menu plan monday – march 18, 2013

this mama is tired.  t-i-r-e-d.  and birthday-ed out.  that about sums up how things are looking this very snowy monday morning.  looking out the window, you’d never know that spring is wednesday.  especially when we’re supposed to have below zero wind chills.  our last madison winter has been a long one, but no complaints here.

this week i’m also beginning my 2013 cookbook challenge and i’m starting with three of my newest cookbooks which i have yet to put to use… until now.  forget pinterest(at least for a little while)!  it was great being able to flip through actual books to decide what we’ll be eating this week.

here’s what we’ll be eating this week :

meatless monday : fried brown rice with green beans and balsamic vinegar.  from whole grains for a new generation.  this was the book i gifted myself for valentine’s day.  i made a dinner muffin recipe around that time but haven’t used it since.  my baby loves rice so he should think this is the best dinner ever.  should also prove to be quite messy as well.

i’ve selected monday as a night of the week for our family to eat a meatless meal as it tends to be more budget friendly as well as a friendlier option for the environment. my meat and potato eating husband tends to go along with this idea because i also make him a yummy dessert in addition to his meatless meal. what can i say, i’m nice like that.

tuesday : honey-mustard drumsticks.  from slow cooker revolution.  i received this cookbook for christmas and was so excited to use it until i put it in my cabinet and forgot about it.  these sound delicious!

wednesday : leftovers.  see note about being a tired mama above.

thursday : tacos.  i’d take a taco right about now.  we haven’t had these at home for quite some time and seriously, why?  easiest dish ever and always gets rave reviews!

friday : chicken mango lettuce cups.  from steamy kitchen’s healthy asian favorites.  i have jordan’s first cookbook and have used it a couple of times but was thrilled to see a healthy version from her as well.  i have a signed bookplate from her inside the front cover so i really should put this one to good use!