Monday, June 30, 2008

Menu Planning Monday

The tangy cherry chicken from last week was a big hit as were the Aussie Meat Pies.

This week we're trying the following - some we know and some are new:

Rustic Overstuffed Pizz-O
(an adaptation of the original for us)
Chicken Parm Soup Always a favorite and super easy to make
Carbonara Deep-Dish Pasta Crusted Pan "Pizza"
Fish with Ginger-Orange-Onion Sauce (we're using tuna steaks)
Chicken a la Queen (we're using buscuits instead of puff pastry shells)
Skillet Tamale Pie (subbing ground turkey breast for ground pork to keep it lighter)

These are al from Rachael Ray's Just in Time cookbook.
FAQ:
Do you ONLY use RR recipes?
No, but I find them easy to follow and they work for the way I cook. I cook most things without a "recipe" and really adapt and use the RR recipes as I see fit.

Can You really make it in 30 Minutes?
Usually - or at least approximately. I'm pretty good in the kitchen and I understand RR's process so that helps. I also am quick with a knife. Sometimes when things are coming together too quickly (or need to) I have Casey read out that portion of the instructions as I work.

Do you like all of Rachael Ray's recipes that you've tried?
NO - there have been a few that were definite NOs, but for the most part I know what we like and I know what we'll eat and RR is prolific so there are lots of choices. I try to choose menus all out of one book so I can just keep it in the kitchen all week.

I've been trying to get out of a dinner (OK take-out and eat out) rut lately so we've been trying lots of new recipes. Normally I don't cook from a recipe and I make lots of standard traditional meals like meatloaf, chicken & dressing casserole, tacos, various pasta dishes, homemade pizza, etc. The menu planning is an adventure and trying new things for several weeks in a row is helping us curb the eating away from home.

Overall I am pleased and happy with the project as it stands now and the family seems to be happy (they aren't complaining much anyway). So for a while longer anyway I'll be sticking with Rachael.

Be sure to check out more great menus HERE this week (a guest host with lots to say).

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

4 comments:

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

I try to keep the menu simple as well with some repeat meals each week but I also like to throw in a new one every now and again. I have RR 365 No Repeats cookbook. I like her recipes for the most part too.
Great menu this week.
Blessings,
kim

MOMMY said...

I think that it is great that you are using new recipes! I go through spurts and do the same but right now I am stuck in a bit of a rut, tacos, pasta, pizza, hambrugers, etc. I may need to whip out my RR magazines and cookbook. I have her very first cookbook ever and I love it! Her blue moon burgers are the best!!!!

Enjoy your meals this week, ours are a bit boring but check out my menu if you like.
Aimee
http://journalofamomma.blogspot.com/2008/06/menu-plan-monday_29.html

Anonymous said...

I'm a Rachael Ray fan myself. I wish I could say I was quick with a knife. :) I am getting faster in the kitchen, but haven't been able to make an RR meal in 30 mins yet.

Anonymous said...

I've been in a cooking rut lately - and ALL of these recipes sound great! I just opened all of them in new tabs. LOL! Thanks for sharing!