After my first attempt this morning failed, I still had hope that I might actually leave the house.  My strategy…the BOY’s car!  Since I was starting our cars every 3 hours or so, I decided that if it started at 1pm, then I would drive off in it.  And it did!  And so I did!

 

My first stop was the Dollar Store, which was sadly closed.  It’s right next to the grocery store, so it wasn’t really a problem!

 

 

After the grocery store, I made a quick stop at the party store.  On my way home, I happened to pass Target and since I had my list with me of things we needed, I swung in there too.  I needed to get child locks for Cooper who continues to crawl into our cabinets under the sink with cleaning supplies.  Do you know how hard it is to find child locks when you don’t actually have a child???  Luckily, the store was pretty empty and there were plenty of people around to help.  Hint: they are in baby not home!  When I got back home, after 2 hours out and about, it felt great to soak in some Vitamin D (even in the sub zero temps).  The remainder of my afternoon was spent in the kitchen, baking up more goodies for next weekend and making food for the week ahead before crashing to watch the BCS championship game.

 

 

Although we probably would have been for at least the first half of the week, now we are really all set.  It’s not like me to adapt a recipe out of a crockpot and onto the stove, but since Tuesday’s dinner was in the crockpot, I gave it a shot.  This Meatless Monday recipe turned out pretty good, but still not as tasty as our favorite Indian restaurant. I think that next time, I may use the crockpot to allow the flavors to blend a little better.

 

 

And just because my phone is full of photos of him, take a look at how Cooper stays warm (yup he’s right in between the BOY’s legs) and grabs some love at the same time!

 

 

Hope everyone stays warm, safe, and healthy this week!!!

And keep your fingers crossed that our cars start tomorrow!!!

 

 

What is your favorite meatless Monday recipe?

Share up your links!

 

 

Meal Planning 1/06/13

Monday: Chana Masala

 

Tuesday: Clean Peanutty Thai Chicken

 

Wednesday: Salmon with Veggies

 

Thursday: Leftovers

 

Friday: TBD

 

 

 

Chana Masala

Adapted From 5 Dollar Dinners

 

Ingredients

3 cups water

1 large onion, diced

1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 6-oz. can tomato paste

2 tsp. garam masala

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. cumin

½ tsp. cayenne pepper (use less or omit if you don’t want a quick…a little goes a LONG way)

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. sea salt

2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

 

Directions

Heat oil or cooking spray in a large Pot or Dutch oven.  Add in onions and stir frequently until soft and fragrant, about 7 minutes.  Stir in all of the spices and salt.

The pour in water, tomatoes, and tomato paste.  Stir well and bring to a boil.

Stir in chickpeas and simmer on low, covered, for 1 1/2- 2 hours until chickpeas are soft and flavorful.

Serve with rice or naan.