This is probably one of the most made cookie recipes in our home as both of my older girls learned how to make these when they were young and they quickly became experts!
These also go by other names such as Preacher Cookies, Beaver Dams, Haystacks, Mud Pies, and Cocoa Quickies but no matter what you call them they are delicious!
This is our basic meal plan for the week. Sometimes we will switch the days around if I forgot to set something out or put something in the crockpot. Please feel free to use this or change it around to suit your family’s needs.
I have started trying to do easier meals on days that I have square dancing obligations. This helps me to be able to put a nice meal on the table without feeling guilty about having some much needed ‘Mommy Time’. Some of these meals may also help with those that have busy or irregular schedules due to work or extracurricular activities.
I do have ‘Snacks/Desserts’ listed as well. I always try to keep a bowl of fresh fruit out on the counter or table for the kids to snack on. Sometimes I will make a special snack or treat for us to enjoy.
We have also been using the Trim Healthy Mama books to try to convert some of our favorite recipes to be healthier. Meal planning really does help keep this tired Momma from completely losing her sanity. It also helps when I can quickly locate the recipe and ingredients I need for grocery lists and meal prep. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the supplements and such that we are using. You can always buy them a few at a time or many of them can be substituted or even omitted, if necessary.
Some recipes are from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook and the Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table. These will have a link to the product on Amazon as I can not post the recipes online without prior permission. In many cases, I have tried to tweak our recipe to be more in line with THM but I can’t guarantee that they would be 100% on the plan but I can say that they are healthier than their previous versions.
I do still have a lot of recipes that I need to convert so this will be a bit of a process for us as well. Some recipes are better as they are and we will try to make them work as best we can. I know the kids need a few extra calories and nutrients so we do usually have a few extras (like bread and rolls) that us grown-ups will need to exercise caution with but other than that it has been pretty easy to follow along with this plan so far. If the meal happens to be something that I feel is not on the plan I may choose not to eat part of it or make a big salad and top it with whatever protein source everyone else is having.
I know the THM plan says that you may not see any weight loss at first but that your body will be healing from the inside. I know that we are eating much healthier than we were before and I’ll try to be content knowing that we are getting healthier one meal at a time.
I also love to utilize the grocery pickup services from Walmart and Sam’s Club not to mention that Amazon Prime Deliveries can make life so much easier as well.
Scroll to the bottom of the page for Meal Prep Ideas to make this week a little easier.
Breakfast:
Good Grub Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table p. 64
Fried Eggs
Lunch:
Dinner: ++
Crockpot Taco Soup (Double Batch**)
Rice
** This will make enough for a meal plus leftovers. Use the optional ingredients and don’t eat with rice.
Snacks/Desserts:
-or-
Baby Frap from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal
The Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook and the Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table both have some great ideas for cereal alternatives you can make at home.
-or-
Orange Smoothie (Creamsicle Shake)
Lunch:
Soup & Salad
Dinner: ++
**(This is usually a fairly quick meal to put together as we have a class/dance in the evening)
Snacks/Desserts:
Cupcakes (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments at the dance.)
-or-
Cinnamon Butter Bundt Cake Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table p. 380
Breakfast:
-or-
Fat-Stripping Frappa from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook
Lunch:
Tuna Salad Sandwiches & Veggies
-or-
Salad w/tuna
Dinner: ++
Leftovers
-or-
Cheesy Squash Casserole -or- sauteed squash
Mashed Potatoes -or- Super Yummy Caulitaters
Snacks/Desserts:
Fruit
Baby Frap from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook
Breakfast:
-or-
Try a new muffin recipe from Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table
Lunch:
Hot Dogs
Veggies
-or-
Soup (Use leftovers)
Dinner: ++
Creamed Spinach and Bacon-Smothered Chicken Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table p. 219
Quick & Easy Garlic Bread or Garlic Cheesy Bread
Snacks/Desserts:
Leftover Muffins
-or-
Collagen Berry Whip from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 375
Root Beer Floats… try this recipe: ROOT BEER SHAKE
Breakfast:
Protein Power Pancakes (3 variations) or Trim Healthy Pancakes or Waffles (E) p. 259
Blueberry Syrup (with healthier options) or Pancake Syrup (FP) p. 480
-or-
Fat Stripping Frappa Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 418
Lunch:
PB & J Sandwiches & Fruit
-or-
Cottage Cheese Salad Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 190
Dinner: ++
Mashed Potatoes -or- Super Yummy Caulitaters -or- Baked Sweet Potatoes
Snacks/Desserts:
Popcorn
-or-
Celery with Peanut Butter
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal -or- Can-Do Cereal – Quick Version Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table p.349
The Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook and the Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table both have some great ideas for cereal alternatives you can make at home.
-or-
Creamy Grains Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 253
Lunch:
Leftovers
Dinner: ++
Free Day
**(This is usually a fairly quick meal to put together as we have a class/dance in the evening)
Snacks/Desserts:
Cookies (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments at the dance.)
-or-
Baby Frap from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook
Breakfast:
Protein Power Pancakes (3 variations) or Trim Healthy Pancakes or Waffles (E) p. 259
Blueberry Syrup (with healthier options) or Pancake Syrup (FP) p. 480
-or-
Big Boy Smoothie from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 414
Lunch:
Ham & Cheese Perfect Stuffed Wraps
-or-
Salad in a Jar Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 188
Dinner: ++
Mashed Potatoes -or- Super Yummy Caulitaters -or- Baked Sweet Potatoes
Vegetable Casserole or add some chunked veggies to the pot roast if desired.
Snacks/Desserts:
Cake from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook or the Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table
Baby Frap from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook
++I have a few kids who seem to be going through growth spurts right now and are always HUNGRY. I have been keeping a pot of beans, blackeyed peas, or another vegetable as a side. I also have been buying a few extra snacks like fruit, veggies, yogurt, etc.
**This post does contain affiliate links to products and/or services that we use. We may earn a teensy-weensy small commission (at NO EXTRA cost to you) if a purchase is made through these links. These links help to support our family, our blog, and our homeschooling mission and allow us to continue to post FREE articles, recipes, and tips.
–Thank you!
This is our basic meal plan for the week. Sometimes we will switch the days around if I forgot to set something out or put something in the crockpot. Please feel free to use this or change it around to suit your family’s needs.
I have started trying to do easier meals on days that I have square dancing obligations. This helps me to be able to put a nice meal on the table without feeling guilty about having some much needed ‘Mommy Time’. Some of these meals may also help with those that have busy or irregular schedules due to work or extracurricular activities.
I do have ‘Snacks/Desserts’ listed as well. I always try to keep a bowl of fresh fruit out on the counter or table for the kids to snack on. Sometimes I will make a special snack or treat for us to enjoy.
We have also been using the Trim Healthy Mama books to try to convert some of our favorite recipes to be healthier. Meal planning really does help keep this tired Momma from completely losing her sanity. It also helps when I can quickly locate the recipe and ingredients I need for grocery lists and meal prep. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the supplements and such that we are using. You can always buy them a few at a time or many of them can be substituted or even omitted, if necessary.
Some recipes are from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook and the Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table. These will have a link to the product on Amazon as I can not post the recipes online without prior permission. In many cases, I have tried to tweak our recipe to be more in line with THM but I can’t guarantee that they would be 100% on the plan but I can say that they are healthier than their previous versions.
I do still have a lot of recipes that I need to convert so this will be a bit of a process for us as well. Some recipes are better as they are and we will try to make them work as best we can. I know the kids need a few extra calories and nutrients so we do usually have a few extras (like bread and rolls) that us grown-ups will need to exercise caution with but other than that it has been pretty easy to follow along with this plan so far. If the meal happens to be something that I feel is not on the plan I may choose not to eat part of it or make a big salad and top it with whatever protein source everyone else is having.
I know the THM plan says that you may not see any weight loss at first but that your body will be healing from the inside. I know that we are eating much healthier than we were before and I’ll try to be content knowing that we are getting healthier one meal at a time.
I also love to utilize the grocery pickup services from Walmart and Sam’s Club not to mention that Amazon Prime Deliveries can make life so much easier as well.
Scroll to the bottom of the page for Meal Prep Ideas to make this week a little easier.
Breakfast:
Soaked Apple Cinnamon or Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Recipe (A Make-Ahead Breakfast!)
-or-
Banana Creamy Grains Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 253
Lunch:
Hot dogs
Veggies
-or-
Dinner: ++
Potato Salad (with cauliflower alternative)
Snacks/Desserts:
-or-
Muffins from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook
Salted Caramel Baby Frap Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal
The Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook and the Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table both have some great ideas for cereal alternatives you can make at home.
Choco Secret Big Boy Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p.415
Lunch:
Leftovers
Salad w/cucumbers, tomato, feta cheese, black olives, and an oil and vinegar dressing
Dinner: ++
Quick & Easy Garlic Bread or Garlic Cheesy Bread
**(This is usually a fairly quick meal to put together as we have a class/dance in the evening)
Snacks/Desserts:
Cupcakes (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments at the dance.)
-or-
Magic Salted Caramel Cupcakes Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table p. 378
Breakfast:
-or-
Lunch:
PB & J Sandwiches
Fruit
-or-
Soup & Salad
Dinner: ++
Snacks/Desserts:
Fruit
Pudding Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 350
Breakfast:
-or-
Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Glosting Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table p. 364
Lunch:
Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
Veggies
-or-
Salad topped with cooked shrimp, chicken, or other meat
Dinner: ++
Buttered Bread
Snacks/Desserts:
Leftover Muffins
-or-
Muffin in a cup recipe from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook or the Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table.
Breakfast:
Protein Power Pancakes (3 variations) or Trim Healthy Pancakes or Waffles (E) p. 259
Blueberry Syrup (with healthier options) or Pancake Syrup (FP) p. 480
-or-
Fat Stripping Frappa Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 418
Lunch:
-or-
Dinner: ++
Brown Rice (Make a double batch and use leftovers for tomorrow)
Snacks/Desserts:
Popcorn
-or-
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal -or- Can-Do Cereal – Quick Version Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table p.349
The Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook and the Trim Healthy Mama’s Trim Healthy Table both have some great ideas for cereal alternatives you can make at home.
-or-
Creamy Grains Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 253
Lunch:
Soup
Grilled Cheese
Dinner: ++
-or-
Creamless Creamy Chicken Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 78
Brown Rice
**(This is usually a fairly quick meal to put together as we have a class/dance in the evening)
Snacks/Desserts:
Cookies (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments at the dance.)
Breakfast:
-or-
Fruit
Lunch:
Leftovers
-or-
Crispy Salmon Siesta Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 80
Choco Chip Baby Frap Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p.421
Dinner: ++
Free Day
-or-
Chicken Stir Fry (I usually just buy the HUGE bag of veggies and add some cooked chicken or steak to it)
Chinese Fried Rice with Veggies, Brown Rice, or Cauli Rice
Snacks/Desserts:
Cake
Tummy Tucking Ice Cream Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook p. 363
++I have a few kids who seem to be going through growth spurts right now and are always HUNGRY. I have been keeping a pot of beans, blackeyed peas, or another vegetable as a side. I also have been buying a few extra snacks like fruit, veggies, yogurt, etc.
**This post does contain affiliate links to products and/or services that we use. We may earn a teensy-weensy small commission (at NO EXTRA cost to you) if a purchase is made through these links. These links help to support our family, our blog, and our homeschooling mission and allow us to continue to post FREE articles, recipes, and tips.
–Thank you!
**This post does contain affiliate links which help to support my blog and my family.
Chocolate Chip Cookies are always a favorite around here. Did you know that August 4th is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day? Be sure to share a link to your favorite recipe in the comments below.
Preheat the oven to 350.
Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Cream together the butter, sugars, and vanilla.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well.
Gradually add in the flour mixture.
Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop by Tablespoons on ungreased cookie sheet. I love these pans!
Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool 2 minutes and remove from pan.
Enjoy with a tall glass of cold milk!
As promised I will share the recipe for the cookies we made earlier today. These are super easy to make and I had made two batches, or about four dozen cookies, in less than 30 minutes.
I’ve always called them haystacks but Mr. Awesome knows them as Noodle Cookies. You can probably add other ingredients, desired or maybe even swap the butterscotch chips for chocolate ones.
Mr. Awesome likes them without marshmallows but with plenty of peanuts. The kids like them with marshmallows. That’s how I ended up making two batches.
Haystacks aka Noodle Cookies printable recipe
Line two baking pans with wax paper.
Place the chips in a medium to large size bowl. Microwave on 50% for 1-2 minutes or until mostly melted.
Stir in the peanut until smooth.
Add other ingredients and stir until well coated.
Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared pans.
Cool in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes.
Enjoy!
(‘Cooked’ version)
Cooked Haystacks aka Noodle Cookies
Line two baking pans with wax paper.
In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt the chips with the sweetened condensed milk.
Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine the noodles and nuts.
Stir in the melted chip mixture until evenly coated.
Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared pans.
Cool in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes.
Enjoy!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Wheels
Ingredients:
Directions:
Cream together the sugar, cream cheese and vanilla together until smooth.
Unroll the crescent rolls onto lightly floured surface.
Pinch together the seams and pat or roll the dough out into a rectangle.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the crescent sheet to about 1/2 inch from the edge.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of cream cheese, press down lightly.
Roll the crescent rolls up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap.
Chill in freezer for at least 2 hours but don’t let it get it get hard.
When chilled preheat oven to 350°.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Slice into 1/4 inch slices.
Bake for 12 -14 minutes until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack.
This is our basic meal plan for the week. Sometimes we will switch the days around if I forgot to set something out or put something in the crock pot. Please feel free to use this or change it around to suit your family’s needs.
I have started trying to do easier meals on days that I have square dancing obligations. This helps me to be able to put a nice meal on the table without feeling guilty about having some much needed ‘Mommy Time’. Some of these meals may also help with those that have busy or irregular schedules due to work or extracurricular activities.
I do have ‘Snacks/Desserts’ listed as well. I always try to keep a bowl of fresh fruit out on the counter or table for the kids to snack on. Sometimes I will make a special snack or treat for us to enjoy.
Sunday
Breakfast:
Cinnamon Muffins, scrambled eggs, fruit
Lunch:
leftovers
Dinner: ++
Alice Springs Chicken, Baked Potatoes , Salad
Snacks/Desserts:
PB Crackers/Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Monday
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal
Lunch:
hot dogs, mac n cheese
Dinner: ++
Impossibly Easy Pizza Bake, Salad
**(This is a fairly quick meal to put together as Momma has a class/dance in the evening)
Snacks/Desserts:
Cupcakes
Tuesday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Egg Salad Sandwiches, veggies
Dinner: ++
Fix It and Forget It Crockpot Chicken, 30 minute Rolls
**(This is a fairly quick meal to put together as Momma has a class/dance in the evening)
Cookies (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments at the dance.)
Wednesday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
PB & J Sandwiches, Fruit
Dinner: ++
Fish w/Honey Mustard Sauce, Baked Sweet Potatoes, veggies
Snacks/Desserts:
Muffins
Thursday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Scrambled Egg Sandwiches, veggies
Dinner: ++
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies
Snacks/Desserts:
Fruit
Friday
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal
Lunch:
Dinner: ++
Crockpot Tortellini Soup, Buttered Bread
**(This is a fairly quick meal to put together as Momma has a class/dance in the evening)
Snacks/Desserts:
Cookies (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments at the dance.)
Saturday
Breakfast:
Cheese Danish, Fruit
Lunch:
Soup (probably leftover soup), grilled cheese
Dinner: ++
Crunchy Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Cheesy Squash Casserole
Free Day
Snacks/Desserts:
++I have a few kids who seem to be going through growth spurts right now and are always HUNGRY. I have been keeping a pot of beans, blackeyed peas, or other vegetable as a side. I also have been buying a few extra snacks like fruit, veggies, yogurt, etc.
This was another recipe that I made for the Chili Dog Dangle Dance that we had on June 9th for the Silver Fox Squares. These were probably the most talked about cookies that night! I will definitely be making them again and probably tweaking the method a little bit more.
The kids had a lot of fun with these and I did too. I think I may try using shortbread dough, if I can find it, the next time. I may also experiment with a couple of homemade cookie doughs until I can find one that I am really happy with.
I did find this idea on Pinterest and you can click here for the original recipe. (I found the Hot Dog Stand on Amazon.)
Hot Dog Cookies
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat oven to temperature on the package directions.
Line a couple of pans with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into quarters and tint 1/4 red for the ‘hot dogs’. (Place in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.)
Shape the remaining dough into balls and form into ‘buns’. (You may find that the dough is getting soft before you can shape them all and you may need to keep some in the refrigerator.)
Ours were a process of trial and error but the best size ended up being about the size of a half dollar.
Use a butter knife to make the slit in the bun.
Next form ‘hot dogs’ and place into buns. Use your fingers to shape them a bit.
Place in the freezer for 10 minutes and then bake about 10-12 minutes.
After they come out of the oven use two spatulas to ‘squeeze’ them into shape, if needed.
Let cool for 2-5 minutes before removing them from the baking sheet.
Repeat with remaining dough.
Once cooled you can decorate them with the icing to resemble mustard and ketchup. There are many other ideas you can use to resemble other toppings but we just stuck to the basics this time around.
Enjoy!
Things have been a little crazy around here. We have had a lot of Square Dancing stuff going on plus the usual housekeeping tasks and homeschool, of course. It’s been a juggling act to say the least but we are keeping it together and enjoying the ride. This is one of those weeks that I am especially grateful that I have been doing our meal plans ahead of time. (I am typing this out on Sunday, March 26 as I already know this will be a crazy week.)
This is our basic meal plan for the week. Sometimes we will switch the days around if I forgot to set something out or put something in the crock pot. Please feel free to use this or change it around to suit your family’s needs.
I have started trying to do easier meals on days that I have square dancing obligations. This helps me to be able to put a nice meal on the table without feeling guilty about having some much needed ‘Mommy Time’. Some of these meals may also help with those that have busy or irregular schedules due to work or extracurricular activities.
I do have ‘Snacks/Desserts’ listed as well. I always try to keep a bowl of fresh fruit out on the counter or table for the kids to snack on. Sometimes I will make a special snack or treat for us to enjoy.
Sunday
Breakfast:
Bagels w/cream cheese, fresh fruit
Lunch:
scrambled egg sandwiches
Dinner:
Crockpot Italian Chicken, Rice, Salad, 30 minute Rolls
Snacks/Desserts:
Monday
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal
Lunch:
PB & J Sandwiches, Fruit
Dinner:
Mexican Tortilla Skillet, Rice, Beans
Snacks/Desserts:
cinnamon toast
Tuesday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
chicken salad, veggies
Dinner:
Pork Sandwiches, French Fries, Cole Slaw
Snacks/Desserts:
Fruit
Wednesday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
soup, grilled cheese
Dinner:
Crock Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos, Salad
Snacks/Desserts:
Muffins
Thursday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
tuna salad sandwiches, veggies
Dinner:
Easy Chicken Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, veggies
Snacks/Desserts:
fruit
Friday
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal
Lunch:
leftovers
Dinner:
Meatball Sandwich Casserole, French Fries, Salad
Snacks/Desserts:
popcorn
Saturday
Breakfast:
Monkey Bread, eggs, applesauce
Lunch:
PB & J Sandwiches, Fruit
Dinner:
Free Day **use food from the pantry or freezer or order out for a special treat
Snacks/Desserts:
Yogurt
This is our basic meal plan for the week. Sometimes we will switch the days around if I forgot to set something out or put something in the crock pot. Please feel free to use this or change it around to suit your family’s needs.
I do have ‘Snacks/Desserts’ listed as well. I always try to keep a bowl of fresh fruit out on the counter or table for the kids to snack on. Sometimes I will make a special snack or treat for us to enjoy.
Sunday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
hot dogs, mac n cheese
Dinner:
Creamy Chipped Beef Over Toast, Scrambled Eggs
Snacks/Desserts:
Monday (National Cherry Pie Day)
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal
Lunch:
Egg Salad Sandwiches, veggies
Dinner:
Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Veggies, Buttery Bread Sticks
Snacks/Desserts:
Tuesday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
PB & J sandwiches, fruit
Dinner:
Snacks/Desserts:
Wednesday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Scrambled Egg Sandwiches, veggies
Dinner:
Chili Dog Casserole, Chips, Cole Slaw
Snacks/Desserts:
Thursday
Breakfast:
Lunch:
leftovers
Dinner:
Daddy Can’t Wait Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Corn Muffins
Snacks/Desserts:
Fruit/Veggies
Friday
Breakfast:
Cereal/Oatmeal
Lunch:
Grilled Cheese
Dinner:
Crockpot Tortellini Soup, Buttered Bread
Snacks/Desserts:
Saturday
Breakfast:
Waffles, Sausage
Lunch:
tuna salad sandwiches, fresh veggies
Dinner:
Crockpot Cabbage Rolls, Grandpa’s Fried Potatoes, Green beans
Snacks/Desserts:
