Currently....

Watching…. Weeds pop up in our yard and turn it green.  We have some grass too, but we have LOTS of weeds.  But, it’s green, right?  Hoping the grass takes over with a little help from my friend Weed & Feed. 

Reading… the last book in a series by Francine Rivers, As Sure As the Dawn.  I’m so surprised that I didn’t read this third book sooner.  If you like historical or Biblically-based fiction, this series is awesome.  Also picked up our next book club selection, Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, from the library and planning to read it this weekend.

Listening… to some new songs on iTunes and trying to decide which ones to buy…. Got any suggestions for running music?  I want to update my running playlist this month before the Heart & Sole 5-Miler on April 27^th.

Planning… to get our house all “Spring-Cleaned” before I leave for the beach on Friday.  I just love coming home to a clean house!  I’ve got a list of tasks for everyday between now and Thursday to get done.   Hopefully leaving my husband and the dog behind for the weekend won’t mean it’s messy again before I get back! 

Loving…. WARMER WEATHER! Sunshine! Sandals!  And most of all, LOVING that a short weekend trip to the beach is only 4 days away!  Planning to take some books and my beach towel and cram as MUCH relaxing into the weekend as humanly possible

New Recipes Reviewed

We've made lots of new recipes lately and I always want to remember what we liked and didn't like so that I know which ones to add back to our menu, so here's what we thought...

Cheesy Chicken and Rice..... this turned out pretty soupy and though it was tasty, it was missing something for us.  A good recipe, definitely comfort food, but we were wishing for something more.  It is also really similar to the Creamy Crescent Casserole that we love, so we'll probably scratch this particular recipe from future menus and just go with our old faithful.  

Crockpot Beef Gyros.... believe it or not, despite my intense love for Greek food, I never even tasted this recipe!  I made it on a day that I had something else going on, and only Ryan ended up eating it (and the leftovers.)  He says it was super tasty, but didn't do too well re-heated.  Next time, I'll try and be around for the first serving so I can form my own opinion.  But, let's face it, I love tzatziki sauce, so anything wrapped in a pita with tzatziki, I'm bound to love!

Burritacos.... YUM!  Seriously, this recipe combined EVERY ingredient that I love.  It also makes a HUGE amount and thank goodness, it freezes well.  We ate the second batch of this recipe last week and I was even more in love the second time around.  Don't forget to take your reflux medicine though, it's a hot one!

Spicy Sausage Pasta .... Ryan says this recipe is his new favorite food.  Another homerun in the kitchen.  In fact I think he used the phrase "favorite meal you've ever made".  I loved that this entire meal was made in a single (giant) skillet.  One dish to wash = total win.  We made it with original Rotel and loved the spicy-ness.  You could take it down a notch by using just regular diced tomatoes or mild Rotel.  

Crockpot Pork Chops and Apples ... We had pork tenderloin and apples for New Year's this year and when I saw this recipe, I hoped it would be similar.  We used a pork tenderloin instead of pork chops.  Another meal that was good, but left me wishing for something more.  Definitely think we will make it again, just might play around with the spices a little.  

Cauliflower Bacon Cheddar Chowder.... Made this recipe tonight.  Actually, saw it a while back on Iowa Girl Eats, and then when Leigh re-posted it recently and raved about it, I knew we had to try it.  We all know how I love my Easy Potato Soup, and this is a perfect "lightened up" version with cauliflower instead of potatoes.  I can't wait to eat the leftovers tomorrow for lunch!  

April Monthly Menu

Spring is hopefully here to stay so lots more nights of grilling on the menu this month!  Also tons of our favorite recipes and just a few new ones.  Happy April!

Week 1: April 1-7

-          Homemade Pizza or Calzones

-          Grilling Out

-          Baked Ziti

-          Leftovers

-          Dinner Out

-          Cauliflower Bacon Cheddar Chowder *New Recipe*

-          Dr. Pepper Crockpot BBQ

Week 2: April 8-14

-          Freezer Chicken Burritos

-          Grilling Out

-          Leftovers x2

-          California Turkey Burgers

-          Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

-          Out to Eat

Week 3: April 15-21

-          Spicy Sausage Pasta 

-          Breakfast for Dinner

-          Leftovers

-          Cheddar Ranch Chicken *New Recipe* 

-          Homemade Tacos/Nachos with Ground Turkey

-          Dinner Out

-          Salads and Sandwiches

Week 4: April 22-28

-          Crockpot Lasagna

-          Leftovers

-          Thai Chicken Bites & Rice

-          Grill Out

-          Sunday School Picnic *Bringing Dessert*

-          Out to Eat

-          Meatball Gyros

Week 5: April 29-30

            -          Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

            -          Leftovers