And that means another Menu Planning Monday event over at I’m An Organizing Junkie. Last week there were 463 participants- that’s a whole lot of menu-planning inspiration.  If you haven’t been over there to check it out, you’re really missing out!

Last week’s Chicken Parmesan didn’t happen because Andy had a steak craving, so we splurged and had some good ole’ grilled sirloin with mushrooms.  This week though, I hope to stay on target with my menu planning.  I have a few new recipes to try here from my new favorite cookbook, Bon Appetit’s Fast Easy Fresh Cookbook.  Both the Hungarian Beef and the Polenta are from the book, I’m especially looking forward to trying the polenta- the picture in the book is very enticing.

Despite my attempts at cutting out preservatives, I’m just not able to totally let go of the Velveeta.  It will be used this week for the cheeseburger soup- there just isn’t anything comparable to it out there.  A combination of gouda, cheddar and cream cheese is close, but not the same, and when you add that all up, also much more expensive.  So Velveeta it is for the cheeseburger soup.

This week I’m going to try to get back in the baking groove.  I was doing really well for a while baking our own bread and buns and such, and I just lost my mojo I guess.  I have homemade bread on tap for Tuesday’s soup supper, so I’m hoping to just keep the oven going once I start baking and do a few batches of bread.  Hmm.  I suppose it might help if I picked up a few more loaf pans.

Sunday: Slow-Roasted Pork Butt, Brown-Butter Gnocchi, Green Beans

Monday: French Toast, Bacon, Strawberries

Tuesday: Cheeseburger Soup, Homemade Bread

Wednesday: Polenta with Green Chilies and Cheese, Leftover Pork

Thursday: Chicken Parmesan, Pasta, Salad

Friday: Hungarian Style Beef with Peppers, Egg Noodles, Carrots

Saturday: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli, Pork Tenderloin