The week in food

First off, everything I made last week was delicious.  I only made three of my five planned dishes due to an unexpected social evening downtown on Wednesday, but those three rocked.  The shrimp and grits were cheesy and buttery and amazing.  The shrimp tomato chowder was hearty and filling, and perfect for cold weather.  And the veggie enchiladas I made on Friday have lasted through the weekend and will be tomorrow's lunch.  My vegetarian sister gave her approval by eating about four of them.  Those recipes will definitely stay in the dinner rotation.

For the upcoming week, I have ground beef and chicken breasts as my proteins.  I will move my two chicken dishes from last week up to this week, but not until Tuesday and Thursday.

Monday: G-F Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus
I read somewhere that ricotta cheese can take the place of breadcrumbs in meatballs. Testing that theory with this recipe.

Tuesday: Pan-fried Chicken Strips and G-F Waffles with Fruit Salad
Haven't tried G-F waffles yet. I've been told they're pretty bland, so I have plenty of butter and syrup on hand.  Just in case.

Wednesday: Wild Mushroom Fricassee over Polenta with Spinach Salad
From Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals II (Not a fan of her as a person so much, but some of her recipes are pretty interesting.)

Thursday: Thai Chicken Soup
Two trips to two different HEBs and no sight of green curry paste.  I got red, so no big deal, but this soup better be worth it.

Friday: Shepherd's Pie with Spinach Salad
Out of a 2008 issue of Rachael Ray's Magazine.  Horseradish mashed potatoes on top of ground beef and veggies in a beef broth sauce. 

Saturday (maybe): Grilled Chicken with Green Bean Gremolata
Secret you thank me for later: take any green vegetable that is pretty boring on it's own, and make a gremolata for it. Minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest and kosher salt.  Grind it all together with your chef's knife and sprinkle it over the veggies.  Instant incredible flavor.

This looks like a pretty good week of recipes, but I am most excited about the Swedish Meatballs!