Survival Mode - Kind of

Brandon is leaving town on Wednesday for a job interview in Albuquerque, and won't be back until Saturday afternoon -- barring him getting the flu like the rest of us. So I just have to make dinner for today and tomorrow and then easy. Except I'm now sick so really, it is just easy all week. I love Cynthia's idea for themes, I think it would really help coming up with ideas, and not just do tacos a lot. This is what I'm thinking:

Monday - Crock Pot (maybe we will finish FHE before 9:00 if I don't cook dinner)

Tues - Mexican

W - Soup

Th - Pasta

Fri - Kid friendly

Sat - Fast

Sun - Leftovers (I rarely cook on Sun since I don't do dishes, it is my way of "resting from my labors"

Except with Brandon gone, we will do kid friendly all week.

This is the menu
M - Cowboy Beans - yes I am finally making them, they are in the crockpot.
T - Enchilada Casserole
W - Vegetable Soup
Th - Spaghetti
F - Pasta & Cheese - homemade (not mac because I just use whatever pasta I have on hand)
S - Pizza and Breadsticks (store bought or homemade, depending on my level of ambition)

Pasta & Cheese
1 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp minced onion or 1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 T potato flour
1 C milk
dash of Worcestershire Sauce
1/3 C cheddar cheese
3 T Parmesan cheese
Cooked pasta

1. In a small saucepan over med heat, melt the butter. Add the minced onion (if using) and saute for a minute or so. Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper and saute a few seconds. Add the flour and stir forming a crumbly roux.
2. Add milk a little at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Add Worcestershire sauce. Continue stirring until sauce boils. Boil for 1 minute. Add cheese and stir until melted. Serve over cooked pasta. Makes 1 Cup sauce.