What I Spent, What We Ate | It's the start of birthday season here
February, March, and April hold ⅚ birthdays in our family. Let the celebrations begin!
What I Spent
I spent $84 at the grocery store, plus $25 on my Hungry Harvest.
(Edit because a lot of commenters wondered: This is romanesco, a veggie that's kind of like broccoli or cauliflower. Hungry Harvest expands your horizons sometimes. ;))
And oddly enough, I did not go to Aldi this week. That's so unusual for me!
What We Ate
Saturday
We had our weekly date night, and the girls ate mac n cheese at home.
Sunday
We ate dinner at Mr. FG's parents' house, and I brought two loaves of French bread.
Monday
I made a chicken taco salad so that I could use up some dry corn tortillas by making fried strips to top the salad.
I used this recipe for the cilantro lime dressing, which worked out great because I had a jalapeno to use up! I used sour cream instead of the Greek yogurt because sour cream was what I had on hand.
Tuesday
We had an evening full of comings and goings, so I made a pot of clam chowder earlier in the day so that people could eat it whenever they happened to be home in the evening.
We toasted some leftover French bread to go with our soup, and we had fresh fruit on the side.
Wednesday
I tried a recipe (from Dinner Illustrated) for Thai noodles with shrimp specifically because it called for yellow squash, which I'd received in my Hungry Harvest box.
Verdict: pretty good, which is high praise from a family that normally despises yellow squash.
Thursday
Lisey and Zoe had eaten a late lunch and weren't hungry, so before I left, I made a pot of Parmesan polenta for Sonia, since she really loves polenta.
Friday
Zoe turns 13 on Monday, but tonight we are having a birthday sleepover with her friends to celebrate early.
She's chosen pulled chicken sandwiches, chips, jello, and a homemade ice cream crunch cake.
I'm so intrigued by your first photo in this post - what IS that? Cousin of cauliflower?
That's romanesco, from Hungry Harvest! https://parade.com/23643/linzlowe/what-the-heck-is-romanesco-and-how-do-you-cook-it/
Sat: we had family over for dinner at our new home. I made a huge triple batch of chili with cornbread and southern green beans.
Sun: My husband made some delicious steak and eggs. We tried a new marinade and it was delicious! Not to mention, the steak is from my family farm and so tender!
Mon: I had a meeting after work so I grabbed Subway and my husband and daughter had a snacky dinner.
Tues: We had some bacon in the fridge that needed used, so I had some bacon and eggs, husband made a BLT.
Weds: Burgers with a side of sauteed zucchini, onions and mushrooms
Thurs: We had steak and eggs for Valentine's dinner 🙂
Fri: Tonight is a surprise birthday party for my mother-in-law about 45 minutes away, so we budgeted to eat at the establishment it's being held at.
Sunday I made a double batch of chicken soup so we had that Sunday and Monday with dumplings! I love dumplings!
Tuesday I knew we were going to be running late so I'd made fish cakes. We had those with spicy potato wedges and yellow beans from the freezer.
Wednesday we ate the leftover fishcakes with carrots and stir-fried Napa cabbage.
Thursday is pizza night.
Tonight we're having chicken and peppers with noodles and probably the last of the Napa.
Um....what is that a picture of?? I've never seen a plant/vegetable like that before!
That's romanesco, from Hungry Harvest! https://parade.com/23643/linzlowe/what-the-heck-is-romanesco-and-how-do-you-cook-it/ I think it looks like a bunch of tiny Asian temples.
Or it looks like coral, or some undersea plant. Thanks for including that short link to explain it!
I'm also wondering what it is. Is it something decorated with those Russian decorating tips?
I'm too slow typing on an iPad! Now we (sorta) know.
I hit the easy button a lot this week as I was slammed (in a good way) at work.
Monday - Tyson Naturals chicken fingers (bought with sale + coupon), carrots and tomatoes, strawberries and oranges.
Tuesday - Taco night, raspberries.
Wednesday - Mac & cheese, celery and carrots, canned peaches and mandarin oranges.
Thursday - I spent most of dinnertime online and onscreen, helping some family members (a father with pre-teen daughter) whose flight was extremely delayed. He called me because I have the needed skillsets: deep knowledge of airline operations and customer service and persuading people to give the best possible allowed; in this case, waitlisted seats on another flight. The result was the 10 year old traveled unaccompanied, met by grandparents at the other end, and the father went on the original flight.
Friday - On the move tonight, so whatever I bring with me. Which I will, because while airport food is getting tastier and more nutritious, it's still appallingly overpriced. I do expect to buy a soda.
We are starting birthday season, too!
Saturday- My almost-5yo chose chicken pot pie for her family birthday party.
Sunday- My oldest went to a friend's house, so we let our 2yo choose and he chose pizza. 🙂
Monday- The actual 5th birthday for my oldest! She chose chicken legs. We later learned that she had wanted them grilled, but it's winter. She also picked corn casserole, chips, and fruit.
Tuesday- Hot dogs, zucchini, and carrots with hummus.
Wednesday-Chicken thighs, California veggie mix, macaroni and cheese
Thursday- Chicken tacos, fruit
Friday- Cheeseburgers, peas, and either baked beans or oven-baked fries.
Last Saturday I went to also to get the chicken legs and they had both legs and thighs for 69 cents a pound, then they all had $2 off stickers on them!!! The sell by dates were the 15th and 16th, so just be they just had too much and needed to move them out. But I got a ton of chicken for cheap!!
Is that some sort of fruit or vegetable in that first photo??
We are empty nesters now, so my grocery bill has dropped considerably. Thanks to a VERY non-picky husband, meals are pretty simple around here these days.
Like you, our birthday "season" is later in the year. Every single significant date (all birthdays and our anniversary!) in our family happens between July 18 and November 18 so it's a busy time of year for us, too. And, our oldest son is getting married on 11/10 this year, so we'll add that to the list.
That's romanesco, from Hungry Harvest! https://parade.com/23643/linzlowe/what-the-heck-is-romanesco-and-how-do-you-cook-it/
Isn't it SO weird looking?
I spent much of this week baking for a birthday and Valentine's Day--and, worse, cleaning up from baking--so I was not feeling motivated for actual food. I did cook anyway, of course, because I don't have many other options, but it was definitely a case of "have to" rather than "want to."
Monday: Birthday request food--shrimp, mini Italian hamburgers (basically meatballs minus the bread crumbs and flattened instead of, um, balled), spaghetti with tomato/red wine sauce, cucumbers, green beans, chocolate cheesecake. Plus brownies for the school birthday treat.
Tuesday: Pork chops, hamburgers, fried onion, roasted sweet potatoes, Texas toast, green salad with ranch dressing
Wednesday: Bacon, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, steamed broccoli, frozen green beans, plus frosted sugar cookies (which I have discovered I really do not have the patience for at this stage of my life) to go with Valentine's Day cards at school and heart-shaped Rice Krispie Treats for class party #1.
Thursday: Class Valentine's party and homecoming basketball game, so we spent the afternoon and evening at the school. I made cheddar biscuits for this party (heart-shaped again--sure did get my money's worth out of my new heart-shaped cutter). Everyone ate various party foods and a hamburger from the concession stand.
Tonight: Certainly no baking. My flour canister is staying closed for the foreseeable future, or at least until we run out of bread. 🙂 I have some more ground beef in the fridge that needs to be cooked. Not sure what to do with it yet, but something will come to me. We haven't had tacos this week yet . . .
Your week sounds like it was fun and delicious! We had:
Monday - Crockpot Italian Roast, chopped salad
Tuesday - Crunchy Crumb Baked Chicken, mashed potatoes, leftover sauteed cabbage
Wednesday - Pork Chops with onions and peppers, kale, leftover sides
Thursday - Bok Choy and Mushroom Pot Sticker Stir Fry
Tonight - Salmon with peppers and onion, broccoli
Saturday - YOYO but Hubby and I will have something lean and grilled
Sunday - Meatloaf, baked macaroni, mixed veggies
Hubby has to go on a pre-diabetic diet so I will be relying a LOT on fish and fresh veggies going forward!
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday- vegatarian pizzas with homemade sauce and crust
Wednesday- brinner!- egg sanwiches with breakfast sausage
Thursday and Friday- jerk pork loin, rice and beans, sauteed plantains, and corn muffins
Spent $45 on groceries this week, although we didn't buy any meat.
I've seen that uh, vegetable in grocery stores and I've always wondered how it's cooked and how it tastes. Please let us know! It's so strange looking.
My meals have been solo this week, so:
Sunday: meatloaf, cooked carrots, and oven roasted okra
Monday: from-the-freezer spaghetti squash, mushrooms and sauce
Tuesday: chicken gizzards, parsnip fries, carrot-raisin salad
Wednesday: leftover meatloaf meal
Thursday: Chicken salad, cottage cheese and fruit
Friday: I think it will be a burger, sans bun, and some more fries, plus maybe a salad. We'll see!
My grocery bill was very small last week, but I have a farm order this week and need to re-stock on a few things, so back up it goes.
Sunday: Homemade pizza
Monday: Lamb, brown rice and green beans
Tuesday: Almond butter and jelly sandwiches, apple slices
Wednesday: Dined out (sushi)
Thursday (Valentine's Day): Thai take-out
Friday: Something home cooked (likely soup)
We just got back from a vacation this week, thankfully my MIL who was watching our kids had picked up some chicken breasts and broccoli that was on sale so that I didn't have to go grocery shopping the first few days home
Monday: Chicken breasts, brown rice, broccoli, and salad.
Tuesday: Taco salad!
Wednesday: Turkey and gravy I had already cooked in the freezer with roasted potatoes, broccoli, and some fresh veggies.
Thursday: Leftover Spaghetti sauce over couscous with a side of steamed broccoli.
Friday: hmm... tonight we'll have the rest of the turkey mixed with the couscous and broccoli (It really was a good brocolli sale! 😛 ) and probably a salad and something else to make sure it feeds all of us.
sunday- kielbasa and sauerkraut, and a pierogi casserole at mom/dads kids had chicken nuggest.
Monday-chicken culet, stuffing, corn,
Tuesday- burgers, tater tots, salad
Wednesday- Homemade chicken pot pie, salad for me. DS had chicken parm (out of the leftover chicken culet.)
Thursday (Valentines day) 5 Guys, and cold stone
Friday, think its going to be breakfast for dinner. I think French toast and pork roll, and sliced apples.
been trying to make a new dish a week, but last two weeks haven't faired any!
Sunday: Baked potatoes, roasted carrots and chickpea gravy (there was some meat in one version)
Monday: Falafel from mix, tahini sauce, babaganoush, and pearl couscous with goat cheese dollops
Tuesday: Homemade mac n cheese, chicken breasts, and baked beans from can. Grilled brussel sprouts on the side.
Wednesday: Homemade steak fries, beans, chicken, and grilled beet salad.
Thursday: Naked spagetti w/ parmesan, green salad w/avocado, peppers, radishes, cucumber. Coconut cream pie for Valentine's dessert.
Friday: Risotto w/fresh English peas.
I love all the descriptions of the romanescoe! Glad my HH box didn't have that in it this time. Probably because I only get the box for 1-2. Shelf space would have been an issue. Do tell us what you did with it and what it tasted like. And if kids liked it. Also, what page in Dinner Illustrated had the Thai noodle recipe? Can't find it for the life of me, and there aren't that many Thai recipes in there. Thanks for the fun blogs, I enjoy reading them.
Monday: creamy pesto and spinach pasta with green salad, leftover bread rolls from the freezer, and steamed carrots
Tuesday: curry with chickpeas, tomatoes, and spinach over rice with roasted broccoli, zucchini, and carrots
Wednesday: portabello mushroom and asparagus fajitas with Mexican rice, black beans, and cole slaw
Thursday: calzones (zucchini, carrot, spinach, and mushroom with cashew ricotta for us vegans and meatball, pepperoni, ricotta and mozzarella for the carnivore) with green salad
Monday - enchiladas
Tuesday - vege lasagne
Wednesday - potato gems (Australian version of tater tots)
Thursday and Friday - leftover vege lasagne
We are still in the post operative stage of mum's mouth surgery. Therefore there have been so many soft meals that blend into a horrible mash of Palin and boring meals. Last night I roasted a chicken. Today was mushroom risotto. We have had steak sliced very finely as sandwiches. I can't remember what else have had to ear.
Our week:
Monday- baked pork chops with mashed potatoes and green beans. The pork chops tasted ok and they fed us, but I messed up the recipe somehow. It is an old recipe that fell out of rotation and when I found it again I was so excited. I was very disappointed that it did not live up to the memory.
Tuesday : Chicken Noodle Soup casserole
Wednesday- Wendy's. Logistics. If we wanted the kids to see their dad at all for the day we needed to meet close to his work for a fast dinner so he could say -Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Night to them before he was off to rehearsal. Crazy Wed nights that will shuffle up soon.
Thursday- We bought one those big hams at Christmas that go on sale. We portioned it out and froze them. Crock pot ham for the win.
Friday- Teacher In-Service day = no school = we let the kid plan and learn to cook - They picked spaghetti and meatballs.
Zoe is 13?!? She was just a baby when I started reading your blog. Makes me feel old. But also speaks to the longevity of your blog which is rare. Yours is the only one I check every weekday. Kudos to you and Happy Birthday to Zoe!
Saturday - Tacos and asparagus. An odd pairing but asparagus is coming into season and I can't resist!
Sunday - hamburger steak, half of a baked potato and an artichoke.
Monday - I can't remember.
Tuesday - I made Zuppa Toscana for a potluck at work the next day. The plan was to have a bowl of that for dinner but mostly I just had a few tastes and then ate banana bread for dinner.
Wednesday - After work I was TRYING to make chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons for Valentines day but the recipe failed. Or I failed the recipe. It was an ATK recipe. Some crumbled into pieces while baking, some I burnt, some I splashed water on when I knocked over a cup of water and some of them were eaten (in part) by a very stealthy cat. I was so frustrated I threw the few survivors away. (Not very frugal.) By this time I was hangry and pulled fish and chips out of the freezer to bake for dinner.
Thursday- I was really craving a French dip but my local sub shop doesn't have them on the menu anymore so I got a turkey and salami sub instead.
Friday - Fish and chips again because it was a long week and I just couldn't bring myself to cook from scratch.
I know...how is she 13??? Geez.
I'm sorry the macaroons failed. That's so frustrating!
I'm having a rough day and the romanesco has really cheered me up. Thank you!
My brother is growing Romanesco in Texas, and it had 2 tiny "heads" already.
Hi! What kind of ice cream do you buy? I haven't been too happy with the consistency of Aldi brand.
I haven't loved Aldi ice cream either! Usually I go to a regular grocery store and look for a name brand that's on sale. Turkey Hill is what we used for Zoe's ice cream cake this time around.