Throughout the years, I have learned to sit down and take the time to plan out my menus 2 weeks in advance. By doing this, I am able to do several things at once:
Make a more accurate grocery list
Save money on my grocery budget by planning meals around the sales and what is available in my own pantry
Stay on track with my personal schedule by planning Crock-Pot meals, casseroles, and more formal dinners
Eliminate the neverending question of, "What's for dinner?"
Help plan each day early in the morning, thus avoiding the loss of valuable time and the last minute rush to figure out what to cook for supper
I have had many ladies who have asked me to share my menus, and so have decided to do so here on my kitchen blog. One key thing to keep in mind is to remain flexible, however. There are always the inevitable crises and emergencies that come up and when this happens, one needs to be able to adapt quickly in all areas, including the preparation of meals. With that in mind, here are my menus for the next 2 weeks:
Chicken & Stuffing Bake, Mixed Veggies, Fruit Salad
Tuesday 2/12/08
Broccoli Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Wednesday 2/13/08
Bacon & Eggs, Grits, Home Fries, Biscuits
Thursday 2/14/08
Chili, Cornbread
Friday 2/15/08
Hot Dogs with Chili, Potato Salad
Saturday 2/16/08
Chicken & Dumplings, Salad
As you can see, I plan nights specifically for leftovers, and this helps prevent things from going to waste in my refrigerator and enables me to make full use of everything I cook. I also try to have one night per week, at least, for a meatless meal, making sure to incorporate foods with plenty of protein in other forms. I rarely serve dessert after supper, but if I choose to do so, I try to make something that is appropriate for the meal. In other words, a *heavy* meal would call for a lighter dessert (such as a fruit parfait), whereas a meal that is simpler would allow for a dessert that is a bit more intense (such as puddings or cakes).
When I had my daycare, I also planned the breakfast, lunch, and snacks for each day, not only for the reasons listed above, but also to allow my daycare parents to be aware of what their children were eating and to plan their own meals accordingly.
I hope this menu and these tips/ideas help you with your own kitchen and time organization and budgeting!
Hugs,Cynthia Robin
Untitled Comment
Posted by smmagers on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 8:21 PM - Link
You have been bizzy. I am trying to put together a menu for the week or two for the girls to cook. I need to get back on keeping the house in order from the couch while I heal. It is just hard having my daughters do it all. God Bless. mj
Untitled Comment
Posted by gabbie427 on Monday, February 4, 2008 at 11:27 PM - Link
The dinners sounds wonderful!!!
I plan meals by the month as well, and have found out I save not only money, but time. I don't have to visit the grocery store as often because we do once a month shopping (more often for fresh produce and milk). I love not having to wonder what is for dinner as well.
This weblog will be a compilation of happening's here in my home. I will be including homemaking tips, recipes, and encouragement for the homemaker who realizes she is a God-ordained Keeper of her Home.
You surround yourself with art and music and are constantly driven to express yourself. You often daydream. You prefer honesty in your relationships and believe strongly in your personal morals.
