Menu Plan Monday - March 9

The weather has been AMAZING here this weekend and I am trying to change up my menu to work in some grill nights. The warmer weather and Daylight Saving Time change today make our grill call to us sweetly :) I had a few hiccups last week - some things did not get made, days got swapped around, and I certainly was not as cool, calm, and collected as I envisioned. Thankfully, God has blessed us with another week full of His grace to try again. Remember to visit Laura's site for hundreds of great menu planning ideas and ton of other cool stuff!!!

Here's the plan (and I use that term loosely!) ...

Sunday -
DH is being ordained tonight as a Deacon at our church which means family is coming for dinner. Thanks to my wonderful mom and her suggestion, we have a chuck roast simmering in the crock pot as I type. The roast, carrots, potatoes, and sauce will be ready about 4:00. I'll make a pot of silver queen sweet corn and dinner is served!

Monday -
B: waffles with raspberry sauce
D: spaghetti, salad, garlic bread
Bake: chocolate chip breakfast biscuits (these did not get made last week)
Prep: sausage out of freezer

Tuesday -
B: chocolate chip biscuits, bananas
D: Toscano soup in crock pot (recipe below), Italian cheese bread
Bake: pumpkin butterscotch muffins
Prep: shredded pork out of freezer

Wednesday -
B: Oatmeal with fruit
D: shredded pork sandwiches, sweet potato casserole, coleslaw
Bake: sweet potato casserole (prep 2 and put 1 in freezer)
Prep: chicken out of freezer

Thursday -
B: pumpkin butterscotch muffins, yogurt
D: Aussie chicken, pan fried potatoes, broccoli/cauliflower/carrot mix

Friday -
B: chocolate chip biscuits or bacon cheddar biscuits
D: burgers on the grill (this makes DH SO happy!), fries
Bake: bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit cups (nope, these did not get made last week either)

Saturday -
B: DH will make pancakes
D: We have a birthday party to attend with a family from church and they are ordering pizza

TOSCANO SOUP:

16 oz Italian sausage links (use hot or sweet depending on your taste - we use hot)
4, 15 oz cans white beans - drained and rinsed (ant white beans will work - Navy, Cannellini, etc.)
4 cups chicken broth
2-3 cups chopped kale
1-2 cups orzo or other small pasta
salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning mix to taste

1. Cut the sausage links into pieces approximately 1/2 inch thick and brown on all sides in a fry pan
2. Place sausage in a large crock pot with chicken broth, beans, and raw kale
3. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning mix
4. Cook 6-8 hours on low
5. About 1 hour before serving, add orzo pasta
6. Check seasonings and adjust as needed
7. Serve with Italian cheese bread