Weekly Menu

This past week's menu will not knock your socks off. Last week was a bit crazy between computer issues and plumbing issues (otherwise known as your 3-year old daughter flushing a toy down the potty), but I did manage to cook a few worthwhile things.

Monday:
Taco bake with cheesy biscuits (yes, this is a totally made up name)
This was a combo of two other recipes. Brown your ground beef, then add corn, chili, beans (if you like them- I suggest pinto) and simmer together for at least 10 minutes. I like to add the chili to the taco meat because it makes it thicker instead of just dry, crumbly ground beef. Pour beef mixture into a square (9x9) pan, or any small pan will do. I lined it with foil for easier cleanup.Make the cheddar biscuit dough. Cut out with a biscuit cutter and place on top of beef mixture.Bake for 30 minutes in a 375 degree oven.
Cheddar biscuits
1 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 Tbsp. butter
1/2 cup milk

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Using your fingertips, blend in the butter and the cheese until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and stir quickly with a fork to form a dry, shaggy dough. Gather together and knead lightly in the bowl. Transfer to a floured work surface and pat into a large, 1/2-inch-thick round. Cut out biscuits with a biscuit cutter (or a drinking glass).
*These are great biscuits. Very easy, they have come out great EVERY time I have made them. I used these last year as a biscuit bowl for chili- I use these often.

Tuesday:
leftovers
kids ate cereal

Wednesday:
Chicken Spaghetti
12 oz. spaghetti, cooked and drained
2 cans cream of chicken and mushroom soup (or cream of soup, pretty much)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 large cans chicken breast or 3 chicken breasts, cubed
1 small onion
1/2 cup celery
1 cup chicken broth

Saute onion and celery with 2 Tbsp. butter until soft. 5-10 min. Mix all ingredients together, save 1 cup of cheese, in a LARGE bowl (this makes a lot. You can easily half this recipe or make the whole thing and freeze part of it for another week). Pour chicken spaghetti in a large dish and sprinkle last cup of cheese on top (I usually add more cheese. We like cheese.)
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes
Thanks, Rachel!! This is a new fav!

Thursday:
Tamales
Mexican rice

Friday:
Easy Steak
Baked Potatoes
- easy steak is crockpot steak. I buy steak on sale, and it is usually thinner steaks. Those don't hold up on the grill very well, so I do them in the crockpot. I add garlic (2 cloves for 2 lg. steaks), one onion sliced and season the steaks liberally. I put a small amount of broth in with the steaks, but not too much, because it will get have it's own juices as well. Set on low and cook for 4-6 hours (for large, but thin steaks). They become very tender, and fall apart. It's a good way to have steak on a weeknight.

Saturday:
Dinner out
(Thanks, honey! It was a nice surprise!!)