Since my decision to see how long I could go without committing "unnecessary shopping" in 2013, I've had more time at home ... resulting in planned menus.
(from All Recipes.com)
I'm happy to report two positives:
1. My family gets regular healthy, home-cooked meals nightly and we gather round the table enjoying good family time.
2. Since there's plenty of food at home, that never-ending desire to run out for fast food is curbed.
(from Get Off Your Butt and Bake)
Here are my menus since the beginning of 2013.
1/1 Spaghetti with salad
1/2 Hamburger soup (crock pot)
1/3 Enchiladas
1/4 Ham Steak, Lipton noodles, snaps
1/5 Leftovers
1/6 Leftovers
1/7 Lasagna
1/8 French toast with bacon and eggs
1/9 Chicken and rice
1/10 Barley soup - crock pot (a newbie for us)
1/11 Meat loaf, potatoes, broccoli
1/12 Vegetarian night
I make several meals in one morning. Then on days when we're running around (e.g. Wednesdays are Biology outside our home and weekends are so busy), I don't have to give dinner a thought.
I made sausage balls for snacking ... they were gone in a day ;)
(from Plain Chicken blog)
As I begin to learn how to cut grocery costs, meal planning will be a big part of that, hopefully saving us billions lots of dollars.
Do you plan menus or cook by the seat of your pants, like I have all my life? Planning our meals has really made my late afternoons simpler - no more panic over what to fix for dinner!
Sounds super. I don't really plan meals each week, but I make sure that when I am shopping, I keep the pantry and freezer full. I buy in bulk when things are on sale, so I always have whatever it takes to make a meal. I do cook from scratch which saves tons and we don't go out to eat a lot or go for fast food. I so agree. I make several meals at once, so it is really easy to have a meal on the table. You can always find some spaghetti sauce, casserole, enchiladas and cooked ground beef in the freezer. That way I can pull something out and put in the oven on the timer if I need to, or not cook at all for a day or two. You are doing a great job. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteWhen my children, who are adults, come to visit they complain that we have nothing to eat. We have lots to eat, but one has to do a little work to eat. The only snack food we have is nuts. For dessert we eat cuties this time of year. And since we live in one of the main strawberry producing areas in California, much of the year dessert is strawberries.
ReplyDeleteI am being good on not spending needlessly. I signed up for a Heart Swap and have to make 5 hearts. My challenge is that I will not allow myself to go buy any new materials. I have to use what is collecting dust.
I plan menus for a week at a time. I also make meals with "planned leftovers". For example, I will use bottom round, or London broil to make French dip. I buy it when it is on sale, and freeze in meal size portions. I trim off the fat, before I freeze the meat. I will put the frozen meat in the refrigerator the night before I plan to use it. When the meat is still slightly frozen, it is easy to slice, thinly. Just put the sliced meat in the crock pot, with seasonings, and broth. If I am being very frugal, I will use a bullion cube dissolved in hot water. If I have found a great deal on canned beef broth I'll use a can of that. I cook it on low all day, and serve on a hoagie. We get six baguettes at Sam's at a good price, and cut one in sections to use, instead of hoagie rolls that cost more. I will use the leftover broth and meat, to make barley soup for another meal.
ReplyDeletePlanning ahead saves a lot of money, it is also more convenient because you can plan your menu, using ingredients you have on hand. Any time you can save a trip to the store, you will spend less.
nancyr
When my kids lived at home I made menus and cooked. It really made a huge difference. I had no extra money and fast food was rare indeed. Now I don't cook as much but I'm trying to eat healthier this year so planning to do more basic meals. Chicken, veggies and salads.
ReplyDeletehugs, Linda
Menus are a great way to plan, however I don't do it....LOL
ReplyDeleteWell, I plan before going to the grocery store what meals I will be cooking in the coming week! I don't necessarily know which days will be which meal, but at least I know to get ALL of the ingredients! I use the crock pot a couple times a week or sometimes just one depending on games etc. Enjoy your day dear friend, great job on saving money! HUGS!
ReplyDeleteMost of the year I plan menus, one of my favorite things to do, but in January-February I try to cook out of the pantry and freezer as we have family construction business and the weather wrecks havoc with our finishing work and getting paid. Sometimes I think we eat better then. And it means I don't go to grocery store for weeks but just let my husband pick up perishables on his way home. Your menus sound really good!
ReplyDeleteI definitely cook by the seat of my pants - except for desserts. :) I sure need a better plan, or A plan would be better! Hugs! Hope your having a very good new year!
ReplyDeleteI used to plan meals by the grocery ads but just the two of us now. Not much planning anymore. It's a good idea when you have kids at home.
ReplyDeleteI try to keep a stocked kitchen and then mostly serve home style meals from basic foods. When we have company, I plan 3 meals and smacks. But most days I cook what sounds good to me
ReplyDeleteYou are doing such a good job of this Mary..I do about half & half..Sometimes I plan things to have for the week and sometimes it's like "what are we going to eat tonight"..My son is picky so he cooks a lot of his own meals..Please do not tell my guys that you are cooking such yummy meals every night..OK..lol
ReplyDeleteMy mother used to make sausage balls. Seeing yours brought back fond memories.
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to start meal planning again.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Valerie
Cottage Making Mommy
www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com