Meal Planning with Connie

We all really, really liked liked this, and I will definitely make it again! The kids had lots of fun with the name of this dish, too! Because we are still paying the price for all those delicious fried veggies we ate this summer, I took a few steps to make this meal a bit more healthful. To save a few fat grams, I used a package of Butterball Turkey Smoked Sausage and nixed the butter in the sauce. I cut the Parmesan cheese to 1/3 cup. We all thought my lighter version was still very good! I think adding a few shrimp right at the end of sauteing the sausage would make for a good variation of this dish! I had several cans of biscuits in the fridge, so I made "Biscuit" Rolls instead of the garlic bread. To save a few fat grams and calories, I sprayed the tops of the biscuits with Parkay fat-free buttery spray and sprinkled on a tough of garlic powder. They were still good. Of course, both the pasta and rolls would be better with butter, but I didn't have to tell y...

It's meal plan day!! Don't forget to tidy your fridge and sort your coupons before making your meal plans for next week! Sunday Coupon Preview Do vegetarians eat animal crackers? ~Author Unknown A Table Blessing (Tune: O God our Help in Ages Past) To God who gives us daily bread, A thankful song we raise. We pray that God who gives us food Will fill our hearts with praise. Amen. Meal Plan For September 14th - 20th Monday - Italian Chicken Breasts Over Angel Hair Pasta, Spinach Caesar Salad, and Green Onion, Cheese, and Sour Cream Drop Biscuits Italian Chicken Breasts Over Angel Hair Pasta This recipe was inspired by one I came across the other day, unfortunately, I forgot to note where I found it! I think it sounds yummy and very healthful, too! 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 c Light Italian dressing Angel Hair pasta, cooked according to package directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill pasta pot with water and turn burner to simmer. Place chicken breasts i...

“There is nothing like soup. It is by nature eccentric: no two are ever alike, unless of course you get your soup in a can.” ~Laurie Colwin, 'Home Cooking' (1988) Since we cleared out all our leftovers yesterday, I threw this soup on this morning for our lunch. The kids really liked it. I thought it was pretty good, too. I just kind of made it up as I went along. If you have ideas that would make it better, please share them! Cheeseburger Chowder with Hamburger Bun Croutons Cheeseburger Chowder with Hamburger Bun Croutons 1 pound of ground beef 1/2 cup of chopped onions 2 cups diced potatoes (You could use cubed-style frozen hash browns.) 1 cup frozen corn 1 can chicken broth 1 can cheddar cheese soup 1 soup can of half-and-half (I used fat-free. You could use milk.) 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard salt and pepper, to taste 1 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I used a cup of 2% cheese.) Brown ground beef with onions. Drain. Add potatoes, corn and broth. ...

We had a Leftover Buffet tonight! I don't usually do this on Tuesday, because the kids are always ready for their pizza. We just had too much food that needed eating before Thursday. Since we'll eat at church tomorrow night, tonight was the night to eat it! We were looking forward to the Shrimp Scampi Pizza. I'll either make it later in the week, or carry it over to next week. We'll see... I do have a recipe to share with you though, since some of you may be getting ready to do some "tailgatin'." I made this cheese ball a few weeks back to share with sweet Donna S. She later e-mailed me saying Don would like the recipe. If I understood correctly, he was thinking of making one of these cheese balls to take to an upcoming Mississippi State football game! I have no doubt that he will make his with some good ole Mississippi State cheese, and that because their cheese is so good, his will be twice as delicious as mine! But, y'all don't tell Don I ...

Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you; for on Him hath God the Father set His seal." John 6:27 I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day!! Larry was off, and we enjoyed having him at home! He decide to smoke some ribs for our supper. They were really good! Dude and Aunt Jean came over, and she brought some of her delicious Sour Dough Rolls! Mary e-mailed asking for Aunt Jean's sour dough roll recipe. I honestly have never made them myself, since Aunt Jean keeps us supplied with them! I did ask her for the recipe! I hope to post it soon! I am going to find a day later in the week to make the planned Green Onion, Cheese and Sour Cream Biscuits! I am looking forward to trying these! It was fun to eat together with our extended family. Simple recipes like these made this meal very doable on a busy Monday! Labor Day Meal Larry’s Smoked Ribs, Very Easy Baked Beans, Bake...

This is a great quick version of mac and cheese. M.C. and I aren't big on mac and cheese, but this was good! The guys both love mac and cheese, and they gave it two thumbs up! Thanks to Emily for this easy and tasty recipe! Baked Macaroni and Cheese Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe from: http://www.marvelousrecipes.net/2009/09/02/baked-macaroni-cheese/ If your family enjoys macaroni & cheese as much as mine does, this is the recipe for you! This is a Campbell’s recipe that I found in a magazine. It is easy and quick to make and is pure comfort food! ~ Emily 1 (10-3/4 oz) can Campbell’s Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup 1/2 soup can milk 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper *1-1/2 cups corkscrew-shaped pasta (rotini) or medium shell-shaped pasta, cooked and drained *1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs 2 teaspoons butter, melted 1. Stir the soup, milk, black pepper and pasta in a 1-quart baking dish. 2. Mix the bread crumbs with the butter in a small cup. Sprinkle over...

Stuffed (or Deviled) eggs are a quintessential Southern treat! Do y'all remember me telling you the other day about everyone needing their own unique dish to carry to community suppers and to share with those in need of a meal. There is one exception I should have noted. Anyone can bring a plate of stuffed eggs. There are never enough of these little gems at any gathering. If you want to quickly endear yourself to your fellow church and community members, bring stuffed eggs!! On the other hand, nothing will draw the wrath of the social committee quicker than the taking of more than one stuffed egg when going through the buffet line! Every good momma below the Mason-Dixon drills this bit of Southern etiquette into her dear children, right along with the saying of Yes, Ma'me and Yes, Sir. Stuffed eggs can be served as an appetizer, but we mostly serve them with the meal. I am notorious for forgetting to serve the eggs! I will discover them in fridge while cleaning up after th...