The end of October as we know it...

This week promises to be an eventful and emotional week.

My baby boy turns ten. TEN.

My Marine son will be home for a week with his brothers. (That has not happened in several months.)

My Airman son comes home for a visit, then deploys for six months.

Sigh.

And the troops have to eat, so here's the plan.

Sunday~ family cookout to celebrate son #3's birthday. His request: steak on the grill, baked potatoes, tossed salad, rolls, and cupcakes for dessert.

Monday~ Jambalaya (recipe below), salad, rolls

Tuesday~ Beef tips & gravy, egg noodles

Wednesday~ another family cookout to see all THREE boys at the same time: burgers & dogs on the grill, mac'n'cheese, baked beans.

Thursday~ FFYS. Boys going to an out-of-town ballgame; son #2 flies back to base; Mom has a late rehearsal.

Friday~ either spaghetti or pancakes :)

Saturday~ probably a trip to our local fair, so lots of fattening fair food!

Jambalaya:

(A friend gave me this recipe years ago - I'm sorry that I don't know where she got it, but I can tell you it's super easy and tasty!)

Make this mix ahead and store it (or gift it) in jars, or assemble ingredients when you decide to make the dish.

*1 cup uncooked rice

*1 Tbsp onion (you can use powder but I like to used diced onion. If making a mix, use dried onion flakes.)

*1 Tbsp green pepper flakes (you can also use fresh if you're not making the mix)

*1 Tbsp dried parsley

*1 Bay leaf

*2 tsp beef bouillon

*1/2 tsp garlic powder

*1/2 tsp pepper

*1/4 tsp thyme (I like thyme, so I use a little more)

*1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Combine all dry ingredients and store.

To prepare:

Bring mix along 3 cups water and 8 ounces tomato sauce to boil in dutch oven. Stir in 1 cup chopped cooked chicken and 1 cup chopped cooked ham (or whatever meats your family likes - I like to use turkey kielbasa). Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove bay leaf and serve.

If you use dry ingredients, this is a nice gift with a can of tomato sauce attached; the recipient just adds water and meats of choice. Call it "Dinner In A Hurry". Add a roll mix in a basket with the jambalaya for the whole package!

Share your menus at Menu Plan Monday.