Wholesome Recipes | Wholesome Mommy :: by the Centsible Sawyer

Menu Plan Monday 1.30.12

Written on January 30, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Meal Plans, Wholesome Recipes

Work has kicked my butt lately. Between putting in long days at the school and supervision of my student teachers ramping up the last few weeks I feel like I can barely keep my head above water. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel though. Things should settle down by the middle of March, if not sooner. I have a few recipes I am dying to share with you this week, so stay tuned!

Need a planner? Use my printable 2 week plan here}

:: Monday
Encrusted & Seared Ahi Tuna
Squash Patties
Roasted Brussell Sprouts

:: Tuesday
Borscht
Chicken Paninis

:: Wednesday
Vegetable soup
Cornbread

::Thursday
Hotdogs
Slaw
Baked Sweet Potato Tater Tots

::Friday
Homemade Pizza
Wedge Salad

:: Saturday
Turkey Tetrazinni
Crowder Peas
Corn Souffle

:: Sunday
Meatloaf
Slightly Spiced Potatoes
Stewed Corn
Carrots
Broccoli
Rolls

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Menu Plan 1.23.12

Written on January 23, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Meal Plans, Wholesome Recipes

Another day another dollar… I’m still finding my groove if you’ve been missing my {frequent} posts. I’ve slowed down on my blogging a bit while I figure out how to coordinate everything. Between my two part time jobs, two kids, and keeping the house from falling down and the laundry pile from growing taller than me, I just haven’t figured out how to stay awake long enough to get my posts on the interwebs. (:

I’ve got lots of ideas and I think I have a plan in place this week for getting few typed up… so stay tuned.

Need a planner? Use my printable 2 week plan here}

:: Monday
Chicken Lo Mein

:: Tuesday
Grilled Fish Tacos
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Corn
Avocados

:: Wednesday
Roast
Mashed Potatoes
Carrots
Asparagus

::Thursday
Swiss Steak and Rice
Brussell Sprouts
Stewed Squash

::Friday
Chili with Pumpkin

:: Saturday
Bean Burritos
Tortilla Chips
Rotele Cheese Dip
Cobbler

:: Sunday
Dinner Out/Take Out?

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Menu Plan Monday 1.16.12

Written on January 16, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Meal Plans, Wholesome Recipes

An other week is underway. This one is a busy one! I have three days of work at the elementary school and a day of observations and meeting with my student teachers. That leaves one day – today to get this house in order and spend a little special time with my littles. I am tired just thinking about it! But, our meal plan is made and there are several quick meals planned so there will be dinner!

Need a planner? Use my printable 2 week plan here}

:: Monday
Homemade Pizza
with artichokes, grass fed hamburger, onions, & mushrooms

:: Tuesday
Beef Stew

:: Wednesday
Marinated Grilled Chicken
Chicken Flavored Rice
Roasted Chick Peas & Butternut Squash

::Thursday
Bean Burritos
Spanish Rice
Corn
Avocados

::Friday
Fish & Grits
Pepper Peas
Swiss Chard

:: Saturday
A Meal at Church
A break for me. (:

:: Sunday
Steaks
Slightly Spiced Baked Potatoes
Salad
Green Beans

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Menu Plan 1.9.12

Written on January 9, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Meal Plans, Wholesome Recipes

Well, my first week back to work is under my belt. It is taking some adjusting. I’m more than exhausted after working away from home and still trying to maintain the blog and my household duties. It is do-able, I just have to find my rhythm.

This is when having a meal plan is a life saver and an absolute must! I just don’t have time to think about it in the morning or worse, at 5 pm! Being organized helps me put a wholesome meal on the table even when the days get hectic!

Need a planner? Use my printable 2 week plan here}

:: Monday
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Pot of White Beans
Brussell Sprouts
Green Beans
Turkey Dressing

:: Tuesday
Turkey Burgers
Fries
Fruit

:: Wednesday
Lasagna/Eggplant Roll ups with Marinara Sauce
Garlic Bread
Salad

::Thursday
Chicken & Sweet Potato Soup
Cheese Biscuits
Fruit

::Friday
Marinated Salmon
Squash
Asparagus
Easy Risotto

:: Saturday
Beef Stew
Homemade French Loaf Bread

:: Sunday
Dinner Out

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Orange Cinnamon Waffles

Written on January 5, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Main Dishes, Uncategorized, Wholesome Recipes

This was my last week of maternity leave and my first week back at work. On Tuesday, my last day home, I wanted to savor every moment I had with my littles. So, to get things started, Judah and I made some special waffles. My little guy loves to help me in the kitchen and one of his favorite foods happens to be waffles.

I tweaked it a little substituting some of the self rising flour for whole wheat flour and you can’t even tell (but it is much healthier)! I’m trying to do more of this to get healthier grains in us.

:: Orange Cinnamon Waffles

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
3 Tbsp sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbsp butter, melted
2/3 cup orange juice
2/3 cup milk

:: Orange Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
3 Tbsp orange juice

Mix all purpose flour, wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar together. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, butter, orange juice and milk. Stir together. The batter should be sort of thick.

Preheat your waffle maker.

Stir the sugar and juice together to make a glaze.

When the waffle is to temperature, open the machine and pour a small ladleful of batter into the compartments, taking care not to overfill. Close the waffle maker and cook until done.

Pour glaze over the waffles. Serve cut up bananas and fresh whipped cream on top.

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Menu Plan 1.2.12

Written on January 2, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Meal Plans, Wholesome Recipes

It’s been a great week! I had a long, lazy weekend with the hubby and kiddos that included a relaxing “date day” with my husband thanks to my mom and dad keeping the kiddos. We got to see a movie AND get dinner out together – it has been AGES since we’ve done that!

Now the rest of my week will include one more day with my kiddos before heading back to work – you know, my “real job.” (: I’ve had a nice, long maternity leave and on Wednesday it all comes to an end. I will miss being home with my littles 24/7 but at least I only work part time so I will still get to be home with them 4 or 5 days a week.

It’s going to get hectic for a month or two while I juggle my job at the school, observing student teachers for the college, and being a mommy. But I’ve got high hopes that I can make it work with a little organization – so expect to continue seeing posts here. (:

Now on to this week’s meal plan – the first of 2012!

Need a planner? Use my printable 2 week plan here}

:: Monday
Dinner Out – Date Night with Hubby

:: Tuesday
Swiss Steak
Rice
Broccoli

:: Wednesday
Fish Picata
Cauliflower
Carrots

::Thursday
Chicken Pot Pie
Fruit

::Friday
Lazy Mama Vegetable Soup
Cornbread

:: Saturday
Spaghetti
Salad
French Bread

:: Sunday
Roasted Chicken
Carrots
Slightly Spiced Baked Potatoes
Green Beans

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New Years Eve Recipe – A Goodnight Kiss

Written on December 28, 2011 by Denisesawyer in Wholesome Recipes

I had to share this. With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, I have the perfect recipe to share. One tradition that everyone is aware of at New Year’s is that you are to kiss your sweet heart when the clock strikes midnight. The other tradition is that you are to stuff yourself with delicious appetizers and fancy drinks {that is everyone’s tradition right…not just my family? LOL}.

If you take this opportunity to enjoy a cocktail, I have the perfect drink that pulls both traditions together. It is called A Goodnight Kiss! And if you don’t enjoy an alcoholic beverage I’ve got some ideas for you too!

:: A Goodnight Kiss

4 oz Champagne
1 splash Campari® bitters
1 sugar cube
1 drop Angostura® bitters

Place a drop of angostura bitters on a sugar cube and drop into a champagne flute. Add champagne and splash of campari.

You could serve sparkling apple juice or sparkling grape juice to the kiddos and those who aren’t imbibing, or Anne Marie of This Mama Cooks has a great recipe for a mocktail to make something extra special just for them. Its called Angostura Orange Blossom Mocktail and you can get the recipe here.

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Asian Crunch Salad

Written on December 27, 2011 by Denisesawyer in Main Dishes, Wholesome Recipes

If you are trying to eat a little more healthy after overindulging in holiday food feasts, this is a perfect dish. It is only 126 calories and packs lots of great vitamins and minerals thanks to all the great fresh veggies that are in it – broccoli, baby peas, and red pepper. And, by using wheat noodles, you’re getting a healthy carb – rather than a refined, white flour carbohydrate.

Okay, enough about the health benefits of the dish… If you love stirfry and/or lomein dishes you should give this one a shot. It is very simple and easy to prepare so it makes for quick weeknight dinner. Plus, if there are leftovers they will be great the next day for lunch since the marinade will only get deeper and more flavorful the longer it sits.

:: Asian Crunch Salad

3 oz. uncooked whole wheat spaghetti
1/3 cup NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup frozen baby peas
1/4 cup red bell pepper strips
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 (12 oz.) package broccoli slaw
1/4 cup chopped unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts

1. Break pasta into 3-inch pieces; cook according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain.

2. Combine vinegar and next 4 ingredients (through garlic) in a large bowl. Add pasta, onions, and next 4 ingredients (through slaw) to vinegar mixture; toss gently to coat. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Top with peanuts.

Makes 8 servings (serving size: 3/4 cup).

Recipe thanks to Mizkan.

Disclosure: I received compensation for this post. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

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Menu Plan 12.26.11

Written on December 26, 2011 by Denisesawyer in Meal Plans, Wholesome Recipes

I had a fabulous week. I played and did winter art projects with my son the first part of the week. Then, we took a quick trip to Myrtle Beach and Savannah over the weekend. I’m actually gone until tomorrow! It has been very relaxing and I’m enjoying seeing the beach and spending some relaxing, quality time with my family! When we get back in town it will be my last week at home full time with my kiddos.

Next week I will be going back to my job part time…maternity leave must come to an end. I will miss my little ones, but at least I’ll only be gone a few days a week and I know they are in good hands {my dad watches them when I’m at work}. So, I’m going to relish every last moment I have with them and stock my freezer with some quick grab and go breakfasts for next week!

Need a planner? Use my printable 2 week plan here}

:: Monday
Out of Town

:: Tuesday
Out of Town

:: Wednesday
Spaghetti
Salad
French Bread

::Thursday
Chicken Croquettes
Rice
Carrots
Sauteed Brussell Sprouts in Garlic
Black Eyed Peas

:: Friday
Fish Picata
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans

:: Saturday
Party Food!

:: Sunday
Ham & Hashbrowns
Broccoli
Northern Beans

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Pasta Palomino – An EASY Weeknight Favorite!

Written on December 22, 2011 by Denisesawyer in Main Dishes, Wholesome Recipes

One of my favorite local restaurants is Bella Roma. It is a locally owned Italian/Greek restaurant and they used to have a dhish on the menu called Pasta Palomino. Occassionally, they will have it as a special now, although it isn’t on the regular menu any more. I was really sad when I found out I couldn’t get it all the time.

What is Pasta Palomino? My family jokes that it is adult Chef Boyarde. It is penne pasta served with a creamy marinara sauce. It is highly addictive but really quite simple. In fact, it is so simple I decided to try to recreate the dish at home and I have to say it was a home run!

:: Pasta Palomino

Penne Pasta {cooked at directed on package}
Spaghetti/Marinara sauce {I use my homemade recipe here but without beef – use whatever you like}
half and half

Obviously this isn’t an *actual* recipe. You just eyeball it. You can’t go wrong. All you do is heat your marinara sauce – either homemade or jarred will work just fine but I have a loving relationship with my homemade. (:

Once the sauce is hot add in some half and half to make it creamy. I usually cook enough pasta and sauce for four people and I add in between a 1/2 to 1 cup of half and half.

Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss. Serve immediately with a slice of garlic bread. Mmmm.

This is a comfort food type dinner that couldn’t get any easier! Perfect for a busy weeknight meal – and much better AND healthier than ANY fast food drive thru!

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Category Archives: Wholesome Recipes

:: Orange Cinnamon Waffles

:: Orange Glaze

:: A Goodnight Kiss

:: Asian Crunch Salad