Happy New Year everyone! Make sure you check the "helpful hints" section this month.  These are a few of my "go to" recipes and I've included some hints I've learned along the way.  Enjoy!

~

Chipotle Meatloaf  ~ this is a unique, amazing meatloaf that is actually pretty healthy! Adjust the "heat" to your liking. Makes great sandwiches the next day too!

~

Spinach and Blue Cheese Chicken  ~this is a recipe that is simple, yet nice enough for company. A good one to add to your "arsenal!" 

~

Slow Cooker Italian Beef on Buns  ~this dish screams winter, football games, and comfort food to me.  Plus, it's easy.  Put it all in the slow cooker and forgettaboutit. Dinner is ready when you are.

~

Family Style Calzone  ~ this is an oldie but a goodie from my Pampered Chef days. I still make it regularly.  I find you can customize it to whatever toppings your family likes and everyone is happy with the result!

Helpful Hints for this Menu:

• When using the chipotles in adobo for the meatloaf,  only use ONE chipotle, not the whole can!! I usually take the one out for the meatloaf and put the rest in a tub in the freezer.  I "chip" one off every time I need one for another meatloaf or another recipe. 
• If you or your children do not like blue cheese, substitute swiss or some other cheese for the blue cheese in this recipe.  Still delicious. 
• I buy small 4 packs of white wine in the liquor store. The small little individual bottles are usually the perfect size for a recipe and I can use just what I need.
• You can add pepperonicinis, onions and peppers to the crock pot as the italian beef cooks.  Makes it even better!
• The recipe for the Family Style Calzone calls for the Pampered Chef Hot Roll Mix.  I use two Pillsbury Pizza crusts instead of the roll mix.  If you make your own pizza crust, that would work great here as well.

Grocery List:

01/07/2011 Grocery List