Tex-Mex BBQ Party Menu

To welcome the new first year grad students, and welcome back JJ's fellow 2nd year grad students, we threw a party! JJ and I love grilling, and we love tex-mex food, so I created a menu to incorporate our favorites! Almost everything was grilled - even the veggies in each dish!


My mom is a great hostess, and as far back as I can remember, when we had big parties she'd have me wrap up the silverware in the napkins, so it's much easier to carry with your food and drink.


Tex-Mex BBQ Menu:
Tortilla Chips with a dipper Trio (Guacamole, Grilled Pico de Gallo, Mango Tomatillo Salsa)
Chile Rubbed Steak
Mango Spiced Chicken
Southwest Spiced Rice
Grilled Corn Salad
Coconut Cream Pie
Key Lime Pie
Strawberry Kiwi Tart

Weekly Menu 6.13-6.19

Due to major flooding in the area, power outages, and computer problems, my blog hasn't been updated much lately... However, it looks like I'm in the clear weather-wise, and the laptop is back in business! Posting should be back to normal for now!


This week's country challenge winner is: India
This week's NASCAR race is in: Michigan

On the Menu:

Michigan Apple and Chicken Salad in Homemade Wheat Pitas, Cherry Balsamic Spinach Salad, and Minty Cherry Low-fat Ice Cream

Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Frittata, Blueberry Oat Waffles

Vegetable and Bean Enchiladas Verde

Pink Lentils with Tomatoes, Green Beans with Mustard and Ginger, Naan

Tofu Pad Thai with Sugar Snap Peas

Curried Peas and Potatoes, Cabbage with Fennel and Sesame, Chapatis

Weekly Menu & Some Changes...

Our kitchen will be experiencing some big changes! My husband and I have decided to eat mostly vegetarian. There are many reasons for this change, including animal welfafe, impact to the environment, overall health benefits, and food costs. We'll most likely eat meat once a week or so, but we'll see how it goes.
Also, I have made the decision to limit my TWD posts to about 2 per month rather than every week. We just have too many sweets around!
I hope that you'll still frequent my blog, and I encourage everyone to consider adding more vegetarian meals into your rotation!

On the menu this week:

Tex-Mex Rice Bowls
Portabella Mushroom Burger, Garlic Broccoli
Asparagus and White Bean Penne with White Wine Gorgonzola Sauce
Boca-Meatloaf, Baked Potatoes, Light Creamed Spinach
Stuffed Bell Peppers, Salad

Also on the menu:

Pumpkin's Birthday Cake

Also, the Tea Party Menu:

Edible Arrangements
Fabulous Sugar Cookies
White Cake with Honey Buttercream
Chocolate Cake with Mocha Buttercream
Fondant Tutorial – Flowers!
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Reduction
Tomato and Goat Cheese Sandwiches
Cucumber and Herbed Cheese Sandwiches
Caramelized Pear and Walnut Cream Profiteroles
Gorgonzola stuffed Olives wrapped in Pastry

Shredded Chicken with Artichoke and Red Pepper Tapenade

Weekly Menu 5.17-5.23

This week's County Challenge Winner: Nepal

On the menu this week:

Lentils, Curry Vegetables and Basmati Rice
Asian Veggie Salad with Chicken Potstickers and Ginger Soy Dressing
Lemon Pepper Pappardelle with Artichokes and Roasted Garlic Sausage
Sausage and Pepper Subs with Sundried Tomato Pesto

Heirloom Panzanella, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Tex-Mex Pizza

Madeleines

(Plain and Chocolate Chip)

Weekly Menu 5.12-5.16

This week is going to be a bit short because of Mother's Day at home in Cincinnati, and my birthday, but here is what's on the menu:
Justa Fad Copycat Pizza
Caprese Burgers with Zucchini Sticks
Mamie's Chicken with Mushrooms, Creole Risotto (Guadalupe)
JJ Cooks Birthday Dinner!
Scholar's Inn Restaurant Review


Also on the Menu:
Florida Pie
Katie's Daddy's Blueberry Muffins


From the Ice Cream Maker:
Watermelon Sorbet
Dark Chocolate Sorbet
Mixed Berry Fro Yo
Cannoli Fro Yo

Weekly Menu 5.3-5.9

This Week's Country Challenge winner: Mexico!

This week's NASCAR race is in: Richmond!

On the Menu this week:

King Arthur Ham and Cheese on Bavarian Pretzel Rolls with Red Pepper Relish and Veggie Chips
Pollo Lucas Tacos, Frijoles Refritos
Roasted Chile Poblano Bisque, Achiote Pork Torta
Sopa Azteca
Huevos Rancheros with Poblanos, Cilantro Rice

Also on the menu:
Mexican Wedding Cookies

Peanut Butter Torte (TWD)

Weekly Menu 4.26-5.2

This week's Country Challenge Winner is: Bolivia

This week's NASCAR race is in: Talladega

On the menu:

Lemon-Garlic Roast Turkey, Herb Roasted New Potatoes, Green Beans with Herbed Butter, Cranberry Orange Chutney

Grilled BBQ Chicken, Fried Green Tomatoes, Jalapeno-Cheddar Cornbread

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pizza

Quinoa Torte, Picanna de Pollo

Chicken Breasts with Quinoa, Cashew and Goat Cheese Sauce

Orange Chicken and Broccoli with Brown Rice

Also on the menu:

Spinach and Gouda Quiche

Pecan Honey Sticky Buns

Fluted Polenta and Ricotta Cake

Mango Cheesecake

Paula's Banana Pudding

Lenox Almond Biscotti

Weekly Menu 4.19-4.25

This week's Country Challenge Winner: Mali

This week's NASCAR race is in: Mexico City, Mexico

On the Menu:

Yucatan Chicken Skewers, Papaya Tomatillo Salsa, Pumpkin Tamales

Kyinkiynga (West African Kebobs), Cous Cous

Margharita Pizza

Asian Slaw Salad in Wonton Cups, Asian Meatballs with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

Spinach, Cheddar and Cremini Quesadillas, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup

Pappardelle with Veggies, Revisited

Also on the menu:

Bill's Big Carrot (Cup)Cake

Weekly Menu 4.12-4.18

This week's Country Challenge winner is: Germany!

This week's NASCAR race is in: Phoenix!

On the menu:

BBQ chicken with Corn Pancakes and Mango-Tomatillo Salsa, Cornmeal Crusted Chili Rellenos with Spicy Black Bean Sauce
Sauerbraten, Spatzle, Red Cabbage with Apples
German Meatloaf, Asparagus, Potato Balls
Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Potato Pancakes, Applesauce
Alpine Chicken Spatzle

German Soft Pretzels and Beer Cheese

Asian Peanut Chicken Pizza

Also on the menu:
Apfelstrussel

Marshmallos (TWD) & Smores

Chocolate Pound Cake

Weekly Menu 4.5-4.11

This week's Country Challenge Winner - Fiji

This week's NASCAR race is in - Texas

On the Menu:

Curry Citrus Chicken Papaya, Asian Cabbage Toss, Pea and Potato Curry, Roti
BBQ Ribs with Peanut-Chipotle Sauce, Corn and Zucchini Quesadilla
Mr. Dean’s Incredible Chicken Pilau, Sesame Ginger Snap Peas
Eggplant Parmigian, Pasta Primavera, Homemade Caesar Salad

Pizza with Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Prosciutto, Spinach and Portabellas

Chicken Sausage, Orzo in Acorn Squash Cups, Roasted Artichokes
Shredded Pork Nachoes with Slaw, Guacamole, Black bean and Corn Salsa

Also on the Menu:

Fiji Rum Currant Scones

Fresh Orange Cream Tart

Weekly Menu 3.29-4.5

This week's Country Challenge winner is: Portugal!

This week's NASCAR race is in: Martinsville, VA!

On the menu this week:

Tomato and Sausage Soup, Broa (Portugal)
Chicken and Dumplings, Baked Okra, Braised Carrots (Martinsville)
Chicken Cordon Bleu Burgers, Baked Potatoes, Pear and Walnut Spinach Salad
Hotdogs in a Blanket, Cracker Jacks, Chopped Salad (Opening Day)
Stewed Chicken with Rice and Peas (Portugal)
Tuscan Paperdelle
Cold Egg Pie with Peas and Sausage (Portugal), Balsamic Strawberry Spinach Salad

Also on the menu:

Figs filled with Almonds and Chocolate

Gooey Chocolate Cake (TWD)

Weekly Menu 3.21-3.27

This week is a bit short because of Easter, but I have 5 dinners to make, and a few random Easter dishes to blog about!
This week's Country Challenge Winner: Samoa

On this week's menu:

Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Salad
Mango-Spiced Chicken, Coconut Rice, Guava Punch
Chicken Marsala, Garlic Broccoli, Garlic Mashed Potatoes
BBQ Meatloaf, Sweet Potato Fries, Green beans
Chicken Sausage, Asparagus, Pear and Brie Risotto

Also on the menu:

Ghiradelli Chocolate Chip Cookies

Caramel Topped Flan

Mom's Macaroni and Cheese

Weekly Menu 3.15-3.21

This week’s Country Challenge Winner is: Ireland!

This week’s NASCAR race is in: Bristol, TN!

On the menu this week:

Chicken Cashel Blue, Boxty, Green Beans

Beef in Ale with Cheese Cobbler

Cider Glazed Baked Ham, Apple and Pear Chutney, Rutabaga Puree

Pumpkin Cider Soup, Goat Cheese and Apple Salad with Cider Viniagrette, Malten Wheat Bread

Cola Glazed Ham, Parmesan Hominy Bake, Broccoli (Bristol)

Murphy’s Onion Soup, Brown Soda Bread

Chicken with Bacon, Cabbage, and Cider, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Also on the menu:

Brioche Raisin Snails

Brown Bread Apple Cobbler

Rolled Carrot and Coconut Bunny Cookies

Rolled Chocolate Bunny Cookies

Irish Cream Shamrock Spritz Cookies

Baileys White Chocolate Tart

Weekly Menu 3.8-3.15

This weeks country challenge winner is: Armenia!

This weeks NASCAR race is in: Atlanta!

On the menu this week:
Potato Spinach Kibbeh, Pork Stuffed with Apricots and Shallots (Armenia)
Fried Chicken, Waffle Fries, and Cole Slaw (Atlanta)
Basil-Lemon-Ricotta Orecchiettie with Asparagus and Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Meatballs
Chicken with Tahini and Grilled Figs, Spinach Salad with Walnuts and Pomegranate Dessing, Cheese Borek (Armenia)

Grilled Lemon Chicken, Rice Pilaf with Pomegranate and Toasted Pine Nuts, Eggplant Dolmas (Armenia)
Lahmajoon (Armenian Pizza)
Tabbouli, Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Armenian Cracker Bread (Armenia)

Also on the menu:

Sun-dried Apricot Halves with Sweet Cheese and Pistachio Dust (Armenia)

My Russian Grandmother's Apple Pie-Cake (TWD)

Low-Fat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Weekly Menu 3.1-3.7

This weeks country challange winner is: Argentina!

This weeks NASCAR race is in Las Vegas!

On the dinner menu this week:

Pumpkin Soup with Muenster and Cumin, Traditional Beef Empanadas

Chipotle Cheddar Sliders on made from scratch Sesame Yeast Rolls

Polenta Rellena con Jamon y Queso – Polenta with Ham and Cheese Filling, Spinach Salad
Carne Asado, Humita en Cacerola – Aregentine Humita Casserole, Peppers and Onions
Argentinean Pizza
Noquis de Espinaca – Spinach Gnocci, Chorizo, Salad
Portabella and Mozzarella Panini on Rosemary Foccacia, Butternut Squash Bisque

Also on the menu:

Alfajores (Dulce de Leche sandwich cookies)

Snickery Bars (TWD)

Pink Ribbon Rolled Sugar Cookies

Weekly Menu 2.23-2.29

This week's country challenge winner is: Thailand

This week's NASCAR race is in Fontana, California

This weeks menu is...

Gaeng Phed Kai Sai Nawmai - Chicken with Red Curry over Rice (Thailand)

Gkaeng Kiow Wahn Huu - Green Curry with Tofu, Eggplant over Rice Noodles (Thailand)
Butternut squash & Caramelized Onion Tart, Citrus & Almond Spinach Salad (California)
Artichoke Lasagna Rollatini, Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Stuffed Chicken
Moroccan Spiced Meatballs, Pine Nut Cous Cous, Green Beans with Almonds
Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Pizza
Mezzaluna (Chicken and Spinach Ravioli) in Tomato Cream Sauce, Caesar Salad

Also this week:

Pecan Sour Cream Biscuits from TWD

Thai Fruit Salad

Weekly Menu 2.17-2.23

Classic Fondue with Dippers, Bananas Foster Sundaes
Sloppy Woody’s, Sweet Potato Fries, Wedge Salad
Pesto, Asparagus, and Pea Orechetti with Prosciutto and Stuffed Chicken
Spaghetti and Meatballs, Zucchini Sticks
Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas
Mediterranean Pizza
Sausage and Lentil Soup, Cheddar and Herb Beer Bread

Also this week:

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Throwdown Chocolate Chip Cookies

Weekly Menu 2.9-2.16

Brats with Sauerkraut, German Potato Salad, Applesauce
Sausage and Spinach Calzone with Marinara Dipping Sauce, Caesar Salad
Asparagus and Gruyere Frittata, Grilled Pineapple, Waffles
Blue Cheese Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Chicken Parmaigan, Eggplant Puree and Olive Penne
Chicken Satay with Asian Vegetables, Brown Rice, and Spicy Peanut Sauce
Pasta e Fagioli & Beer Bread

Weekly Menu 2.2 to 2.9

Here is this weeks menu:

Roast Turkey Breast with Cran-Apple Stuffing and Pancetta Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Garlic Pasta with Prosciutto, Spinach, Roasted Tomatoes, and Cannelini Beans
Muffalettas

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Light Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Baguettes
Baked Corndogs, Baked Beans, House Salad
Thai Turkey Burgers, Mango Salsa, Sweet Potato Saratoga Chips
Tofu Lettuce Wraps, Wonton Soup

Week's Menu 1.26-2.1

Here is the menu for this week to help others in planning their own. When writing a weekly menu, there are a few ways to do it. You can base everything around meat, 2 chicken dinners, 1 beef, 2 turkey, 1 seafood, etc., or you can base it around starches - 2 pasta, 2 rice, 2 potato, 1 bread. You can also base it on ethnicity, one mexican night, one italian, one asian, etc. or you can have categories and choose one from each every week - pasta, pizza, burger, roast, stew/soup, casserole, etc. By sticking to a plan like that, you'll find that you don't repeat meals very often. I try to not repeat a dinner because I like a culinary challange (unless it's something we really enjoy)!

January 26 to February 1, in no particular order

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas with Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Philly Cheesesteaks and Sweet Potato Fries

Goat Cheese Chicken with Risotto and Roasted Winter Vegetables

Spontaneous Heating Gumbo

Shephards Pie

Chili with Corn Cakes

Spinach Meatballs and Mediterranean Orzo Salad