Menu Plan Monday

 Another Monday, another menu plan.  I've been participating in Orgjunkie.com's Menu Plan Monday and what a difference it makes in the way our week goes!  Not only do we eat better because we are eating home cooked meals but it saves us so much money.  Looking for inspiration?  Check out her Menu Plan Monday post and find tons of menus and new recipes to try out.

Without further ado, here is our plan for the week:

• Monday-Asian Chicken, rice, veggies (this is being carried over from last week, things got switched and changed due to a busy week.)

• Tuesday-Buffalo chicken sandwiches, baked potatoes, salad

• Wednesday-Ravioli with marinara sauce, whole wheat baguette bread, salad

• Thursday-Granny's Chili Soup, salad, grilled cheese (for the boys)

• Friday-Happy Birthday to my hubby!  He gets to choose his birthday dinner, and he hasn't made his mind up yet....so who knows what will happen!

 Same goals as last week: drink more water, track all food,  exercise 10 minutes a day.

The chili I'm making on Thursday is the best recipe I've found so far for a simple, easy chili.  It goes together quick and you can switch it up in so many different ways...it makes for a great versatile chili base.  My Granny used to make this soup but since then my Mom has made quite a few of her own adjustments...super delicious!

Granny's Chili Soup

3 pounds ground chuck (I always buy Laura's Lean ground beef in the 92/8 variety)

1 onion (chopped)

1 stalk celery (chopped) -this is the entire head of celery or at least 4 individual stalks

1 can diced tomatoes-I get the chili ready tomatoes

2 cans chili beans

½ package Brooks Chili Seasoning-I honestly don't know if this is a nationwide brand, I imagine any other chili spice pack would work as well

1 large can Tomato Juice

Chili powder (about 1-2 Tbsp. depending on your tastes), salt (I omit this entirely, but it's in the original recipe so I left it in) and pepper to taste.

Put tomato juice in large pot and warm on low.  Brown the ground chuck and add to juice.  Sautée celery and onions and add to juice.  Add tomatoes, chili beans and seasonings and let simmer 1 hour.  This can also be prepared and put into a crock pot to simmer all day on low.  I've made this with and without the beef (just add extra beans of your choice...pinto, red beans, etc.) and I've made it with turkey in place of the beef.  It has a great flavor that Littlest says tastes like the chili they have at Frisch's Big Boy.  Delicious! 

If you try it out let me know what you think...we love it.  I'm in the market for a black bean soup recipe, but not one that is loaded with a ton of cumin and little else.  If you have one you've tried and love please share it!