Around the World in Seven Days
Sometimes you need a break from the ordinary. Now is that time.
The kids are out of school, my consulting gig is picking up, and we have had a few setbacks that I won’t even get into. Why not add a few exciting meals to put a little levity and spice into the week? So, as I racked my brain for an theme for this week, I hit upon the idea of “Around the World in Seven Days.”
This week’s menu items feature fun foods – some oldies and goodies like enchiladas, and some new, more adventurous fare like Bulgogi (Korean Beef). Grab your slow cooker, check out the grocery list, and get ready for a vacation from the ordinary as we head to a different country each of the next seven nights.
- Sunday: Refried Bean and Cheese Enchiladas – This old standby never fails to hit the spot – The kids love it and it’s a one dish meal.
- Monday: Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Peaches and dried apricots add to the aroma of this exotic, but relatively simple dish that can be prepared in the slow cooker. Serve over cous cous.
- Tuesday: Italian Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream – Rich, comfort food that’s easy’s to put together on a busy night.
- Wednesday: Cuban Ropa Vieja I love Cuban food and this is one of my all time favorite dishes when I visit Cuba Libra restaurant! Serve this with yellow rice for the full effect!
- Thursday: Greek Lemon Chicken and Potato Bake – A one pan wonder with chicken leg quarters!
- Friday: Easy Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef) – This recipe called for a list of ingredients of which nearly all were on hand, and it just sounded too good to not try!
- Saturday: Easy Pad Thai with Shrimp – While nothing is quite like the time I had authentic Pad Thai in Phuket, Thailand, this is a delicious runner-up!
GROCERY LIST:
Walmart: 2 16 oz. cans of refried beans (.85 ea.), 12 small corn tortillas ($1.48), 2 (10 ounce) cans red enchilada sauce ($1.38 ea), 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes ($1.24), dried apricots ($2.98), bow tie pasta ($1 ea), 1 (28 ounce) can Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped ($1.68), heavy cream ($2.34), pad thai noodles ($2.18), minced ginger ($3.98), garbanzo beans (.72 ea.), yellow rice ($1.18), beef broth ($1.44), 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled ($3.48), 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 2 inch pieces (5lbs. $11.00), 2 pounds beef flank steak (14.48), 4 chicken leg quarters , 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin steak, cut very thin using kitchen shears ($5.76 ), Mexican cheese shredded ($$7.97), cous cous ($1.98). TOTAL -$71.11 (MINUS $10 coupon at Walmart for referring customers!).
FARM STAND: 2 lemons, 3 fresh peaches, fresh cilantro, 1 green bell pepper, fresh green beans, parsley, AND (just because), bananas, watermelon, apriocots , mangos, baby carrots, sugar snap peas, and a few assorted goodies to snack on– $49 Total
BJ’s: Olive Oil, onions
Photo by Artem Bali on Pexels.com
