not so much a budget beater.

I made this and it was fabulous. While it could've used a bit more basil and some oregano, it was wonderful in spite of that. I'd probably add more garlic next time, and I used a jar of pasta sauce rather than homemade as the recipe suggests. A winner on the tastebuds - less of a winner on the budget. But so worthwhile.

hiatus.

Summer has been a bit hectic around these parts. I've continued the wheat-free experiment on and off, and am still unsure as to the correlation between itchy, watery eyes and my food intake. I think there's something to it, but a trip to the doctor - and hopefully the allergist is in order.

This, plus the fact that I am going back to work, has made me realize how precious my time is - and chances are I'll post good recipes as I find them, but steer clear of the week by week stuff.

So until I am inspired, this blog will be a little quiet.

write off.

Yes, indeed. This week is a bit of a write off. We're away for the upcoming weekend with Ken's family and are recycling some of last weeks recipes and left overs in the mean time. Perhaps a date on Tuesday, too, which is another meal gone.

To top it off, I am conducting a bit a complete wheat-free experiment for the next couple weeks. I've done some reading about wheat intolerance and wonder what life without wheat would do for me in a few areas. Today is day 4. So far, so good. Though I am still uncertain if things that have changed so far are because of the wheat, or other environmental factors. Only time will tell. Perhaps time will also cure my desperate craving for chocolate chip cookies, too.

Happy meal making to you this week!

soup recipe.

I made this Italian hamburger soup a month or so ago and absolutely loved it. It is definitely one of my new favorite soups, only I didn't want to type out the whole recipe. Thank goodness for Google...because I found it online. Enjoy!

July 6-12

MONDAY

Menu: Butter chicken,

rice, naan, peas

(bumped from last week)

TUESDAY

Menu: Brown sugar ham (ham steak pan fried in margarine and brown sugar)

garlic parm

linguini Burgers and something else.

WEDNESDAY

Menu: BLT's, fries

raw veggies

THURSDAY

Menu: Out @ Ken's work family day

FRIDAY

Menu: BBQ chicken

burgers (chicken breast plastered with a 1/4 recipe of Monday's sauce), baked potato wedges (cut in wedges, toss in oil, coat with paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder etc etc),

raw veggies

SATURDAY

Menu: Out of town

SUNDAY (if home)

Menu: Indonesian

spare ribs (see Friday), potatoes, corn

June 29-July 5

MONDAY

Menu: Tacos w/nachos

and cheese, corn

TUESDAY

Menu: Roast beef

in crockpot, carrots,

rosemary roast potatoes

WEDNESDAY

Menu: Breakfast -

sausage, hashbrowns,

eggs

THURSDAY

Menu: BBQ teryaki

chicken, baked

potatoes, salad Marinade: (From Mom F.) -1/2 cup oil -1 cup soya sauce -3 tbsp brown sugar -3 cloves garlic grated -1/8 tsp ginger -2 tbsp apple juice Mix together, pour over chicken. Let sit few hours or overnight. Makes a lot, can store in fridge in sealed container.

FRIDAY

Menu: Out?

SATURDAY

Menu:

Fly the Flag Fusili

SUNDAY

Menu: Butter chicken,

rice, peas

June 22-28

MONDAY

Menu: Mini meatloaves,

garlic parm linguini,

peas **added a sauce to the top of the meatloaves - 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2tsp mustard, put on top of each muffin 1/2 way through cooking

TUESDAY

Menu: Chicken

caesar pitas chicken caesar salad, nachos

& cheese, raw veggies **loved the chicken caesar, great and super simple recipe!

WEDNESDAY Menu:

Texas black

bean soup, cornbread

THURSDAY

Menu: Layered

fiesta casserole,

salad **The casserole was easy to assemble, and the recipe was easy to follow. I added some chopped red onions and used a red and yellow pepper instead. I also added some cumin, paprika, and chili powder to the meat mixture while cooking, and sliced green onions on top of the final layer of cheese. I would drain the diced tomatoes next time though, as it was a bit watery. I'll definitely keep it in the menu rotation though!

FRIDAY

Menu: Salmon with

lemon dill sauce, rice & corn

In Rosenort for the night...

SATURDAY

Menu: Fried rice with ham & peas

Grand Forks with the girls!!

SUNDAY

Menu: Shrimp

fetucinni alfredo,

caesar salad