Meals for the week of...March 8, 2010

This week I tried a few new recipes. We loved Monday's dish the only down side is it takes a little more preparation time than I usually like to give. Still very do-able in about 20 minutes and then add in the cook time. The fish was pretty simple yet good. I don't cook fish as much in the winter as it seems more of a spring/summer meal item but this was a nice treat. Please feel free to leave your comments about any of the meals you try! Happy cooking!

Monday: Black Bean Croquettes with Fresh Salsa and Brown Rice

recipe from: Food Network

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes and Sweet Potato Fries

Wednesday: Bobby's Baked Tilapia

recipe from: Food Network

Thursday: Hoisin Veggies and Rice

Friday: Spaghetti with Vodka Sauce

Black Bean Croquettes with Fresh Salsa and Brown Rice

2 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed (I used canned corn instead)

1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup plain dry breadcrumbs, divided

2 cups finely chopped tomatoes

2 scallions, sliced

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon chili powder, hot if desired, divided

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 avocado, diced

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Mash black beans and cumin with a fork (I had to use a masher as the fork was challenging) in a large bowl until no whole beans remain. Stir in corn and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Combine tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, 1/2 tsp chili powder and salt in a medium bowl. Stir 1 cup of the tomato mixture into the black bean mixture.

Mix the remaining 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, oil and the remaining 1/2 tsp chili powder in a small bowl until the breadcrumbs are coated with oil. Divide the bean mixture into 8 scant 1/2-cup balls (I used an ice cream scoop.) Lightly press each bean ball into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the croquettes until heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Stir avocado into the remaining tomato mixture. Serve the salsa with the croquettes.

Brown Rice: cook according to package directions

Manwich and Sweet Potato Fries

1 can Manwich

1 lb ground beef

1 package hamburger buns

Sweet Potato fries, frozen

Cook sloppy joes according to Manwich can directions. Cook fries according to package directions.

Bobby's Baked Tilapia with Rice and Salad

4 (6 to 8-ounce) tilapia fillets

salt and freshly cracked black pepper

1 lime, finely grated zest and juice

2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a large cast iron pan with a nonstick butter spray.

Rinse fish and pat dry; place on the prepared baking sheet. Season each fillet with salt, cracked pepper, lime zest and lime juice. Add fish to the pan. Place a pat of butter on each fillet and cook in the oven for 8-12 minutes.

Sides:

Rice - cook according to package directions. We used long grain rice.

Salad - lettuce and preferred toppings

Hoisin Veggie and Rice

1 or 2 packages frozen vegetables (stir-fry style)

1 jar Hoisin sauce (asian sauce)

brown rice

Cook rice and vegetables according to package directions. Add hoisin sauce to veggies and rice and enjoy. You could always add chicken to this meal.

Spaghetti with Vodka Sauce

1 package spaghetti

1 jar Vodka sauce

Cook noodles and sauce according to package directions and enjoy!