Menu Plan Monday 12/29/08

I decided that it's high time that I jump back into weekly menu planning... so here it is! :)

• MONDAY: Our favorite bean dip, tortilla chips, grape tomatoes, and *new recipe* mushroom and chicken quesadillas.


• TUESDAY: I'm experimenting with this *new* Sour Cream Burgers recipe, making them oval shaped to fit some sub buns I need to use up. I'll saute some onions and peppers to go on them, and serve with a side salad.


• WEDNESDAY: We'll have our favorite snack foods for supper- the kids are getting excited about our "party" (just the four of us at home). :) So far the menu includes our favorite layered taco dip, pigs in a blanket, and meatballs.


• THURSDAY: I'll make ribs and sour kraut in the crockpot for DH and the kids. I can't stand sour kraut, so I'll likely make myself some of my favorite potato soup.


• FRIDAY: to be decided.... likely something in the crockpot!
  
  

Pineapple Blue Cheese Dip

I made this Pineapple Blue Cheese Dip for a party on Saturday and it was well received. I doubled the recipe (using slightly more blue cheese and green onions than the recipe called for) to make enough to fill the pineapple, and served it with Ritz crackers.

Chocolate Peppermint Spoons

I made a batch of these to go in gift baskets and tuck in with a few other little gifts. I've made them several times, so my measurements here are estimated as I just kind of go by feel.

Amy's Chocolate Peppermint Spoons

12 heavy plastic spoons

1/2 or so melting chocolate wafers (estimated amount)

2 drops peppermint extract

1 cup crushed candy canes

Melt chocolate in double boiler, the stir in extract and half the candy canes. Dip each spoon into the mixture, twirl to remove excess, dip again, twirl again, and then lay on waxed paper to dry. Spinkle tops ("bowl" side of spoon) with remaining crushed candy. Cool, when hard remove from waxed paper and wrap in individual cellophane bags.

Use these to stir into hot coffee or hot chocolate for a sweet treat.

Dipped Oreos

Want to make some quick and easy treats to round out your dessert trays? Try this:

DIPPED OREOS

1 lb bag of chocolate melting wafers (found in the candy-making section)

1-2 packages of oreos

Melt the wafers per directions in a double boiler or microwave. I like to do small batches in a juice glass in my microwave, stirring every 30 seconds or so. The small but deep glass is easiest for me to work with- I've found that a regular bowl or cup spreads the chocolate out too thin for me to quickly dip in. Take each Oreo and dip it in the chocolate, then place it on foil or waxed paper to dry. You'll have to work quickly, as the wafers cool and set up pretty quick. Cool and enjoy!

P.S. The Oreos I made tonight (photo above) were dipped in red vanilla flavored wafers. I like how they turned out... we'll see what everyone else thinks!

Cold Weather Cooking

I've got ravioli in the crockpot... I just finished eating soup for lunch.... and I'm in the mood to start baking Christmas cookies. Gee, could you have guessed that it snowed last night? :)

I usually do sugar cookies and fudge at Christmas, and after that, it varies year-to-year. I'd like to get some things baked up and frozen so I won't be so stressed right before the numerous Christmas parties we'll be attending Christmas week. I'm surfing for some new recipes to try, but would love to hear from you if you've got a tried and true one to share!