It’s the middle of May, and my furnace just kicked on.  Although the flowers and tender asparagus shoots assure me that winter is over, I’m  not planning meals that go from grill to patio table yet!   But, I did grab the grocery circular and plan great dinners that fit into our budget, and a few that can be grilled if the weather changes.

Angel Hair Pasta with Italian Sausage and Herbs, Caesar salad.    I like to use crimini mushrooms because we like their more intense flavor, but will buy whatever is on sale! 

Nachos Supreme and fresh pineapple.  Sometimes I give everyone a pie plate and have them assemble their own nachos; everyone likes to get into the act on nacho night!  The real magic is getting them to help clean…

Barbecue Bacon Cheese Burgers, Baked Garlic Fries, and apples.  The beef is on sale, so I’ll buy extra, season it, and shape it into patties for future grilling.  Although the fries call for a package of seasoning, I’ll replace that with garlic powder, salt, and dried parsley from the spice rack.

Stuffed Pork Chops, buttered noodles, steamed broccoli.  I can’t remember the last time I made stuffed chops, so I’ll try this new recipe and see how the family likes them!

Tuscan Roast Chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and whatever fresh fruits and vegetables look good.  I’ll butterfly the chicken and rub in the seasonings early in the day so they have a chance to really flavor the meat. 

The boys have various things going on so I know we’ll have plenty of leftovers if they’re even home to eat this weekend.

Now that I’ve planned meals that fit my time, diet, and budget I have more time to tackle other things.

This is an actual poster from World War I.  It used to be patriotic to eat wheat free meals!  Considering the effects that the flood waters in the US and Canada are having on the wheat crops, it makes sense to be able to plan meals that do not include wheat, even if you don’t have to.  But, for those that DO have to avoid wheat, especially the newly diagnosed, we try to keep it simple, interesting, and affordable. 

GFCF Breakfast

Frozen Gluten Free Waffles, apples and almond butter.  I do read your emails, and if you say that something is tasty and safe, I’ll definitely include it in the recipe database!  However, the waffles aren’t chock full of nutrition, so they need healthy toppings instead of just syrup.

GFCF Lunch

Tomato Spinach Soup, baked brown rice chips, hummus.  The soup calls for only 5 ounces of spinach, but if you don’t want to save the rest of the spinach for a salad or sandwiches, just use it all.  If the soup seems a bit tart, add a teaspoon or so of sugar.   If you don’t have access to the brown rice tortillas for the chips, substitute corn tortillas, but add a little salt.

GFCF DINNER

Arroz Con Pollo, roasted sweet potato rounds, Mexican fruit salad.   Arroz con Pollo is one of my favorite one pot dinners.  You could leave out the beer, but it adds such great flavor that it’s worth it to search out a GF beer.  Anheuser-Busch Redbridge is a highly rated gluten free beer that shouldn’t be too hard to find.  The link will take you to a search-by-zip page.  The side dishes add color and fiber to the meal – it would be lovely to eat on the patio!

Eat well and be well!

I think it’s safe to say that spring has sprung.  My tulips are just starting to open, and my sons are heading out the door as soon as they can – often attempting to skip breakfast.  Everyone wants to make the most of the nice day, including the Mom who makes breakfasts and lunches!  This week I’m offering tasty meals that can be made ahead and cook quickly.

GFCF Breakfast

Breakfast Cornmeal, Pork Sausage, Orange Juice – If you don’t like your cornmeal like oatmeal, you can make it the night before, chill it in a plastic lined brownie pan, then slice and fry it right after the sausages.  Drizzle it with maple syrup and breakfast is served. 

GFCF Lunch

Tuna Green Bean Potato Salad and apple slices – this is a great salad. It’s not mayonnaise based and it keeps well. 

GFCF Dinner

Bulgogi, Chinese Green Beans, and rice. Hands down a family favorite.  If I could grow ginger I would.  Pork or chicken work very well in this recipe, too.  I use whatever cut of beef is on sale – don’t use flank steak just because the recipe says to!

This meal plan is under 1300 calories – great for a weight loss diet.  You can easily add snacks for people who need more calories.

Eat well and be well!