1 pound cod, cut into chunks

Dressing

• 1 (8 ounce) container light sour cream
• 1/2 cup adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (I might reduce to 1 tbspn)
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
• salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped Cilantro
• packaged cole slaw mix
• 1 (10 ounce) package tortillas
• 3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced

Directions

1. To make the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce in a bowl until blended. Place the fish in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the fish. Cover, and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours.
2. To make the dressing, combine the sour cream and adobo sauce in a bowl. Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning. Add salt, and pepper in desired amounts. Cover, and refrigerate until needed.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake fish in preheated oven until it easily flakes with a fork, 9 to 11 minutes. (Fish can also be grilled)
4. Assemble tacos by placing fish pieces in the center of tortillas with desired amounts of tomatoes, cilantro, and slaw; drizzle with dressing.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 416 * Total Fat: 19.2g * Cholesterol: 43mg * Sodium: 709mg * Total Carbs: 38.5g * Dietary Fiber: 6g * Protein: 22.6g

Chicken Pot Pie 6 WW Pts

• 2 deep dish pie shells 
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (per a friend's suggestion I am using cream of chicken with herbs)
• 1or 2 cans of veg-all vegetables (or combination of fresh & frozen veggie mix- I used carrots, celery, onion, peas & corn)
• 2-3 cups cooked chicken 
• 1/2-3/4 cup milk 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

1. Boil chicken in chicken broth.  After it is cool cut in to small pieces 
2. Reserve broth and boil fresh or frozen vegetables for 5 minutes and drain.
3. Pre heat oven 375 degrees 
4. Mix chicken, vegetables, soup and milk in a medium bowl 
5. Add salt and pepper to taste and thyme
6. Pour mixture in pie crust cover with 2nd pie crust 
7. Cook pie for about 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.  Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Monday, August 6-  The last Dance and Golf night!

September 28- October 4

Our family skipped last weeks Produce Box.  This week we opted for the Fruit Box.  Our Box consisted of a quart of peaches, 2 quarts of apples, a watermelon, grapes and raspberries.

Since our Box is a fruit laden box, I sort inspiration from this blog and my cupbaords for this weeks menu.

Wednesday, September 28th- I defrosted a quart of my homemade sauce to serve over packaged gnocchi along with a garden salad and honey wheat bread.

Thursday, September 29th-  Taken from a previous post on this blog comes tonight's dinner, Fish Tacos.  The Fish Taco recipe was taken from allrecipes.com with a few modifications as follows.

Fish Tacos  WW Pts: 9

• Marinade
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
• 1 pound cod, cut into chunks
•  
• Dressing
• 1 (8 ounce) container light sour cream
• 1/2 cup adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (I might reduce to 1 tbspn)
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
• salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped Cilantro
• packaged cole slaw mix
• 1 (10 ounce) package tortillas
• 3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced

Directions

1. To make the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce in a bowl until blended. Place the fish in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the fish. Cover, and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours.
2. To make the dressing, combine the sour cream and adobo sauce in a bowl. Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning. Add salt, and pepper in desired amounts. Cover, and refrigerate until needed.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake fish in preheated oven until it easily flakes with a fork, 9 to 11 minutes. (Fish can also be grilled)
4. Assemble tacos by placing fish pieces in the center of tortillas with desired amounts of tomatoes, cilantro, and slaw; drizzle with dressing.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 416 * Total Fat: 19.2g * Cholesterol: 43mg * Sodium: 709mg * Total Carbs: 38.5g * Dietary Fiber: 6g * Protein: 22.6g

Friday, September 30th- Hamburgers and Mac N' Cheese is dinner this evening along with slices of watermelon.  

Saturday, October 1st- Again taken from a previous post is this evening's meal.  Tonights meal had been in a Woman's Day magazine.

Italian Sausage and White Bean Bake Recipe WW Pts: 7

* 3 Tbsp olive oil
* 1 1/2 lb Italian sausages, cut crosswise into 2-in. pieces
* 3 leeks (white and light green parts), sliced into half-moons
* 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-in. pieces
* 3 cloves garlic, chopped
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
* 2 15-oz cans white beans, such as cannellini, rinsed
* 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
* Kosher salt and pepper
* 2 cups fresh coarse bread crumbs

1. Heat oven to 375ºF. Heat 1 Tbsp of the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook the sausages until browned, 6 to 8 minutes; transfer to a plate.

2. Wipe out the pot and heat 1 Tbsp of the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, carrots and garlic and cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften, 5 to 6 minutes.

3. Add the wine and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and their juices; bring to a boil. Stir in the beans, parsley, sausage, and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper. Transfer to a 3-qt casserole dish.

4. In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the remaining oil and sprinkle over the bean mixture. Bake until golden brown and bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts Yield 8 Servings
Calories 347 Total Fat 16g Saturated Fat 5g Cholesterol 25mg Sodium 1068mg Total Carbohydrates 34g Dietary Fiber 6g Protein 15g

Sunday, October 2nd- The  Candied Sweet Potato recipe was also posted previously.  I will also do a roasted chicken tonight.  However, I haven't completely decided if it will be the slow roasted recipe I have posted before a different recipe.

Monday, October 3rd- Since this is first day back into the school regimen since Tracking Out and we have soccer practice tonight, tonight's meal will be simple.  Most likely it will be quesidillas and fajitas.

Tuesday, October 4th-  Marinated Steak along with Southern Green Beans and sliced wheat bread will be this evenings meal.
Red Wine Marinade

• 1 cup Red Wine
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil 
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• salt and pepper to taste

Mix ingredients; pour over steaks and refrigerate for 4 hours.  Remove steaks and grill.  Discard marinade.

Southern Green Beans

4 slices bacon

1 large onion sliced

4 cans green beans

salt and black pepper

Fry bacon, remove bacon before it becomes crispy.

In bacon fat fry onion until tender.

Pour 4 cans of green beans into pot. If more water is needed add until green beans are covered.

Season with salt and pepper.

Add bacon.

Bring to boil then let Simmer for about 30-45 minutes. (add water as necessary)

June 1- June 7

My family had the unfortunate luck of hosting a visiting stomach bug which swept through our house.  Therefore, of course, much of last week's menu went out the window!  Despite family members dropping like flies to this virus, I was still able to utilize most of my Box.
Hopefully, this week's Box will also bring complete wellness to my family once again!
My Box consisted of:

• 1 quart Strawberries
• 1 pint Blueberries
• 1.5 lbs tomatoes
• Napa Cabbage
• Yellow Squash  (2 lbs)
• Red Potatoes

picture from allrecipes.com

My menu began yesterday, Thursday, with sauteed squash, zucchini (I picked up Tuesday at the Western Wake Farmer's Market), green onions (from last week's Box) and diced fresh tomatoes served over pasta.  Tonight, my husband and I are going out for a much needed kid free experience. 

I will using up the rest of the zucchini I bought along with the blueberries from my Box to make up some Blueberry Zucchini Bread  I made this with only 2 cups of sugar and before baking I added a mixture of brown sugar, white sugar and all spice to the tops of the loaves.  I also made it in 2 loaf pans baked for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Saturday, June 4- I am thinking of either grilling or using my Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker to make up some Italian Style Fish (olive oil, Italian seasonings, minced garlic, diced tomatoes and a splash of fresh lemon juice).  If I grill I'll serve it with my Camper Red Potato Packets (sliced red potatoes, dabs of butter, sliced onion or onion powder- grilled until browned and crispy about 30-40 minutes on low heat).  I might make the recipe I read in the Produce Box's newseltter, Garlic Red Potatoes. (If I make this version I will post the recipe)
Sunday, June 5-  Since I didn't make this last week due to illnesses, I plan on making it tonight.  I saw this recipe in my BHG magazine.  I will use the cabbage from my Box to make up the slaw.

Thai Chicken Tacos

• 1 lime, halved
• 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1Tbsp. fish sauce
• 2 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 to 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
• 1/2 to 1 tsp. hot chili sauce (such as Sriracha)
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 12 corn tortillas, heated
• 1 recipe Cabbage Slaw

1. Juice one lime half (about 1 Tbsp.); cut remaining half in wedges. In bowl stir together chicken, cilantro, shallot, garlic, the 1 Tbsp. lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, pepper, and chili sauce. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour. In large skillet cook chicken mixture in hot oil over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked, stirring occasionally.
2. To serve, layer two tortillas. Top with chicken and Cabbage Slaw. Serve with remaining slaw and lime wedges. Makes 4 (2-taco) servings.

Cabbage Slaw: In a bowl toss together 2 cups shredded napa cabbage, 1/2 cup shredded carrot, 1/2 cup sliced green onions, 1/3 cup sliced radishes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peanuts (optional). Add 1/4 cup rice vinegar; toss.

nutrition facts

• Calories454 Total Fat (g)11 Saturated Fat (g)1, Monounsaturated Fat (g)5, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)4, Cholesterol (mg)66, Sodium (mg)596, Carbohydrate (g)55, Total Sugar (g)4, Fiber (g)9, Protein (g)34, Vitamin C (DV%)54, Calcium (DV%)17,  Iron (DV%)18

Monday, June 6- Grilled Steak with grilled summer squash (thick sliced and halved drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with Tastefully Simple's Garlic Garlic).  If I don't marinate the steak, then I may sprinkle the grilling seasoning from Tastefully Simple over the beef before grilling.

Tuesday, June 7-  If it isn't left over night, then I will make fajitas.  Tuesdays are a busy night with our family eating in shifts.  Quesdillas for the girls earlier and a quick easy fajita meal for us later that night.

January 26- February 1 Menu

The Pulled Pork made in my slow cooker was awesome.  I'll have to thank my friend for her inspiration.  It was super easy and made for a delicious dinner (and lunches)!

I didn't make the Lemon Shrimp and Liguine but kept the lemon theme with a Lemon Chicken baked in my Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker and served with baked potatoes.

Wednesday, January 26-  Tonight it's just the girls.  Maybe I'll make breakfast for dinner or do something simple like pasta or soup.

Thursday, January 27-  I think I will make Microwave White Chicken Chili (original recipe provided by Pamperd Chef- I made a few alterations) WW: 4 points per serving 1 cup

Microwave White Chicken Chili 

3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 tsp salt, divided
1 tbsp olive oil

2 jalapeno peppers diced
1 medium onion
1½ lb boneless, chicken breasts
2 tbsp Southwestern Seasoning Mix or Taco Seasoning
2 cans (15.5 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained
1 jar (16 oz) salsa verde

1. Finely dice peppers and Chop onion.  Combine minced garlic, peppers and onion in Deep Covered Baker. Trim and finely dice chicken. Add chicken, seasoning mix, oil and ½ tsp salt to baker; mix well. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 4 minutes; stir to separate chicken. Cover; microwave an additional 4-6 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

2. Add beans and salsa to baker; mix well. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 5-7 minutes or until chili is heated through.
Yield: 8 servings (8 cups)  Serve this chili with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, diced avocado or chopped cilantro.

Friday, January 28- From Campbell's Kitchens I will be making Beef Taco Bake with the addition of black beans to the recipe.  WW: 14 points per serving 1 1/2 cups

1 pound ground beef

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup

1 cup Pace® Chunky Salsa or Pace® Picante Sauce

1/2 cup milk

6 flour tortillas (8-inch) or 8 corn tortillas (6-inch), cut into 1-inch pieces

1 (15 oz) can of black beans rinsed and drained

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)

• Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring often.  Pour off any fat.
• Stir the soup, salsa, milk, tortillas, black beans and half the cheese in the skillet.  Spoon the beef mixture into a 2-quart shallow baking dish.  Cover the baking dish.
• Bake at 400°F. for 30 minutes or until the beef mixture is hot and bubbling.  Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

 Saturday, January 29-  I will call my father for his Lemon Shrimp Linguine recipe and make it tonight for dinner.

Sunday, January 30-  I will make sausage and peppers but this time in the oven.  Last time I prepared it in the slow cooker and didn't care for it that way.

Monday, January 31- From Better Homes and Gardens, I will be making Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie with a few alterations. 

Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie

8 frozen buttermilk biscuits

1 small onion diced

1 cup diced carrots

4 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 (10 1/+2 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 dry white wine

1/2 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, cubed

1/2 (.7 oz)envelope Italian dressing mix (about 2 tsp.)

1 cup frozen baby peas, thawed

1. Bake biscuits according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, saute onion in hot oil in large skillet over medium high heat 5 minutes or until golden.  Add carrots and saute 5 minutes or until tender.  
3. Stir in chicken and next 5 ingredients; cook stirring frequently 5 minutes or until cheese is melted thoroughly.
4. Stir in peas and cook 2 minutes.
5. Spoon mixture over hot split biscuits to serve.

Yields 6-8 servings

Tuesday, February 1-  I think tonight will be left over evening.  However, if the leftovers have all been eaten for lunches then I will most likely make Asian Peanut Noodle Toss.

Taste of Thai Peanut Noodle Toss Recipe

1/2 Box (8 oz) Rice Noodles
1 TBSP oil
3 cups favorite vegetables chopped
1 tsp Salt
1 13.5 oz can of Coconut Sauce
1 packet (both inner envelopes) Peanut Sauce Mix
1 1/4 lbs chicken or beef thinly sliced

Soak noodles according to stir fry directions. Heat oil in wok over medium high heat. Add vegetables, salt and meat. Saute 3 minutes. Add coconut milk and peanut sauce. Mix. Bring to boil while stirring and boil 3 minutes. Add drained noodles and combine. Cook while stirring until noodles are firm but tender. Add peanuts for garnish.