Hello Fresh! Review

Meal One: Italian Meatloaf with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans

Daniel Plan Approved Grocery Haul

As the previous post explained, I am starting the Daniel Plan this week. So after evaluating my current "status" and goal setting, what comes next? Well, obviously, filling the kitchen with healthful options. So, I woke up early this morning, took inventory of what I already had that was healthy and Daniel Plan approved, got my shopping list ready and went to Wal-Mart.

Now, Wal-Mart wouldn't be my first option. If there was a Kroger or Aldi anywhere within 20 minutes of my house, that would be my first option. There is an Aldi about 25 minutes from home, but they weren't open yet and I really needed a lot of staple items I didn't think they would have. (You might be asking yourself why I didn't have some staple items, such as corn starch or olive oil. Dude, I just moved into my house two weeks ago and I can count on two fingers how many times I've cooked. Bear with me.)

I knew that shopping all organic and buying so much produce and meat would add up rather quickly. I was prepared for my total to be upwards of $200. It was $164. While I was somewhat relieved it wasn't $200, $164 is a lot for groceries for a single person for one week. But like I said, a few of these items were staples.

Here's what I got:
Disclaimer: The cat was not included in today's purchase. He was here before that. 

September Recipe Roundup

One of the things I want to start on Living is Simple is a recipe collection at the end of each month. This will be the recipes I've tried during the month and a short review of each one and an explanation of any changes I made.

Chicken Tetrazzini : recipe here

This was a hit...it was super easy and really tasty. Plus it made enough for leftovers for lunch the next day. The only letdown is that it includes "cream of" soup and I really want to get away from that. I haven't found a good substitute yet. Anybody know of any? By the way, I think the recipe would be better without the cheese on top. I'm going through a weird phase where cheese has been grossing me out. I know...I never thought this day would happen.

Chicken Scampi : recipe here

Okay...the noodle and sauce mixture was fantastic. I ruined the chicken...and I cooked a LOT of it. This was my first attempt at frying chicken, and it all went south when my oil got dirty, and I kept using it. My chicken was burnt, but still pink in the middle...apparently because I was attempting to fry it too fast. I'd recommend pounding the chicken beforehand. If I make this again I may do shrimp.

Classic Lasagna : recipe here

This lasagna was good! In fact, both of my parents agreed it was the best they had ever tried. I'll definitely make this again. Plus it made enough to freeze for another meal...there are some advantages of feeding only 3 people.

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole : recipe here

My opinion of this casserole is that you can't go wrong with potato and bacon, right? I thought it was pretty good, but to me, the chicken felt like a random afterthought. It just really didn't add anything to it. But overall, the recipe was good. Not sure if I'd make it again.

Bowties and Broccoli : recipe here

(pictured)

So obviously, we didn't have any bowtie pasta...so I used shells. This recipe is SO simple and I actually really liked it. I've made it twice this month already. I thought it was going to be bland, but I think the crushed red pepper helps add a little spice to it. 

Apparently, September was pasta month. Wow! I didn't realize how many meals I prepared actually included pasta. Haha.

Did you try any new recipes this month? Share!