Notes on the Menu

This week’s menu, while I must say it has been delicious so far, did not look spectacularly healthy at first glance. Just in case you are curious if my pursuit of more natural substitutions has flown out the window, let me share a couple changes and substitutions I’ve made/will make to the recipes along the way.

Mexican Tortilla Skillet...

Processed ingredients called for: flour tortillas, condensed tomato soup

My changes:

There are lots of recipes out there for homemade tortillas, but I just wasn’t up to it. I purchased sprouted wheat tortillas from Whole Foods.

I used frozen tomatoes from the freezer to make homemade tomato soup. Then I added less water to the skillet later to make up for the fact that it wasn’t condensed tomato soup.

Biscuits and Gravy...

Processed ingredients called for: sausage, biscuits

My changes:

It is hard to get around this one, so I made an exception. It is an occasional meal, and it was mainly for my husband and his hunting buddy. I did choose turkey sausage.

I made the biscuits from scratch (though I did use shortening as called for). I used aluminum-free baking powder.

Chili Cheese Dogs...

Processed ingredients called for: hot dogs, buns, chili seasoning

My changes:

AAAH! I can’t believe I bought hot dogs. I want to gag right now. We need to use them up. The homemade chili is the only redeeming factor in this meal.

Chicken Pot Pie...

Processed ingredients called for: chicken bouillion cubes

My changes:

I used homemade chicken broth to replace the bouillion and water in the recipe.

Other notes regarding the menu:
The pasta dishes use whole wheat pasta.

Regarding last week:
I am bummed to learn that my beef bouillion substitute contains an ingredient that contains the same bad stuff as MSG... Is there condensed broth substitute that exists that doesn't???

Ok, take into consideration that I had an extra day and a half at home this week… You can do a lot in a day and a half when you aren't used to it.