Weekly Menu

Since Rhett and I were married the one area of our budget that we've fought tooth and nail to control is food - be it eating out or the grocery bill. Because we both work from home, we often eat out just to have a reason to get out of the house. However, we are bound and determined to practice more discipline in this area and thus I am attempting to "plan" meals. I am a planner in all things except for meals. The "Culinary Artist" within me despises being controlled by a "planned" meal. However, I am willing to give meal planning a try and am a actually excited about this week's dinners. So, here goes. I did my best to provide a rough grocery list for you if you are looking to replicate the meal plan.

Recipes will follow! :) Since I don't use recipes and experiment, I will post once I've recorded what I actually use. :)

Monday:  Chicken Fajitas
Grocery List
Red, Yellow and Orange Bell Pepper
Jalapeno
Mushrooms
Yellow Onion
Chicken Tenders
Sour Cream
Avocado
Tomato
1 can Black Beans
Corn Tortillas
Fajita Seasoning (I use the organic blend from Whole Foods)

Tuesday: GF Spaghetti and Tomato Basil Ragu
Grocery List
1 box Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles
14 oz can diced/peeled stewed tomatoes
1 lb ground meat (I'll be using elk)
Fresh Basil (from the garden)
mushrooms (desire amt)
2 slices thick bacon
1 yellow onion
1 tsp dried marjoram
2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
1 Tbsp Corn Starch (for thickening - you can use flour)

Wednesday: Chili
Grocery List
14 oz Stewed Tomato
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 lbs ground meat (optional)
1 medium yellow onion
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 jalapeno

Thursday: Chicken with Lemon and Capers and wild rice
Grocery List
Chicken Breast (how ever many you need to serve)
2 Lemons
1 small jar capers
2-3 cloves garlic
2-3 slices prosciutto
1/4 c. chicken broth
1/4 c. white cooking wine
1/4 c. grated cheese (mozzarella) *optional
Wild Rice (enough to serve)

Friday: Chinese Stir Fry and Mai Fun Noodles
Grocery List:
Asparagus
Mushrooms
Bean Sprouts
Onion
Green Peppers
Snow Peas
Chicken Tenders
Stir Fry Seasoning
1 pkg Mai Fun Noodles