This weekend I think I finally hit my stride in making a plan to menu plan. It does take some time to sit down and review what you have on hand to make a menu, review recipes to see what needs to be added to the grocery list, and then finish up the grocery list. I did my planning session during Saturday’s naptime so I could get a couple of little things on Sunday and be ready to start the week with the majority of the ingredients needed for the week. I’m using my binder of favorite recipes or Pinterest most often.
So far the menu planning is helping me feel less stressed about dinner time, especially since I am adding in at least one or two crock-pot meals for the week. It’s also started to trim my grocery bill for the week by about $25. Next up is to start clearing through some back-up in the pantry and freezer so hopefully I can increase our savings even more.
Up on this week’s plan…
Monday~ new Mexican Chicken in the Crock-Pot…I’m winging it so if it’s good, a recipe will follow 😉
Tuesday~ Lentil Soup and Salad. Daddy is away so I get to test out some meatless meals to see if they are hearty enough for his return.
Wednesday~ Chicken Sausage and Pasta
Thursday~ Easy Chicken Curry. I’ve made this two times before and some very picky eaters LOVED it.
Friday~ Fried Haddock Sandwiches. My little man turns ONE on Friday, so he may get something special.
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What are you cooking this week?
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This post will be shared at OrgJunkie Menu Plan Monday.
I love curry so much. I think I could eat it every night of the week!
And I agree–it's a bit hard to get into the swing of making yourself sit down and plan the week's meals, but the whole week goes soooo much more smoothly when I do!
I do much better when I menu plan as well. Like you said, it's just a matter of sitting down with some cookbooks or whatever turns you on…I'm a big Cooking Light fan, so I will often use that for inspiration.
I did go to Whole Foods today…had to return something at Legacy so used that as an excuse to shop. I am most excited about the 2lbs of pork butt I bought to make carnitas…made it once before and it was sooooo good! The non-meat-eater in the house has some late nights this week so I should be all set to make it soon. Yum!
[different Katie from the above one :)]
I have made a lentil soup a few times over the last few months and found it filling enough for even the hungriest of appetites! Sometimes we make a nice bread to go along with it. It was also a newer recipe in the hunt for some meatless recipes to save money on at least one dinner a week and there is always leftovers for lunch the next day!
~Haley
Menu planning is a must for me. I does take a while to get into it – at first it seems like more work. But once you start feeling less pressure at dinner time – Woo Hoo!!! Never look back! I love seeing what you are cooking for the week. That reminds me I have a great lentil recipe I haven't made in a while.
Stop it with your bad self! This is great. I need to be more diligent with a menu plan.