Menu Plan Monday

In our latest adventure of Celiac Disease, my sails have been somewhat deflated. Dinner, which was already a weekly mountain to be conquered, became more of an Everest. I come up with one or two meals that might seem acceptable...but am utterly and deeply lost the rest of the week. My kids really won't eat fish or very many forms of sauteed vegetables. Some people like to call them picky--I like to call them kids. I offer and encourage tasting and even force some foods, but I remember being a kid and hating tomatoes or anything related and potatoes and vegetables in general. I grew up a bit. I've branched out a bit...But I digress.

In my darkness and confusion there was this little light. Her name is Cindy. We go back a ways. How is she my light? Her Menu Plan Monday. There were times when I would check her menu and roll my eyes in disgust because we could no longer eat such simple food. I would go in search of foods we could have (all of us, as a family) and end up walking away frustrated. But Cindy always posts. Even if there is a week where no one comments on her hard work and dedication or offers their menus in return...she would still keep posting. Why? I don't know (I have personally dappled with theories of craziness about Cindy for years), but she did. And week after week her posting encouraged me. Her ideas of returning to homemade foods intrigued me because of my new-found need to do so. She is a constant and it was somehow encouraging to me. Last week I was able to come up with a menu for the WHOLE WEEK. It was a big step. And this week again, I have a few ideas. Who knows if those ideas will come to fruition but having them makes all the difference in my sanity (and my budget).

So in case you need a few new ideas too...and BONUS they're Gluten Free (or will be by the time I get done with them)!

Monday: Rice and Meatballs

Tuesday: Thai Chicken with Peanut Butter Sauce (maybe sandwiches)

Wednesday: German Pancakes (GF experimental version or these Pancakes for Nikell and Mialee-they're super yummy and often turn out like crepes)

Thursday: Cheese Sandwiches (gotta love Udi's) and see if I can talk Jason into making GF pizza while I'm at work so Nikell and Mialee will have some pizza for the primary party on Friday!

Friday: Crock Pot Roast Beef Sandwiches

Saturday: Philly Cheesesteak Soup w/ the left-over roast

Sunday: Dinner at Fancy Nancy's for Grandpa's Birthday

And, if I am really motivated, I might just try making my own Graham Crackers to add to my arsenal of snack items to send with Nikell to preschool!