Sparkling Jello

I don't usually share my craft projects here- I post those over on my main blog. But, since I did this one in such a big font, I figured I may as well share it here, too, so I can share the recipe!My kids love Jello made this way. Note: I always use sugar-free Jello. Enjoy!

Menu Plan Monday 8/24

I have a feeling this week is going to pass by in one quick blur. I'm working four days and I have a couple of medical appointments, DD has soccer, and DH has several hours of overtime scheduled. In between all of that, we have to find time to eat! :)

These are all tried and true favorites- no time to try new recipes this week!

• MONDAY: beef enchiladas (using crockpot beef machaca), stewed tomatoes, refried beans
• TUESDAY:Italian Subs, potato salad, baby carrots & dip
• WEDNESDAY: sliced turkey & gravy (frozen entree), stuffing, peas
• THURSDAY: BBQ ribs in the crockpot, mini ears of corn on the cob
• FRIDAY: crockpot pizza casserole

Have a great week~ and if you're looking for menu inspiration, head over to I'm An Organizing Junkie!

Menu Plan, week of 8/17

I'm finally back on track with getting my menu plan done on Sunday evening- whoo hoo! :) Everything on the menu is from the pantry and freezer. If I get over to the farm market we'll add in fresh peaches and tomatoes.

SUNDAY: Tonight I experimented in the crockpot with chicken tenders, homemade taco seasoning, a drained can of corn, some salsa, and a can of cream of mushroom soup. We had this in flour tortillas with cheddar cheese. I liked it, but I think it would be better over rice instead of in tortillas. There's some leftover cooked rice in the fridge, so for lunch tomorrow I'll try that and see! ;)

MONDAY: crockpot cube steaks (another experiment: trying them with mushroom soup, gravy mix, and onions in the crockpot), mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli

TUESDAY: pepperoni stromboli, tossed salad

WEDNESDAY: Zesty Slow-Cooker Pot Roast with potatoes, green beans

THURSDAY: homemade sausage pizza, tossed salad

FRIDAY: broiled pork chops, alfredo noodles, steamed mixed veggies

The Chicken Experiment

Last week, as I mentioned, I tried an experiment in the crockpot. It worked out really well, and I'll definitely be making it again. My 2 year-old ate two helpings. And the best part? It was SO easy!

Amy's Crockpot Ranchero Chicken

2 cans Campbell's Creamy Ranchero Tomato Soup (found at Big Lots for $.90 a can)

1 lb. chicken breasts

1 bag frozen peppers & onions

Place chicken in the crockpot and cover with both cans of soup. Cook on low all day. About an hour before serving time, break the chicken up into bite-sized pieces and stir in the peppers & onions. Cook another hour or until peppers and onions are done.

Serve over top of cooked pasta.

Unfortunately, I have read that Campbell's is not going to make this soup any more. I read on the Campbell's site that you can substitute a can of tomato soup and a heaping spoonful of salsa in any recipe that used that soup.

Menu Plan Monday 8/11

It's just after 11pm on Monday, and I'm just now getting a few minutes to myself to sit down and sketch out a meal plan for the week. Does that tell you what kind of day it's been? ;)

SUNDAY: We had homemade steak fajitas with all the fixings.

MONDAY: We had Taco Bell.

TUESDAY: pork chops & stuffing casserole, steamed vegetables

WEDNESDAY: BBQ chicken breasts, our favorite macaroni & cheese with stewed tomatoes

THURSDAY: Italian roast in the crockpot with potatoes, green beans

FRIDAY: family favorite buffalo chicken wraps

If you've been here before, you know that's not as detailed as my usual plan, but hey... did I mention that it's already after 11pm? :)

Menu Plan Monday 8/4

These are all tried and true favorites this week, outside of today's experiment in the crockpot. ;) I'm trying to clean out the freezer and pantry.

• MONDAY: an experiment with chicken in my crockpot- if it works I'll blog the recipe later :)


• TUESDAY: Sausage Melts, potato wedges, cherry tomatoes


• WEDNESDAY: Mom's recipe for BBQ Ribs in Crockpot, mini ears of corn on the cob


• THURSDAY: Easy & Delicious Chicken in crockpot, over pasta, with green beans


• FRIDAY: Beef & Vegetables Stir-Fry

My Mom's BBQ Ribs

My mom's BBQ Ribs:
3-5 lbs boneless spare ribs
1 bottle favorite BBQ sauce (we like the spicy Kroger brand)
salt & pepper, to taste
Place ribs in crockpot, season to taste. Cook on low all day (do not add any liquids). About an hour before serving time, drain liquid that has accumulated, and pour in BBQ sauce.

This is my family's favorite way to have ribs-- so easy and tasty!

2 chicken breasts= 5 servings

Here's one way I stretch the meat in any meal- make it bite sized! Tonight I took two large chicken breasts and had enough food to feed five people (three adults and two kids). Here's what I did:

Chicken Bites A La Amy

2 large chicken breasts

3/4 cup cornmeal

1 tbsp dried parsley

3 tbsp dry ranch dressing mix

small amount oil for frying

Slice the partially frozen chicken breasts into thin slices width-wise. (Mine were approximately 3-4" long and maybe 1/2" or so in thickness.) Place chicken in microwave-safe dish and microwave for five minutes. Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add oil. Combine cornmeal, parsley, and ranch dressing mix in a large zip-top baggie. Remove chicken pieces from microwave and shake into baggie. With tongs, place chicken pieces in skillet and fry for approximately 3 minutes per side. Serve with dipping sauce of choice- my family likes ranch dressing or hot sauce.

I served these tonight with some Stovetop Stuffing and steamed broccoli, and had the whole meal on the table in about twenty minutes. I rarely fry things, but once in a while we like chicken or pork chops breaded and fried. Quick & easy- that's my kind of meal!