Defensive Maneuvers

I sure love watching football. It just doesn't get much better than popcorn, blanket, kitties and the NFL.

But that's not what I'm focused on right now.

It's Sunday and I am laying out my defensive strategy for the week. We're packed to the gills with meetings, deadlines, gym visits and banker calls. And because we had a wonderful date night at Bob's Steak and Chop House last night, we need to keep an eagle eye on our eating out budget for the rest of the month.

So what's a girl to do when she's busy but needs to avoid take-out? Cook ahead.

I'm making Turkey and Dressing Casserole (think of all holiday goodness in one dish!), the Hayley-family favorite Chicken Spaghetti and the always popular comfort food, Meatloaf.

All are great for making ahead and refrigerating (or freezing) to quickly reheat another day.

Hayley's Chicken Spaghetti

• 1/2 lb chicken tenders, cooked and diced (if you are pressed for time, purchase pre-cooked diced chicken pieces)
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1/2 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 small can mushrooms, drained
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 T. chili powder (more or less to taste)
• 6 oz whole-wheat spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
• 4-6 oz shredded cheddar cheese

Combine first 6 ingredients. Stir in spaghetti. Put in lightly greased 8x8" casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes.