Strawberry Spinach Salad...

1 bag of spinach

1 pint strawberries

8 oz. slivered almonds

1 can Mandarin oranges drained (optional)

Dressing

Put in Blender

1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup vinegar

1 Tbs. poppy seeds

1 1/2 tsp. dried minced onion

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/2 cup oil

2 tsp. sesame seeds.

Could also use Brianna's Brand Blush Wine, Poppy Seed, or Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing. Toss salad with dressing just before serving.

Pasta Salad...

1 lb. box pasta noodles (I use penne)

1 can diced olives

1/2 red onion (optional)

1/2 bag shredded carrots

1-2 cucumbers diced

3 big tomatoes diced

1 bottle Kraft Italian dressing (as much to your taste)

Salad Supreme

Cook noodles according to package directions.  Rinse with cold water and drain well.  Transfer to a bowl and let cool in refrigerator.  Add above ingredients and sprinkle with salad supreme.

Pasta Chicken and Pea Salad...

1 lb. box any pasta noodles (I like mini penne or macaroni)

1 big can white chicken breast (shred with fork)

1/2 bag frozen peas (thawed)

1/4 onion chopped

4-5 stalks celery chopped

Boil pasta noodles until al dente and drain and rinse.  Let noodles cool slightly.  Add chicken, peas, onion, and celery.

Dressing

1 cup mayo

3 tsp. lemon juice

1 Tbs. milk

Whisk until smooth.  Add to salad.  May need to double.  Refrigerate and eat.

Frog Eye Salad...

1/2 box frog eye noodles (Acini Pepe)

Cook according to package directions and rinse with cold water

1 small package vanilla pudding

3/4 cup milk

Mix pudding and milk together and set aside

2 15 oz. cans pineapple tidbits drained

2 10 oz. cans mandarin oranges drained

2 8 oz. cool whip

Shredded coconut and marshmallows to taste.  Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.  Stir and refrigerate.

Farmer Chicken Salad...

5 cups cubed, cooked chicken (5-6 chicken breasts)

2 Tbs. Olive or Vegetable Oil

2 Tbs. Vinegar

2 Tbs. Orange Juice

1 tsp. salt

Mix above ingredients together and let marinade for a couple hours in refrigerator.

3 cups cooked white rice cooled (Uncle Ben's Original Recipe)

1 1/2 cups red grapes (cut in half)

1 cup pineapple

11 oz. can mandarin oranges (drained)

1 cup slivered almonds

1 1/2 cups celery

Dressing 

1 1/2 cup mayo (may need to use more)

Combine all ingredients and serve.

Chinese Chicken Salad...

1/2 lb. cooked shredded chicken or 2 large cans of chicken

1 head shredded lettuce

4 stalks green onion

2 Tbs. chopped almonds

2 Tbs. toasted sesame seeds

2 oz. Deep fried rice sticks (Maifun)

Dressing

2 Tbs. sugar

1/4 cup oil

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. accent

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 Tbsp. sesame oil

3 Tbsp. Japanese vinegar

Mix chicken, lettuce, onion, almonds, sesame seeds, and rice sticks together.  Prepare dressing by mixing oil, sugar, salt, accent, pepper, sesame oil, and Japanese vinegar together.  Toss salad just moments before serving.

Mom's Chicken Salad...

4 Chicken breasts cooked and cut into cubes

1/2 cup sliced celery or more

1/2 cup sliced almonds

6 pieces of bacon cooked and crumbled

avocado and boiled eggs (optional)

Dressing

1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 cup mayo (can double if needed)

Mix all together, chill, and serve on croissants

Chicken and Rice Salad...

1 package Uncle Bens Fast Cook Long Grain and Wild Rice

2 cups chopped cooked chicken (2-4 chicken breasts)

1 cup seedless grapes cut in half

1 cup cashew halves

2 TBS. onion

Cook rice according to package directions.  When rice has cooled, put the rest of the ingredients in.

Dressing

1 cup mayo

1 TBS. Milk

3 TBS. Lemon Juice

Whisk dressing together and pour over salad before serving.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad...

1 big head broccoli

1 head cauliflower (might not need all of it)

1/4 cup red onion diced 

1 package bacon

cheddar cheese (cubed or shredded)

Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small bite sized pieces.  Add rest of ingredients.

Dressing 

1 cup mayo

1/4 cup sugar

2 TBS. apple cider vinegar

Whisk above ingredients together until dressing is smooth.  Toss and coat.  Refrigerate.  I usually double the dressing.

Tortilla Soup...

2-3 cups chicken broth

2 chicken breast cooked and cubed

a few dashes of garlic salt

15 oz. can diced tomatoes

14.5 oz can whole corn (drained)

15 oz. can black beans (optional)

2-3 tsp. chili powder

Monterey Jack Cheese, grated

Avocado Slices (optional)

Lime juice (optional)

Tortilla Chips

2 Tbs. Sour Cream

Add cooked chicken, broth, garlic salt, tomatoes,  corn, beans, chili powder in crock pot.  Cook on low in crock pot for a few hours.  Before serving soup, add sour cream.  It makes the soup creamy.  To serve, layer tortilla chips on bottom of bowl, squirt with lime juice, sprinkle grated cheese and spoon hot soup over.  Top with avocado slices and more cheese.

Mount Rainier Chili

6 cans white beans, drain mostly
6 cups chicken broth
4 cloves garlic
2 4 oz. cans diced green chilis
2 tsp. ground cumin
1.5 tsp. dryed oregano
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Cover 3-4 chicken breasts in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake in oven at 350 until cooked throughout (25 min.). After chicken is cooked, cut into bite size pieces. Mix above ingredients in large pot and bring to a boil, then add chicken. Before serving, shred 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese into pot and stir. Serve with tortilla chips, avocado, tomato and sour cream.

Mom's Chili...

1 lb. hamburger

30 oz can hunts chili beans or 2 cans chili beans

2 cans tomato soup

2 cans water

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Brown hamburger, then add rest of the ingredients and simmer for 45 minutes.  

Baked Potato Soup...

4 large baking potatoes

2/3 cup butter

2/3 cup flour

6 cups milk

1 cup sour cream

2 cups cooked bacon (crumbled)

5 oz. grated cheese

4 green onions (optional)

salt and pepper

Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake the potatoes until tender.  Melt butter in a saucepan.  Slowly blend in flour with wire whisk until thoroughly blended.  Gradually add milk to the butter/flour mixture, whisking constantly.  Whisk in salt and pepper and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly.  Cut the potatoes in half, scoop out the insides and set aside.   When milk is hot, whisk in potatoes.  Whisk well, add sour cream and crumbled bacon.  Heat thoroughly.  Add cheese a little at a time until it is melted.

Autumn Soup...

1 lb. hamburger

1 cup onion

4 cups beef broth

1 cup diced celery

2 tsp. salt

1 bay leaf

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced potatoes

1 tsp. kitchen boquet

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. basil

1 qt. tomatoes, undrained

Brown hamburger and onion.  Stir in the rest of the ingredients except tomatoes.  Simmer 45 minutes or until potatoes are starting to get soft.  Add tomatoes and simmer 30 minutes.  Don't overcook potatoes.  Can lessen cooking time.

Easy Banana Bread...

1 box yellow cake mix

1 small package instant Banana Cream Pudding

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup oil

3 Ripe Banana, mashed

4 eggs

Mix all ingredients together.  Pour into 2 large or 4 small greased loaf pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.  I would cook for less time if using small loaf pans.

Taco Soup...

1 lb. Hamburger

1 onion (optional)

15 oz. can black beans

15 oz. can pinto beans

15 oz. can kidney beans

15 oz. can chili beans

15 oz. can corn (optional)

28 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 15 oz. cans of water

16 oz. can Italian seasoned tomato sauce 

16 oz. jar mild or medium salsa

Brown hamburger and onion in large stock pot.  Add rest of ingredients and simmer for 1 hour. Serve with cheese, sour cream, Frito's or tortilla chips, olives, and lettuce.

This soup makes a large amount and freezes well.

BBQ Pork Ribs...

1 lb. Boneless Pork Ribs
Homemade BBQ Sauce

Place ribs into crock pot.  Pour a little water into crockpot.  Cook 4-6 hours on low or until meat is tender.  Drain water and take all fat off of ribs and then cover with homemade BBQ Sauce and cook on low for another hour to an hour and a half.  Serve with baked or mashed potatoes.

Turkey Burgers...

1 lb. Ground Turkey Breast

Monterrey Jack Cheese

Bread Crumbs

Dry Ranch Dressing Mix

1 TBS. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Place turkey breast in mixing bowl.  Add desired amount of above ingredients and mix well.  Make into 4 patties and grill.  Serve on a hamburger bun with a slice of tomato, lettuce, and your favorite sauce (ketchup, mustard, ranch, honey mustard, etc.).   

Oven Fries...

4-7 Baking Potatoes

Johnny's Seasoning Salt

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Scrub potatoes and cut potato in half length wise.  Then cut both pieces into strips.  Place desired amount of potato strips onto cookie sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Johnny's seasoning salt over the potatoes.  Cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender on 425 degrees.  Serve with Fry Sauce.

Fry Sauce

desired amount of mayonnaise

desired amount of BBQ sauce

Mix with whisk until you reach desired taste and consistency

Teriyaki Chicken...

3 Boneless Skinelss Chicken Breasts

Mr. Yoshida's Original Gourmet Sauce

Place chicken breast in crock pot and cover with Mr. Yoshida's sauce.  Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.  Just before serving, shred chicken and place back in crock pot.  Serve over rice.

Cream Cheese Chicken...

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

1 Package Dry Italian Dressing Packet

1/2 Cup Water

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

8 oz. Block of Cream Cheese

Place chicken breasts, water, and Italian Dressing packet in crock pot.  Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.  One hour before serving, in a mixing bowl, add cream cheese and can of cream of chicken soup. Microwave on low for 1-2 minutes until cream cheese is softened and stir well.  During this time I take chicken out and shred.  Put chicken back into crock pot and then add the cream cheese mixture.  Add to crock pot and stir well.  Cook for one more hour.  Can add more water if the mixture is to thick.  Serve over rice.

One Month Menu with Grocery List...

***Anything with a star are ingredients I usually always have on hand

Tips that work for our family...I buy a 50 lb. box of Potatoes at our Stake Farm and I know that I always have potatoes on hand. I always buy my cheese in blocks and grate it on my own. I feel like it is more cost effective and lasts longer. I buy my canned soups at case lot sales so I always have them on hand and don't have to buy during my weekly/monthly trip to the grocery store. I always buy my meat when it goes on sale and keep it in an outdoor freezer. I always have the meat I need on hand for a few months at a time.

Week 1

1-Grilled Ham & Cheese with Tomato Soup

2-Baked Ziti, Cesar Salad, & Garlic Toast

3-Cream Cheese Chicken, Rice, and Steamed Broccoli

4-Left Overs

5-Roast, Mashed Potatoes, and Salad

6-Left Overs

7-Eat Out

Grocery List for Week One

2 Box Butter (usually last me the whole month)

Bread

Block of Colby Jack Cheese

1 Package Oscar Meyer Deli Sliced Ham

**1 Can Tomato Soup 

16 oz. Box Ziti Pasta

12 oz. Jimmy Dean Sausage

**1 Jar Spaghetti Sauce

1 Bag or Block Mozzarella Cheese

2-8 oz. Cream Cheese

16 oz. Heavy Whip Cream

**1 Bag or Bottle Parmesan Cheese (Sam's Club, I buy in the plastic bottle and freeze in one cup increments so I always have Parmesan cheese on hand)

1 Head Romaine Lettuce

1 Bag Croutons

1 Bottle Cesar Dressing

1 Box Garlic Toast (Sam's Club which last for whole month of meals)

**Rice 

1 Head of Broccoli

4 Chicken Breast

1 Chuck or Rump Roast

**Beef Bullion Cubes

**Bag of Potatoes

1 Tomato

1 Cucumber

1 Sour Cream

**Kitchen Bouquet

**1 Box Lipton Beefy Mushroom Soup Mix

Week 2

1-Cheeseburger Soup & Rhodes Bread Loaf

2-Spaghetti, Corn, & Garlic Toast

3-Turkey Burgers, Oven Fries, & Broccoli

4-Left Overs

5-Chicken Enchiladas, Chips & Salsa, Black Beans, (Sometimes I substitute Rice instead of Chips and Salsa.)

6-Left Overs

7-Eat Out

Grocery List for Week 2

1lb. Hamburger or Sausage

1 lb. Hamburger

1 lb. Ground Turkey Breast

1 Bunch Celery (I freeze my extra whenever I buy celery and I usually have some on hand in freezer)

1 bag shredded carrots (I freeze my extra carrots also)

16 oz. Velveeta

**2 cans chicken broth

1 Sour Cream (Probably have enough from week 1)

Bag with 5 Rhodes Bread Loaf

**Spaghetti Noodles

**3 cans tomato sauce

**1 can tomato paste

**Oregano 

**Basil

**Garlic Powder

**Vinegar

**Parsley Flakes

**Sugar

**Honey

**Chili Powder

**Lime Juice

**Johnny's Seasoning

**Extra Virgin Olive Oil

**Salad Supreme

1 bag Frozen Corn

1 onion

**Dry Ranch Dressing Mix

Block Monterrey Jack Cheese

1 Head Broccoli

1 Package Small Flour Tortillas

2 cans Mild Green Enchilada Sauce

Heavy Whip Cream (Should have enough from buying for the week before)

Block Pepper Jack Cheese

4 Chicken Breast

1 Bag Tortilla Chips

**1 jar Salsa

**1 Can Black Beans

**Potatoes (Should have enough from week before)

Week 3

1-Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup & Rhodes Bread Loaf

2-BBQ Pork Ribs, Baked Potatoes, & Green Beans

3-Left Overs

4-Teriyaki Chicken, Rice, Peas

5-Left Overs

6-Chicken Bread Braid

7-Eat Out

Grocery List for Week 3

10 Chicken Breast

**Chicken Bullion cubes

12 oz. Bag Frozen Egg Noodles

**3 cans Cream of Chicken Soup

**1 can Evaporated Milk

2 Rhodes Bread Loaf (Already have from week before)

**1 bottle Mr. Yoshida Original Sauce (I buy at Sam's Club and it lasts me a long time)

Shredded Carrots (Have in freezer from week before)

Celery (Have in freezer from week before)

**Rice

1 bag frozen peas

1 block cream cheese

**lemon juice

**Milk

**Potatoes

**Can of Green Beans

1 container Sour Cream

**Ketchup

**Dry Mustard

**Honey

**Liquid Smoke

**Brown Sugar

Week 4

1-Cheesy Potato Soup & Rhodes Bread Loaf

2-French Dip & Corn

3-Turkey Steaks, Oven Fries, & Green Beans

4-Left Overs

5-Little Cheddar Meat Loaves, Baked Potatoes, Salad

6-Left Overs

7-Eat Out

Grocery List for Week 4

1 Rhodes Bread Loaf (Already have from week before)

**3 cans chicken broth

**Potatoes

**Milk

**Bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese

16 oz. Heavy Whip Cream

**Bacon Bits (Sam's Club, In big bag and lasts a long time in my fridge)

1 Chuck or Rump Roast

**Soy Sauce

**Thyme

**Bay Leaf

**2 Cans Beef Broth

**Garlic Powder

**Peppercorns

**Rosemary

1 Bag of 6 Sub Rolls

Monterrey Cheese (Have from Previous shopping trip)

1 Bag Frozen Corn

Turkey Steaks (Maddox Turkey Steaks available at Sam's Club) 

**Mrs. Dash Seasoning

**Potatoes

**Can of Green Beans

1 lb. Hamburger

**Eggs

**Milk

**Cheddar Cheese (I use Colby or whatever kink I have on hand from when I bought the previous week)

1 onion

**Quick Oats

**Ketchup

**Brown Sugar

**Dry Mustard

1 Head Romaine Lettuce

1 Tomato

1 Cucumber

Spaghetti Sauce...

1 lb. Hamburger or 12 oz. Sausage
3 cans Tomato sauce
1 can Tomato paste
2 cans Water using tomato paste can
1 TBS. Vinegar
1 tsp. Sugar
2 tsp. Garlic Powder
2 tsp. Parsley Flakes
2 tsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Basil

Brown hamburger or sausage. Add the rest of ingredients and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.