Meal Planning with Connie

Shrimp and Grits Casserole, Quick Caesar Coleslaw, and Hush Puppies Larry and I were the only two who ate this tonight, but we both like the casserole and the slaw. I lightened the casserole a bit by sauteing the onions and garlic with butter-flavored cooking spray instead of the butter. I used 2 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese instead of the 3 oz. package called for in the recipe. The three ounce package had 30 grams of fat - no wonder it's so good!! The whipped had about 12, so around half the amount of fat. I used 2% cheddar cheese for the topping, too. It was still very good! I will definitely make both of these again! This is a great way to stretch the shrimp! I used a bag of frozen, fully cooked shrimp. This meal is quick, too! It can be on the table in 45 minutes. Although I really like the green onions and minced garlic, for a quicker version, you could substitute a bit of onion and garlic powder. Thursday - Shrimp and Grits Casserole, Quick Caesar Coles

Larry and I both liked this. It was a bit different, but very good! I did make the homemade dressing. We really like this little dressing recipe. I will make this slaw again!! Quick Caesar Coleslaw Quick Caesar Coleslaw 1 (16 ounce) package coleslaw mix 1 cup grape tomatoes ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese ¾ creamy Caesar salad dressing* 1 green onion, sliced Combine all ingredients. Chill and serve. *Make your own quick dressing by combining the following: 8 tablespoons of mayonnaise 2 teaspoon lemon juice 2 teaspoon garlic powder salt and pepper, to taste a bit of milk to thin, if you like

It's Thursday - Meal Planning Day!!! Be sure to tidy your fridge and sort your coupons before making your meal plan for next week!! For a preview of the coupons that will be in this Sunday's newspaper, click on the link below! Sunday 8/30/09 Coupon Preview “I sometimes think the chef end of cooking is not the real end of cooking. Cooking is all about homes and gardens, it doesn't happen in restaurants.” ~ Delia Smith, English cook and television presenter, known for her interest in teaching basic cookery skills. She is the UK's best-selling cookery author, with more than 18 million copies sold. She has also authored four religious books: A Feast for Advent (1983) A Feast for Lent (1983) A Journey into Prayer (1986) A Journey into God (1988) Feed your faith and your fears will starve! ~ Author Unknown Monday - Chicken Noodle Casserole, Easy Corn-on-the-cob with Herbed Butter , and Easy Weeknight Rolls Chicken Noodle Casserole 8 ounces wide egg noodles ½ cup onion, finel