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Friday, December 16, 2011

What is for dinner this week: 12/18 - 12/24


  • Sunday: Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Sauce  and spinach salad
    • OK, so these aren't as good as I can get back home in St. Louis, but not bad.  I had my heat a little too hot on the oil and so they were more golden that I would have liked.
    • TIPS: 
      •  Dip all of your ravs first in the 2 mixtures.
      • Fry them in an electric skillet where you can keep a constant temp
  • Monday:  Pork Chops with Crash Hot Potatoes roasted carrots and spinach salad 
    • The potatoes were yummy!  The best part was the crunchy parts so I should have left them in a little longer.  
  • Tuesday: Roasted Garlic and Pesto Chicken Pizza 
    • I purchased the garlic & herb pizza crust from trader joes - yum and only $1.19
    • I roasted the garlic in the microwave and it wasn't like it would have been if I would have done the typical in the oven for an hour, but it did the job. 
  • Wednesday:  Thai Pork and Noodles
  • Thursday:  Santa Fe Burger with sweet potato fries
    • OH MY DEAR BURGER - this was DELISH!
  • Friday:  Baked Potato Soup - Slow Cooker Style 
    • It was good....
  • Saturday:  Out to dinner with Nana after we see Lights Under Louisville

Friday, December 9, 2011

What is for dinner this week: December 25 - 31

  • Sunday: Pesto Pasta with spinach salad and Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread 
  • Monday:  Chicken enchiladas with green chili sour cream sauce and black beans
    • These were REALLY good...Make sure you watch your pan once you turn on the boiler.  Spoon the sauce left in the pan over the top of your enchiladas when you serve them.  If you like REALLY hot food, add another can of green chilies.   
  • Tuesday:  Jersey Mikes sandwiches and Chips
    • Always yummy!
  • Wednesday: Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin Asparagus and Roasted Carrots
    • Really good!
  • Thursday:  Out to dinner for DH's birthday
  • Friday:  Burger
    • We redid the santa fe burger from last week because we liked them so much....
  • Saturday:  Leftovers






Monday, December 5, 2011

What is for dinner this week: December 4 - 10

  • Sunday: Chorizo and Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells 
    • I didn't stuff, I just mixed everything together.  It was good.
  • Monday:  Philly Burger
    • YUMMY!
  • Tuesday: Chicken Enchiladas 
    • I accidentally left this cook too long and all of my liquid cooked out.  I added a couple of teaspoons of frozen canned enchilada sauce and pureed with my stick blender.  This was good.  We had black beans with this dinner. 
  • Wednesday:  Pizza @ Rocky's....MMMM
  • Thursday: Buttermilk Pancakes with bacon or sausage
    • they were good, but we like our basic pancake recipe the best!
  • Friday: Leftover Spaghetti Sauce (frozen) and pasta with garlic bread.
  • Saturday: We went to Light Up Cedarbrook and had some yummy chili, cookies & hot chocolate.
 
Christmas Parties at Buca di Beppo
Give yourself a Christmas Break by making a reservation at Buca di Beppo.
Your guests will arrive from far and near, bringing Christmas greetings, Christmas gifts, Christmas recipes, and a host of different Christmas ideas.  It’s a wonderful time of year to see everybody, mix them together and make your own crazy concoction of Christmas cheer!
And on December 25, after the Christmas presents have been opened, the coffee put away and the last Christmas cookie eaten, it’s refreshing for everyone in your group – especially you – to get out and do something a little different.  Instead of hanging around the house eating Christmas party leftovers and staring at Christmas decorations that already have been up for three weeks, why not plan a couple of Christmas activities away from home?  They don’t have to be elaborate.  After all the traditional Christmas dinners, parties and events, part of the beauty of Christmas Day is its casual intimacy.  And there are interesting venues open on Christmas that you can take advantage of to give you and your house a welcome Christmas break.

Buca di Beppo instantly comes to mind.
I’m planning to serve a light breakfast first thing, with plenty of hot coffee for everybody to enjoy while opening Christmas gifts, then let the morning run its course.  We’ll take our time getting dressed, putting new things away and just relaxing.  Buca’s one of my family’s favorites, and this year they’re open on Christmas at 11:00 AM.  I’ll get online and make our Christmas lunch reservation mid-morning, then take the majority of the gang for a walk.  (My dog is a great walk instigator.  She has to go out anyway, and being part of a human pack is one of the best Christmas gifts ever for her!)

After burning Christmas calories and working up an appetite, it’ll be time for more Christmas food! 
Buca always has a wonderful holiday menu that qualifies as one of my family’s favorite Christmas events.  It’s got traditional Christmas recipes kissed with the sunny flavors of Italian-American cuisine.  And Buca’s always festive.  The atmosphere there is just plain fun, during the holidays or any time of year.  We always find new vintage photos and advertisements to comment on, and there are some old favorites too.  Some of the photos are even of Christmas parties from the past!
Christmas desserts at Buca are always special, and this year is sure to be no different.  We love their Celebration Cake, which just so happens to be red and green, and they offer lots of other fabulous finales too.

Some of us will probably be sleepy after all that wonderful Christmas food! 
After we stuff ourselves on Buca’s great eats, our Christmas party may break up for awhile.  Some may go home and take a nap, and there’s always football on TV for those who want to lounge, but many movie theaters are also open Christmas Day.  Seeing a new release is one of my favorite Christmas events.  I’m out of the house, nowhere near a kitchen, and don’t have to worry about long lines and noisy crowds.

Give yourself, friends and family a Christmas break over Christmas break! 
There’s no law that you have to have every minute of the holidays inside your house.  You’ll host plenty of Christmas events at home in the days leading up to, and even after, December 25, so there’s no need to apologize for having a Christmas dinner or lunch at Buca.  It’ll make everyone in your gang happy, and it’s one of the best Christmas gifts you can give yourself!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

What is for dinner this week: November 27 - December 3

Well since technically this week is Thanksgiving week for us.  Why you ask....well we eat a week ahead of you, so I will give you a combo of new and some of our favorite recipes.... We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Holiday Party Pans from Buca
You have so many fun party ideas this time of year! Let Buca make them easy.
You can help a party pop up anywhere this time of year, some of them carefully planned, some springing spontaneously from an abundance of holiday spirit.  Once you decide to entertain, coming up with great food for a party is the first thing to consider.  The good news is that you can choose delicious party food from an online menu, order online or by phone, and receive fabulous takeout food and everything  you need to serve it.

When you think party food, think Buca.
Throwing an office party?  Buca’s party catering helps you button it up.  Having a crowd over to watch the game?  Buca’s delivery menu is a BOO-YAH booster.  Gathering the troops for a fam jam?  Buca’s takeout Italian dishes have deep familial roots. (Blood may be thicker than water, but it’s not thicker than marinara!)

Whatever the occasion, instead of spending hours in the kitchen, why not enjoy the festivities as much as everybody else?  You have every reason to let a great party catering restaurant like Buca di Beppo provide the event catering you need. With Buca in charge of the party food  menu, you can relax and make sure every guest is happy.  Not only will they have a better time, so will you.

Choose from delicious party packages that bring your buffet ideas to life!
Buca’s dinner party pleasers include your choice of two fresh salads, two perfectly seasoned pastas, two luscious entrees and … ta-da! … two to-die-for desserts.  For fewer than 20 guests, Buca offers the Famiglia Italiana, a menu that can be customized for three or six people, then doubled or tripled to feed your crowd.  For 20 or more, the Festivitá Italiana is a sweet-deal meal, an Italian feast that includes a FREE pizza!

You can’t help but make good selections from Buca’s to-go menus.
There’s truly something to please every palate at your party.  Plus, all you need comes with your order – packaging made to be used as serving ware, plates (suitable for generous servings, of course!), napkins, cutlery and serving pieces – not to mention plenty of Buca’s fresh-baked bread.  What could be easier?
Pick a green or Caesar salad, then choose the pasta:  either hearty spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce, or fettuccini alfredo.  The entrees are exquisitely prepared, so it doesn’t matter whether you choose chicken limone or chicken parmigiano, your guests will ooh and aah, then follow up with yums and mmms.  Finally, the piece de resistance ― dessert.  When it comes to Buca’s cannolis and cheesecake, don’t be surprised if a reverent silence briefly punctuates your festivities as the confections are served!  Both the cannolis and cheesecake are light, creamy and richly satisfying.

Ordering party food from Buca’s to-go menu is a snap.
With just a few clicks, you can order online, or you can pick up the phone if you prefer.  Our party planners are professional caterers who have lots of fun party ideas to share if you’re looking for advice and experience.

Ordering food for a party couldn’t be easier with all the choices available.
I’ve only described two party menu options above.  Buca offers many other selections on their to-go menu, including a holiday dinner with turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes you’ll be proud to serve in your home.  Or, if you’re handling most of the party food at any gathering but want to order just one or two items – a spectacular dessert, say, or one of Buca’s perfectly prepared pastas – you can do that too. Take advantage of Buca’s strong tradition of Italian hospitality, delicious food and helping parties be hearty.  Order festive takeout for your gathering online or by phone anytime over the holidays – or anytime at all!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

What is for dinner this week: November 20 - 26

Welcome to Turkey week!  We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving with friends and family.  I'd like to chat a little bit about a comedian I have now seen twice and he has brought me a lot of laughs both time.  I will admit I laughed more when I saw him in person, but I also saw him with about 3000 other MOMS.  John Branyan....the comedian, the best thing is you could watch this with your 2 year old and not worry about him/her saying anything that will mortify you for years.  We saw Wedlocked last night and he talks about all of the ups & downs of being married.  It ends on a slightly down note, but one that hopefully you will walk away with a thought in your heart about your marriage and how it is a journey and there are ups and downs, but they all are worth it and by walking through the valleys & mountains with your spouse makes it all worth while in the end and it helps you to love them more!  A favorite piece of his for me is his rendition of the Three Little Pigs at the conference where I saw his live performance. 

Wishing you a heart filled week of blessings! 
  • Sunday: Korean-Style Chicken or Pork Noodle Bowls  
    • This was delish!
  • Monday: Pork chops and vegetables
  • Tuesday: Out to dinner
  • Wednesday:  Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini with salad and sweet potato fries
    • I used Turkey instead and it was yummy!
  • Thursday:  HAPPY Thanksgiving!  
  • Friday:  Leftovers
  • Saturday:  Brazilian Chicken with Coconut Milk and Coconut Couscous
    • I made some modifications to the recipe...I wasn't willing to spend the money on Tumeric for 1 recipe and couldn't find the coriander.  I also omitted the tomatoes, well - because I just don't like them!  ; ) - So,  I just coated the chicken with the cumin & cayenne and then sauted the onions with the chicken and added the coconut milk.
    • The only other disappointment was I didn't make double the amount because this was yummy delicious.  

Saturday, November 12, 2011

February 26th - March 3rd

  • Sunday:  Ate out with parents just before hitting the road
  • Monday: Leftover spaghetti
  • Tuesday: Chicken Fajitas
    • I had to go with plan b - I had 3 pieces (small) in one bag of chicken and I pulled the 2nd bag out and there were vinyl strings coming our of some of the chicken.  So, I didn't want to do my plan a (baked fried chicken) for 3 small pieces....
  • Wednesday: Lets see if the 3rd time is a charm... Let's try a Belgium waffle recipe.  
    • Better, but still not the one....
  • Thursday:Pork chops with honey mustard sauce and vegetables
  • Friday: Out to dinner with friends
  • Saturday:  Steak With Pesto Gnocchi
    • This was really good.  We had it with roasted root vegetables and some olive oil focaccia

Don't forget to also visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu plans. 
Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!



Wednesday, November 9, 2011

What is for dinner this week: November 13 - 19

  • Sunday: Flavorful Pot Roast
    • Instead of buying the envelopes I used these recipes:  Italian Dressing Mix, Brown Gravy Mix
    • I couldn't find powdered buttermilk, otherwise I would have made the ranch dressing also.
    • I added potato, carrots, onion & celery to the pot before adding the roast
      • This was a little salty for me, but DH really liked it!   Note:  I taste salt very easily. 
  • Monday:  Ancho Chile, Shrimp, and Pasta
    • We made with chicken since I'm allergic to shrimp.... I also couldn't find ancho chilies so I used 2 chipotle peppers.  I toned it down with some heavy cream as I was mixing the chicken and pasta together.  It was delish!
  • Tuesday: Pancakes
    • Always a favorite in our house!
  • Wednesday: Green Chili Chicken Burgers
    • YUMMY to our TUMMY!
  • Thursday:Went to dinner @ Fireside Bar & Grill
  • Friday: Easy Honey Mustard Mozzarella Chicken
    • This was really good.  I had bacon cooked from Tuesday night and it worked really well + it took less time to cook.  
  • Saturday: Original Ranch Pork Chops
    • These were good again a little salty for me, but DH really liked them!
 
Thanksgiving at Buca di Beppo
Change things up this year! Bring the family to Buca for a delicious Turkey feast
that will even make Mom proud.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to start getting ready.  How many times have you put together the same Thanksgiving recipes?  You probably don’t even need a shopping list anymore!  Most of us only prepare a turkey once a year, but we do it every year, over and over and over …

Make this year different with some new Thanksgiving ideas.
Thanksgiving traditions are nice, but there’s no law saying that you’re forced to use the same recipes for Thanksgiving every year and all the same Thanksgiving activities too.  The point of the holiday is to spend time with the important people in your life and count your blessings.  And to make sure everybody in your group has some old-fashioned Thanksgiving fun.

Buca di Beppo adds spice to this year’s Thanksgiving meals.
Buca’s chefs have come up with some creative ideas for Thanksgiving that will make this year more memorable than ever.  They’ve put together a menu combining American tradition with Italian flavor for a Thanksgiving feast that gets you out of the kitchen — and friends and family out of your house!
This year, Buca opens at 11:00 AM Thanksgiving day with a holiday menu that will knock their socks off.  It starts with mozzarella garlic bread, apple gorgonzola salad and mozzarella caprese.  The main course is tender, moist turkey breast served over homemade Italian sausage stuffing flavored with garlic, sage and parmesan, served with gravy and whole-berry cranberry sauce.

Sides include traditional Thanksgiving foods such as garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli romano and green beans, as well as Italian-American extras like ravioli al pomodoro, penne basilica and lasagna.  Dessert’s sure to dazzle with homemade cheesecake, apple crostata and … drumroll, please … pumpkin cannolis!

And Buca’s Thanksgiving dishes are served family style — just as they should be!
Not only are our restaurants open on Thanksgiving, they serve your family and friends as you would at home, family style.  Guests can pass the dishes and share as they would at your dining room table while enjoying conversation and company in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.  If you have some Thanksgiving decorating ideas or traditional pieces, feel free to bring in that special cornucopia centerpiece, your turkey tureen or pilgrim-shaped salt and peppers.  Our chefs will even be happy to prepare a course in your servingware!  Just bring it in ahead of time, and it will appear at your Buca table as though it came from your kitchen.

And Buca has some wine suggestions to make Thanksgiving dishes sing!
May we suggest a Mirassou pinot noir for those who favor a nice red?  And we offer Clos du Bois’ delightful chardonnay to complement our roasted-to-a-turn turkey.  Both are available by the glass, bottle or carafe.  And we also offer a variety of soft drinks and teas for anyone who prefers non-alcoholic libations.

Buca’s Thanksgiving day menu gives you a sure-fire recipe for success!
Bring the party to Buca anytime Thanksgiving day after 11:00 AM, and let the Thanksgiving fun begin! Our Thanksgiving menu offers a variety of selections sure to please everyone in your party, along with fabulous service and an easy-going atmosphere that’s just right for enjoying the company of loved ones and giving thanks with them.

Buca’s Thanksgiving menu brings to mind all kinds of easy Thanksgiving ideas!
Not only are Buca’s restaurants open Thanksgiving day, they’re available every day of Thanksgiving weekend.  That means you can offer family, guests from out of town and friends a change of scene between football games, as a break from turkey sandwiches, or anytime!  And Buca also makes Thanksgiving dinner planning easy with catering for Thanksgiving or any meal.  Special rates available for parties of 20 or more, eat-in or take-out!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

What is for dinner this week: November 6 - 12

I'm so very sorry for missing last weeks menu.  We had a very unexpected death in the family and had to travel to NJ for over a week.  Of course, the one thing I forgot was my laptop and so I couldn't post or do any work for Foot Notes By Kim or Grace MOPS....So, here is what we had a few weeks ago and all was delish!

  • Sunday: Philly Burger with sweet potato fries and a honey paprika dipping sauce
  • Monday: Spaghetti
  • Tuesday: Out to dinner
  • Wednesday: Tacos 
    • Taco Seasoning mix I use...I don't buy the prepackaged stuff it is too high in salt and this tastes SO much better....
  • Thursday: leftovers
  • Friday:   Breaded Chicken Tenders 
    • These were really good!
  • Saturday: Chili

Tips to Entertaining Family on Thanksgiving Day

Buca di Beppo Italian Thanksgiving Dinner

Get out-of-town guests and family out and about this Thanksgiving day!

Thanksgiving offers Americans a blissfully long weekend with family and friends.  In fact, more people travel to be with loved ones Thanksgiving day than any other holiday.  But four or five days is a long time to spend hanging around the house – especially if it happens to be your house, and you’re the entertainment committee.

Get them out of the house and into Buca di Beppo for Thanksgiving fun.
You’ve done it before.  Spent days planning a Thanksgiving feast, scheduling, shopping, slicing, sautéing, dicing, baking, basting, broiling and boiling in your kitchen.  No doubt your guests absolutely loved all the special Thanksgiving foods you prepared and served at your magnificently decorated dining room table, and hopefully they helped you put away the leftovers and do the dishes afterwards.  However …

Wouldn’t it be a pleasure to relax and spend more quality time with everybody on Thanksgiving day?
Going to restaurants for Thanksgiving is a happy tradition for many families.  It’s about as cost effective as buying and cooking a ton of groceries, gets everybody out of the house for a change of scene, and frees the host or hostess to enjoy the day with friends and family.  There are so many Thanksgiving activities you simply cannot participate in holed up in the kitchen, so much Thanksgiving fun you’re missing when you stress over the preparation of all those Thanksgiving recipes and wash all those Thanksgiving dishes. Why not take a look at all the restaurants open on Thanksgiving and give one a try?

Buca di Beppo gets everybody out for Thanksgiving fun.  Dine as early as 11:00 AM!
Buca’s one of the nicest places to go on Thanksgiving.  Each restaurant is designed around a series of dining rooms of varying sizes, perfect for any group.  The atmosphere is warm and hospitable – the service friendly and professional, and all the food is served family style, an especially nice touch for Thanksgiving dinners.  And Buca opens at 11:00 AM this year, so whatever your Thanksgiving planning demands, Buca fits the bill.

This year’s Thanksgiving feast at Buca is a tour de force. 
It starts with salads and appetizers, moves on to roasted-to-a-turn white meat turkey served with a spicy Italian sausage stuffing flavored with garlic, sage and parmesan, rich gravy and whole-berry cranberry sauce.  Sides include traditional green beans, broccoli romano and garlic mashed potatoes, as well as some Italian-American favorites:  ravioli al pomodora, lasagna and penne basilica.

Dessert selections feature creamy homemade cheesecake, apple crostata and one of Buca’s own Thanksgiving recipes, pumpkin cannolis!  They’re a sensational seasonal creation your guests will remember and request next year – Thanksgiving traditions in the making!

And since Buca serves every dish family style, it’s easy to order enough Thanksgiving foods to give yourself plenty of leftovers to take home.  But if you don’t want to offer your guests turkey sandwiches for the rest of the week, you can leave the remains of the meal behind when you’re through – including the dirty dishes!

Having dinner at Buca makes time for all kinds of Thanksgiving activities.
Just imagine that a four-day weekend stretches in front of you.  Friends and family, some of whom you haven’t seen for a year or more, share stories, laughter and great food with you all weekend.  And you have a wonderful gift – something you can share with all your loved ones:  Time.

Instead of spending hours in the kitchen with at least half your attention on the stove, you can participate fully in Thanksgiving traditions, Thanksgiving activities, and Thanksgiving fun with people who mean a lot to you. Of all the Thanksgiving ideas you’ve ever heard, going out for Thanksgiving meals is one of the best.  It gives you the opportunity to slow down, enjoy and truly give thanks.


Sunday, October 16, 2011

What is for dinner this week: October 16 - 22

  • Sunday: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
  • Monday: P. F. Chang's Mongolian Beef
    • Yummy 
  • Tuesday: BBQ Chicken Rolls and salad
    • use tortillas on this,  i used wontons and they were ok.
  • Wednesday: Breakfast 
  • Thursday:   Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast with vegies and rolls
    • Yummy
  • Friday:  Take Out
  • Saturday: Leftovers
  • Bonus Recipes:
    • Guacamole Sauce
      • I place this in water bottle ice cube trays & freeze.  DH really enjoys this on his wraps for lunch. 
    • Spinach Walnut Pesto (I had leftover spinach)
      • I use spinach because it is cheaper & better for you than basil.  I do throw some basil into the mixture to give it a more traditional pesto taste. 
      • I use walnuts because they are cheaper than pine nuts.  Though I prefer pesto with pine nuts.  I freeze these also in the water bottle ice cube trays.  
    • Chocolate Chip Scones


For a scrumptious holiday luncheon, bring them to Buca, or bring Buca to them!
The holidays are a perfect time to lighten up and share fun with co-workers, but in the current financial climate many businesses are looking to save on entertainment expenses.  What’s an easy way to cut company party costs?  Have a holiday luncheon instead of a company dinner.
Ring in this year’s holidays with your office family under budget by bringing them fabulous food, enthusiastic good cheer and a long lunch from Buca di Beppo.  Whether your office party is onsite or at one of our festive restaurants with private rooms, Buca is your go to resource for to go menus AND eat-in delights.

Takeout that takes the cake!
Buca’s to go menu offers a diverse selection of yummy foods perfect for your holiday office party.  In addition to Italian favorites, Buca pulls out all the stops to bring you and your colleagues special seasonal dishes, such as roast turkey breast, whole-berry cranberry sauce and to-die-for desserts.  And these tasty treats are available for your office Christmas party in affordable, extra large pans to go, each of which feeds up to 20 hungry worker bees.

To add peace and joy to the season, many Bucas offer lunch delivery and dinner catering.
Every Buca location offers office party ideas, catering for parties and lots of extras from on-staff, experienced party planners. And many also offer lunch delivery and dinner catering for your convenience. Our experienced employees accept orders online or by phone for freshly made Italian takeaway for next month, next week, next day — even next hour!

Luncheon catering doesn’t get any better.
Our job is to make organizing your holiday company party easy so you and your guests can forget about your jobs, relax and have a great time.  Call in your same-day takeout order, and it’s guaranteed to be ready within one hour.  Give us a description of your vehicle when you call, and we’ll bring your holiday takeout food to you curbside — along with FREE plastic plates, serving and eating utensils, napkins and tablecloths. Or call one of our restaurants that deliver, and our fantastic staff will bring your freshly prepared order to the location of your choice, set it up and be ready for your crowd in just 3 hours.

For the easiest office party luncheon ever, bring business buds to Buca!
Every Buca consists of a series of party rooms and meeting spaces just made for a company party or festive business lunch.  Your guests will love the vintage photos and decorations, especially around the holidays when Buca comes into its own.  Have you ever noticed that Italian food is naturally red and green?  Think tomato, fresh basil, diced pepperoni, crisp salad greens – why, even the Italian flag features holiday red and green!

Plus, our party planners and award-winning staff can help you add your own decorations or gifts.  We’ll be happy to spread good tidings to all as we serve delicious food family style.  Guests at our catering restaurants can relax and enjoy sharing great food and each other’s company in surroundings that encourage lots of non-work-related conversation. It’s designed to turn your corporate party into a social, team building event to be remembered all year.

For restaurant catering at its best, contact Buca for your holiday office party.
For a casual gathering, order or make reservations at Buca online.  For a larger, more formal do — give us a call.  Just choose your local restaurant at bucadibeppo.com to find contact information, menus and all kinds of company event ideas for this year’s holiday luncheon.  Whether you’re ordering holiday takeout for your gang, looking for party catering or the perfect corporate venue, you can count on the folks at Buca to help bring you and your co-workers together for a good time.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

October 9 - 15th

  • Sunday: Spicy Chorizo Pockets
    • OK....now I used the bread as the recipe indicated...DON'T DO IT!  Use croissant rolls.  You need 8 rectangles to make 4 pockets.  It will be easier using the croissant rolls. 
    • These were SOOOO good!  I only put the jalapenos in DH's pockets.  If you don't like chorizo, you can do this with ground beef.  
  • Monday:  Cajun Chicken Pasta
    • This was very yummy!!!!   I didn't put the tomatoes in it, well, because I just really don't care for the little buggers.  It tasted very similar to the Cheesecake factories Cajun pasta dish I typically always get when we visit this establishment.  This will DEFINITELY be a make again!
  • Tuesday: Grilled Balsamic London Broil with sauteed corn and carrots
    • Wednesday: Whole Chicken Crock Pot with Sweet potatoes
      • Well, my chicken was dry even though it was sitting in yummy juices.  I think it was because it cooked too long.  A slight problem when you aren't sure what time your husband will be home from work.  Our sweet potatoes were yummy.  I microwaved them and then added some butter with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon & pecans.  MMMM. 
    • Thursday: Mexican Chicken Pasta
      • I cooked the whole box of pasta on Monday.  I threw 1/2 of it in a ziploc bag with a little olive oil.  In a pan, I heated some olive oil & onion.  I threw in a can of black beans, leftover chicken from last night, corn, cilantro paste, cumin, salt & cheese and heated.  It was nice & cook. 
    • Friday:  Leftovers
    • Saturday: Pork Chops with Risotto.   
      • DH made the risotto with leftover chicken broth from the crock pot chicken.  It was YUMMY!
    I have been given the opportunity to share with you the many ways you can utilize Buca Di Beppo to help alleviate your holiday craziness.  I will  be blogging about Buca di Beppo for the next couple of months. 

    Holiday Dinner Ideas for Family & Friends

    Buca di Beppo Catering
    It's easy to host a holiday dinner with help from Buca and their large pans to go!

    Not only is Buca di Beppo a great place to enjoy scrumptious Italian food, friendship and hospitality, it’s perfect for holiday celebrations. We have great ideas for dinner, lunch and special holidays with the family that will please every member of your group and – best of all – give you the chance to enjoy your own party! Buca has become part of the holiday tradition for many families, so we thought we’d share some easy dinner ideas you can use for your holiday meals.

    Fresh Ideas for Dinner
    If you’re making plans for holidays with the family, why not mix things up a little? Instead of cooking a traditional meal, look for easy holiday recipes – you can even make some in your slow cooker. A pre-cooked turkey or ham from your local grocery store is certainly convenient. Ask family and friends to bring side dishes, and all you’ll have to do is set the table!

    Buca di Beppo also has delicious offerings for your crowd. Main dishes to sides, appetizers to desserts, Buca provides food you’ll be proud to serve. Whether you’re ordering a single course or an entire feast of delectable eats, our experienced caterers are happy to give you advice and suggestions on how to please all your guests.

    Have a “Progressive” Holiday Dinner
    To give your holiday dinner party that personal touch, have appetizers and festive cocktails in your home, then move to a new venue for more food and fun. You can go to someone else’s home, where they’ll serve the next course, or go to a restaurant everyone enjoys – like Buca, of course! The same idea works vice versa – you can meet at a restaurant for dinner, then take the party home for dessert. Want to make it really special? Set up a cookie-making assembly line and bake a few batches. Your guests can enjoy sweet treats then take the extras home!

    Decorating for Holiday Celebrations
    Put everybody in the mood for festivities with a beautiful centerpiece. You can create a visual feast with framed photos of holiday parties from the past; a collection of exquisite tree ornaments; small, beautifully wrapped gifts or candles with evergreen boughs and/or a potted poinsettia. Whatever you put together, arrange it on a tray so you can easily move it from place to place and keep pine needles and water droplets off your table.

    One of the nice things about going Italian for the holidays is that red and green, as colors from the Italian flag, feature prominently. Order a Celebration Cake from Buca, and everyone will see holiday red and green layers when you slice it!

    Gift Your Guests
    It’s the time of year when everyone delights in receiving – and giving – gifts. The most appreciated presents are those that come from the heart. Think photographs (they can double as part of your centerpiece), holiday treats (which you can make ahead of time or during the party) or tree ornaments. Gift cards also make extremely popular gifts, especially when they have a thoughtful meaning. Consider gift cards for your loved ones’ favorite restaurant. You’ll be giving them the gift of an evening out for a delicious dinner with the family in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.

    Planning a holiday celebration can be so much work that some people abandon the idea altogether. Creating the menu, preparing a holiday dinner party, and making a table centerpiece sometimes seems like just too much work. This is why Buca di Beppo is the perfect place to host your holidays with the family. The ambience at Buca is always festive, and we’re the best of the best at serving everyone at your crowded table great food, good cheer, and a fun time. Plus, our banquet managers offer you personal attention during the planning process. They’re delighted to respond to special requests and happy to set up everything your way.
    Don’t be overwhelmed by the idea of a holiday dinner with the family. Let a fun, festive Italian restaurant help, and you can relax and let your heart fill with the peace and joy of the season!

    Don't forget to also visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu plans. 
    Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!





    Saturday, October 1, 2011

    What is for dinner this week: October 2 - 8

    Hi Everyone!
    I hope you are having a wonderful Fall week.  This week we tried to cook, but with DH's schedule it has been a little hard.  Sorry I don't have recipes for you for each day. 
    • Sunday:  Chicken Potstickers and Chicken Fried Rice 
      • I never got around to making the pork potstickers a few weeks ago, so I needed to use the wrappers that I put in the freezer...
      • TIPS: I used wonton wrappers instead and they worked great!   I used broccoli slaw instead of cabbage and worked fine.  This is a great way to get broccoli into people who don't like it, like me!  In the fried rice, we used low sodium soy sauce and we needed a bit more to get the typical flavor we were looking for.  Plus, next time I'll add some butter at the end of the fried rice cooking stage to get a more restaurant flavor.
    • Monday:  Pancakes
    • Tuesday: Steakhouse Pizza
      • This was good.   DH says it was tangypizzalicious. 
    • Wednesday:   Moms Chicken Noodles    
      • This was really good!
    • Thursday:  We picked up fried chicken from Kroger.
    • Friday: DH & I attended a cooking class at Cooking at the Cottage.  We learned how to make cranberry almond scones.  Spinach Artichoke Dip & Pasta Carbonara. 
    • Saturday: White Chicken Pizza from Target - it was very good!
    Don't forget to also visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu plans. 
    Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

    Sunday, September 25, 2011

    September 25th - October 1st


    • Sunday:  Grilled Pork Chops with Sautéed Corn with Manchego and Lime
      • This was so yummy....I added a bit of cilantro the next day and it made it even yummier! 
    • Monday: Chili with Cornbread
      •  Chili Seasoning Mix Recipe: I made 1 serving & I didn't use the flour and it was awesome
      •  TIP:  I learned from my Dad to put a jar of salsa into your chili.  It has all the onions & peppers already chopped for you with spices and tomatoes.  If your husband likes spicy food don't let him pick out the salsa.  We had green chili salsa and though the chili was good it was spicy! 
      • TIP 2:  If you need to thin out your chili, use a cup of chicken or beef stock instead of using water. 
    • Tuesday: Leftovers
    • Wednesday: Indonesian Peanut Chicken 
      • This was really good.  I  forgot to get the chili sauce so I adapted with a mixture of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar and cinnamon. 
    • Thursday: Steak with roasted carrots  and spinach salad
    • Friday: We went out to dinner....
    • Saturday: We had leftovers from the freezer
    Don't forget to also visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu plans.
    Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!


    Sunday, September 18, 2011

    September 18 - 24

    • Sunday: Pizza Delivery
    • Monday: French's Crunch Onion Chicken with vegis and salad
      • I tried using the Kroger's French Fried Onions and they were darker already than what you get from  Frenchs or Durkee's.  So, after baking I feel next time I will spend the extra money and get the name brand.  Typically Kroger products are just as good as the name brands. 
    • Tuesday: Spaghetti
      • I tried something new with my sauce...I threw in my crockpot uncooked ground beef, some water and Ragu Pasta Sauce.  I cooked on high for 2 hours and then low for 2 hours.  It was really yummy a little watery (I put in 1/2 the bottle of water).  Next time, I will do 1/4 of the water. 
    • Wednesday: Crock Pot Pork Chops and Stuffing with vegs and salad
      • We felt this was way too salty and the stuffing was very mushy.  We didn't care for this dish.  I used Copycat Lipton's Onion Soup Mix instead of purchasing a soup mix.  Make sure you only use 5 Table spoons of the the total recipe.  I actually used 3 Tablespoons and it still was very salty.  You may want to try a different stuffing other than Stove Top for Pork. 
    • Thursday: Leftovers
    • Friday: We went out to dinner
    • Saturday:  Chicken Parmesan with leftover pasta sauce
    • BONUS:  Pineapple Strawberry Punch... 
      • I made this punch recipe for my MOPS group because I wanted to get the frozen strawberries out of the freezer.  It is also yummy with some rum in it!

    Don't forget to also visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu plans. 
    Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!








    Saturday, September 10, 2011

    September 11th - 17th

    • Sunday: Grilled Flank Steak and Balsamic Vegetables
      • This was yummy...Mark also made carrot risotto & home made bread in the bread machine.  
    • Monday: Pork shoulder or western ribs. One bottle of any type Beer, place pork in crock pot pour beer over and let cook 4-6 hours on high or 8 hours on low. Pour off all liquids, tear apart pork, discard any bones and fat. Use your favorite BBQ sauce.  Heat and Eat. 
      • Very YUMMY!  Great leftover bbq nachos
    • Tuesday: Mini Pork Cheeseburgers
      • YUM!
    • Wednesday:  Leftovers
    • Thursday: Pizza Night:  Ours was...pizza dough from Rocky's, grilled chicken, roasted garlic, sun dried tomatoes, pesto, and toasted pine nuts
      • Don't forget to purchase your cheese like I did & have to go back to the grocery store.
    • Friday: Breakfast
    • Saturday: Chicken Potstickers and Chicken Fried Rice
      • I never got around to making the pork potstickers a few weeks ago, so I needed to use the wrappers that I put in the freezer...We still didn't have these...SORRY!


        Don't forget to also visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu plans.
        Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

    Sunday, September 4, 2011

    September 4 - 10



    • Sunday: Spaghetti and spinach salad
    • Monday: Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
      • This was DELISH!  I didn't have the white wine, I know CRAZY, so we substituted the chicken brother.  We think it would add another layer of flavor with the white wine, so we will try again soon....
    • Tuesday: Three-Herb Steaks, roasted carrots and Spinach Salad 
      • YUMMY!
    • Wednesday: Burger with Alexia Fries or Onion Rings and Salad
    • Thursday: Pancakes with sausage
    • Friday: Summer Pork Chops with Corn-Mango Salsa
      • this was yummy too we had it over brown rice.  
    • SaturdayShoyu Chicken with brown rice and a vegi
      • Make sure you change your servings!
      • This was good - sweet & spicy!  We paired it with rice and vegetables.  
    Don't forget to also visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu plans. 
    Visit Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

    Saturday, August 27, 2011

    What is for Dinner This Week: August 28 - September 3

    Holy Macaroni, it is the last week of August & the beginning of September.  Where has this year gone?
    • Sunday: Chorizo Stuffed Red Peppers I wanted to get rid of some chorizo in my freezer & red peppers were on sale @ Kroger.  TIP:  instead of placing peppers in a pan, if they fit, place them in a cupcake pan.  Our peppers were tall & thin, so it worked perfectly!
    • Monday: 10 Minute Fettuccine with spinach salad
    • Tuesday: Latin Steak with Pan-Roasted Corn & roasted asparagus
    • Wednesday: Little Man & I went out to dinner since Big Man was at a reception for work....then LM went to Awana and I went home and read. 
    • Thursday:  Pork Fried Rice  and Pork Pot Stickers
      • I'll be leaving out the water chestnuts - I hate the sound they make, yes I know I'm a bit silly!  We didn't have these...we ended up having pancakes because that is what the little man wanted...
    • Friday: Skillet Tacos
      • I used black beans instead, we like them better!  It was YUM! 
    • Saturday: Chicken Fried Chicken with some form of potatoes, I need to get them out of my pantry before they start sprouting wings and trying to fly! 
      • this was good, but we like my other fried chicken recipe...the next time I'll try both along with soaking in buttermilk for 8 - 24 hours.... 
    Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!






    Saturday, August 20, 2011

    What is for Dinner This Week: August 21 - August 27

    Little Man after eating chocolate
    cake @ Buca.
    .
    Hi Everyone....
    I hope you all are having an awesome day & week!
    Our little man started preschool this week.  He had a great time....
    I hope you enjoy this weeks meal plan.  I know we did!



    Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

    Sunday, August 14, 2011

    What is for Dinner This Week: August 14 - August 20



    Wow, was that a crazy storm we had here in the Louisville area last night... Here is a picture of our backyard...Yes, the back of that is all tree.  There is a large tree across the street behind us.  But, not to long after the storm ended, we were blessed with a double rainbow.  So, now to the clean up today after we have breakfast with my Mom & Stepdad and send them on there way back home.  This week our Little Man starts preschool, where has the time gone???  Crazy!  


    So, here is the meal plan for the week.  

    Sunday: Grilled Chicken with Risotto and Spinach Salad
    Monday: Western Burger with crispy green salad
    Tuesday: Breakfast Casserole
    Wednesday: Chicken Pesto Pizza
    Thursday:  Easy Crockpot Pork Chops
    Friday: Fajitas and Black Beans

    Saturday: Spaghetti Carbonara

    Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

    Sunday, July 31, 2011

    What is for Dinner This Week: July 31 - August 6

    Welcome to the first week of August...Can you believe it???  It feels like the year is flying by!  Since it is still so hot this week (not as hot as it is in some places) we are continuing some crock pot cooking & no oven use!  Big Man & Little Man will be on their own for a few days this week.  So that is why Thursday - Saturday is LittleMan's fave meals.  I will be at the MOPS conference this weekend.  Really looking forward to the conference. 
    Grocery List
       
    Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

      Sunday, July 24, 2011

      What is for Dinner This Week: July 24 - July 30

      Hi Everyone.  I hope you are surviving the heat!!!  I have a few meals this week for you that you don't need to turn the stove or the oven on to cook, isn't that nice of me....  
      Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

          Saturday, July 16, 2011

          What is for Dinner This Week: July 17 - July 23

          Grocery List
            Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

            Saturday, July 9, 2011

            What is for Dinner This Week: July 10 - July 16

            Hello Everyone....I apologize for not getting you a meal plan for the past week.  We were out of town and I completely forgot about setting one up for you.   This week, we have Grandma Char staying with us while the Big Man is out of town for work.  I hope she likes what we have planned for dinner. 

            Sunday:  Out to Dinner to say Bye to the Big Man!
            Monday: Pesto & Homemade Pasta with grilled chicken, Bread & Salad
            Tuesday: Pork Chops, Salad & Risotto
            Wednesday: Brat Burgers with fries & carrot sticks
            Thursday: Lasagna with fresh pasta (frozen from 2 weeks ago pasta meal), Salad & Bread
            Friday: Out to Dinner to say Welcome Home & We Missed you to the Big Man!
            Saturday:  Balsamic Chicken with Salad & Vegis

            Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

            Sunday, June 26, 2011

            What is for Dinner This Week: June 26 - July 2

            Welcome to a new week...We survived Little Man's 3rd birthday bash with the family.  We missed you Aunt Erika, Aunt Sue & Uncle Al, & (Great) Grammy!   We went to see Cars 2 this morning and it was good, but we still like the first one better!  We bought Little Man a new big bed (full), he keeps saying he doesn't like his bed, so we decided it was too small, he likes to spread out and if he has the room, he then sleeps all night.  Hopefully, he will sleep all night once we get it...Sorry, this is a low cooking week....


            Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

            Saturday, June 18, 2011

            What is for Dinner This Week: June 19 - June 25

            Howdy Everyone!
            This week is a very special week for us...Little Man turns 3 on Wednesday.  I can't believe he'll be starting preschool this fall.  Since it is a special week, we have lots of family coming in to visit, so we wont be eating our typical out of the box meals....I hope you enjoy this weeks menu plan!

            • Sunday (Happy Father's Day):  Breakfast @ Big Man's Fave Breakfast Restaurant....Dinner: Smoked Meat of some variety and sides
            • Monday: Pork Chops, Rice Pilaf  & Vegis 
            • Tuesday: Burger Bar, broccoli slaw, Macaroni & Cheese, Baked Beans
              • onion/caramelized onion, roasted red peppers, tomato, lettuce, buns
              • pesto, quac, mayo, mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce
              • Swiss, American, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, Gouda, Cheddar, Colby Jack Cheese, Bacon
            • Wednesday:  Out to Dinner for Little Man's 3rd birthday 
            • Thursday:  Tacos & Mexican Rice
            • Friday: Brick Chicken 
            • Saturday: Lasagna, Garlic Bread & Salad
            Last Week's Update:
            • Pasta with Pesto Cream Sauce: We had pesto pasta without the cream sauce....YUM!!!!  Fresh pesto is sooo much better than store bought!
            • Chipotle Corn Burger: We had pesto burgers instead, and they were yummy to our yummy!
            • Pancakes & BaconYUM as always
            • Chile Chicken With Fries: We didn't get around to making this....maybe another time...
            • Austins Restaurant: This was yummy, we all had the prime rib dinner...Little Man decided to sleep through dinner...We went to Graeter's to celebrate PopPop's birthday....
            • Spaghetti & Meatballs: Yum, I used to not like meatballs, and these are so delish & enjoy making them and eating them even more!

            Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!

            Sunday, June 12, 2011

            What is for Dinner This Week: June 12 - June 18

            Oh Happy Day!  We had  a great time with our subdivision BBQ on Saturday night.  I took Hub's fave potato salad (roasted poblano potato salad)Andrew & I went to the zoo on Friday with our MOPS group.  We had a good time, but boy was it HOT HOT HOT!  This week is going to be the calm before the storm...Little Man's 3rd birthday is the 22nd and we have family starting to trickle in on Thursday....
            Grocery List

              I failed in a very big way this week with staying on track with our menu.  We made similar meals, but not what I planned for...I hope you enjoyed the recipes!
              • Grilled Pork Chops with Pearl Couscous Risotto  
                • YUM
              • Chicken or Steak with Balsamic BBQ Sauce  
                • Ok, so we did Parmesan Chicken with Vegetable Noodles instead. 
              • Roasted-Pepper Pasta Salad
                • Didn't make, Hubs was out to dinner on business, so Little Man & I ordered pizza....
              • Chorizo-Potato Tacos 
                •  We didn't want this either, so I made chorizo breakfast burritos with enchilada rice instead.
              • Coconut Curry Chicken Smoked Sausage Skillet
                • Well, we were unexpected invited to a backyard bbq in our subdivision, so this wasn't made either...
              • Dine Locally
                • We dined @ Fireside in Sellersburg and then had Greaters Ice Cream for dessert.  DELISH!
              • Korean-Style Marinated Skirt Steak
                • I made steak with Bobby Flays BBQ rub with noodles, corn and carrots.  
              Enjoy your week, Be thankful for your blessings both big and small, Love your family, and don't forget to play with your food!