Menu Plan (Tuesday ... Oops!)

Have you ever had one of those weeks? You know, a week where you always feel a day behind? I think I'm in the midst of one of those weeks right now! Is it Tuesday already?

Our family leaves for Mexico in seven short days. Enough of this dreary snow and drizzle! I'm ready for a little tropical sun. Because I'll be busy with travel preparations this week, I've kept our menu very simple.

Monday: Leftover chili, whole wheat buns
Tuesday: Homemade chicken noodle soup (from the freezer), whole wheat toast, apple slices
Wednesday: My favourite chicken dish, mashed potatoes, steamed cauliflower, green beans
Thursday: Spaghetti pie, spinach and orange salad
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Daddy cooks (ie: pizza night)

Kids' Favorite Spaghetti Pie
(from Johanna Burkhard's Fast and Easy Cooking, p. 62)

Spaghetti pie is consistently a hit with our family. I always double this recipe and cook it in a 9x13" glass baking dish.

250g (8oz) Italian sausages, casings removed
2 C. sliced mushrooms (canned mushrooms work well)
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
2 C. tomato pasta sauce
2 C. small broccoli florets (frozen broccoli works well)
3 C. cooked spaghetti (I like whole wheat pasta)
1 1/2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese (I use soy cheese for our family)

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, cook sausage meat, breaking up with a wooden spoon, for 4 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain in sieve to remove any fat. Return to saucepan. Add mushrooms, onion, garlic and oregano; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Add tomato pasta sauce; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Rinse broccoli; place in a covered casserole dish. Microwave at high for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until bright green and almost tender. Rinse under cold water to chill; drain.

3. Arrange spaghetti in 9" or 10" pie plate. Spread with meat sauce. Top with broccoli and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and serve.

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Menu Plan Monday is hosted by Org Junkie. If you are interested in finding other meal plans and recipes, please visit Laura's site!