Taco Roll

Here's a Family Favorite!!! Go here to see a step by step illustration from a past mealtime Monday post.

Taco Roll

2 cans of Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls
Extra Lean Ground Beef or Ground Sirloin
Taco Seasoning
2% Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese
Shredded Lettuce
Salsa or Diced Tomatoes
Jalapeno Peppers (optional)
Fat Free Sour Cream (optional)

Brown beef, rinse and drain. Add taco seasoning. Unroll crescent rolls into triangles and then position triangles in a ring around a pizza pan. Pointy end of triangles sticking out of the ring. (This is where the pictures will come in handy- huh!) Spread seasoned beef around the ring. Wrap the pointy end of the crescent rolls up and over the beef. Bake in oven according to crescent roll package instructions and rolls are golden. Serve topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and if desired jalapeno peppers and/or fat free sour cream.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 triangle
Meal Plan: Calories: 155; 1 starch; 1.5 lean meats

I will serve this with Black Beans.

Tilapia Puttanesca

What in the world is Puttanesca? I don't know but it sure sounds yummy! And oh so healthy, might I add. This meal is bursting with monounsaturated fat- your heart is gonna love it!!!

Visit here for the recipe.

Tilapia Puttanesca

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
Meal Plan: 182 Calories, 3 oz meat, 1.5 vegetable, 1/2 fat

I am going to serve this with rice and maybe a side salad.

Stuffed Green Peppers

I think it was Mary who gave me the idea of adding Stuffed Green Peppers to my June Menu- so thank you Mary!!! I gotta believe that allrecipes.com did something wrong on the nutritional analysis because there is no way a vegetarian green pepper could have over 700 Calories! Is there? Just in case I made some modifications to the recipe.

Go here to see the original 700+ Calorie Recipe!!!

Stuffed Green Peppers
Recipe Modifications: I used 1 cup brown rice, I used about 1/4th cup 2% shredded Mexican Blend cheese in each stuffed pepper instead of the swiss cheese.

Nutrition Information: based on my modifications
Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Meal Plan: 250 Calories, 2 meats, 1.5 Starches, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 fat

Yum, Yum

Lemon Garlic Chicken- crockpot

Got to tell ya- I have never been a lemon chicken fan. BUT for some reason this recipe looked good to me. I did not love that the recipe actually required precooking before the crockpot- but really it wasn't that bad!

Go here for the recipe.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: 193 Calories, 4 meats, 1/2 fat

I am going to serve this with rice and green beans

Mealtime Mondays

This week's meals only took 1 hour and 10 minutes to prepare:

• Tilapia Puttanesca x 2
• Taco Rings x 2
• Stuffed Green Peppers
• Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

And at least that long to clean up- partly because I started cooking with a messy kitchen (trust me, it's bad around here!) I did not prep for the steak dinner because I want to get by the local meat market to pick up some really good steaks for Father's Day. Following is the prep/storage/eat schedule for the week.

Monday- Taco Ring- I prepped up until final baking. I stored ring in fridge covered with aluminum foil. Tonight I will take out of fridge and bake.

Tuesday- Stuffed Green Peppers- Peppers are fully stuffed and sitting pretty in fridge (covered with foil) ready for final baking.

Wednesday- Crockpot Lemon, Garlic Chicken- I followed directions according to recipe and browned chicken before placing in ziplock storage bag. I added liquid to storage bag and then stored in fridge. Wednesday morning I will transfer contents of ziplock into crockpot and cook on low all day.

Thursday- Tilapia Puttanseca- To prep for this dish I simply dumped all the sauce ingredients into a freezer ziplock and stored in freezer. Thursday morning I will transfer sauce from freezer to fridge to begin thawing. I will then cook fish/sauce according to recipe Thursday Night.

Friday and Saturday- Pantry Challenge (I am going to try to not go out to eat for the rest of the month)

Sunday- Steak Dinner. Saturday night I will marinate steaks and store in fridge until time to grill Sunday afternoon. Happy Fathers Day!!!

Steak

I have not decided how I am going to prepare our steaks for Father's Day. More then likely I will just marinate in Worcestershire Sauce and sprinkle some of our favorite spices on the meat. The nutrition information will vary according to the steak you choose but the leaner cuts are gonna be the sirloin or the fillet! What a treat!!!

Kroger Deals

Don't forget to go to Kroger.com to upload the latest coupons to your Kroger card!! Cellfire had the best coupons if you ask me: Fiber One bars $0.40 off, Crystal Light $1 off, Yo Plus Yogurt $1 off to name a few.

As far as the weekly deals, as always refer to thegrocerygame.com for a complete list of deals- but here are the deals that stood out to me as I glanced through the flyer:

Kraft Cheese B1G1 FREE
(man, I think a ton of Kraft cheese coupons just expired from coupons.com)

Pepsi or Mt. Dew 2 L on sale 4 for $5, buy 4 and get 2 FREE
Final Price: $0.84 each
(This is a great deal on 2L, if you are planning any BBQs or get togethers this summer, stock up now and then volunteer to be in charge of drinks!!!)

Various Lysol Cleaners are on sale 50% off
Use various Lysol coupons found in 6/7 SS
Final Price: Varies but I'm sure is a great deal!!!

USDA Whole Boneless Sirloin Tip at $1.99/lb

Knorr rice or pasta packages on sale for $1
Use $0.50 off 2 from 5/17 RP
Final Price: $0.50 each

Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries on sale $1.97

Let me know if your excited about anything else!

Target Deals

Here are my favorite Target Deals of the week!

As always, go here to print out all the "target coupons" refrenced below. Remember you can stack target coupons with manufacturer coupons for double the savings!!!

Buy any 3 Special K cereals at $2.39 and get a FREE box of Special K crackers

Here is the scenerio found on MSM website
Buy 3 boxes of Special K cereal and 2 boxes of Special K crackers
Use 1 Buy 2 Get 1 Free coupon here and 3 $1 off 1 coupons from 6/7 RP
Final Price: $4.17 for 3 boxes of cereal and 2 boxes of crackers

The following deal is the deal I am most excited about BUT I do not see it advertised in our local Target flyer so I am fearful it is not true for our area... but just in case it is an unadvertised deal I'm gonna still post it. Let me know if you try it!

Buy 2 Target Softsoap Ensemble Value Packs at $6 each, get $5 Target Gift Card
Use 2 $2 off 1 target coupons AND 2 $2 off 1 coupons here
Final Price: $1 overage after coupons and gift card!
(note: you will only be able to print 1 $2 off 1 manufacturer coupon so find multiple computers!)
FREE soap is almost as exciting to me as FREE toilet paper!

Degree men's deodorant at $2.49 (have not confirmed local price)
Buy 2 and Use 2 $1.50 off 1 target printables AND the $1 of 2 from the 5/17 RP
Final Price: $0.98 for 2

Ziplock bags at $2.49 (have not confirmed local price)
Buy 2 and use $1 off 2 from 5/10 SS AND 2 $1 off 1 target coupons
Final Price: $0.99 per box after coupons

Banana Boat Sunscreen Trial Size for $0.99
Use $1 off 1 from 5/3 RP
Final Price: FREE

Aquafresh Toothpaste at $1.99 (have not confirmed local price)
Use $1 off 1 target printable AND $1 off 1 here
Final Price: FREE

Walgreens Deals

Once again a sorry week at Walgreens. Most of the deals listed below I have gotten free before so it is hard to get excited about these deals.

But before I roll out the best deals I must tell you that today (and yesterday, but we are too late for that- sorry) you can print this $5 off $25 purchase to be used at Walgreens. The $25 is before coupons! I use to love this coupon back in the ol' EasySaver catalog days.... hmmmm (that is me reminiscing)

Purex 3 in 1 at $5.99, get a $2 RR
Use this $1 off here
Final Price: $2.99

Gillette Fusion Razor at $9.49, Earn a $2.50 RR when you buy 1
Use $4 off 1 from 6/7 PG
Final Price: $2.99 after coupon and RR

Gillette Shampoo and Bodywash for 2 for $8, Get $3 RR when you buy 2
Use 2 $1 off 1 from 6/7 PG
Final Price: $3 for 2 after coupons and RR

Johnsons and Johnsons Baby Powder for 2 for $2, get $1 RR when you buy 2
Use two $1 off 1 from 3/8 or 4/26 RP
Final Price: FREE after coupons and RR

Carmex at $2.99, get a $2 RR when you buy 1
Final Price: $0.99 after RR

Ban Deodorant for 2 for $3, get a $1 RR when you buy 2
Use 2 $0.40 off 1 from 6/7 SS
Final Price: $0.60 each after coupons and RR

Thrifty Thursday

Anyone else feel the deals have been slow to come by. I tell you what, I had gotten a little too comfortable getting free stuff all the time, I guess I just took it for granted. I got to the point I just expected to get AT LEAST one thing FREE every week- not anymore! I would love to hear how ya'll are doing on your savings adventures! I'll throw up a Mr. Linky for ol' time sake.

Wildcard Wednesday- turned Wordless

Sorry girls, it seems as though today's wildcard Wednesday became a Wordless Wednesday. I am still using the borrowed computer and do not understand how to upload pictures onto it, therefore I could not post pictures of a selected room this week, therefore no "Show Us Where You Live" post. Plus, can I just tell you I'm in a real funk. You've been there before... right? I think I am just completely worn out and feeling overwhelmed right now.... no biggie, I've been here before... I just felt you should know. Talk to you tomorrow.

zone 3- Bathrooms, Living Room, and Entryway

Day 1- Tuesday

• Clean Tub and Showers
• Wash Rugs
• Wash Shower Curtains

Day 2- Wednesday

• Clean Mirrors
• Clean Toilets
• Clean Sinks and Counters

Day 3- Thursday

• Organize and Clean Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers (inside and out)
• Dust Living Room Furniture
• Dust Entryway Furniture

Day 4- Friday

• Dust Bathroom, Living Room and Entryway Baseboards
• Vacuum/Swiffer Bathroom, Living Room and Entryway Floors
• Clean all Windows and Fans in this Zone
• Vacuum under coach seat cushions

Day 5- Saturday

• Organize Bookshelf
• Update Pictures in Frames
• Clean leather furniture

Tidy Tuesday- or Not!

Oh ladies- now that my days in this house are officially numbered I have Zero motivation to keep it clean. Just the other night I sat in the living room with DH and said "I have no motivation to keep this house clean" to which I hoped he would say "Nik, you have worked so hard to keep this house clean for the past 3 years, why don't you just take it easy for the next couple of weeks." He said nothing..... so I said "I sure was hoping you'd say Nik, you have worked so hard to keep this house clean for the past 3 years, why don't you just take it easy for the next couple of weeks." To this, he still said... nothing. oh well!

It is a good thing I don't know how to upload pictures on this loaner computer, because let me tell you it is gross around here. I am proud to say that I swished the commodes yesterday and I plan on doing some laundry sometime this week. But other then that, can't say for sure what will get done. I should be plenty rested up in the cleaning department to hit it hard in the new house. For the rest of you, your tidy Tuesday zone schedule will post soon!

BLT

This will be such a great summer time meal when our garden is fully grown in.... wait a minute.... we'll be moved before our garden is fully grown!!!!! Hmmm we are going to have to work something out with the new owners!!! Anyways...

Bacon Lettuce Tomato Sandwiches

Turkey Bacon (2 slices per sandwich)
Light Mayo (1/2 TBS per sandwich)
Tomato and Lettuce (piled high per sandwich)
Natures Own Double Fiber Bread

Microwave Bacon according to package. Meanwhile toast bread. Spread mayo on toasted bread, then top with bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
Meal Plan: ~<200 Calories, 1 starch, 1.5 meat, 1/2 veg, 1/2 fat

I am going to serve with carrot chips/sticks and low fat ranch

Mexcian Chicken Pizza

This is one of my all time favorite recipes. I always include this recipe when I do cooking demonstrations and it is a regular at recipe exchange parties. Hope you enjoy!

Mexican Chicken Pizza

4 oz Skinless Chicken Breast
2 Tbs. Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 tsp. Garlic Pepper

Thin Pizza Crust
15 oz black beans (drained)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Jalapeno Peppers (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400◦. Marinate chicken with Worcestershire sauce, cumin and garlic pepper. Bake until done.
While chicken is baking, spread beans evenly on pizza crust. Next, top with cheese, followed by peppers. Once chicken is fully cooked, cut chicken into thin slices. Place chicken slices evenly on pizza crust. Bake until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
Meal Plan: 395 Calories; 3 starches, 2 meats, 1 fat

This is great alone, or you can top with salsa and/or light sour cream!

Catfish "N" Chips

I am so excited about this recipe. Can I let you in on a little secret.... I love fried fish!!! Yep, that's right this RD gets excited about a good ol' fish fry. In fact, the day I passed my RD exam guess where I wanted to go to celebrate.... The Catfish Hole, for an all you can eat BUFFET!!! Please don't tell my secret! Anyways, lucky for me I don't know how to operate a fry daddy, so I only get fried fish maybe 2-3times per year. I'm thinking this week's fish recipe is going to be a great, healthy alternative to the real deal that will fool my taste buds into thinking we are getting some crispy fried fish (only my heart and arteries will know the truth!)

This recipe is brought to us by Better Homes and Gardens so visit here for the recipe.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
Meal Plan: 317 Calories, 3 lean meats, 2 starches, 1/2 fat

I am going to serve this with a can of greens.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Here is another recipe from the past. I can't really remember what I thought about it, but I'm sure I didn't hate it because I would have remembered that- remember the spaghetti squash recipe - uck!!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/12th of recipe
Meal Plan: Calories: 166, 0.5 starches, 1 meat, 1 veg, 1 fat

I am thinking some cornbread would be yummy with this.

BBQ Pork

Last time I made these for mealtime Monday I was hesitant to use a pork loin over a pork roast because I was not sure it would shred in the crockpot like a pork roast. But after trying the pork loin, I will NEVER go back. Not only does the loin shred for the perfect BBQ sandwich, it is sooo much leaner. Yummy!

BBQ Pork Sandwich

Pork Loin (something with less then 12g of fat per 4 oz serving)
Favorite BBQ sauce
Whole Wheat Bun

Place pork roast in crock-pot. Coat roast with BBQ sauce. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Pork should shred when done. Place cooked meat on bun. That's it folks.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 4 oz meat on bun
Meal Plan: 420 Calories; 4 meats, 3 starches

I am going to serve this with baked beans and a side salad.

Mealtime Monday

I am predicting that this week's meals could easily be prepped in less than an hour and a half. I don't have an accurate measurement of time from last night because DH and I got into a lengthy discussion in the middle of my cooking which totally through off my time. But I can say that all of the dishes were quick and easy and look oh so tasty. I am especially excited about the fish n chips meal. The catfish was made with "panco," a Japanese style breadcrumb. A friend had told me about panco months ago but this was my first experience with it. Looks yummy.

Here is the prep/eat schedule for this week's menu:

Monday Night: Fish n Chips- I prepped potatoes inside a large ziplock bag and stored in fridge. I also fully prepped fish in a baking dish and stored in fridge. Tonight I will transfer potatoes onto a cookie sheet for final baking with the fish. (I think this dish could have easily been frozen.)

Tuesday Night: Broccoli Cheese Soup. I dumped all ingredients (minus the broth) inside a freezer ziplock bag and stored in fridge (would freeze nicely). Tuesday night I will empty ziplock contents into stovetop pot and add broth for final cooking.

Wednesday Night: BBQ Pork. All I did to prep for this meal was put the pork in a ziplock and pour the BBQ sauce over to start marinating (could have easily done this day of in crockpot). Wednesday morning I will transfer to crockpot to cook on low all day.

Thursday Night: DH and I anniversary! We are going out. But I went ahead and made the Black Bean Chicken Pizza and stored in freezer for later.

Friday and Saturday- Family Reunion

Sunday: BLT- no prep for this meal. I will just cook bacon, snip lettuce, cut tomato, and smear light mayo on Sunday.

The future of DRS

Hi DRSers its me Niki! Sooo I got some bad news today. Staples called to tell me that my computer is so ancient that they do not have the necessary....um, stuff (I can't remember the tech terminology Mr. Techy used) to remove the ucky virus from my computer. Sooooo I have run to DH's office to borrow his computer for the time being. Guess I better get a "new computer" envelope started.

I am about to get ready to post your mealtime Monday recipes but I wanted to take a few sentences to update you on what has been going on in my life over the last week.

First, and most exciting, last week we bought a house! Woopie!!! How fun is that!?! Anyways we should be closing and moving by the end of this month. And then let the fun begin... A new house means endless labeling opportunities and is the perfect time to revamp the master routine and cleaning schedule......good times ahead for this Donna Wannabe............. hmmmm.

Second, I moved offices last week. Yes, after years (7 to be exact) of operating my weight management clinic out of a local pharmacy, I decided it was time for a change. Soooo last week I packed up my office and my clients and moved to a local fitness center. Although I miss my friends and coworkers at the pharmacy terribly I think the fitness center is going to be a good fit. I mean think about the control this will afford me, I can tell my clients to exercise and then I can walk them out of my office and put them on a treadmill. ah, ah, ah (evil laugh). Just kidding!
Plus working at a fitness center just makes me want to be healthier. I found that I drank a ton more water last week then I normally do (doesn't hurt that they have sonic ice!!!! Woo Hoo) and I have an increased desire for muscles. Yep, I want the type that pop out of my arms and rip... don't know if my genes will participate in that dream, but anyways.

Already within the first week of my move, I have seen a big increase in business. This is GREAT! However, this increase in business along with the upcoming move and reorganization of my family routine has really got me concerned about when in the world am I going to have time to blog. The answer.... I'm not! This is a huge step in my DRS recovery. I have come to the realization that I can NOT do it all. Therefore, starting in July DRS will be on an extended blog break. I am hoping that once I get settled in my new house and new job and Colby starts kindergarten I will be able to start back.... we'll see! In the meantime, I am going to try to do my best to get your recipes posted and deal alerts ready for the month of June- this of course is more difficult without my home computer. Anyways....

Well, there it is. I hope you all understand. I am going to go ahead and end this post now before I change my mind, because I am already getting sad thinking about the day I no longer pretend someone out there on the world wide web might care or benefit from what I might have to write........it's like saying good bye to a long time imaginary friend... not that I know what that's like. Anyways....