Did you see November?

Did anyone see November go by...somehow I missed it. Time seems to be moving faster than ever. However, today we are starting something new. MENU MONDAYS!! I have been inspired by some other blogging women out there and I am convinced this will make a positive change in our household. I have a friend who always says "you just need a plan" well here is the plan.

Monday: Ham, green beans, and sweet potatoes

Tuesday: "Dang Quesidillas" (from Napoleon Dynamite)

Wednesday: Chili Rice and mixed vegetables(recipe follows)

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo and peas

Friday: Beef and Barley soup and rice(recipe follows)

I have seen a lot of inexpensive wonderful meal plans out there and I encourage you to consider this for your family. I think it may get us out of some of our daily food ruts we get in! There are really a lot of women doing this. You can find some of the links at www.orgjunkie.com



Chili Rice

3 TBSP olive oil
1 red onion, minced
1 jalepeno, seeded and minced
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
2 TBSP garlic minced
1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced
3/4 lb. ground beef
2 cups long grain rice
8 ounces kidney beans
2 cups chicken stock

In medium stock pot over medium heat, add oil, onions, and peppers and saute until translucent. Add the garlic, tomatoes, and ground beef. Cook until meat is browned. Add rice to mixture and cook over low heat for minutes, coating rice with the oils from pan. Add beans, chicken stock, water, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 20 minutes.



Beef and Barley Stew

1 lb. boneless beef round steak trimmed of fat, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
2 cups frozen green beans
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup uncooked regular pearl barley
1(4.5-oz.)jar slice mushrooms, drained
1(12-oz.) jar mushroom gravy
2 1/2 cups water
2 tsps. beef-flavor bouillon
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. pepper

In slow cooker, combine all ingredients; mix well. Cover; cook on low setting for 10-12 hours.