Even though I feel like an old "pro" at making a weekly menu plan, there are definitely weeks when I need a change. When I need something that will add a new tasty spin on some of our usual family favorites. And bonus if these new tasty additions also happen to be quick and easy!
Recently I discovered the Alexia Foods line of frozen foods, and it has been a game changer for my weekly menu planning. Alexia offers a delicious selection of frozen potatoes, appetizers, breads and side dishes made with real ingredients. Each of Alexia's gourmet products are made with premium, natural ingredients in creative and delicious flavor combinations. They are the perfect addition or complement to any of your family's favorite dishes. Best yet? Most can be ready in 25 minutes or less! :)
Armed with three of my family's Alexia favorites- the BBQ Sweet Potato Fries, the Crispy Onion Rings, and the Spicy Sweet Potato Fries, I set out to make a tasty and easy menu plan for the week for my family...
First up? The BBQ Sweet Potato Fries! :)
What goes better with BBQ and sweet potatoes than pulled pork?
To make my Loaded Pork BBQ Sweet Potato Fries, I simply placed about 1 1/2 pounds of pork in my slow cooker and poured half a bottle of our favorite prepared BBQ sauce over top. Just cook it on low for 5-6 hours, come home, and then shred. Place a small pile of the baked & crispy Alexia BBQ Sweet Potato Fries on a plate, top with some of the pulled pork, and then your favorite pulled pork sandwich toppings. I am a fan of shredded cheese and sweet relish. This would also be fabulous topped with coleslaw.
The Alexia Crispy Onion Rings with Panko Breading and Sea Salt quickly became a new favorite with my family. And I have to admit that we happen to be huge onion ring snobs. ;) But they were perfectly crisp and seasoned & not overly breaded- perfection! I made a smothered chicken dish with them one evening of the week. I simply sauteed chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, and then topped them with homemade chicken gravy and chopped onion rings. To make it super easy, you could just use jarred chicken gravy for this. Serve alongside steamed carrots or over mashed potatoes.
The Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries just may have been my favorite, and that is not really surprising for those of you who are familiar with my affinity for all things chipotle seasoned. ;) I paired these sweet potato fries with a kick with one of my family's new go-to dinners- taco burgers! Just mix 1 pound of lean ground beef with half a packet of your favorite taco seasoning, and a 1/4 cup of taco sauce. Make into patties and grill! We topped our burgers with all of our favorite taco toppings like cheese, sour cream, and salsa. I even whipped up a quick dip for the fries using just Ranch dressing and a little taco sauce. The dip paired perfectly with the chipotle smokiness of the sweet potato fries.
For weeknight #4, we went back to those amazing Alexia Crispy Onion Rings with a simple, yet tasty twist on the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup. I baked up a batch of their panko breaded onion rings, and then sandwiched a few between two slices of cheese in this grilled cheese deliciousness. Serve alongside your favorite tomato soup, and boom! Dinner is served.
Anyone else here a huge of fan of breakfast for dinner, aka "brinner"?
For this last dish in my weekly meal plan with Alexia, I went for a delicious and easy take on a classic breakfast hash...
I used the Spicy Sweet Potato Fries for this dish because I just love that smoky chipotle. I cooked an egg over medium and just served it over top of the fries. You can add chopped bacon and ham to this as well. Serve with buttered toasts or biscuits, and you have a quick and hearty brinner! :)
Are you already a fan of Alexia foods? What is your favorite way to incorporate them into your weekly menu planning?
Haven't tried them yet? You can find Alexia products at your local natural, club, grocery and mass retail stores nationwide. Visit www.alexiafoods.com for more information on their products and to find a location.
Alexia frozen sides are a delicious addition to any weeknight meal! They are that little something extra to help create a balanced meal with real ingredients and an exceptional taste!
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Alexia Foods. The opinions and text are all mine.
