I don't know when this crazy obsession for meal planning started, but one thing I do know is that it has worked for us the past ten years and it's about time I share my tips and tricks!


First things first, it’s all about the planning! I take my “menu ideas” list {the link is found on the sidebar to your right}, and plan out my entire month in advance on our calendar in the kitchen. What works best for us is the following:


Sundays = a nice meal

Mondays = chicken

Tuesdays = soup/pasta

Wednesdays = beef

Thursdays = fish

Fridays = Date Nights {i.e. no cooking}!

Saturdays = misc

This way we rotate meals so we aren’t stuck in a rut. I then take my “grocery list” {the link is found on the sidebar to your right} and make my shopping list for the next 2 weeks. Remember, initially this takes more time in the beginning, but then your entire month is planned and you won’t have to figure out what’s for dinner plus I promise it saves money on your grocery bill!

December 22, 2009

Enstrom Toffee



















1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped


Combine butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Cook over high heat, stirring constantly with a clean, dry, wooden spoon until butter is melted. Continue cooking and stirring for 5 to 7 minutes. Immediately pour candy onto a foil lined baking sheet. Spread and cool completely.


Meanwhile, melt chocolate in a heavy saucepan over low heat or in the microwave oven for 1 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is soft enough to stir smooth. Make sure to stir often so it does not burn. Spread chocolate mixture over cooled toffee and sprinkled with walnuts. Let cool until chocolate has hardened, then break into serving-size pieces.


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