Sick of take out? Part 1

Or just sick of paying for take out? So are we. The Lutz/Smith Clan is on the new austerity/health plan. We are, in 2009, trying desperately to turn over the new proverbial leaf. Perhaps a lettuce leaf? I don't know. We are trying to eat more economically and healthily (sp?).

In the interest of working more vegetables, variety and new recipes into our respective diets, we are planning our meals a week out. I know, where is the fun in that plan, huh? No 6:00 pm scramble for the binder with all the take out menues? No debate about where we will be getting food from? No freak out because we got the wrong order, dinner, hair in our food, etc.? Nope, we are done with all that for now.

Here was the plan for the past week:

Saturday Night

Parker's Split Pea Soup - this one was poached from the Barefoot Contessa. I have never actually eaten Split Pea Soup, so I had absolutely no expectations. There was, however, a little bit of a protest around here that this recipe did not include ham. Well, I am not convinced that the soup requires ham. I am not going to mention any names, but Mr. Smith and The Monkey feel that Split Pea Soup is not truly Split Pea Soup without some ham. In my defense, they don't do the cooking. If they want ham in something, they can damn well cook something and put some ham in it!

Cheese and Herb Flatbread

Sunday Night

Tuscan Pork Tenderloin - Cooking Light came through on this one. Yes, it is a little fussy. Yes, it is no small task to locate Belgian Endive in the local grocery store. However, this roasting method yields a damn fine, moist, tender tenderloin. You will not be disappointed. I had my doubts about putting the oven on flame thrower setting, but it really did work and was delicious.

Gratin of Cauliflower with Gruyere - Again, Cooking Light. They do have the goods. Sometimes their recipes are a little ingredient heavy (as in, 15 ingredients for something that should be pretty simple, but they find a way to make in more complicated, but lower in fat/calories.). It is up to you. I would rather fuss a little more and have tasty results that are healthier for my family. If you are lucky enough not to care about such things, go crazy and load up on butter, salt, heavy cream, etc. and enjoy. You have my blessing. Heaven knows, I would be doing it too if didn't still look pregnant 8 long months after giving birth.

Birdseye Frozen Green Beans - Hey, do you guys have "A Rotter" in your refrigerator? Oh, most of you may call it "A Crisper." In our house, things go into the crisper and come out rotten. They get shoved in and they come out black and moldy and rotten. These green beans solve that problem. It give you the ability to have "freshish" vegetables when you remember, not when they need CSI to be identified. Buy some, keep them in your freezer and have with your dinner on any given night. Yes, they cost a little more, but seriously, how much money do you spend on veggies that end up compost? Totally worth it, in my opinion.

Stay tuned for Monday and Tuesday Night! I know you are just on the edge of your seat.