Our family traveled to New York City to visit my brother over Thanksgiving. We had a fabulous trip, but since we didn't get back until Sunday, I don't have a formal menu this week. We're kind of winging it using my freezer stash and yes, I'm a bit ashamed to say, some frozen Stouffers meals.

Here is a slideshow of photos from our trip. (You won't be able to see the slideshow if you are viewing this on an iPad or iPhone since it is Flash based.)

Here's this week's rather pitiful menu. Enjoy and have a great week! Be sure to follow me on Facebook to get fast updates from the blog. :)

Sunday - Stouffers Cheese Ravioli with Meat Sauce, Salad

Monday - Mexican Chicken (from freezer stash), Peaches

Tuesday - Stouffers Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli, Salad

Wednesday - Leftovers

Thursday - BBQ Pork Sandwiches (from freezer stash), French Fries, Green Beans, Salad

Friday - Homemade Pizza, Salad

Saturday -  Steak, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad

I'm taking a short hiatus this week for Thanksgiving, so no menu plan. Here's last year's menu if you want to see what my family eats for the holidays. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and I'll be back at it in a week.

I just realized I hadn't posted the menu, so it's going to be a short post again this week. My Internet connection hasn't been working well this weekend, so I need to make it fast while I'm actually connected. Enjoy and have a great week! Be sure to follow me on Facebook to get fast updates from the blog. :)

Sunday - Stuffed Pork Chops, Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad

Monday - Sausage Potato Soup, Salad, Applesauce

Tuesday - Crock Pot Beef Tips, Rice, Broccoli, Salad

Wednesday - Tator Tot Surprise, Salad, Peaches

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Homemade Pizza, Salad

Saturday - Eat at Mom's

For more menu ideas, visit orgjunkie.com.  

My friend Yvonne shared this recipe with me. I altered the original recipe a little to make it a smidge healthier, and they were still very yummy. I didn't have any green onions when I made them to take the picture, but I would definitely encourage you use them.

Ingredients:
4 large baking potatoes
8 slices center cut bacon, cooked in the microwave or oven (drains fat better) and crumbled
1 cup fat free sour cream
1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded 2% Milk Cheddar cheese, divided
8 green onions, sliced, divided

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash potatoes and wrap in foil. Bake potatoes in preheated oven for 1 hour.

When potatoes are done allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large bowl leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh so the potato maintains it’s shape; save skins.

To the potato flesh add sour cream, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/2 the green onions, and milk. Mix with a hand mixer until well blended and creamy.

Spoon the mixture into the potato skins. Top each with remaining cheese, green onions and bacon.

Bake for another 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

I am participating in the Secret Santa Swap 2012 hosted at the Apronista. We are supposed to post the following questionnaire on our blogs so that our Secret Santa can get some ideas for the swap package. I am so excited! I love Secret Santa activities. :) Here are my responses:

1. What are your hobbies? - cooking, reading, sewing (aprons and bags), hiking, running
2. What are your favorite colors? - pink!
3. Do you collect anything? - no
4. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? - allergic to cats
5. Do you have any pets? - I have two dogs - a black lab and a yellow lab
6. Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate? - Chocolate!!!!!! (coffee is yucky!)
7. What do you like to read? - I'm an elementary librarian, so I read lots of stuff. I like most things (but not raunchy stuff) as far as fiction goes. I don't really care for non-fiction. You can some of the stuff I read on my Shelfari page (http://www.shelfari.com/o1514418329)
8. Do you prefer Cookies or Candies as a sweet? - Dove Dark Chocolates are one of my favorites
9. What is your favorite holiday treat? - Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles (the ones with the red wrappers - yum!)
10. Describe your favorite holiday tradition. - baking cookies with my family to give to the neighbors (we make tons of chocolate chip cookies - my claim to fame)
11. Did you believe in Santa as a child? - not for long :(
12. When do you open presents? - Christmas morning
13. Do you put up a tree and when?  If not, how do you celebrate? - yes, and as early as possible after Halloween
14. Does your tree have a theme? - nope
15. What has been your favorite gift to give?  to receive? - can't really think of an answer for this one

I can't wait to see what my swap partner comes up with, and I can't wait to create my own package! Fun!

Had a crazy busy week at school (family reading night), and a wonderful weekend with the family (ran a race, went to SDC, and saw a movie!). I'm running short on time again, so here's the menu. Enjoy and have a great week! Be sure to follow me on Facebook to get fast updates from the blog. :)

Sunday - Steak, Green Beans, Strawberries, Salad

Monday - Chicken and Dumplings (yes, I really made it this time - pic and recipe later), Broccoli, Salad

Tuesday - Tacos, Applesauce

Wednesday - Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie, Green Beans, Salad

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Ott's House Casserole, Broccoli, Salad, Peaches

Saturday - Stuffed Pork Chops, Green Beans, Salad, Strawberries

For more menu ideas, visit orgjunkie.com.