My mother and I were talking the other day, and she mentioned how difficult it is to come up with new and exciting dishes. She enjoyed hearing about the meals I was making, since I spend so much time researching and planning all my meals. So—-I am going to start sticking up my menus for everyone to see. Hopefully, next week, I will have one of those link things for others to post links to their menus as well! Look for it next Thursday! Enjoy!
Friday–Dinner with friends
Saturday–Pork Tenderloin encrusted with sourdough bread crumbs and aged jack cheese, spinach salad tosed with a honey dijon emulsion, creamy herbed polenta, grilled pineapple skewers with a coconut caramel sauce
Sunday–Chicken Merlot Florentine with Sundried Tomatoes over fusilli pasta
Monday–Italian Turkey Cheddar paninis, Carrot Sticks
Tuesday–Mediterannean Crepes, Tea Steamed Vegetables
Wednesday–my one premade meal from Trader Joes–Gnocchi with a Gorgonzola sauce
Thursday–Fresh caught (by my dad) Albacore a la Kristin (think simply broiled with Diced mango on top), Salad of couscous, grilled vegetables, coconut milk and lime juice, brownies
That’s it! Let me know if you want any recipes for this. I’ll post it for you.
EDIT: My husband suggested that I give you the total spent (out of pocket) to make these meals. Before I write the totals, know that these are the prices for organic, all natural food in California, so the individual prices can (but not necessarily) be more expensive. I did spend a little more than the total given here in order to buy tortillas and lunch meat for my husband, snacks, and pad the pantry a little, but I try to spend the most on our dinners and produce.
dum, da da dum (little drum roll….)
Dinner total cost: $33.65
This amount purchased the following items: pineapple, red bell pepper, aged dry jack vella reserve cheese, pork tenderloin medallions (2/3 lb), boneless-skinless chicken breast (3/4 lb), red wine (merlot), sliced italian seasoned turkey, cracked wheat sourdough bread, prosciutto, 2 packages sundried tomatoes, sliced black olives, crumbled goat cheese, packaged gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce, fusilli pasta, fresh parsley, and baby spinach leaves
There are some items I already had in my pantry that I’ve chosen to use. One of the best ways to save money is to use what you have in your pantry! As you can see, it is very possible to buy quality, organic, natural and gourmet ingredients to feed your family! I must qualify and say that it has taken me months to learn how to do this well, and I still feel like there is so much more for me to learn. I hope this encourages you!
