What's Cookin' This Week (Feb 28 - Mar 6, 2011)?

Last week I stocked up on produce and meats.  My freezer is nearly full once again.   I also attended a session by a pediatrician and women's health specialist.  This doctor discussed foods that we can eat to have a healthier heart.  It was a very informative session and one I hope to keep in the back of my mind as I continue to cook in healthier ways and offer better alternatives in meal planning.


Some of the tips the doctor suggested is to eat your carbs in breakfast and lunch but skip them for dinner.  Well, that's really hard to do when my family loves pastas and breads.  This is something that I can slowly work toward doing more BUT I know I can't do this every night (not unless my life depended on it).  The doctor also recommended eating fruits with breakfast everyday.  I have already started doing that.  In fact I loaded up on oranges, strawberries and mangoes at the farmers market on Friday!  :-)


Here's what I have lined up for this week.  Note that the eat--less-carbs-for-dinner ISN'T happening for this week, LOL.  However I have a lot of fruit-inspired snacks and meals on the horizon.  One thing at a time, right?  ;-)  


Monday, Feb. 28 - Bacon and Parmesan Pasta - I will use whole wheat spaghetti that I have pre-cooked in the freezer.  I will serve this with a side salad and homemade bread


Tuesday, Mar. 1 - Mexican Brown Rice Casserole (vegetarian) - My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me and I want to try it out since she follows Weight Watchers.  I could make it for her in the future.


Wednesday, Mar 2 - - Swiss Chicken Puffs - I will probably put some pureed broccoli in these!  Serve this with Spinach salad with orange vinaigrette


Thursday, Mar. 3 - Leftovers



Friday, Mar. 4 - Beer Cheddar Soup in homemade bread bowls - This was my husband's request!


Saturday, Mar. 5 - Take out sushi - It's nice to have a night off from cooking!


Sunday, Mar. 6 -  Chicken Parmesan with honey mustard, side of green beans (recipe is from my cookbook)  



And here is what I have my eye on as far as snacks and desserts that I hope to make this week.  You'll notice that most of them are fruit-related since I have stocked up on so many fruits a few days ago:


(1) Lemon Angel Food Cake with fruit sauce - Fact: I've never made angel food cake.  I've always used the box mix.  So I want to give it a try!

(2) Banana Crumb Muffins - Perfect to try since I have a bunch of bananas to use up!  I'm really digging this Muncher Cruncher blog too  -- so fun and inspiring!


(3) Avocado, Mango and Tomato Salsa - I'm really into finding healthier dips these days and would like to try a new one each week if I can find one that seems appealing!  This one caught my eye!

(4) Baked Apple Chips - I picked up a great deal on Honeycrisp apples at the farmers market and am excited to try them with this recipe!   This is my good friend's sister's website and it's a wonderful blog for all things craft and food related!


What's cookin' in your house this week?  Any great meals lined up?