Meal Planning Monday

New to the blog? Well, I post "Meal Planning Monday" to have a running document of the meals I plan every week for my husband and kids {well, one of the kids so far ;)}. This way I can also share the awesome recipes I love to use or new ones I want to try. Why do I plan out my meals for the week? Because I LOATHE grocery shopping. So I go once to the store for our work week...on Sundays, while husband Danny is home to watch the littles. Taking all three to the grocery store with me? Sounds like I'd just rather not eat, thankyouverymuch.

MONDAY:  Southwest Chicken Chop Salad

This is a perfect summer salad, if I do say so myself. You may wish to point out, "Why Lizzie, it's November, honey, why is there a summer-ish salad on your weeknight menu?" That's because Southern California didn't get the memo, and we're still blazing hot around here. I usually love Starbuck's during this time of year, but their red Christmas cup is driving me insane when I'm too hot in shorts and a tank. Mother Nature, get with the program. Thanks.

TUESDAY: Chicken-and-Brown-Rice Bake

This is an oldie but goodie in our house. I ripped this recipe out a couple of years ago from one of my Southern Living magazines when I saw it and thought to myself, "Self, you have never made a casserole in your life. Let's bring back the '50s, and try this updated one!" So glad I did. It's super simple, and is loaded with chicken, brown rice, wild rice, and broccoli and carrots. All in one. I'll try to post the recipe for you all.

WEDNESDAY: Porkchops alla Pizzaiola, Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Green Beans

Love me an easy and flavorful Giada recipe. And this one fit the bill. She basically took the flavors of an old-school Italian pizza and put them in a pan to simmer with porkchops. Yumm. Doing the roasted potatoes and roasted green beans like I told you a few weeks ago.

THURSDAY: Creamy Turkey Ragu

While browsing through a recent Family Circle, I ran across this recipe. Homemade sauce I can make in the crockpot? Sure, I'll try it! We'll see how it goes. {If you click on the above link, it should take you to the Family Circle recipe, but might have to register with them to access the recipe. Do it. It's free. It's easy. It's worth it. Trust me.}

Happy cooking!