Shrimp Fetticune Alfredo

Shrimp Etouffee (Emeril's Recipe)

Fried Shrimp

New Orleans is known for it's po-boy sandwiches. Since I'm no longer there, I do the best I can. No French Bread here, so I used toast. It was pretty good.

Nacho Cheese Dip

Eggs & Rice -- GOTTA LOVE IT!

Eggs & Rice was one of my favorite childhood meals. It's great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Thanks to my mom, Egg and Rice ranked up there with her French Toast. YUMMY. My family teases me because of the over 40 year old ritual/preparation I go through before.


First my bacon has to be fried just right. Not squishy (fatty) and not so hard that the taste is lost. And PLUEEZEEEE – only PORK BACON!! Then comes the frying of the egg – not hard or browned, but scrambled just right. I toss my rice into the pan and mix together.

So here’s where the family thinks I’m weird---I must piece my bacon into very small size nits and spread over the egg and rice. That’s the only way I’ll eat it. It may seem silly, but that’s one ritual that will not be changing anytime soon.

Smarter Planning & Smarter Shopping

PLAN YOUR MEALS!!

Here is an example of my menu I prepare. My husband get paid on the 1st and 15th of the month, so I prepare for that period of time.

I don't prepare a breakfast and lunch menu because my kids fix their own meals at that time. I make sure I stock up on a variety of breakfast and lunch foods. Usually I get those items from Sam's or Walmart. Things like Fish Sticks, Nuggets, Egos, Cereal, Pancake, Eggs, Bacon, etc.

When preparing my menu, I take into consideration our weekly meetings and other engagements. If we are going to be away, that's a "Eating Out" day. I try to cook enough food to last two days so that I won't wear myself out in the kitchen.

Once I plan my menu, I write my grocery list based on what I need to prepare the foods. Another money saving tip----- when preparing your menu, look in your pantry and freezer to see what you have left that you can cook. That will be less that you have to buy.

Here is my current menu, with the numerical value representing the date:

1 - Eating Out

2 - Baked Turkey, Yams, Green Beans, Broccoli Rice

3 - Leftovers

4 - BBQ Ribs, Jambalaya, Baked Beans, Cake

5 - Leftovers

6 - Chicken Patties, white Gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots
7 - Pizza, Green Salad
8 - Red Beans, Rice, Baked Chicken, Corn bread
9 - Leftovers
10 - Catfish, French Fries, Green
11 - Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Green Salad
12 - Leftovers
13 - Pork Chops & Gravy, Rice, Corn

14 - Leftovers

15 - Eating Out

Special Menu for SPECIAL Days

WOW! Today I found this menu the girls and I prepared. I believe it was for last year's Father's Day. I thought I share it with you, for it is a great idea for a romantic dinner or even a surprise dinner.



My girls were involved with the planning and preparation of the food, as well as the printing of the menu. it was a wonderful time of bonding with my girls. Big Daddy was pretty happy about it too. Try it for your loved one, or special friends. Let them have the menu as a keepsake.
BTW, we printed our menu on heavy card stock paper.