March 14th - March 20th

Some great sales coming up this next week at Publix - Remember the sale starts on Thursday. Center Cut Pork Rib Chops will be on sale for $3.49/lb which makes it a good time for Margarita Pork Chops - yummm!  Another great sale is the Sirloin Tip Roast for $3.99/lb - make your favorite roast recipe or try my Garlic Roast Beef Recipe. Bone-in Boston Butt Roast is going to be on sale for $1.99/lb, and with Madison being home for Spring Break we will be eating Pulled Pork. She loves it and hasn't had that in a long time, so I'm happy for the sale on the roast.  Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Cutlets are going on sale for $3.99/lb. That is a good price and they will make quick work of the new Chicken Parmigiana recipe I posted on the blog this week. They are already thin and ready to be breaded!


Menu 
Thursday -Chicken Parmigiana with spaghetti noodles
Friday - Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Saturday -Garlic Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes and cream corn
St Patty's Day Sunday - Pulled Pork and Coleslaw (certainly not your traditional fair and it won't be green, but it will be yummy :o)..  )
Monday -  Margarita Pork Chops with a salad
Tuesday - Leftover Pulled Pork made into soft tacos with pineapple, avocado, and  cilantro sour cream sauce
Wednesday - Leftovers




Shopping List

Bakery
Buns for pulled pork
Chicago Italian Bread (for making your own bread crumbs for Chicken Parm)

Produce
garlic
basil
thyme
1 white onion
10 plum tomatoes
1 bag of coleslaw mix (I buy the Publix brand)
1 bag of yukon gold potatoes
1 bag of salad
cilantro (for cilantro cream sauce)
pineapple (for pulled pork tacos)
avocado (for pulled pork tacos)

Dairy
butter
eggs
3-4 Mozzarella Cheese Slices for Chicken Parmigiana
Your favorite cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches. I like to mix sliced Fontina and Creamy Havarti
milk
sour cream (for cilantro cream sauce)

Spices
flour
sugar
salt
pepper
Italian seasoning
olive oil (I like Lucini Brand)
vegetable oil
chicken base (near the chicken broth)
white vinegar

Misc
miracle whip (at least 2/3 cup)
your favorite bbq sauce - I use Sweet Baby Rays Sweet and Spicy
3-4 cups of your favorite spaghetti sauce for Chicken Parmigiana
noodles to serve with Chicken Parmigiana
root beer - at least 1 can for Pulled Pork
1.5 cups bottled margarita mix (for margarita pork chops)
2 packages frozen cream corn
soft flour tortilla wraps for Pulled Pork Tacos

Meats
2 lb Bone-in Boston Butt Roast (on sale)
2 lbs Chicken Breast Cutlets (on sale)
3 lb Sirloin Tip Roast (on sale)
1 lb Center Cut Pork Rib Chops (on sale)

February 21st - February 27th

Madison is coming home TODAY and spending the weekend here! She has an appointment with the oncologist on Friday. I'm so happy we'll get to see her and spend time with her this weekend, but I wish she didn't have to make that long drive for an oncology appointment. Kind of a bummer, but we'll make the best of it. The appointment should just be routine to establish her as a patient so she can be monitored for recurrence of the melanoma. We are already planning to enjoy an early lunch before her appointment. I have a coupon for Outback, so that will be a nice treat (now I just have to remember to print the darn coupon)!! 

Next weekend she is riding in the Regional Finals show at her college. She pointed out of her division this year, which makes her eligible to move on as an individual to compete against others in the region who pointed out as well.  We'll be there cheering her on!!  I know she is still in pain at the site of her recent surgeries, so I'm hoping that subsides for her before the show next weekend. She's a tough cookie and will tough it out either way, I'm sure :o)

Because I'll be gone, I won't have a menu for next week, but I'll try to take a look at the Publix sale flyer and make some suggestions on the Facebook page. Be sure to like the page for those updates!

Thursday - Stir Fry Pork with Rice - I'll be posting this recipe on the blog this week with some changes, but it is great as it is. The first time I made it there were NO leftovers! Don pigged out! This go around I will plate it for the picture before I let him anywhere near it!

Friday - Chicken Pot Pie

Saturday - Burgers with Caramelized Onions, Sauteed Mushrooms, and Fontina Cheese (see recipe below) with baked french fries  

Sunday - Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs (see recipe below and be sure to prepare a day or 2 before you are ready to use) with Rice Pilaf

Monday - leftovers

Tuesday - leftovers

Wednesday - Roasted Chicken Breasts with a garden salad

Burgers with Caramelized Onions, Sauteed Mushrooms, and Fontina Cheese: Caramelized onions take about 45 mins. You need to cook these slow, but they are worth it! Cut 2 sweet onions in 1/2, peel, and slice thin. Melt 3 tablespoons butter over mid high heat and add the onions. Stir until they begin to brown. Lower the heat to medium and continue to cook and stir. The onions will begin to brown and might stick a little to the pan. Keep stirring. Eventually you will notice they will  begin to release their juices. Keep stirring and scraping up browned bits in pan until the onions are soft, brown, and delicious - about 45 mins. For mushrooms, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cover and let cook until mushrooms release their juices - about 5-7 minutes. Stir and continue cooking until they are softened and juicy. Ground chuck is on sale this week at Publix so pick up about 1 lb (makes 4) and mix it with some salt, pepper, & garlic powder and form into patties. Sear these in a hot pan for about 5 mins on each side (cooking time will vary depending on thickness). Assemble burgers on buns with caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms and a slice of Fontina cheese. Melt the cheese and enjoy!

Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs: Combine 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup butter, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1/6 cup mustard (I use yellow mustard, but you can use whatever you prefer), and 1 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until you have a smooth sauce. Allow to cool.  Once sauce is cooled, place chicken in resealable freezer bag (gallon sized), and pour sauce over chicken. Freeze until ready to use. When ready to use, thaw just long enough to remove the contents from the bag. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the frozen chicken and sauce in an ungreased 13x9 casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes. Separate chicken into a single layer with the meaty side up and bake for another 30 minutes. Turn chicken pieces over so the meaty side is down and bake another 45 minutes until the sauce is browned and thickened. Prepare the rice pilaf during the last cooking time.

Shopping List (Items marked with an * are not needed for the menu, they are extras I need for various projects this week)

Bakery

Buns for burgers

Produce

Ginger (about a thumb sized piece - break off only what you need as it is expensive)

Red Bell Pepper

Mushrooms x2 small fresh packs or 1 large pack

Celery

Cilantro

Garlic

3 Yellow Onions

2 Sweet Onions

1 Lime

Carrots

Potatoes

*Strawberries x2

*1 Jalapeno

*Lime Juice

*Chopped pistachios (small)

Dairy

Butter

Milk

Fontina Cheese (small block)

*1 lb block white american cheese

Spices

Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

Garlic powder

All-purpose flour

Celery seed

Chicken base (near the soup)

Mustard

Curry powder

*Brown sugar

Misc

White Rice

Frozen peas

Grands biscuits (8 count)

1/2 cup honey

*Canned green chiles

*Pretzel rods

*White chocolate x2

*Semi-sweet chocolate

*Bag of ice

*Multi-purpose eye solution

Meat

1 lb Pork Tenderloin

1 lb Ground Chuck 

2-3 lbs Chicken Thighs

at least 2 packs with 2 chicken breasts in each pack- Chicken Breasts with Ribs and Skin (stock up price - so buy what you can and freeze what you don't use)

February 14th - February 20th

Valentine's Day isn't my most favorite holiday. I don't understand why there should be a special day to express your love, so I don't really make any kind of big deal about it. Don and I don't exchange gifts, and we never go out to eat on this day! We are so boring! and I like it like that!! It is much more enjoyable for us to dine at home and enjoy an evening in just hanging out (which is what we do on a normal basis, so it really isn't anything special haha)

Tonight I'm making Pork Loin Chops with a Raspberry Reduction because I have been craving this! I'll be using fresh Thyme and Sage for this, but dried works well too. Pork Loin Chops were on sale yesterday, so I picked some up and will pair it with garlic spinach mashed potatoes.  This is a great meal to make for a special occasion, because it is very impressive while being quick and easy, which means you'll have more time to spend with your loved ones!

I am also making a new cookie recipe today, because I am in the mood for a yummy treat. I'm sure Don will enjoy those for an after dinner treat - he's always looking for something sweet in the evenings... and now he won't be able to say I didn't do anything special for him on Valentine's Day (wink)

I hope your Valentine's Day (and everyday) is filled with lots of LOVE and happiness!

Here is my menu and shopping list for the week!

Thursday - Pork Loin Chops with a Raspberry Reduction and Garlic Spinach Mashed Potatoes

Friday - Spaghetti and Meatballs Canned Tomatoes and Muellers Pasta are BOGO Free this week at Publix, and Ground Rounds is on sale too

Saturday - **New Recipe** allrecipes.com Cilantro Pork Stir Fry  I haven't tried this yet, but it sounds great and Pork Tenderloin is on sale this week at Publix, so it's a good time to try something new. 

Sunday - Stuffed Peppers - Green peppers are on sale this week too and I have been craving these!

Monday - Meatball Subs using leftovers from spaghetti and meatball night.  Pick up some sub rolls from the bakery and some mozzarella cheese slices and enjoy with some fresh baked french fries

Tuesday and Wednesday - take it easy and eat up any leftovers (I know I'll have plenty!)

Shopping List

Bakery

Sub rolls for meatball subs (buy as many as you'll need)

Produce

Fresh Cilantro

Fresh Basil

Fresh Oregano

Fresh Parsley

Fresh Thyme

Fresh Sage

Small fresh ginger (about the size of your thumb - break off only what you need as ginger is expensive)

at least 5 onions

garlic

Yukon Gold Potatoes

4 green peppers

2 pkg baby spinach

1 red bell pepper

1 lime

Dairy
Milk
Eggs
Mozzarella Cheese  (2 slices per sub or buy shredded if you prefer)
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Butter

Spices
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil
Chili Powder
Ground Cumin
White Wine Vinegar

Misc
12 oz Tomato Paste (I like the basil, garlic, and oregano flavor)
28 oz Tomato Sauce (basil, garlic, and oregano - the 28 oz hunts tomatoes are BOGO Free)
28 oz Diced Tomatoes (basil, garlic, and oregano  get it free when buying the tomato sauce!)
1 cup dry Italian Breadcrumbs
Spag Noodles (Muellers pasta is on BOGO Free sale this week)
8 ounce chunky salsa
white rice
1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
small Orange Juice

Meat
2 lbs ground round (on sale this week)
8 oz Italian turkey sausage or ground turkey (for stuffed peppers)
1 lb Pork Tenderloin (on sale this week)
4 Boneless Pork Loin Chops

November 8th - November 14th

allrecipes.com Baked Ziti I

This Baked Ziti recipe from allrecipes.com is unique in that it has sour cream to give it a little zing! Of course having provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses doesn't hurt either! Give it a try! It is a big recipe so you'll have some yummy leftovers. I made mine in 2 smallers dishes because it is just the 2 of us here. I tossed the 2nd dish in the freezer to use on a busy night during the holiday season!

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce Or I prefer to use this recipe for Red Sauce
• 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• 3/4 cup sour cream (I used Breakstones)
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook about 8 minutes; drain.

In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. When the beef starts to brown I add the garlic and onion with salt and pepper to taste and continue cooking until well browned. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Weekly Menu

Thursday - Creamy Baked Potato Soup (see recipe below) with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Friday - Ravioli with Vegetables (see recipe below)

Saturday - Shepard's Pie (see recipe below)

Sunday - Chicken Cordon Bleu with Parmesan Spinach Orzo 

Monday - leftovers

Tuesday - Margaita Pork Chops (remember to marinade overnight before cooking) with a garden salad

Wednesday -leftovers

Shopping List

Produce

yukon gold potatoes

3 onions

chives

1lb fresh green beans

fresh marjoram

3 plum tomatoes

garlic

bag of baby spinach

Dairy

butter

skim milk (need at least 4 cups)

8 ounce package shredded mild cheddar cheese

cheese of choice for grilled cheese sandwiches

6 slices swiss cheese

parmesan cheese

heavy whipping cream (need 1/2 cup)

Spices

olive oil

vegetable bouillon cube

chicken base

pepper

salt

paprika

all purpose flour

cornstarch

Misc

1 (2.75 ounce) package Pioneer no-fat country gravy mix (any country gravy mix will work)

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

dry white wine (need 1/2 cup)

1.5 cups bottled margarita mix

6 slices ham

frozen sweet peas (need 1/2 cup)

bread for grilled cheese sandwiches

bacon

Meat

1 lb ground chuck (on sale at Publix this week)

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (on sale at Publix this week)

2-3 lbs center cut pork ribs chops with bones (on sale at Publix this week)

Creamy Baked Potato Soup

4 medium potatoes

2.75 ounce Pioneer no fat country gravy mix

4 cups skim milk, divided

1/2 cup chopped onion

8 ounce shredded mild cheddar

toppings: sour cream, bacon, chives

Bake potatoes (you can do this in the mircowave if you prefer). Cool and cut into 1" cubes and set aside. Whisk together gravy mix and 1/2 cup skim milk until smooth. Set gravy mixture aside. Saute onion in a 3.5 quart saucepan coated with cooking spray until tender. Add remaining 3.5 cups milk and cook until heated through.Whisk in gravy mixture, whisking until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly until mixture begins to bubble. Stir in cheese and cook over low heat until melted. Stir in potatoes. Cook over low heat 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with desired toppings.

Ravioli with Vegetables

1 9 ounce package refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli

1 tablespoon olive oil

8 ounce fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces (2 cups)

1 small onion cut into thin wedges

1 vegetable bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon chicken base

1.5 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram

1 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup water

1 cup chopped, seeded Italian plum tomatoes

1/2 cup frozen sweet peas

3 tablespoons shredded fresh parmesan cheese

Cook ravioli as directed on package. drain; cover to keep warm. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over mid high heat until hot. Add green beans and onion; cook and stire 3 minutes. Add bouillon cube or chicken base, marjoram, garlic, pepper and water; cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until beans are crisp-tender. Add tomatoes, peas and cooked ravioli. reduce heat to mid low; cook 3 to 5 mins until mixture is thoroughly heated and sauce is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve!

Shepard's Pie

5 yukon gold potatoes

5 galic cloves, peeled

1/2 stick butter

about 1/4 cup warmed milk

salt & pepper to taste

1 lb ground chuck

1 onion chopped

1 teaspoon garlic minced

1/2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

3 carrots sliced (more or less to your liking)

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

Wash potatoes and dice. Boil potatoes with garlic cloves until fork tender; drain. Mash potatoes with butter and 1/2 the milk. Adding more warmed milk as needed. Keep potatoes warm.

While potatoes are boiling, steam green beans and carrots until crisp-tender. 

Brown ground chuck with onions and garlic until meat is cooked through. Add diced tomatoes with their juice and heat through. When green beans and carrots are steamed add them to the meat mixture.  Put meat and vege mixture in a square casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for about 20-30 minutes and enjoy! Top with shredded cheese if you desire and heat until melted.

October 18th - October 24th

My menu and shopping list this week

I won't be making a menu and grocery list next week, as we have a lot of things already planned.  This week's menu is yummy! Definitely give the Butternut Soup a try - you'll be glad you did!

Have a super week everyone!

Thursday - Butternut Squash Soup and Grilled Cheese  (for the soup I am only using 1 package of cream cheese per the advice of other reviewers. I will most likely use a mix of fontina and american cheeses for the sandwich)
Friday - Burgers and Fries  (For the burgers I do not use the pepper flakes. I did that the first time I made these and my lips were on FIRE! I like the yukon golds for the french fries because they are a lower starch potato and will crisp up more than an Idaho)
Saturday - Margarita Pork Chops and a garden salad
Sunday - Tilapia Scaloppine & Rice Pilaf
Monday - Publix Subs (Don and I have started a tradition apparently haha. We get subs on debate nights. I go out that afternoon and pick them up along with some chips)
Tuesday - Roasted Chicken Breasts and a garden salad
Wednesday - leftovers or make it a pizza night!

Bakery
Bread for grilled cheese
Buns for burgers (4)

Produce
Yukon Gold Potatoes
1 3/4 lbs winter squash (butternut)
1/2 cup mushrooms (button)
1 lemon
garlic
fresh parsley
1/2 cup slivered carrots
2 onions

Dairy
1 (8 0z) package cream cheese
Cheese for Grilled Cheese (I will probably use Fontina and American mix)
2 ounces Swiss cheese
butter

Spices
Honey Mustard (1/4 cup)
Brown Sugar
White Sugar
Marjoram
Cayenne Pepper
onion powder
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
Olive Oil
Canola Oil (I ran out)
Cooking Spray

Other
1.5 cups bottled Margarita Mix
1/2 cup white wine
1 (4 oz) jar capers
Chicken Base (in the soup aisle near the chicken broth)

Frozen
Peas

Meat
bone in skin on chicken breasts (2 breasts or more if needed)
1 lb ground chuck (on sale)
1 lb tilapia (on sale)
2-3 lbs center cut pork rib chops bone-in (on sale)

July 19th - July 22nd

My menu is abbreviated this week. I'm going out of town! My allrecipes.com Allstar trip is HERE! I'm not excited at all...haha  

I have been volunteering with allrecipes.com for a year now as an Allstar Ambassador.  This year is allrecipes.com 15th birthday celebration, and they are flying the ambassadors out to Seattle for the celebration. There are about 70 of us going from all over the country! It is going to be a whirlwind trip, but tons of fun! and I'm so excited to meet all of my fellow ambassadors in person!

Madison is going with me, and we are getting there a few days prior to the birthday festivities. We have never been to Washington state before, and we have some exploring to do! We are going to spend 2 days on Mt. Rainier hiking and exploring before we head into the city. We plan to eat our way through Seattle, but it is okay because we also plan to do A LOT of walking!

Happy Birthday allrecipes.com!!

Thursday - Creamed Chicken with Rice (see recipe below)

Friday - Garlicky Pork Stir-fry (I already have all the ingredients on hand for this, so if you plan to make it - be sure to add the ingredients to the grocery list)

Saturday - Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Nectarine Salsa served with Black Beans and Rice

Sunday - Baked Ziti

note: I chose these recipes this week to have lots of leftovers so Don won't starve next week while Madison and I are out of town. I am going to package up individual servings he can just take out of the fridge and pop in the microwave!  So I imagine there will be enough leftovers from this menu to get you through the rest of the week.  Also, I won't be posting a menu next week (July 26th - August 1st) as I won't be back in town until Sunday, and I expect to be exhausted...in a good way!!

Shopping List

Produce

Carrots

Celery

4 onions

2 nectarines

1 tomato

cilantro

2 limes

garlic

Dairy

butter

milk

6 ounces sliced provolone cheese

6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

grated parmesan

12 ounces sour cream

Spices

flour

celery seed

crushed red pepper flakes

salt 

pepper

ground cumin

chili powder

cayenne pepper

Extras

1 3/4 cups chicken broth

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

olive oil

1 can black beans

uncooked white rice

1 lb Ziti pasta

2 (25 ounce) jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce

Frozen

green peas (at least 1 cup)

Meat

2 chicken breasts (bone-in and skin-on)

6 (4 ounce each) boneless pork loin chops (plan 1 chop for each serving)

1 lb lean ground beef

Creamed Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

• 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk

Roast the chicken breast as directed in this recipe.  Once you get the chicken in the oven start the rice (cook as directed on rice package). Once rice is going you can start the cream mixture. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook onions, carrots, and peas until veges start to get soft. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over mid-low heat until thick then remove from heat.  Meanwhile, when chicken is done remove it from the oven and let it rest. Then slice the chicken and add it to the cream mixture.  Serve over cooked rice. 

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June 7th - June 13th

Another busy week! We enjoyed having Madison home for a couple of days. She even went furniture shopping with me! She is going to take our current sofa set in our family room to college with her in the fall, so I need to redecorate that room and soon! I did find a set I liked well enough, but we tried to pick fabric colors and struck out! I guess we'll have to keep looking - just couldn't decide. It is a big purchase, and I want to be sure. 

Madison went back to Savannah on Tuesday and stayed the night with a friend before getting back on the road Wednesday morning. She started out early to make her way to TN for her apprenticeship, but she only got a little over 1/2 way when the charge light came on! So much for having it checked out here at home by a shop before she left for the trip! Being the smart girl she is, she pulled off the highway and parked to call her dad. Don determined it was most likely the alternator, so we had to find a repair shop who had the part and could do the work that same day. 

Fortunately, we were able to find something very close and she was back on the road several hours and several hundred $$$ later (ugh!).  She did finally make it to her destination around 9:30pm (about 6 hours later than what she had planned!).  It was quite stressful being so far away, but I'm so happy we were able to get it repaired and she made it safely. Now I can relax for a few days until she's back on the road for home. Looking forward to her being home another couple days before she heads to Canada for 6 weeks! Don't worry - the car is staying home! She will be flying!

Thursday - Eye of Round Roast with a salad.  This will be the first time for me making this recipe, so I'm a little skeptical, but will report back with how it turns out. I won't leave it in the oven as long as the recipe states as I think a roast should be taken out about 120-125 degrees for mid rare and that's how we like 'em, so I will check the temp at about 1 hour 30 mins to 2 hours - somewhere in there.  I will most likely season this with a paste of olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper as well. Eye of Round is on sale, so this is a great time to try this recipe! If you end up making this, please report back and let me know how it turned out for you!

Friday - Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken with a salad. I did make some changes to the recipe as follows: I used fresh garlic, thyme and parsley - if you don't have the fresh stuff, go ahead and used dried. I also add a tbsp of tequila with the lime juice, and if your chicken breasts are thick you will have to cook it a little longer after adding the lime & tequila (about 10 mins instead of 5 as the recipe suggests). No worries though as that helps the sauce to reduce down to a very nice flavorful glaze.

Saturday - Slow Cooked Chili I know it is really hot out, but we do love chili and the sausage I like to use in this chili is on sale.  Here are the changes I make to the recipe:  I use 2lbs Publix mild Italian sausage. I use 2 cans of tomato sauce and 3 cans of diced tomatoes because I like it more saucy. I always buy the tomatoes and sauce with the basil, garlic, and oregano flavor as well. And because I LOVE garlic, I usually throw in some extra cloves.  When using a slow cooker I like to buy those slow cooker liners you can get in the grocery store where you find the foil and saran wrap. I use those to make clean up a SNAP!

Sunday - Chicken Milano - this is a new recipe for me, but it sounds really good. I will report back on how it turns out.

Monday - Wednesday - I will have lots of leftovers at this point, so in an effort not to waste anything we will be enjoying leftovers on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Sometimes I fit in the leftovers on other nights if I have a day where I'm not able to make my planned meal for whatever reason, so working in leftover nights is always a good idea when menu planning.

Produce

Lime Juice

(2) Onions - medium

(1) Green Pepper

Garlic

Fresh Basil

2 bags of Salad

Dairy

Butter

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Sour Cream (If you like for the chili)

Heavy Cream (at least 1 cup)

Canned Food

(2) 16oz canned Kidney Beans (I prefer the light colored beans)

(3) 14.5oz cans Diced Tomatoes (I always use the garlic, basil and oregano flavored tomatoes) Hunt's tomatoes are BOGO sale at Publix this week

(2) 8oz cans Tomato Sauce (garlic, basil and oregano flavor is what I use)

Chicken Broth (at least 1 cup or if you have chicken base you can sub that with 1 cup water)

Extras

Extra Virgin, First Cold Pressed Olive Oil

Vegetable Oil

1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes

8oz Fettuccine Pasta

Salad Dressing if needed

Slow Cooker Liners

Spices

Salt

Pepper

Cayenne Pepper

Paprika

Onion Powder

Thyme (dried or fresh - whichever you prefer)

Parsley (dried or fresh - whichever you prefer)

Chili Powder

Meat

3 lb Beef Eye of Round Roast (On sale for $3.99/lb at Publix)

6-8 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts (on sale for $2.99/lb at Publix)

1.5 to 2 lbs Publix Mild Italian Sausage (on sale for $3.99/lb at Publix)

Extra Stuff I need on my list

Pineapples (on sale already peeled and cored for $2.99 each)

Mountain Dew (Pepsi products are buy 2 get 1 free)

Ice

Bread

Eggs

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May 25th - May 30th

Finally, I am getting to my menu and shopping list this week!  The cupboards are bare!  I normally do this on Wednesday or early Thursday, but this has been a challenging week for me! Yesterday was crazy and included a fire alarm in a waiting room! And we were told to NOT OPEN THE DOOR!  So, you don't want us to evacuate then??  It was strange haha.  When I told my sweet husband I had a rough day, he agreed we should eat out, and he met me at Outback.  It was nice to sit and relax and UNLOAD my day on him!  poor guy - I don't think he knew what hit him!  Our waiter was wonderful - which helped to make our night out even better! If you ever get out to Outback in Palm Bay, be sure to ask for Adam! He will give you superb service - and he's cute too!

Memorial day is on Monday. Freedom isn't free! Remember to thank the service men and women, along with their families. They sacrifice so much for our freedom! Remember the fallen who gave everything - may they rest in peace.

Here is a small portion of a beautiful Memorial Day Poem by CW Johnson

For this Memorial Day

To the names upon these crosses

I just want to say,

Thanks for what you've given

No one could ask for more

May you rest with God in heaven

From now through evermore

Friday - Burger Patty with salad (I am eating low-carb - so no buns tonight for us) For the burger patty I season the meat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I chop up some fresh basil and toss it in there too. Shape the patties and then cook them in butter in a pan on mid-high heat. I let them cook for 5 mins and then flip them. Don't move them around. Once you put them in the pan let them sit there and cook. When I flip them I like to cover the pot for a few minutes to steam them - this keeps them really juicy! This is cheap, easy and quick!

Saturday -Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro Slaw (I saw this recipe on the Pioneer Woman site this week, and I had to add it to the menu. It looks too good! NOTE - for the cilantro slaw in the recipe I am using a 16oz bag of Publix Coleslaw Mix instead of buying and chopping up the cabbage)

Sunday - Chicken breasts with bacon, tomato, and cheese with a salad. I have some boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the freezer from when they were on sale a couple weeks back, so if you don't have them on hand, be sure to add them to the list if you plan on making this tasty, low-carb treat! Follow these directions to make pan-seared chicken breasts. While the chicken is searing, cook the bacon (1 slice per chicken breast or more if you like). Slice up some tomatoes and heat them in the pan when the bacon is done. When your chicken is done, top it with bacon, tomatoes, and cheese (the cheese should melt from the heat, but you can put it under the broiler if needed to melt it) - I like to use swiss, but use whatever you like best.

Memorial Day Monday -Pork spareribs are on sale for $1.99/lb so I recommend enjoying some great BBQ ribs this Memorial Day. Pair it with the best coleslaw ever and some corn on the cob (Corn is on sale 12 for $3) - you've got a great party that won't take up a lot of your time! 12 pack Pepsi products are on sale buy 2 get 2 free and Publix Bakery pies are on sale too!

Tuesday - Take a break from cooking and have leftovers tonight or enjoy a night out - We deserve it!!

Wednesday - Roasted Chicken Breasts and a salad (Publix salad bags on sale 2 for $4)

Planning ahead:  I added a Boston Butt Roast to the shopping list as they are on sale this week, and I plan to make Pulled Pork next weekend when Madison is home. Also, I added Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce as it is on BOGO Free sale this week and I will need it for the pulled pork next weekend. Picking up root beer as well for the pulled pork

Shopping List

Bakery

Hamburger Buns x2 (on sale 8-count for $2.29 - you'll need some for the bbq chicken sandwiches and also for pulled pork on the menu next week!)

Produce

Salad bags x2 (Publix Salad Blends on sale 2 for $4)

2 (16oz bags) Coleslaw Mix

2 onions (Sweet onions are on sale for $.99/lb)

Garlic x3 heads (you don't need that much, but I ran out this week-which shocked me! I never run out of garlic! So I'm stocking up, because I go through garlic like nobody else!!)

tomatoes (Vine ripened tomates on sale for $1.29/lb)

Peeled and cored pineapple is on sale for $2.99 (I always buy this when it is on sale - we are big pineapple fans!)

Cilantro

Corn on the cob (on sale 12 ears for $3)

Dairy

Whole Milk (you'll need a 1/2 cup, so if you don't normally buy this you can get a small one like I do)

Cheese slices (I buy swiss, but get whatever you like best)

Extras

Ketchup (Heinz is on sale 2 for $4)

Chili Sauce

Mayonnaise (Kraft is BOGO Free - buy a mayo and a miracle whip)

Salad Dressing (Kraft is BOGO Free. I like Publix brand Caesar and also the Publix Champagne dressing in the produce section)

White Vinegar

Worcestershire Sauce

Hot Sauce

Miracle Whip 2/3 cup (BOGO Free - Kraft)

Vegetable Oil

Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce (on sale for BOGO Free)

Rootbeer

Pepsi products are on sale buy 2 get 2 free, so it is a good week to stock up

Coke Products are on sale buy 3 get 2 free

Publix Iced Tea is on BOGO Free sale

Spices

Brown Sugar

Salt

Pepper

White Sugar

Dried Oregano

Cayenne Pepper

Meat

at least 2 bone in skin on chicken breasts (On sale for $1.99/lb - so stock up and save)

• 4 pounds Pork spareribs (on sale for $1.99/lb) this should serve 6-8
• • • 1 (2-3 pounds) Boston Butt roast
    • 1 to 1.5 lbs ground chuck on sale 3.49/lb
    • Publix Thick Sliced bacon
    • 1 Whole Cut Up Fryer Chicken