Menu Plan Monday: President's Day Edition

I have been unable to participate in the past few weeks of Menu Plan Mondays due to some medical issues but I am ready to get organized and back into the rhythm of things. I was told by a physician that if I lost the weight I have gained from not working out as much, may alleviate some of the pressure on my back and hopefully help with the shooting pains, tingling and numbness problems from my Spina Bifida. I am excited to get healthier and hopefully register for some upcoming races. We have been having some BEAUTIFUL weather here and abnormally warm. It has been heavenly! Well here is our Menu for Menu Plan Monday: 

Monday: President's Day and Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto

Leftover Pizza

Tuesday: Feast of Saint Peter Damian

Turkey Burgers

Wednesday: Chair of Saint Peter

Dinner at Chick-Fil-A (Cub Scout Outing)

Thursday:

Chicken Fried Rice

Friday:

Soup and Salad

Saturday:

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

Sunday:

Chili and Cornbread

Menu Plan Monday: January 30 - February 5

Life has been throwing some serious curve-balls and my family lately: some good and some bad and this month I am getting ready to tackle all of these changes head on. If you were unaware, we received an "unofficial" diagnosis of Aspergers for Goalie and I have been undergoing treatment for complications with my Spina Bifida. I still have Christmas lights adorning our patio and I am sure our neighbors are starting to wonder if they are ever coming down. At least I am within the Liturgical season if I have them down by Candlemas, which happens to be this week.

In happier news, we are heading into spring football and soccer season and we have been having some wonderful family adventures lately. I am trying out new things, such as utilizing a bullet journal as an accompaniment to my planner, starting a new workout regiment and probably what you are most interested in: revamping our menus! I am preparing for our upcoming Lenten season and just really enjoying where we are in life.

Here is our menu for Menu Plan Monday:

Monday:

Spaghetti

Tuesday: Feast of Saint John Bosco

Stuffed Peppers

Wednesday: Feast of Saint Brigid of Ireland

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Thursday: Candlemas

Golden Mushroom Chicken with Quinoa and Salad

Friday: Feast of Saint Blaise

Soup and Salad

Saturday:

Leftover Dinner Buffet or Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Sunday: Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday Party!

Have you ever celebrated Candlemas? It is also called the Presentation of the Lord and is a beautiful celebration. It is considered a Christmas celebration so if you still have your decorations up from the holidays, it is completely acceptable. In honor of Candlemas, my family enjoys a special candlelight dinner. This year we will enjoy Golden Mushroom Chicken, check out the recipe below:

Golden Mushroom Chicken:

2-3 Large Chicken Breasts

1 Large Onion (diced)

2 Cups Mushrooms

1 Can Golden Mushroom Soup

1/4 Cup White Wine

1 Cup Chicken Broth

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Garlic Powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut chicken breasts in half and place the chicken into a medium sized baking dish (fit chicken in a single layer). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Saute onion and mushrooms with olive oil. In small mixing bowl, combine soup, wine, and 1 cup of chicken broth.When the sauce is complete, add the sauteed onions and mushrooms to it. Mix well and pour the sauce over chicken and put the chicken into the oven for an hour. Serve the chicken over mashed potatoes, noodles, quinoa or rice. I also like to serve this with a green vegetable like broccoli or green beans. Enjoy!

Menu Plan Monday: January 9- January 15

Today was a crazy day. We experienced Hurricane strength winds all day and it is still continuing as we speak. I had some plans to make some delicious Stuffed Shells for the Baptism of the Lord tonight but after my experience getting to and from work and the schools being shut down I believed it was safer to stay home. The boys celebrate their Baptism Anniversary on the 29th so we will just save that dinner for that evening. Please say a prayer to everyone affected by the crazy wind storm that hit us here in Colorado. 

On a higher note, we will be attending our first Hockey Game this Saturday! The boys don't even know yet! We have decided to do a family activity, whether it be a game night, watching a movie, going on a hike or something similar to make more family memories together. This is a bigger event than we will get most of the time but I am so excited!

Here is our Menu Plan for this Menu Plan Monday:

Monday: Baptism of the Lord

Leftover Epiphany Chicken A La King with Star of Bethlehem Biscuits

Tuesday:

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Wednesday:

Deli Sandwiches and Garden Salad

Thursday:

Chili

Friday:

Mexican Baked Spaghetti Squash

Saturday:

Eat Out as a Family

Sunday:

Leftover Dinner Buffet

I can't remember if I have shared my Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe before but it is loaded with fruits and veggies and a great quick and easy family meal that can be prepared in the crockpot!

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken:

2-3 Large Chicken Breast

1 Can Crushed or Cubed Pineapple.. your texture preference (Drained) 

1 Large Onion Diced

2 Cups Shredded Carrots

1 Bottle of Your Favorite BBQ Sauce

Salt and Pepper to taste

Place all ingredients into the Crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours. I like to serve this Chicken recipe on Kings Hawaiian Sweet Bread Rolls and top it with a dollop of coleslaw. 

Enjoy!

Sweet potato fries are an amazing side item to pair it with as well. You can also dump all these ingredients into a Gallon Ziplock bag for an easy Freezer to Crockpot meal. 

Menu Plan Monday: January 2- January 8

I have really enjoyed this Christmas Season and I am so sad that we will be taking down the decorations after the Epiphany. I am just getting back into my routine since I stepped away from the blog a bit during the holidays. I am looking forward to getting my schedule straightened out and sharing more about what we have done and what we hope to accomplish! For now, Here is our Menu for the Menu Plan Monday:

Monday: Saint Basil the Great

Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans

Tuesday: Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Shepherd's Pie

Wednesday: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Chili

Thursday:

Vegetarian Taco Salad

Friday:

Spaghetti Squash Marinara

Saturday:

Leftover Dinner Buffet

Sunday: Epiphany

Chicken Noodle Soup, Garden Salad and Fresh Bread

King Cupcakes for Dessert

Menu Plan Monday: Christmas Edition

I had to take some time off the past week to really enjoy this beautiful season of Advent with my family. I enjoyed it so much we have been "winging" it all week and so far it's been ok but now I am feeling the need to get reorganized, finish my baking and cleaning and be ready for Christmas! I am starting a bullet journal, revamping our menu plans and so much more for the upcoming year. Do you have a Winter Bucket list? I would love to hear what you have planned. 

Back to the main event.. our menu for Menu Plan Monday: 

Monday:

KFC Family Dinner

Tuesday:

Turkey Meatloaf and Salad

Wednesday: First Day of Winter

Cheddar Broccoli Soup with French Bread

Thursday:

Spaghetti and turkey meatballs

Friday:

Vegetable Stir Fry

Saturday: Christmas Eve

Eating Out or Pizza

Sunday: Christmas Day

Christmas Ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, christmas cookies and much much more!

I won't be sharing a recipe here this week because...as a thank you to all my readers, I offered some amazing Christmas recipes with help from the Zelie Group. If you are interested in receiving these beautiful printables check out A Special Holiday Present For You! There is also 10 hours left in my Christmas Giveaway! Want to win a beautiful metal stamped bracelet?! Checkout Keeping Christ in Christmas and join the raffle.

Menu Plan Monday: December 12- December 18 {FREE Recipe Book and Giveaway}

This is the last full week of Autumn, although we have already received some wintery weather this past week. This is also the middle of Advent! We have two more weeks (including this one) to prepare for the coming of Christ! Cleaning, cooking and preparing our hearts will be main focuses in this house.

In honor of the Rejoicing that will be done this week, I am offering a FREE Christmas Recipes collected by The Zelie Group for anyone that likes and shares my Pinot Noir and Prayers Facebook Page starting this Wednesday. Make sure to message me your email so I can send you the beautiful PDF file put together by Kerry! I am also going to be hosting a Giveaway soon for a gorgeous printed bracelet made by my incredibly talented friend, Jen, over at Faith and Fabric. I'll be sharing more information on this later!

We will be celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Lucy, Saint John of the Cross, the O Antiphons and the Fourth Sunday of Advent! We also have THREE Christmas parties to attend! It is never too late to revamp your Advent so check out my Advent Bucket Lists and post on the O Antiphons for ideas. Here is our menu for this fun and exciting Third Week of Advent on Menu Plan Monday:

Monday: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Chicken Fajitas with Spanish Rice and Black Beans

Tuesday: Feast of Saint Lucy

Turkey Burgers

Wednesday: Feast of Saint John of the Cross

Leftovers

Thursday:

Chicken Nugget Salad

Friday: Ugly Sweater Football Party

Potluck Style Dinner with our Football Family

Saturday: O Antiphons Begin

Spaghetti

Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Advent, My Birthday and Cookie Exchange

We will be eating at TWO Christmas Parties tonight

Are you participating in any Cookie Exchanges this year? Still looking for the perfect Christmas cookie recipe? I decided to share Starlight Cookies with both Cookie Exchanges I am participating in this year. The Starlight Cookie tells the story of the Nativity and is a beautiful and yummy reminder of the reason for the season. This is the Recipe that was sent to me by a friend. It was originally found at the blog Shower of Roses. They offer a printable and a great way to gift these cookies in a mason jar so make sure to check them out and thank her for such an amazing recipe idea! I will be baking mine this Saturday for our Christmas Parties!

Starlight Cookies:

1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts

1/2 Cup White Chocolate Chips

1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries

1/3 Cup Brown Sugar

1/3 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Rolled Oats

1 1/4 C All-Purpose Flour

1/2 Tsp Baking Soda

1/2 Tsp Sea Salt

1/2 Cup Softened Butter

1 Egg

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Chopped Walnuts: Represents the rocky road the holy family traveled to Bethlehem

White Chocolate Chips: Represents the stars, especially the one that led the Wise Men to Jesus

Dried Cranberries: Represents the tartness of the doors that were closed because they refused to host the holy family that cold night

Brown Sugar: Represents the brown hills of Bethlehem

Sugar: Represents snow

Rolled Oats: Represents the animals that were present in the stable where Jesus was born

Flour: Represent the wholesome goodness of the shepherds in the fields

Baking Soda and Sea Salt: Represents the Joyful tears that were shared on the holy night Jesus was born of the Most Pure Virgin Mary.

Vanilla Extract: Represents the sweet happiness that the Savior was born

One Egg: Represents the baby Jesus

To make the cookies:

Think of the preparation St. Joseph and Our Blessed Mother must have made for this journey to Bethlehem:

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.

For the light of Heaven:

In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp of vanilla until fluffy.

Add the hardships of the journey to the light of Heaven:

Add all the other ingredients and mix together until well blended. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets

Remember the hardships of Jesus' life on earth and His Passion:

Bake for 8 - 10 minutes, or until edges brown.

Anticipate His coming:

Cool on baking sheets or remove to cool on wire racks.

Appreciate the joy and promise of His birth:

Enjoy eating them!

Menu Plan Monday: December 5- December 11

As Advent progresses, each week brings more and more excitement. It's building the anticipation for the Christmas Season. This week will also be freezing cold so we have some nice hot family meals planned for this week. There are exciting feast days to celebrate, traditions to enjoy and amazing food to devour. What do you have planned for this upcoming week? Any special recipes? Here's our menu for this Menu Plan Monday:

Monday:

Leftover Tacos and Salad

Tuesday: Feast of Saint Nicholas

Beer Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers

Wednesday: Feast of Saint Ambrose

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Thursday: Immaculate Conception

Baked Chicken with Rice and Cauliflower

Friday: Feast of Saint Juan Diego

Boys will Eat at Pack Meeting and Taco Salad for me!

Saturday:

Turkey Burgers

Sunday: Third Sunday of Advent

Crockpot Chili

I thought I would share this super aromatic and tasty recipe for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken! It's a favorite around here!

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken:

2-3 Medium Chicken Breasts
2 Large Russet Potatoes (Diced)
1 lb Bag Baby Carrots
1 lb Bag Frozen Green Beans

Sauce:
1 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Chicken Broth
1/4 Cup Barbecue
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
1/4 Cup Sesame Seeds
1/4 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 Tsp Ginger
1/4 Tsp Turmeric
1/4 Tsp Black Pepper

Mix all the Sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl and place to the side. Add the Potatoes, Carrots, Green beans and Chicken in the Crockpot. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and chicken. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

Menu Plan Monday: November 28- December 4

I am so excited that Advent is finally here! The amazing music, food and memories. We still have tons of leftovers and will be using them in our dinner recipes and for lunch leftovers for the rest of the week. I have been working a little extra and am slowly returning our family dinners to more healthier selections. Although it is the holidays, fitness and clean eating are extremely important! Here are my recipes for this Menu Plan Monday.

Monday: Leftover Turkey Casserole Tuesday: Pigs in a Blanket or Pizza (Daddy is cooking) Wednesday: Feast of Saint Andrew Baked Fish with Quinoa and Asparagus Thursday: Boys will Eat at Cub Scouts Meeting and Salad for me! Friday: Boys will Eat at Pack Meeting and Salad for me! Saturday: Feast of Saint Francis Xavier Xaver Suppe

Sunday: Second Sunday of Advent and Parish Faith Night

Picnic at Parish Faith Night

In honor of the festive get togethers that come with the holidays, here's a tasty recipe for sangria that is sure to please! I made this during our Thanksgiving Dinner and it was amazing! You could always omit the alcohol and make a tasty mocktail for the family too. Also, keep an eye out for another great resource that will be shared by the Zelie Group containing some Holiday Recipes that you are sure to love!

Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria

1.75ml bottle of Red Wine
2 Cups Cinnamon or Honey Whiskey
1 Cup Cranberry Juice
Cranberry Sprite
Sparking Apple Cider
1 Cup Fresh Cranberries
1 Naval Orange (Sliced)
Cinnamon Stick (Garnish)

Fill a Gallon container (or something larger) with the whole bottle of Red Wine, Whiskey, fresh cranberries and squeeze and drop orange slices into the mixture. Allow to sit overnight in the refrigerator. Add the Cranberry juice and then equal parts of the Cranberry Sprite and Sparking Apple Cider until the pitcher is full. Mix and serve in wine glasses with extra fresh cranberries, oranges and a cinnamon stick.

Enjoy!

Menu Plan Monday: November 21- November 27

It's finally here! It's the week of Thanksgiving! Do you have special family traditions to celebrate Thanksgiving? We do! I would love to hear all about your traditions too. I'll be sharing all about our family traditions and much more We already got started with our celebrating yesterday with our Friendsgiving Celebration at my cousin's house, which was absolutely amazing! There is a little snap shot of our evening yesterday further down the post. I'll be sharing about our night more in my Thanksgiving post later this week!

Don't forget that the first Sunday of Advent is this upcoming Sunday too! It's called Stir-it up Sunday and it is traditional to stir-up some Christmas pudding together as a family. Some fun facts about Christmas Pudding:

• Christmas pudding is traditionally made with thirteen ingredients that represent Jesus and his twelve disciples. 
• Coins and charms use to be added to the Christmas Pudding and if you were lucky to find one in your slice on Christmas it meant you were in for some good luck. 
• Christmas Pudding is traditionally stirred by everyone in the family from East to West. The direction is given to remember the Wise Men that came to visit Jesus in the Nativity Story.
• You are suppose to make a wish while it's your turn to stir-up the Christmas Pudding!

I am so excited to see what everyone has planned for their menu's this week! Here is my menu for this Menu Plan Monday:

Monday:

Chicken Nuggets and Mac and Cheese

Tuesday:

Daddy is Cooking so probably Pizza :)

Wednesday:

Leftovers

Thursday: Thanksgiving

Baked Turkey, Green bean casserole, Cranberry sauce, stuffing, peas, mashed potatoes and so much more... you'll have to come back to checkout the entire spread!

Friday:

Leftovers or Turkey Soup

Saturday:

Leftover Casserole

Sunday: First Sunday of Advent

Turkey or Chicken Stir-Fry and

Christmas Pudding for Dessert

I figured I would share an awesome no-bake (I mean no steam) and healthy recipe for Christmas pudding. Its extremely easy to make and can be shaped into almost any shape.

More Healthy Christmas Pudding:

1/2 cup soft pitted dates

1/2 cup dried apricots

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 cup ground almonds

1/2 almond flour 

1/2 cup milled flaxseed (or rolled oats)

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 tbs vanilla extract

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp cardamom

1-2 tsp orange zest

Combine all the dried fruit and vanilla extract to your blender or food processor and blend together until you have a sticky mixture. Remember to scrape the sides of the blender or processor when you dump the sticky mixture into a bowl. Then add the ground almonds, almond flour, flaxseed (or oats), salt, spices, protein powder and orange zest with a wisk or large spoon. Continue to blend all the ingredients together into a sticky dough. Don't forget to allow the entire family a turn to stir up the Christmas pudding and make a wish! Shape the dough into balls (whatever size you like) and place in the fridge for a couple of hours to firm up. You can use ice cube trays that have those cute little shapes too! If you want to make them look more traditional, you can dip them in chocolate before placing in the refrigerator or freezer again. You can freeze some to save until Christmas Day! I normally put them in the refrigerator on Christmas Eve to defrost. Enjoy!

Menu Plan Monday: November 14- November 20

I have been attempting to get back onto the fitness train lately for No Excuses November and although it has been a struggle, I have managed to complete a water challenge with my husband so far. Now I am rearranging my schedule to get my workouts in before my day has actually started so say a few prayers I can get my body into a new routine with as little issue as possible. I am starting my Thanksgiving Planning too..especially since I have a Friendsgiving to go to this weekend! What are you making for Thanksgiving? Here's my post for Menu Plan Monday: 

Monday:

Pizza 

Tuesday:

Leftovers or Turkey Hot Dogs (Daddy is cooking)

Wednesday:

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Thursday:

Boys will Eat at Cub Scouts Meeting, Leftover Soup and Salad for me!

Friday:

Turkey Burgers (Special Request by Hubby)

Saturday:

Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Cinnamon Butternut Squash, Pecans and Cranberries

Sunday: Friendsgiving!

We will be enjoying a Friendsgiving Celebration tonight and will be potluck so I will share recipes, pictures and more on this fun event later in the week!

As I promised in an earlier post, I will start to share some of the recipes I'll be using here so you can give them a try. If there are recipes you have seen throughout my Menu Plan Monday posts you would like recipes, pictures or maybe some ways to modify to fit your diet or time constrictions, please let me know! I am always up for a challenge and I love to share. This week I decided to share my recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup. I am warning you that I use this recipe most often when I find I have lots of canned items in the household so it is super simple to make. With the cool weather turning cold and snow right around the corner I will be preparing many hearty but healthy meals like this one. 

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe:

1 lb Grilled Chicken (diced)

2 (15 oz) Cans of Corn

2 (15 oz) Cans of Black Beans

1 (15 oz) Can Diced Tomatoes

1 Green Pepper (diced)

1 Onion (diced)

1 (20 oz) Container of Chicken Broth

1/8 Cup Lime Juice

Cumin, cilantro, garlic salt and pepper to taste 

Crushed Tortilla Chips (garnish)

Garnishes (optional)

Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt

Avocado

Shredded Cheese

To start, Grill approximately 1 lb. of chicken. You can substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken or even canned chunk chicken (I have made this recipe with all three). Drain and Rinse the cans of Black Beans. Dump all ingredients into the crockpot except the crushed tortilla chips. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high 2-4 hours. When you serve this soup you can either place the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the bowl and pour soup over it or sprinkle it on top with any of the other listed garnishments. 

Enjoy!

Menu Plan Monday: November 7- November 13

It's almost time to start preparing the Thanksgiving Menu and I couldn't be more excited. Anything that allows me to make good food, spend time with my family and make memories is the greatest. I am also doing a water challenge with the Hubby this week. One gallon each day. Join us! 

Here's my Menu Plan Monday post for this week!

Monday:

Alfredo Pasta

Tuesday: Election Day

Turkey Hot Dogs (Daddy is cooking)

Wednesday:

Chili

Thursday: Feast of Saint Leo the Great

Leftovers or Eating at Cub Scouts Meeting

Friday: Feast of Saint Martin of Tours and Veteran's Day

Baked Chicken, Broccoli and Rice

Saturday: Feast of Saint Josaphat

Pot Roast with Vegetables

Sunday:

Chicken Noodle Soup

Menu Plan Monday: October 31- November 6

With all the Halloween fun yesterday, I am a day late sharing my Menu Plan Monday post. I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween but remember that today, All Saints' Day is the TRUE celebration. This was apparently the warmest Halloween our area has had in awhile... I honestly wouldn't know since it was our first Halloween here but it was amazing! Here is a little sneak peak into our Halloween celebration yesterday:

This was our first year doing a family costume and it really was a big hit! We all had a blast and the kids are excited to plan our next Halloween family costume. I'll be sharing more about our Halloween later on and I am prepping the house for our All Saints' Day Celebration this evening! I can't wait to see pictures of all the All Saints' Day Celebrations today! Here is our family menu:

Monday: Halloween

Chili (Friends' home)

Tuesday: All Saints' Day

Spaghetti Squash and Turkey Meatballs

Wednesday: All Souls' Day

Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans

Thursday: Feast of Saint Martin de Porres

Ratatouille

Friday: Feast of Saint Charles Borromeo

Vegetable Soup

Baked Apples for Dessert

Saturday: Lantern Festival

Crockpot Salsa Chicken Tacos

Sunday:

Chicken and Dumplings

Menu Plan Monday: October 24- October 30

This will be our first week with NO sports activities! I am kind of in shock and still looking at my planner double and triple checking I haven't missed something. This is also the last week of October and the chilly air is getting a bit chillier so I am looking forward to some hearty soups and crockpot meals! This week's menu is very simple. We still have some activities that were planned for this week and I am working a little extra with the holidays coming up so quickly. I'll be sharing more recipes again soon, hopefully starting this week! Here is my Menu Plan Monday post for this week's linkup:

Monday:

Leftovers

Tuesday:

Chicken Noodle Soup

Wednesday:

Dinner with the Football Parents

Thursday:

Butternut Squash Soup

Friday:

No Meat Chili

Saturday:

Halloween Party

Sunday:

Grilled Chicken with Veggies and Rice