Menu Monday - Childrens' Week

As expected, after all those nice warm, some almost hot, days of pre-Spring weather, it has turned off downright chilly once more.  I have to say though, that the blooms are impressive every where I look.  And there are enough things blooming that when the wind was extremely gusty this morning I thought for a moment we had snowflakes flying...Just wild pear blossoms, lol.  Gave me quite a moment of wonder there though.

Alan is out of school and is working on a mechanical project at the cousin's place across the fence.  He's made frequent trips over this past weekend and was rather put out to find me gone.  Imagine, mom has a life outside of the kids!   He stopped by yesterday, too, though I am visiting him today, and he's planning to come out again on Wednesday.  Kay is on her way home.  As it happens I've already bought the majority of groceries for the pay period, and guess who didn't know the kids would be around and now must plan to stretch meals?  One thing about plans, they are as likely to change as...well, the weather!

Monday:  Turkey Noodle Soup,  Strawberry Pretzel Salad, Crisp Toast Triangles
I cooked a turkey breast in the crockpot yesterday.  After it cooled, I deboned, strained the broth, and then put half the meat into the freezer.  There's plenty of meat for sandwiches and soup in the fridge as I write and it will be no trouble at all to prepare when I return home.  I'll make the salad ahead of time.

Tuesday:  Fancy Pants Burgers,  Rice, Green Peas with Mushrooms, Rolls
I love this simple recipe from the 1950's.  Thin burger patties are formed, a slice of real cheese is put on top of one burger, another burger goes on top and the edges are sealed.  After browning on both sides, a can of Hunt's tomato sauce is poured over the burgers.  That tomato sauce is lovely over rice.  Since I plan to make bread this day, I'll also make rolls.

Wednesday:  Scrambled Eggs with Goat Cheese, Green Salad with strawberries and almonds, Cinnamon Toast
Mama made scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese when I was growing up.  Chance and I like eggs with cream cheese and chives but one day I had some goat cheese I needed to use up so I tossed that into the eggs.  Wow!  Now I plan to make scrambled eggs when I buy goat cheese.  Strawberries are in season from Florida and were priced just $1.66/quart this week.

Thursday:  Keilbasa with Potatoes au Gratin and Peas, Coleslaw, Corn Muffins
A friend I used to work with created this recipe one night after work.  She raved about how good it was...and she was right.  She made potatoes au gratin layering in frozen peas with the potatoes/onions/cheese and then split kielbasa and laid on top.  She made her dish in the crockpot, but it works just as well in a casserole dish in the oven.

Friday:  Turkey a la King over Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Biscuits
This dish is a great way to extend a little turkey.  Mushrooms, celery, onion, even shredded carrots can go into the dish.  Mama used a can of mushroom soup in hers but a little broth and cornstarch work just as well for sauce.  Season with garlic, soy sauce, black pepper.  Add a little diced roasted red pepper and frozen green peas for color.

Saturday:  Split Pea Soup, Toasted Cheese Biscuits, Apples, Walnuts
I'll make the soup on Friday.  It will be a 'heat and eat' meal for us after synagogue.  I love to slice biscuits, top with cheese and toast.  Apples cut in wedges and a bowl of walnuts to crack and eat will serve as dessert.

Sunday:  Onion Stuffed Sirloin, Green Beans Almondine, Twice Baked Potatoes, Popovers
I must be feeling nostalgic this week, with recipes from my vintage magazines and cookbooks and meals Mama used to make...Diced onions are cooked in butter until translucent.  The steak if sliced on one side to form a pocket, the onions stuffed into the opening and  skewers hold the pocket shut.  Then the steak is broiled.