Tolson's Dinner Menu

Well, I realize that I am also overlapping the Kaya's menu, but wanted to post a few recipes for next week before I forget. And.. Todd's mom and I are splitting the dinner duties, so I don't usually have to plan for a whole week. This week, I am in charge of 3 meals, so I will give you the info for that. Also, when I am cooking, I have to make enough for 7 people usually, but I will cut the recipe down to 4 people... well 2 adults, and 2 elementary kiddos...

Sunday - Cheryl's night
Monday Dinner was Guacamole Burgers with Terra Chips (under $8)
Tuesday Dinner was Pan Seared Turkey Cutlets with Mashed Potatoes and Garlic Green Beans (under $8)
Wednesday Dinner is Tostadas - posting recipe and pictures tonight! (under $9)
Thursday - Cheryl's night
Friday - Cheryl's night

Recipe for Burgers-
1 1b. ground beef (I use ground Turkey for me)
1-2 ripe avocadoes
salt
pepper
garlic
1 package hamburger buns
Options... cheese for burgers
tomato, onion and lettuce for buns
1 package Terra Chips (TJ's has the best price)

Form the meat into patties. Season with spices.. grill. Pretty easy!
Scoop out the insides of the avocado. Mash with garlic, salt, pepper and a dash of lemon juice. (btw.. if you don't have lemon juice, a spoonful of sour cream, plain yogurt, or mayo makes the guacamole a little tangy and creamy!!)

Spread one side of bun with guacamole, top with optional ingredients and enjoy. I make my children choose one veggie.. either the lettuce (and I use good green lettuce) or tomato.. sometimes they pick both. I like the Terra chips because they are baked, and they are made out of root veggies, so it is a little healthier. :) Mine didn't look quite this good.. but it was close.


Recipe for Turkey Cutlets- (Mashed potatoes are soo personal, so I won't give you that recipe)
1 package boneless, skinless turkey cutlets (I like Trader Joe's version)
Poultry Seasoning, Garlic, Salt and Pepper
1 box Chicken Stock (You can use Turkey stock.. but it is hard to find)
1 package frozen green beans
Butter and flour (for thickening)

So, the trick with these cutlets is to sear them quickly, and get them out of the pan after about 2 minutes on each side. Don't worry, they will cook again in the gravy. I season both sides with the spices and pan sear them (high heat). Then I set them aside and cover so I can make my gravy.
Add 2 Tbsp. of butter to the turkey pan (bring heat down to medium). This will bring up all the bits of turkey flavor and will make your gravy delish!! When that is melted, add 2 Tbsp. of flour and mix together. This makes a roux, which is what thickens your sauce. When the roux has cooked a minute, add about half of the box of stock and whisk together. When this comes up to a bubble.. you will have gravy! Add your turkey back in and let cook a few more minutes on medium. Serve with the mashed potatoes!!

And for my green beans... I just steam them in a little water, drain them, and then add a bit of butter (or butter substitute) and garlic salt! Works for my family. :) And... btw.. I didn't take pictures of the burgers or the turkey.. this is Rachael Ray's picture.. but you get the idea! :)