Menu Plan Monday
November 19, 2007

I am feeling tired an uninspired this evening. No time better than the present to plan my weekly menu, I guess!

Here's my proposed menu for the upcoming week. I plan to make double batches of the taco meat, soup and chicken dish in order to fill my freezer.

Monday: No cooking! (Supper at my parents')
Tuesday: Soft-shell tacos, brown beans
Wednesday: Hamburger soup, homemade bread
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Indonesian chicken in peanut sauce, brown rice, cabbage salad
Saturday: Supper with friends.
Sunday: No cooking! (Supper at Ben's parents')

I am also looking forward to using my new baking pans. (Thank you, Mom.) I plan to make banana bread in my mini loaf pan. I may also try baking some cute mini muffins as well. In a few weeks it will be my turn to bring a snack for my son's class at school. I think mini muffins could be just perfect, so I will have to experiment with a few new recipes!

Indonesian Chicken in Peanut Sauce (from Canadian Living Magazine)

8 skinless chicken thighs
5 carrots, thickly sliced
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 C. water
3/4 C. smooth peanut butter
1/4 C. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. hot pepper flakes (I omit this)
1 C. frozen peas
1 tsp. white wine vinegar
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 C. chopped unsalted peanuts

Step 1: Arrange chicken in dutch oven; top with carrots, onions and garlic.

Step 2: Whisk together water, peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger and hot pepper flakes; add to pan.

Step 3: Cover and cook in 350F oven for 1 1/2 hours or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced.

Step 4: Stir in peas and vinegar; let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Serve garnished with green onions and peanuts.

Slow Cooker: Use 16-24 cup (4-6 L) slow cooker; cook all but peas and vinegar on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or cook on HIGH for 2 hours. Add peas and vinegar; cook on LOW for 10 minutes. Garnish as directed. (I prefer using the slow cooker for this recipe.)

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If you would like to browse more great meal plans, please visit the Menu Plan Monday link at Org Junkie.