Friday Nov. 20th - Tues. Nov. 24th

I've worked out a shortened menu for the next couple of days. We'll be leaving next Wed. for Thanksgiving at Gene's folks, so I didn't have to do too much planning. Today I've been baking mini pie shells for some Pumpkin Spice Tartlets that I'm making for Erin to take with her tomorrow to the crop. First time I've tried this recipe. It's easy enough, looks like it will be good (filling isn't done yet), but I do believe that next time I make them I will make smaller shells (mini muffin size instead of regular muffin size).

Friday Nov. 20th ~ Roasted chicken and veggies (I'm making this in the microwave in one of my Pamp. Chef stones! Can't wait to see how it turns out! I've heard that it really shortens the cooking time quite a bit.

Sat. Nov. 21st ~ This is a yo-yo night. I'll be heading to a customer appreciation event at Nikki's house around 5:30 and I know she'll have lots of goodies there to munch on. Gene and Kate are on their own. he he

Sun. Nov. 22nd ~ Another day of no cooking for me, though I will most likely bake in the morning. Oh, I do have to make sweet potato casserole to take over to /Erin & Russ's house for our Thanksgiving with them.

Mon. Nov. 23rd ~ Pasta Fagioli and crusty Italian bread I've never made this before, but found a recipe and it looks so warm and yummy!!!

Tues. Nov. 24th ~ South of The Border meatloaf...side are undecided LOL

Pasta Fagioli
1 TBS olive oil
3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) chicken broth
2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
2 cups water
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 lb ditalini pasta
4 carrots, peeled and cut into coins
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 lb Capicola (Italian style ham)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese

heat oil in saucepan. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, 2 cups of water and broth. Add Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Add pasta and carrots. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in beans, Capicola, salt and pepper. Heat through.

Serve hot w/ grated Parmesan cheese on top

Shortened menu this week

Well, I'll be headed to PA on Thursday this week (yep, all by myself) so I don't have a weeks worth of meals planned. Last night Gene made meatloaf, scalloped potatoes and peas for dinner because I was gone at the Relay for Life Crop all day. I have to say, he did a super job! Dinner was very yummy!

Tonight Kate and I made a big ole pan of Meme's Chicken Spaghetti. So yummy! We all just love it! I'm going to pretend I can taste it (this sinus infection has killed my poor taste buds) and enjoy a big plate of it when it comes out of the oven!

Before bed tonight, I'm going to through all of the ingredients for home made beef stew in the crock pot so we'll have another home made dish tomorrow night for dinner.

Wednesday, I plan on making a big pot of goulash. I don't know if we'll have that for dinner or if we'll go out to eat (we have to go to the mall so I can go to the Verizon store to see if they'll fix my phone). If we don't eat it for dinner, it'll be here for Gene and Kate to eat on Thursday, since i won't be here to cook. I'm also counting on left over chicken spaghetti and beef stew to get them through. Of course, I've stocked the pantry and freezer with easy to prepare things that they can cook, too.

That's all for now, folks. Actually, no, it's not. I'm running out of new ideas & recipes. Would REALLY love it if you all would share some with me!! :)

Happy Monday and am wishing you all a great week!