Weekly Dinner Menu: 5/3/10

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry.

Last week was my oldest daughter’s week to have the TV off, so we kicked it off with a family bowling day. We followed that up with numerous trips to the park, some less successful than others, and much more time spent reading and swinging in the backyard. Personally, I did not miss it one bit, and when she came home Friday and could watch TV again, she ran outside to help watch the second garden box be built instead, so I’m guessing she didn’t miss it much either.

Monday – Brick Grilled Chicken with Scallion and Lime Butter

Tuesday – Black Bean and Sweet Corn Soup with Cilantro and Lime

Wednesday – Grilled Chicken Quesadillas with Chile Pepper Spread

Thursday – Steak Fajitas

Friday – Leftover Taco Salad

The Preparation Shortcuts:

1. Buy for a larger roaster chicken and use the leftovers from Monday in the quesadillas.
2. Use all the leftover vegetables and meat for Friday’s salad, topping it off with a fresh avocado dressing.
3. Make the soup ahead on Monday or when you’re using the stove or oven anyway and reheat for Thursday. This will avoid getting your house hot multiple days during warm(er) weather. (I know some of you are still getting snow here and there. I’m sorry. I feel for you.)

The Shopping List:

1 whole roaster chicken
1.5 pounds skirt or top sirloin steak
1 bunch scallions
1 bunch cilantro
4 limes
1 poblano pepper
1 Anaheim pepper
2 jalapeños
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
2 green bell peppers
2 red onions
3-4 tomatoes
3-5 avocados
20 flour tortillas
1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, seeded
1 can diced green chiles
4 cans black beans
1 bag frozen sweet corn
1 pound Monterey Jack cheese
1 pound cheddar cheese

Pantry Items:
butter
sour cream
garlic
oregano
cumin
chili powder
salt and pepper
olive oil
white wine vinegar
mayonnaise
vegetable broth
beer

Last week from Food for My Family:

Banana Berry Smoothies
Stocking Your Pantry for Success on Simple Bites
Easy Mother’s Day Breakfasts for Dad and the Kids to Make on Lifetime Moms