Been so busy wrapping up editing and making a graduation dvd that I have gotten little else done in the last 3 days. And that is ok - because I have cried more watching my sweet nephews life unfold on my screen in the process than I have in a long time, and sometimes you need a good cry to get focused - and it has been an incredible reminder to me of just how fast time goes. I remember so clearly when he was born. And that was 18 years ago... Time flies - and I wish him the best life has to offer during this next phase of his journey. Amazing how it seems like this really does happen in a blink then you look back over the years and become reflective about life. So many little things that can cloud our view during the day in and day out challenges, joy, schedules, obligations, quiet moments, etc. that life brings about. Sometimes you just need to be reminded about what is important, whether its the life you are helping to mold, or the friends whose life you get to impart goodness into, or the stranger whose life you can make better by a gesture of kindness... Time is fleeting...
So, if you are still here, and hungry, like I am since I havent had lunch yet - lets get a plan together for whats left of this week.. And I think I actually have a few photos to post with the menu this week. The end of last week we had our moms night out and my sweet friend, Shannon had prepared everything for our group to make 12 meals at one time. It was a great list of meals - so many we hardly had room to taste all the dishes - but the concept was to prepare all the meals in a few hours and then be ready for the week(s) to come. I am going to share a few of those here.
The first dish was a delish rendering of a chicken paella. Just look at the great colors this dish gives off. Seasoned with a special mix Shannon had gotten at Penzy's, it was a big hit. And the chicken was made ahead and used for several dishes (you know I love that). There were onions, carrots, red peppers, rice, peas - all that yummy goodness - and super easy to make especially in the manner of preparing alongside other dishes.
The next was an oh so good pizza. Um, I am really hungry now. What was so unique about this pizza was that it was made topped with the filling that was used for the lasagna rolls, and stuffed shells that we also made. See how versatile this all is - that is key for being succesful for both time management and financially stretching the budget. This mix of cheesy goodness, ricotta, cottage cheese, mozz and parmesan cheese mixes with spinach, and garlic and seasonings made this a huge hit.
Another favorite were these sandwiches - remember the chicken from the paella... it was prepared in such a veratile way, that some of it was placed inside these rolls with broccoli (sliced thinly) and tomatoes, cheese, etc. and were light and delishous, and I can definately see my kids enjoying these on a weekend - (actuallly its our saturday meal plan this week)..
One more of the 12 dishes we made was this delishous vegetable parmesan. Oh it was heavenly - layers of summer squash, zucchini, onion, egplant and red peppers, layered with red sauce and topped with mozz and parm.. oh i want some more right now! The surprising key to this dish, was using lemon juice to dip the veggies in before breading them -and then roasting them all off before creating the dish.. Oh this one its a keeper...
So there you have it - a version of Menu Monday with ideas - things to try - ways to combine ingredients for more than one meal... But here I think is the last necessary ingredient - after you add good friends - you must add this.
(and yes, that was my label attached)
Have a great Tuesday!
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