What’s For Dinner | Sausage Over Polenta

Last week during my failure as a menu maker and with dinner prep, I came up with one keeper. This was supposed to be polenta pizza but I changed it at the last minute because I didn’t want to turn on the oven.

For the polenta, follow package instructions then add a grated cheese of your choice. Amount will depend on how much polenta you make. You want it to be creamy. I used Parmesan but gruyere would be good too. You can also add a bit of milk if needed. Salt and pepper to taste.

The sausage part was super easy. First, I browned some Italian sausage then drained it and removed it from the pan, saving about a tablespoon of grease. To the grease add any veggies you have in the fridge that need to be used. I had half a bunch of kale, cherry tomatoes, a shallot and some roasted red pepper. Once that has cooked down a bit, add the sausage back and toss together. Serve on top of the polenta with some fresh mozzarella or another cheese of your choice. I also added a spoon of pesto that added some great flavor.

You could take this a step further and place it under the broiler for a couple seconds to melt the cheese a bit. 

Enjoy!

Menu | Week of 07.01.2013

I fell off the wagon again…last week was so lazy in terms of meals. Don’t worry, we still had food and ate. I just didn’t have a menu. I also went to the grocery store with a small list. I was so afraid of spending $200 again! I am seriously considering putting beans and rice on the menu multiple times this week but won’t (you’re welcome, James).

Monday | Well, I didn’t make it to the grocery store today. We goofed off instead so that will happen tomorrow. So for dinner, it was chicken salad. I’ve actually been enjoying a lighter dinner here lately.

Tuesday | Couscous Crusted Salmon with a veggie side

Wednesday | Quesadillas – My friend had one today with goat cheese and spinach. It sounds really good. Maybe I’ll try that with some chicken and mushrooms.

Thursday | William and I are off to Castroville for a night.

Friday | Going to a wedding!! I get to dress up!

Saturday | Personal Pizzas – I use Naan bread and make a few different toppings – mushrooms, red onion, seasoned ground turkey, feta or goat cheese or mozzarella, broccolini. I’ve also use red pepper pesto instead of sauce for a nice change.

Sunday | I may marinate some of the frozen chicken I have and then roast it with some veggies on the side. Maybe some mashed potatoes or mac n’ cheese too.

Sorry, not too many recipes this week. I am going to try to keep things simple.

Menu | Week of 06.03.2013

The past couple weeks have been bad. Well, I’ve been bad. No menus, incomplete grocery lists and spending too much. Not this week. I need to get back on track. My goal for this week is healthy and easy. Quick is also important because when William is hungry he can be a bear so I’ll be pulling out the crock pot more too.

Monday | Crockpot Zucchini Lasagna and salad

Tuesday | Chicken Cacciatore with brown rice noodles

Wednesday | Beans, rice and cornbread (perfect comfort food!)

Thursday | Spinach, Mushroom and Feta Crustless Quiche

Friday | Pan Seared Honey Glazed Salmon with Browned Butter Lime Sauce,

Saturday | Annual Family Reunion! We do a theme every year and this time is Asian… Saucy Asian Meatballs

Sunday | Honey Soy Stir Fry Chicken

Snacks | Paleo Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffin

Menu | Week of 4.29.2013

I thought I’d start sharing my weekly menus with you all. Sometimes I mix up the order but at least this gives me a starting point for each week and for my grocery list.

Monday | Baked Chicken & Cheese Taquitos

Tuesday | Ground Turkey Stroganoff

Wednesday | Dinner Out

Thursday | Polenta with Eggs

Friday | Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Saturday | Lunch with Friends, leftovers for dinner

Sunday | Breakfast for Dinner – eggs, pancakes

Baking | Maple Syrup Muffins (GF)

What’s for Dinner | 03.25.2013

Monday’s are HEB days which usually means we eat fish. I like to eat fish the same day I buy it. If it sits in the fridge for even two days I am weirded out. Just doesn’t seem fresh anymore. I like to see what’s on sale and maybe try something new but I’ll usually get salmon or basa. William loves fish so that makes dinner for him easy as well.

Last night I made a salmon recipe I’ve done before, Orange Salmon in the crockpot. It’s from the Clean Eating magazine and super quick and simple. You basically place the salmon pieces over a bed of sliced oranges, drizzle with olive oil and then sprinkle with s&p and cumin. Cook on low for 2 hours. The salmon comes out juicy, tender and flavorful.

There is an apricot salsa for the side that I made the last time we had it. I made it again this time but had to tweak it because I didn’t have one of the ingredients, still tasty. Instead of red bell pepper I used half of a Granny Smith then added some chopped, dried apricot and red onion. Finish off with orange juice and zest. It was a good combination with the fish. If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!