Menu Monday: Jambalaya Pasta

I’m going to be brief today. I am still dealing with a lot of pain in my back and sitting at the computer is one of the most painful things for me right now. Walking is good, flat on my back is good, but sitting is very, very bad. I’m also trying to think ahead about how much time I need to be on my feet for the meals below. My menu is, unfortunately, based on my ability right now.

So very briefly, here’s what we’re eating:

Monday – Chicken Noodle Soup
I made homemade chicken stock last week, the stock plus some pan seared chicken and some simple dried veggies (I get these in bulk at a little Amish store in KY) will make a very easy and tasty meal for tonight.

Tuesday – Build a Salad
Lots of chopping required, but I will plan ahead and pace myself. A little celery and onion in the morning, some tomato and broccoli in the afternoon and so on. This may become a weekly item for our menu as the boys seemed to enjoy building their own salad and of course…it’s good for us.

Wednesday – Turkey Sandwich
Pretty much self-explanatory. I will let the boys make their own dinner that night too.

Thursday – Jambalaya Pasta
Here again, this can be labor intensive. I will be starting this meal TODAY (Monday) and only finishing and cooking it on Thursday night. We are having a life group leader “huddle” that night so a big pot of something warm will be nice. The guests are bringing the side items and drinks.

Friday – left-overs
(big sigh)

Saturday – Quesadillas
Homemade tortillas, cheese and chicken. Blend up some cilantro rich salsa for that fresh yummy taste and we’re a happy little Kelso family.

Sunday – Pot Roast
This is one that doesn’t require a lot of work, but can really taste soooooo good. Plop it all in the crock pot and dinner is ready when we come home from church. Not a lot of preparation goes into this one and that’s a nice feature.

This week I’m going to just give you a link to the jambalaya pasta recipe I use. It has been great every time I’ve tried it, even when I adjust or leave out things we don’t really like. You can make it as spicy or non-spicy as you like (as in don’t use the Andouille sausage…HOT!) and it’s great with a little french bread. Yummmmm!

Jambalaya Pasta with Penne, Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille

Enjoy!!!