What's for Dinner?: Week 2

Well last weekend was spent painting inside the house. I was able to paint the bathroom, my bedroom, and trim and doors in the bathroom, hallway, my bedroom, and the kitchen. Mr. Shores was kind enough to paint the kitchen on Sunday.  This would have never been accomplished had my mother-in-law and sister-in-law begged to keep my children the entire weekend. I am so lucky to have them. They are actually my ex-in-laws but when it comes to divorce there are some people we choose to keep around and for good reason.

I have so many things left over in the freezer from the last time I cooked for the week that I really don’t need to do this but with school starting next week(eeeekkkkkk I’ll be student teaching) , I need to stock up to save myself trouble later.  Let’s get this thing stated…

Meal #1 Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf from What's Cookin, Chicago?

The children love the mini meatloaves but to save myself the trouble of baking a million mini loaves,  I’ll probably start making a big loaf that we can eat off of for a couple of nights. I’m also using ground turkey instead of ground chicken because I’m making a few meals for my husband’s Grandfather, we call him Grand, he detests chicken, something about having to eat it every day when he was in the Navy.

Make-ahead plan: You can top the meatloaf with pasta sauce before freezing and then bake from frozen, uncovered for 55-60 minutes on a baking sheet. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese. Place the meatloaf back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving/slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired. (Copied directly from What’s Cookin’ Chicago blog)

Meal #2 Baked Shrimp Scampi from What's Cookin, Chicago?

Carson LOVES shrimp. I’m hoping this will become a staple in our house just to get us away from always eating chicken and ground turkey.

Make-ahead plan: Arrange the shrimp in shrimp in a single layer cut side down with the tails curling up and towards the center of a disposable foil baking dish or better yet, a Glad Ovenware dish (which is what I used). Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp. Spread or scatter clumps of the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp. Cover (with a double sheet of foil if using a disposable foil dish or use the lid of the Glad Ovenware dish.) Label and freeze. To prepare, remove from freezer and allow to thaw. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you like the top browned, place under a broiler for 1 minute. Serve with lemon wedges. (Copied directly from What’s Cookin’ Chicago blog)

I am definitely going to invest in some Glad Ovenware dishes. They look nicer than  normal aluminum pans. http://www.glad.com/products/food-storage/containers/ovenware-8x8/ says that you can wash and reuse them as well!!!

Meal #3 Slow Cooker Pizza Bake Recipe from Six Sisters' Stuff

My children love spaghetti and they love pizza which makes this a natural selection, it’s just a different take on spaghetti and pizza.

Make-ahead plan: The directions say, “Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes and then LOW for 2 or 3 hours until the cheese melts.” You cook it in a crock pot so I won’t be able to just throw it in the crock pot and go, I’ll probably cook the night before I plan on serving it and then just heating it in the microwave for dinner. I do intend on combining all the ingredients then putting them in a bag to freeze before cooking, that way when I do want to make it I can throw it in the fridge to thaw one night, cook the next night while doing homework and bathing, and then serve the next.

Meal #4 Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff from Six Sisters' Stuff

Make-ahead plan: I’ll fully cook this, allow it to cool, and then divide into a few freezer bags. “Then thaw in the refrigerator (usually takes about a day) and reheat over medium-low heat in a saucepan on the stove.” (Copied from http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/10/slow-cooker-pizza-bake-recipe-freezer.html)

Meal #5 Mama Barbara’s Lasagna from Ring Around The Rosies

Make-ahead plan: Layer in 2 pans according to directions and freeze.

Cooking instructions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. If thawed cook 1 hour, if frozen cook 1 ½ hours. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Meal #5 Pork and Veggies from This Lady's House

Make-ahead plan: In a large skillet brown pork over medium heat. Combine pork and remaining ingredients in a large ziptop bag, freeze. To serve: thaw contents of bag and place in a slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Serve over hot rice. (Copied from the PDF instructions at http://dreamingofpoultry.com/content/8-slow-cooker-freezer-meals-0)

Meal #6 Mini Corn Dog Muffins from Ring Around The Rosies

I love having quick and easy meals for the children ready to throw in the microwave whenever possible.

Make-ahead plan: Bake, allow to cool, and freeze! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!!

Meal #7 Seasoned Ground Meat from A Turtle's Life for Me

Make-ahead plan: Cook 2 lbs ground meat, onions, green peppers, and grated carrots together on the stove. Allow to cool and place in freezer bags. This meat can be used for tacos, spaghetti, and so many other things.

Grocery List can be found here.