Weekly Menu Plan

Getting back to things after the super long weekend. I was so fortunate to actually have a four-day weekend...nothing is better than getting an e-mail from the head honcho saying that instead of a half-day Friday, we were all getting a full day off! It was a fantastic way to start the weekend. Since it was a pretty busy weekend, we actually just got to the grocery store this evening and don't have a ton of cooking planned this week. Here is what we have in store this week:

Sunday: Shrimp, cheese and french bread
Monday: Sporting Kansas City game--it was my first time at Livestrong Park, which was not only so much fun but I got to see David Beckham in the flesh!
Tuesday: Beer Mac and Cheese (which you'll see in an upcoming post!)
Wednesday: Avocado BLTs
Thursday: Happy hour at Harry's in Westport
Friday: Shrimp with Romesco and Goat Cheese Polenta

In even better news, I actually made my own DIY lightbox tonight. We're celebrating a birthday in the office tomorrow, so I tested it out with the birthday treat I'm bringing. Let me tell you--it makes a world of difference in the quality of the pictures. So look for that upgrade soon!

Simple Saturday Breakfast

During the week, my breakfast staple is pretty much oatmeal out of a pouch. I actually never leave myself enough time in the morning to make breakfast at home, so oatmeal is the easiest thing that I can make right when I get into the office. So when it comes to the weekend, I try to make something that's a bit more flavorful but still is easy to prepare and clean up. Eggs are usually our go-to, but we try to make them a bit different each weekend so that it's not the same old, same old. This weekend I added an Italian flair by combining scrambled eggs with pancetta, parmesan cheese and fresh thyme.

Eggs with Pancetta, Parmesan and Thyme

Serves 2

1/2 T extra virgin olive oil

1 T diced pancetta (or more to your liking)

4 eggs

1/4 c. milk

2 T parmesan cheese

Salt

Pepper

1/2 T fresh thyme

In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and bring to temperature. Add pancetta to pan and saute until crispy. While pancetta is crisping, add eggs, milk and cheese to a bowl and whisk to combine. Once combined, add egg mixture to skillet and cook with pancetta until eggs are properly scrambled. Remove from skillet and sprinkle with thyme. Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Brussels are the best!

I don't think that I've ever shared my love for Brussels sprouts. At least on this blog...friends, family, co-workers have all heard how much I love them. It was about time I shared my love of them with the interwebs. Brussels sprouts can be prepared in a multitude of ways. Crispy, sauteed, and even fried. One of my good friends makes a nice, creamy version with bacon that are delish. However, when I fix them at home, I prepare them in the simplest manner possible--roasted in the oven. Roasting brussels sprouts in the oven is just perfect--each little sprout is the perfect mix of crunchy but soft at the same time. And don't even get me started on the crispy little leaves that fall off the sprout and carmelize in the oven. Ah! I just can't get enough!

When picking out your Brussels sprouts in the grocery store, look for the ones that are a good green color, are firm and have compact leaves. Avoid those that look puffy and have yellow or holey leaves on the outside.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Serves 2

15-20 Brussels sprouts, stems removed and quartered

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Salt

Pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Add Brussels sprouts to a large bowl and drizzel with olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well coated. Add salt and pepper and toss to cover. Add sprouts to baking sheet lined with foil and roast for 15-20 minutes or until caramelized.

Weekly Menu Plan

It's another busy week in our house...which is great because we have a fun weekend to look forward to! My niece's first birthday was yesterday and we're celebrating this upcoming weekend with friends and family. On Sunday, the hubs and I will be running in the Head for the Cure 5K in memory of my grandpa and then hosting a brunch at our house afterwards. Since we'll be having a large group of people over, this week will consist of easier meals because we have a ton of things to do to get ready.

Sunday: Bread, olive tapenade, cheese and shrimp (our go-to easy weekend meal!)
Monday: Basil chicken sausage, wild rice and brussel sprouts
Tuesday: Hamburgers and red potatoes
Wednesday: Pineapple chicken stir-fry
Thursday: Turkey clubs with waffle fries
Friday: Out to eat/takeout
Saturday: BBQ at my brother's house!

Weekly Menu Plan

I'm a day late posting this, but wanted to nonetheless. The hubs made a fantastic meal last night--he actually braised some pork belly for over six hours and it was delish. Unfortunately, our camera wasn't charged so I have no pictures but it was so yummy that we'll definitely be making it again. As far as the rest of our meals go, it's a busy week at work and we're headed to the lake this weekend, so everything we'll be having is fast and easy.

Sunday: Pappardelle Carbonara with Braised Pork Belly
Monday: BLTs with waffle fries
Tuesday: Panzanella salad
Wednesday: Smoked, Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage
Thursday: Eating out
Friday-Sunday: At the lake!

What do you like to cook when you have little time in your schedule? I'd love any suggestions!