Welcome Spring!!!

Hello Everyone,

It has been another great week. I’m beginning to realize that the baby coming is inevitable and the nesting has begun. It really is amazing how much I can get done. The down side to this is that I don’t feel like cooking. This week’s menu will reflect that. We all need a light week. This is also true if you or your family members are engrossed in March Madness.

There is one exception, the shrimp dish this week will be our date meal. We are still trying to save money by not eating out and this will really make us feel like we getting a treat without having to pay a tip. It is quick, easy, and oh, so good.

I’m also hosting a Pampered Chef party for my friend, Dustin. The first recipe is from him, for one of your March Madness nights.

Day 1 – Hot Artichoke & Spinach Dip

1 jar (6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained & coarsely chopped
1 pkg (9-11 oz.) frozen creamed spinach, thawed
¼ c. mayo
¼ c. sour cream
1 small garlic clove, pressed
½ c. (2 oz.) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Diced red bell pepper (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375. Coarsely chop the artichokes using Food Chopper; place in Small Batter Bowl.
2. Add spinach, mayo & sour cream, mix well.
3. Press garlic into the bowl with the Garlic Press. Grate Parmesan cheese & add to mixture; mix well with the Mix 'N Scraper. Spoon into Small Oval Baker.
4. Bake 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with bell pepper if desired. Serve with your favorite chips or toasted baguette slices.

Day 2 – Hotdog Pizzas
I created this recipe for my little ones. Funny how it was Vasek who really loved it.

6 pitas or 3 English muffins, whole-wheat, toasted
4-6 hotdogs, your favorite kind, cut into slices or cubed
4 T. tomato paste
¼ - ½ cup ketchup, to your taste
1 – 2 T. mustard
1 bag shredded mozzarella cheese

In a skillet over med-hi heat, cook hotdogs until browned. Add tomato paste, ketchup, and mustard. Cook until heated through. Top pitas or split English muffins with hotdog mix. Top with cheese. Place under broiler until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Day 3 – Nacho Night
Ok, this really isn’t a recipe, more like a list of ingredients that you put on top of bed of tortilla chips. Add your favorite toppings or don’t add some of mine. I serve this on the cookie sheet I use in the oven with bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.

Tortilla Chips
Can of black beans, drained and rinsed
Sliced or diced jalapeño pepper
Crumbled bacon
Diced tomato
Diced red onion
Refried beans
Mexican mix shredded cheese

Day 4 – Golden Chicken with Noodles

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Campbells-Golden-Chicken-with-Noodles/Detail.aspx

Day 5 – Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/angel-hair-spicy-shrimp-00000000006395/

Day 6 – Mostly Frozen Dinner
This may seem a little like cheating but some nights you just want to get something healthy on the table fast.

1 package frozen fish, look for fish that is not breaded to get a healthy option
1-2 boxes frozen vegetables
1 box flavored couscous

Cook everything to package directions. You should have something in the oven, microwave, and stovetop. It should all come together in about 20 minutes. No trip to the local seafood place and probably the same quality.

Day 7 – Leftover Night

Have a great week. Don’t get bogged down in the day to day stuff, in a year, it won’t matter. Just keep focused on the truly important things in your life, family, friends, and happiness.

With little time and lots of love,
Brooke