Getting Creative

Last week our printer broke. This proved especially difficult since I use Master Cook to meal plan. I can print out all my recipes and it even creates a grocery list so I don't have to wonder if I missed something. But as I sat at my computer and began to meal plan, I realized it was moot since I couldn't print out anything. So I turned to my cook-books and came up with a week full of new recipes. I had so much fun and am excited about these new dishes!

Monday: Hamburger Soup (courtesy Nancy, my MIL)

Tuesday: Penne w/ Chicken Sausage & Broccolini (from Almost Meatless)

Wednesday: Quick Beef Tacos (from Real Simple)

Thursday: Italian Tuna Melts w/ White Beans and Provolone (from Rachel Ray)

Friday: Meatballs with Sauteed Chard (from Real Simple)

Saturday: I think we're going out to dinner

Sunday: A new week begins! Maybe our new printer will have arrived, otherwise I'll be going trudging through my cookbooks once again. Maybe I'll just do that anyway, I never know what I'm going to find.

Temptations

I like to listen to the TV when I'm cooking. I don't know why, but background noise often helps me in the kitchen. Even better, I love listening to the Food Network. You'd think it would confuse me but it just inspires me even more hearing about all these great recipes. Unfortunately I have a very tiny kitchen with little room for error and storage space. So, it's mostly listening to the voice of the host, thrilled and excited to share their dish for the night.

One of my favorites, I admit, is Rachael Ray, with her peppy and sassy attitude while measuring and describing what she's doing. Tonight I heard a recipe that I have to try, which I will document once I try it out. It's a play on an old favorite of mine...too bad my meal plans are all set through Friday! Guess I'll just have to wait until Saturday night.