I am a big fan of meal planning. Since I am married to a man who enjoys family meals every night, meal planning has made this a much less stressful and more enjoyable experience. When we were first married, I used to cringe at the daily question "what's for dinner?"... but now I am fully prepared and no longer left to, quite literally, make something up.
Throughout the winter, I stuck with having one soup a week, one chili a week, and one more specific meal a week. I have found this to be a nice pattern for a few reasons: 1) soup is cheap to make!, 2) both soup and chili can be made in the crockpot, 3) These meals promote leftovers, 4) it saves money- and nothing goes to waste, and 5) it's a nice pattern to follow so I don't have to come up with something totally different every single day.
ie: March Looks something like this:
Week 1:
Monday: French Onion Soup
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Chili and Rice
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Leftovers
Week 2:
Monday: Potato Soup
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Leftovers (it makes a lot and Carl doesn't mind!)
Thursday: White Chicken Chili and Rice
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Rice and Beans
Week 3:
Monday: Spinach and Lintel Soup
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Crockpot Enchilladas
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Chicken Panini's
Saturday: Leftovers
Sundays are a little different because sometimes people bring meals over or I cook-every week is different. I keep "extras" on hand for those weeks.
I only plan for three weeks because, as most things go, this does not always go according to plan. Sometimes we go to someone's house and eat there, sometimes I make something else or the leftovers carry on another day.. so the last week of the month is "catch-up" week. I make whatever is left to make, or use an "extra" on hand; such as Breakfast or Spaghetti.
Also, as you can see, I like one dish meals. It is just easier for me to throw stuff into one pot, or crockpot rather, and be finished.
Happy planning!
3 comments:
Hi Amy! I've found good recipes on this blog http://whatsfordin-din.blogspot.com/ and the latest one is for the crockpot! Loved your potato soup! Thanks for bringing it over! Kali and I will have to come over and hang out with you guys soon!
Okay, I'm going to steal your weekly menus and just make them! I love the leftovers being planned in there too. Thanks for posting this.
I do a similar meal plan, alternating making a meal & eating leftovers. I like the idea of the fourth week being "catch-up week," as we often don't eat every meal I had planned. I often will use big batches of meals and freeze a family portion for meals. That way I always have stuff ready if unexpected guests come or if someone needs a meal brought to them (ie hospitalization, baby born, etc).
This all worked great in the winter, when we wanted soups and chili. But I'm having a harder time now that it's summer. I'd love to know what meals you are currently preparing! I love love love 1 dish meals especially. :)
Warmly,
Emily
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