Last week our schedule was totally messed up. I worked more than expected at my part time job, Hubs worked many late evenings. All in all, we didn’t eat most of the meals that we had planned. Such is life. On the positive side though? I have almost enough ingredients to make meals this week without going to the grocery store.

Here’s our menu for the week:

Dinner Meal Plan

• Hard shell tacos
• Sesame Noodles
• Chicken dumpling soup in the slow cooker
• The World’s Best Mac and Cheese
• Spinach, provolone and pepperioni calzones
• Homemade pizza on thin and crispy crust and homemade sauce
• Leftover pizza

Lunches

• Paninis
• Roasted red pepper soup
• Italian Tortellini Soup

This week I’m also making

• Chocolate Fudge Brownies
• Bacon-wrapped jalepanos for the Super Bowl
• Microwave coffee cup in a mug

What are you eating this week?

Proudly linked up with Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie.com

Weekly Meal Plan is a post from: Alli 'n Son

Weekly Meal Plan is a post from: Alli 'n Son

Weekly Menu Plan is a post from: Alli 'n Son

This is the last official week of pumpkin-inspired recipes.

I know, I’m sad too.

But there’s good news. Next week I’m starting a new series: Thanksgiving recipes. And I might just have another Pumpkin pie recipe to share.

And this one has rich, creamy ice cream. Can you just about taste it? I can.

To help dry your tears over the end of the pumpkin series, I offer you this: Pumpkin Pie Spiced Latte.

Kind of like the coffee shop. Kind of, but not exactly. Because really without all of those fancy frothy machines, you really can’t reach the same standard of awesomenosity.

Yes, awesomenosity is a word. One that I just made up.

But…but it’s still a pretty fantastic recipe and will brighten up an afternoon when you are stuck at home, yearning for a hot, creamy, sweet pumpkin-y coffee drink.

Pumpkin Pie Latte

• 3 cups milk
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar (white or brown)
• 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 3 tablespoons pumpkin
• strong coffee or espresso

Stove Top Directions: Mix all ingredients except coffee in a small pot. Heat on medium heat until steaming.

Pour the milk mixture into a blender. Blend until frothy. This is totally optional, but it makes the drink all foamy, like at the coffee shop.

Fill coffee cups about 1/2 full of the milk mixture. Fill the remaining with coffee. Adjust to your liking with more of less coffee.

Sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Top with whipped cream, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Microwave Directions: Mix all ingredients except coffee in a small bowl. Heat until mixture is steaming. Continue as directed above.

Meal Plan

Dinner

Monday: Leftover Penne with Rosemary Cream Sauce
Tuesday: Pumpkin Pie French Toast {AllRecipes.com}
Wednesday: Chicken and Sun Dried Tomato Sausages on homemade buns
Thursday: Butternut Squash soup with Spinach Ravioli {AllRecies.com}
Friday: Homemade pizza on beer battered crust and homemade sauce. {AllRecipes.com}
Saturday: Leftover pizza
Sunday: German oven pancakes

Snacks

• Super Energy Granola Bars
• Chewy, No-Bake Granola Bars
• Crackers
• Graham Crackers

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What is your favorite coffee drink?

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This post is proudly linked up to Mouthwatering Mondays, Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It’s a Blog Party, My Sweet and Savory.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Pumpkin Spice Latte is a post from: Alli 'n Son

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is pie.

And family. Of course family.

But seriously, it’s the pie. Because really there are only a few days when it’s acceptable to have at least 2 slices. You have to sample all of them, you know?

When I set out on my month {plus} of pumpkin recipes, I knew I had to include pumpkin pie. How could I not? But not just any old pumpkin pie, because you can find recipes for those anywhere. And one pumpkin pie is just about as good as the next.

So, I scoured the interwebs and combined a few recipes and came up with a light and fluffy pumpkin chiffon pie, with a gingersnap crust.

Yes, gingersnaps. This makes the pie extra special. Trust me.

Now, normally chiffon pies include raw eggs, but I’m not down with that. Especially since my sister is preggo and won’t even look at anything with raw eggs. Instead, the recipe uses instant pudding for that light as air texture.

Mmmmmmm…

Meal Plan

Dinner

Monday: Bacon and Egg Quesadillas
Tuesday: Chicken black bean soup
Wednesday: French toast
Thursday: Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein (Betty Crocker) and Crab Rangoon
Friday: Homemade pizza on beer battered crust and homemade sauce. {AllRecipes.com}
Saturday: Leftover pizza
Sunday: Penne with Rosemary Cream Sauce

Snacks

• Super Energy Granola Bars
• Chewy, No-Bake Granola Bars
• Crackers
• Graham Crackers

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What is your favorite pumpkin recipe?

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This post is proudly linked up to Mouthwatering Mondays, Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It’s a Blog Party, My Sweet and Savory.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Easy Pumpkin Chiffon Pie is a post from: Alli 'n Son

As you know I’ve been experimenting with new lunch ideas for the kiddo (you didn’t know, then you should totally be a subscriber). I got tired of making the same PBJ, grilled cheese and other toddler lunch staples each week. I needed more variety. The kiddo needed more variety. And I desperately wanted ways to introduce new foods to him. In a way that he would actually eat them.

One new recipe that I tried last week was so good that I even ate it for lunch. Which is saying something, since I normally stick to salads and egg sandwiches. Yes, I’m kind of boring about what I eat when I’m cooking for myself.

It was super easy, very delicious, and actually pretty healthy. It’s my new go-to quick lunch. Or breakfast. And sometimes even dinner.

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Waffle Sandwiches

• Waffles (frozen or homemade, see recipe below)
• Cream cheese, low fat or fat-free
• Fresh or frozen berries of your choice

In a small bowl mash together about 2 tablespoons cream cheese with about 1 tablespoon fresh or frozen (thawed) berries per sandwich. Add more or less to your taste. Mash until the berries are incorporated into the cream cheese giving you a lovely redish mixture.

Spread one waffle with the cream cheese mixture. Top with another waffle. Take a big old bite, and just try not to eat 4 or 5 more entire waffles.

Or do it the toddler way, and ripe the sandwich apart and enjoy in pieces.

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Homemade Waffles

From Betty Crocker’s Cookbook: Bridal Edition

• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups flour (white, whole wheat or white whole wheat)
• 1-3/4 cups milk (I used skim)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Beat eggs in a large bowl with wire whisk until fluffy. Beat in remaining ingredients just until smooth.

Pour 2/3 cup batter into the center or a hot, heated waffle iron. Close lid and bake for about 5 minutes.

Meal Plan

Toddler Lunches

Monday: Peanut butter and banana grilled sandwiches (Wholesome Toddler Food)
Tuesday: Tortilla Roll Ups (Snacks for Toddlers)
Wednesday: Grilled cheese and corn
Thursday: Bagels with peanut butter, honey and raisins
Friday: Homemade crackers, hummus, cheese and carrots
Saturday: Pasta Salad with veggies and low fat Italian dressing
Sunday: Leftovers

Dinner

Monday: Chicken enchilada (freezer)
Tuesday: Chicken, spinach and Parmesan hot pockets (In Good Cents)
Wednesday: Whole wheat pasta with meatballs and sauce in the freezer (Mom Advice)
Thursday: Turkey tenderloin on the grill
Friday: Pizza with my beer batter pizza dough and homemade sauce (AllRecipes.com)
Saturday: Family reunion with hubby’s family. We’re bringing cookies (of course).
Sunday: Leftover pizza

I’ll also be putting together some of my Super Energy Granola Bars, Crackers and Graham Crackers, and Wheat Germ, Flax Seed Bread.

This post is proudly linked up to Mouthwatering Mondays, Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It’s a Blog Party and What’s On the Menu Wednesday.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Waffle Sandwich is a post from: Alli 'n Son

It’s summer time. Hooray! You know what that means? Bug bites? Long sunny days? Thunder storms? Beautiful flowers?

Yes. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about somethings sweet. Juicy. Plump. Something that tastes a little sinful, but really isn’t.

I’m talking about blueberries. BLUEBERRIES!

In the words of my two year old, “I love them”.

While blueberries are great by the handful, sprinkled in yogurt, over ice cream or in smoothies, they are even better in muffins. Topped with streusel. Mmmmmm, streusel. It’s the perfect way to start a summer morning.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients. See that beautiful golden color? That’s due to agave nectar.

Fold in some plump, juicy blueberries…

Add a crumbly streusel topping…

Bake to a golden, oozy perfection.

Are you drooling yet?

Meal Plan

Dinners for the week:

Monday: Turkey, black bean and hummus panini
Tuesday: Slower cooker chicken enchiladas (5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes)
Wednesday: Spinach and Bacon Frittata ($5 Dollar Dinners)
Thursday: Salads with fresh veggies from the Farmer’s Market
Friday: Pizza with my breadmachine pizza dough and homemade sauce (AllRecipes.com)
Saturday: Leftover pizza
Sunday: French toast casserole (AllRecipes.com)

Toddler-friendly lunches:

Monday: Peanut butter and banana grilled sandwiches (Wholesome Toddler Food)
Tuesday: Cheesy veggie quesadilla (Wholesome Toddler Food)
Wednesday: Grilled cheese and corn
Thursday: Stuffed pitas with turkey, hummus and cheese
Friday: Chicken nuggets and carrots
Saturday: Whole wheat bagel with peanut butter, honey and raisins
Sunday: Homemade crackers, hummus, cheese and carrots

I’ll also be putting together some of my Super Energy Granola Bars, Crackers and Graham Crackers, and Wheat Germ, Flax Seed Bread.

This post is also linked up to Mouthwatering Mondays, Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, Cupcake Tuesday and What’s On the Menu Wednesday.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Blueberry Streusel Muffins is a post from: Alli 'n Son

For the longest time Dad-oo has been dreaming on a stainless steel, non stick pan. He has dreams of deglazing pork chops, chicken breasts and who knows what else. Yes, I’m pretty sure that he has actually dreamed about these things.

So when CSNstores.com asked if I’d like to review a product of my choice from one of their 200+ web sites, I knew just what we were going to order. After a small bump in the ordering process, which was quickly resolved by my contact’s prompt reply to my email, this little number was on her way to our front door:

Look at that beauty.

Of course Dad-oo took this baby out for a test run as soon as he could. It did take a little while to get the hang of, since stainless steel needs a lower temp that other pans, due to excellent heat distribution. But he quickly figured it out. His deglazing dreams have come true. I’m pretty sure that we will never go back to our nonstick cookware. Never.

What else did we like about this pan? If you deglaze, it is super easy to clean (or you can just pop it in the dishwasher. It’s really deep, so recipes like the one below are easy to pull off. And you can pop it into the oven, up to 350º.

Look at this baby cook!

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Last week we made a delicious chicken recipe, just perfect for this pan. And can I just say that the chicken turned out so juicy and tender. It was perfect. Of course, I’m sharing the recipe with you.

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Chicken in Tomato Vinegar Sauce

Adapted from Aldi Meal Planner

2 tbsp  olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes, drained or undrained
2 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 bay leaf, broken
1-1/2 lb boneless chicken breast halves (approximately 4)
1/4 tsp rosemary, or 1 tsp fresh, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy sauce pan. Saute garlic for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, vinegar and bay leaf. Increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the sauce has reduce and thickened (sauce will take longer to thicken if using undrained tomatoes).

Rub the chicken breasts with rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium low heat. Saute chicken until cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with tin foil to keep warm.

Pour tomato sauce into same nonstick skillet and simmer, stirring with a wooden spoon to deglaze. Reduce heat to low. Stir in butter, parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Discard bay leaf.

Serve sauce over chicken, with a side of wild rice and your favorite veggie.

Meal Plan

Dinners for the week:

Monday: Leftovers from the weekend
Tuesday: Fish tacos
Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with homemade marinara sauce and garlic bread on the grill ($5 dinners)
Thursday: Brats, broccoli and red potatoes on the grill
Friday: Pizza with my breadmachine pizza dough and homemade sauce (AllRecipes.com)
Saturday: Leftover pizza
Sunday: French toast casserole (AllRecipes.com)

Toddler-friendly lunches:

Monday: Peanut butter and banana grilled sandwiches
Tuesday: Cheesy veggie quesadilla (Wholesome Toddler Food)
Wednesday: Grilled cheese and corn
Thursday: Stuffed pitas with turkey, hummus and cheese
Friday: Chicken nuggets and carrots
Saturday: Whole wheat bagel with peanut butter, honey and raisins
Sunday: Homemade crackers, hummus, cheese and carrots

I’ll also be putting together some of my Super Energy Granola Bars, Crackers and Graham Crackers, and Wheat Germ, Flax Seed Bread.

This post is also linked up to Mouthwatering Mondays, Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, and Tasty Tuesday.

Disclosure: CSNstores.com provided me with a $50 gift code to use towards the purchase of a product to review on one of their web sites. Everything that I wrote is my honest opinion. Read my full disclosure policy.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Chicken in Tomato Vinegar Sauce and Meal Plan is a post from: Alli 'n Son

First and foremost, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

We’re spending the morning with the in-laws. Well, actually, Eli is spending the morning with them. I’m enjoying some peaceful blogging time. For dinner we’re heading to my mom’s house for lasagna (mmmmm) and lemon bars for dessert.

Since it’s mother’s day, I want to give a shout out to my mom for instilling a love of cooking in me. Even though I didn’t actually realize it until I became a SAHM, I LOVE cooking. Especially baking. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

And to Dad-oo’s mom, for raising such a wonderful, thoughtful and caring man. He’s such a good husband, a fantastic father, and my best friend. Wait, this isn’t Father’s Day, why am I gushing about him?

Of course I can’t forget the one who made this into Mother’s Day. My handsome, sassy and lovable little boy. Who showered me with chocolate and kisses today.

Oh, and this is what we had for breakfast this morning:

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While Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

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Breakfast Pizza on my pizza dough

Here’s what we are cooking up for the week.

Monday: Various leftovers from last week
Tuesday: Pretzel Crusted Chicken Fingers
Wednesday: Chicken, spinach and pinto bean wraps
Thursday: Baked Tofu Chicken Bites (AllRecipes.com) with rice noodles
Friday: Homemade pizza on my pizza crust and homemade sauce (AllRecipes.com)
Saturday: Leftover pizza
Sunday: French toast – it’s been a while since we’ve had brinner.

As usual, I’ll also be putting together some of my Super Energy Granola Bars. Homemade Crackers and some graham crackers. And of course my Wheat Germ, Flax Seed Bread.

What are you eating this week?

Don’t forget about the Thank Your Journal carnival starting this week. I hope to see you there.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Meal Plan 05.09.10 is a post from: Alli 'n Son

Don’t forget that I have a giveaway going on from Yoplait Greek Yogurt.

It’s the beginning of week 3 in the 4-week Gluten Detox. Thank goodness, I’m half way through. While I’ve discovered a lot of tasty new snacks, my pocket book is not very happy. Man gluten-free food is EXPENSIVE! To save a little, I’ll be whipping up a few batches of homemade corn tortillas and turning some of them into chips/crackers. Mmmm, they are good.

Here’s what we are cooking up for the rest of the week.

Monday: Cambell’s Chicken and Broccoli (AllRecipes.com) turns out I can’t find a gluten-free soup for this. Having chicken on the grill instead.
Tuesday: Turkey, Black Bean and Spinach Salad with Ranch Dressing (Kitchen Stewardship)
Wednesday: Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers (AllRecipes.com) on homemade corn tortillas
Thursday: Baked Tofu Chicken Bites (AllRecipes.com) with rice noodles
Friday: Homemade pizza on a gluten-free crust (Epicurious) and homemade sauce (AllRecipes.com)
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Bacon and Egg Quesadillas ($5Dinners.com)

As usual, I’ll also be putting together some of my Super Energy Granola Bars, (modified to be gluten-free). Homemade Crackers (for the kiddo) and these graham crackers (also for the kiddo) which are almost too good. Almost.

What are you eating this week?

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Meal Plan 04.26.10 is a post from: Alli 'n Son