We’ve been in the mood for a lot of spicy foods recently because of allergies.  There’s just something about the warmth of the spice that is soothing to a scratchy or sore throat.  So you will notice a couple of Mexican dishes.

By the way, I want to mention two great giveaways that are going on for gift cards.   My daughter, Christi, from Frugal Novice has a $25 gift card for groceries at your favorite grocery store, and Healthy Home Blog (that’s me) has a giveaway for a $50 gift card to Family Dollar which can be used on anything in the store.  (ideas: children’s clothes, groceries, gift for a recent graduate, etc.)

OK, now on with this week’s menu:

Monday Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tuesday Easy Cheesy Beef Enchilada, black beans, guacamole

Wednesday Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli (This is a favorite of my husband’s and our son’s.  It’s quick & easy and also inexpensive to make!  It’s also lower cholesterol than the made from scratch version which is good for my husband.  Note the ratio of butter to olive oil.)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 box Chicken Helper  Fettuccine Alfredo  (on sale for $1)
• 1 large 12 ounce can chicken breast  ($1.58 for Walmart’s brand)
• 3 tablespoons butter (I only use 2)
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 14 ounce package of frozen broccoli florets  (around $1 for Walmart’s brand)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup hot water

Melt butter.  Add olive oil and chicken in a skillet, cutting up the chicken into smaller pieces.  Add the water, milk and chicken helper.  Mix according to directions on the box, adding in the Parmesan Cheese and parsley.   Bring to a boil. Top with the frozen broccoli.  Reduce heat, cover and cook for 12 minutes, stirring every 3 or 4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.

Here it is before I cover with the lid to cook:

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Thursday Homemade Pizza & salad

Friday Leftovers