Meal Idea: Spinach salad, Sautéed chicken strips, Biscuits, Whipped honey, Mixed fruit

I have been giving it some thought and it is time to step up a little.  When I come to look at my blog, which I created for me, but am happy to share with everyone else, I made it to make menu planning easier.  What are we going to eat?  I have chicken... so I click on chicken and VOILÀ!  I have several chicken recipes.  I have potatoes... so I click on potatoes and... well, yeah.  But then, I have a recipe and no clue what to put with it.  On the days that the meal seems balanced, I am going to start sharing... then when I am fretting over a menu, I can click on meal ideas and fill in my chart!

Today's menu?
Spinach salad - baby spinach leaves raw, cherry tomatoes from our garden, a skiff of grated sharp cheese, a drizzle of ranch dressing.  I sautéed the chicken strips with a tablespoon of olive oil.  When chicken is cooked in strips, it goes so. quickly.  The olive oil is good for you, and the simple salt and pepper make the chicken so yummy.

Biscuits - I used my mom's recipe for Baking Powder Biscuits.  They. are. so. good.  Especially when topped with a spoonful of whipped honey. 

Mixed fruit - We bought a watermelon, I cut and chilled it.  I served a spoonful of watermelon pieces and a half spoonful of canned fruit salad.  That was the preferred item of the meal for the kids, with the biscuits coming in a very close second.

Jana Glass' Marinara Sauce

I swear I posted this before, but I can't find it!! So if this is a repeat post, I apologize. I saw a picture of this on Jana's blog, and it looks AMAZING. I can't wait to make it this week!

Preheat: --
Category: Tomatoes, sauce, Marinara

2 T. Oil
3/4 c. Onion, minced (1 med. onion)
1 T. Parsley, chopped
1 lg. clove Garlic, minced
4 c. Fresh tomato purée (about 10 Roma tomatoes; Jana likes to use Romas, obviously)
1-2 T. Basil
1 t. Salt
Celery (optional)
1 t. Sugar (optional)

1. Sauté onions until transluscent over medium heat.

2. Add parsley, garlic and cook for about 1 minute.

3. Add tomatoes, basil, salt

4. Simmer until sauce-like consistency. Stir occasionally so it doesn't stick.

New York-Style Pizza Sauce

This is a new family favorite. It's soooo easy, and it's soooo good.

1 T. Water
2 T. Fresh basil, chopped (we used 1 T. dry basil)
1 1/2 t. Olive oil
2 t. Dried oregano
1 1/2 t. Sugar
1 t. Garlic, minced
1 (14.5-oz.) can Petite-cut diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (6-oz.) can Tomato paste

1. Combine in a bowl & stir with whisk.  See!  I told you it was easy! :)