Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Meatloaf with springtime mashed potatoes

I forget how tasty meatloaf is. Even half turkey/ half beef meatloaf. I don't make it enough.
I never forget how tasty mashed potatoes are. Those are just plain goo-ood. Peas and chives take these ones up a notch and sneak a bit of green into dinner. Keeping that 'eat more vegetables' resolution strong!


Meatloaf:

In a bowl, combine with your [clean] hands:

1/2 lb. each ground turkey and ground beef
1 handful of corn chex, crushed
1 egg
1/4 cup bbq sauce (I like Sweet Baby Rays)
1/2 t. granulated garlic
Salt and pepper, a few dashes each
Other ingredients: Want onions? Add in onions.  Peppers? Why not.  Fresh herbs? Go for it.  How about shredded carrots? Get creative.

Pat the mixture into a dish: A bread pan, a baking dish, or even a muffin tin. Bake at 400 degrees until a meat thermometer reads 175. Top with extra bbq sauce and broil until it starts to glaze. Serve with mashed potatoes.


Springtime Mashed Potatoes:

Boil washed and chopped red potatoes, skins on.

When fork-tender, dump them into the kitchen aid bowl, along with 1/4 c. butter, 1/2 c. milk, and 2 chive stalks, snipped into pieces. Mix on medium speed until... they look like mashed potatoes. Stir in frozen peas.

Hubs approved.

P.S. If you make extra potatoes and cook up some extra meat, you've got Shepherd's pie halfway ready...

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Menu


When I work the weekend, I need dinner leftovers for lunch. I can't plan a new week's menu and go grocery shopping when I'm working. So, out of necessity, this week starts on a Friday.

This week's inspiration comes from a few random sources:
  • Aldi sells some great gluten free wraps. They're pliable, big... and about to get stale. So- wraps for dinner!
  • I had the southwest eggrolls at Ashley's house and they were really good. They were also happily eaten by her 3-year old and got a "good dinner" from her husband. With reviews like that, how can I NOT make them at my house?
  • We started talking about Shepherd's pie in the break room at lunch the other day. Great idea! I plan to make this ahead using the leftovers from meatloaf night. I'm so resourceful.
  • Friday I'm declaring an EAT OUT night because this is going to be a long week and I'm going to be tired by the end of it. Did I mention I'll be going in at 5am most of the week? I haven't done that in years, for good reason. I'm not pretty at 5am.
Friday- Wraps + carrot chips
Saturday- Vegetable soup + grilled cheese
Sunday- Saucy sausage + polenta
Monday- Avocado BLT salads
Tuesday- Meatloaf + mashed potatoes + carrots
Wednesday- Southwest eggrolls
Thursday- Shepherd's pie
Friday- OUT!

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Menu


Last week we didn't eat dinner at home Thursday and Friday, so I get to re-use those ideas. Sa-weet.

Monday-Roasted chickpea spinach salad
Tuesday- Crock pot chicken with rice and broccoli
Wednesday-BLTs and carrot "chips"
Thursday- Pot roast and crispy shredded potatoes (made on the waffle iron!)
Friday- Veggie Quesadillas

It's supposed to rain all week and I JUST remembered I'm working Saturday.
With that, I leave you to go finish laundry.