Menu #5 of 2012

I struggled with the menu this time. I guess I just really wasn't feeling much inspiration from the recipes I had laying around. I tried scouring some magazines looking for more but they also left me wanting more. Finally I went to my "Yummo" board and the "Food and Drink" section on Pinterest and my interested was piqued.

To prove that I'm actually using the system I put in place here is a picture of my Menu chalkboard for the upcoming two weeks:

I'm still perfecting my chalkboard handwriting...

In case you'd like a more readable copy:

• Ribeye & Prawns - baked potato - green beans
• Egg Bake
• Steak Fajitas
• Lasagna
• Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup
• Shrimp Coconut Curry
• Chicken Chili
• Olive Garden Chicken Marsala
• Veggie Tacos
• Artichoke sausage & Veggie Patties
• Honey Mustard Pork Roast & Sauteed Brussel Sprouts
• Veggie Alfredo
• Make-your-own-pizza Night
• Birthday outing - Owl & Thistle Irish Pub. Kids: Spaghetti (?)

Three dinners are carried over from last week because my folks took us out to dinner one night for my birthday, we went to birthday dinner for our friend's son and I had forgotten St. Patty's Day Dinner when I wrote the last menu. The new recipes we are trying this time: Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup, a new Shrimp Coconut Curry recipe, Veggie Tacos, and Veggie Patties.

Last menu's new recipes went over well. Here are our reviews of the new recipes we tried:

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

This recipe is made with the meat leftover from the Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sammies. It combines the chicken with crushed white beans, cheese, onion and bell pepper and cook in fresh flour tortillas. They were delightful. The kids were thrilled with them. This recipe will definitely be moving into the family recipe book.

Tortellini Meatball Soup 

This recipe was pulled from a magazine and I really can't say enough about it. Homemade mini-meatballs, cheese tortellini and fresh vegetables combine for a delicious (and fast) meal. Paired with a loaf of toasted garlic bread? MMMmmmm is all I can say. The hubs and kiddos instantly wanted it added to repertoire and I couldn't agree more.

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sammies
This chicken was pretty good. In my opinion  it needed a bit more flavor and could've been cooked a little bit less. Overall because it lends itself to the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas I would try it again. It won't make it into the ol' recipe book yet though.

Beef Wasabi Tacos
I've already posted the recipe for these. They were outstanding and I can't wait to try them in Bahn Mi form. The hubs really enjoyed them even though food with Thai flair is not really his favorite. This kiddos gave them a thumbs up too, even with the Wasabi Sauce, though Lilly thought they were a little messy (she does not like her hands dirty).

As always, if you'd like a recipe post and let me know!