mhaddon Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 I was thinking we could do a meal planning thread. Share what our meal plan for the month is and help others out that are starting :) I've seen discussion about it in other threads and have seen a few "resolutions" to try this. So let's chat, share, and learn! I am finishing up mine and will post as soon as it is finished :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 I was thinking we could do a meal planning thread. Share what our meal plan for the month is and help others out that are starting :) I've seen discussion about it in other threads and have seen a few "resolutions" to try this. So let's chat, share, and learn! I am finishing up mine and will post as soon as it is finished :) I would be game for that, but I don't plan by the month -- just by the week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 I would be game for that, but I don't plan by the month -- just by the week. Same here, I do mine weekly too.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhaddon Posted December 27, 2012 Author Share Posted December 27, 2012 That's ok too :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithr Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 Here's my new attack plan for dinners: Sunday - dad grills (hamburgers/hot dogs, steak, kabobs, fish) or if he's not grilling then something in the oven (other than roast chicken), potatoes of some sort, veggie, salad Monday - quick pasta dish + salad (fettucine alfredo, spaghetti with meat sauce or spaghetti carbonera) Tuesday - roast chicken + rice + veggies Wednesday - breakfast for dinner + fruit salad (omelets, pancakes, waffles, etc) Thursday - pizza + salad Friday - meatless (fish, seafood, vegetarian) (can be anything from cod, to shrimp fried rice to minestrone soup and grilled cheese sandwiches) Saturday - leftovers, carry out or something new to try Breakfasts are pretty easy but my downfall is lunches. Everybody just kind of comes and gets what they want and often they don't eat well or they don't eat enough and then get hungry before dinner, wind up snacking and then don't eat dinner. Throws everything off. I need quick, healthy lunches that will please everybody. That's hard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb in NZ Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 I've drafted a meal plan as we're aiming for a "no spend" month during January. Neither dh or I will have any income coming in at all, so this is necessary. Luckily we have a stocked pantry, freezer, & a garden that should be producing. My plan is: Breakfasts: cereal, porridge, or yogurt & fruit (choices get limited towards the end of the month as items get eaten. I make my own yogurt & have enough supplies on hand for 2 litres / week) Lunches: left-overs, salad, & fruit (Ds#1 will take the same to work when he starts back on 7th Jan) Dinners: 1--MYO pizza 2--Tuna Mac 3--Fried Rice 4--Stuffed Potatoes 5--Breakfast Burrittos 6--Dinner Salad 7--Vegetable Flan 8--Soup & Salad 9--Teriyaki Chicken & Rice 10--Pasta 11--Bean & Cheese Burrittos 12--Pancakes 13--Dinner Salad 14--Fried Rice 15--Soup & Salad 16--Chicken curry 17--Pasta 18--MYO Pizzas 19--Ds#2's birthday meal (his choice) 20--Dinner Salad 21--Teriyaki Pork balls & rice 22--Soup & Salad 23--Butter Chicken & rice 24--Pasta 25--Fried Rice 26--Nachos & Salad 27--Curry Beef & peas 28--Fish cakes & salad 29--Tuna Pea Wiggle 30--Soup & Salad 31--Bacon Egg Pie I got a new breadmaker for Xmas (with our loyalty points :thumbup1: ) , so I plan to have homemade breads available daily. I will do a couple batches of homebaking each week for morning & afternoon tea. Ds#2 is on summer holidays until 1st February & he plans to go fishing as much as he is able, so we may have fresh fish occassionally to supplement the above menu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiseOwlKnits Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 I just finished up my January meals yesterday so I'm happy to share! I've always done them by the week in the past, but I decided to try doing them by the month this year since I hate meal planning. This way I only have to plan 12 times a year instead of 52! :) Jan 1 - ham, mac and cheese Jan 2 - chili Jan 3 - shrimp and pasta Jan 4 - burritos Jan 5 - chicken pot pie Jan 6 - chicken tikka masala Jan 7 - baked spaghetti Jan 8 - pulled pork sandwiches Jan 9 - eat out Jan 10 - pork tacos Jan 11 - grilled salmon Jan 12 - lasagna Jan 13 - sausage and mushroom quiche Jan 14 - sloppy joes Jan 15 - chicken enchiladas Jan 16 - eat out Jan 17 - pork chops Jan 18 - tortilla soup Jan 19 - chicken alfredo Jan 20 - pork roast Jan 21 - stir fry noodles Jan 22 - tuna casserole Jan 23 - eat out Jan 24 - salmon patties Jan 25 - chicken quesadillas Jan 26 - chicken cordon bleu Jan 27 - roast chicken Jan 28 - sausage and potatoes Jan 29 - potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches Jan 30 - eat out Jan 31 - breakfast for dinner We eat out every Wednesday night with friends, but my goal is to not eat out any other night. I don't list any veggies, but we have a salad every single night for dinner and then always a couple of vegetables. I pretty much buy the same veggies - green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots - every week and just rotate through them.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhaddon Posted December 27, 2012 Author Share Posted December 27, 2012 What is the pea wiggle?? Sounds yummy, I love peas lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhaddon Posted December 27, 2012 Author Share Posted December 27, 2012 1- family dinner of corned beef and cabbage 2- chicken enchilladas 3- lasagna 4- Shrimp stir fry, rice, eggrolls 5- home made pizza 6- beef roast, green beans, potatoes 7- lamb chops, baked beans, pasta salad 8- sati babis, rice, peas 9- Chicken pot pie 10- beef stew and rolls 11- shrimp scampi, red lobster rolls and birthday cake 12- squirrel and dumplings, greens 13- dinner with family 14- quiche and fruit 15- spinach stuffed shells, salad 16- pallea 17- Salisbury steak, potatoes, peas 18- tuna casserole 19- deer chili 20- chicken Marsala, potatoes, broccoli 21- beef tips with mushrooms and egg noodles 22- Talapia, rice, asparagus 23- Green chicken pitas 24- pork roast, sweet potatoes 25- beef drip sandwiches, salad 26- baked potato soup and chessecake factory bread 27- bacon wrapped meatloaf 28- chicken spaghetti 29- lamb ribs, scalloped potatoes, cauliflower 30- biscuits and gravy, eggs 31- chicken and dumplings I make almost all breads we have and do rotate around meals, but just so I know I have enough for a month :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest inoubliable Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I'm in. I was going to sit down tonight/tomorrow and do this anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa in SC Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I'm in, but haven't inventoried or planned yet. Typically, I plan by the week, but have toyed with trying monthly. Whatever I decide, i'll come back with my list once it's finished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I'm in, but not, 'cause I'm using a service (The Fresh 20). A friend has been test driving an online service called Eat Your Books that indexes cookbooks and blogs, allowing you to search through your books, magazines, favourite blogs, etc. She has nothing but raves. Here's the EYB blurb: Eat Your Books has indexed over 780,000 recipes from the most popular cookbooks and magazines and the best blogs and websites. All you have to do is tell us the cookbooks you own, the magazines you subscribe to and the blogs and websites you follow. Instantly you have a searchable index of all your recipes. Enter a recipe name, an ingredient, a recipe type, ethnicity - whatever you want! You will see a list of recipes that match. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I'm interested! I was going to sit down and plan out all of January tonight or tomorrow night. This thread will give me a good head start! We eat out way too much but I hate meal planning. Hopefully a month long plan will help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb in NZ Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 What is the pea wiggle?? Sounds yummy, I love peas lol Tuna Pea Wiggle is a traditional Vermont dish. It's simple & easy to make & a family favorite. #1 Make a basic white sauce (I drain the water from the cans of tuna & peas to add in more flavor) #2 Stir in canned tuna. #3 Stir in peas (I like canned, but you could use frozen.) #4 Serve over crushed saltines, toast, or noodles. My brother likes Tuna Pea Wiggle so much that my mother would send him some every year on his birthday :laugh: . DH isn't a fan, but my dc love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I plan two weeks at a time. When I have January completed...I'll post it. Meal planning saves me TONS of money every month! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhaddon Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Tuna Pea Wiggle is a traditional Vermont dish. It's simple & easy to make & a family favorite. #1 Make a basic white sauce (I drain the water from the cans of tuna & peas to add in more flavor) #2 Stir in canned tuna. #3 Stir in peas (I like canned, but you could use frozen.) #4 Serve over crushed saltines, toast, or noodles. My brother likes Tuna Pea Wiggle so much that my mother would send him some every year on his birthday :laugh: . DH isn't a fan, but my dc love it. I think I will try it on Tuna night! Sounds good and stuff everyone already likes :) So yes, meal planning saves me a ton of money. Plus we are unable to go out to eat. We may have lunch one day at a fast food place, but that is not even always happening. I do have a husband that hunts so that helps with some meats and we raise our own. We are hoping to have beef in the freezer very soon and some more pork. Streatching the lamb until next fall is hard!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraciebytheBay Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I'm in! I plan by the month and will be doing it this coming weekend. I'll be back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I plan weekly. Rest of the week- Salmon patties, mashed potatoes and peas Pork loin baked with apples Hawaiian slider ham n cheese Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justme824 Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I am in for sure. My number one goal for 2013 is to conquer meal planning. I don't like it all, but I know that when I do take the time I save a TON of money. I've never thought of planning for an entire month, but I just might give that a whirl this month. Curious, those of you that plan a month, do you shop for a month too? I would love to do one big trip each month, then just pick up the perishables (milk, eggs, produce) weekly. Hmmm..... I've got to put the baby to bed but I'll be sitting down with a paper and pencil tonight to get a January plan down :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cin Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I usually only plan a week at a time. DH and DD11 juice twice a day and DD8 & I do smoothies for breakfast and lunch (she has some additional food also). If I don't have a plan for those too, I end up not doing them. I also plan lunches so we don't end up at McDonald's. Planning all that gets overwhelming, so I usually only do a week at a time. I'll try two weeks and see how well it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readinmom Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I was doing oamc...had some good recipes, but not enough freezer space. I came across some soup recipes I'd like to fix for the busy nights. Like the others, I usually cook by the week, depending upon what is on sale. We are sticking to a weekly cash grocery budget ala Dave Ramsey...also pledging not to eat out. I'm embarrassed by how much we were spending on a "quick" dinner. :crying: I won't even begin to talk about my Starbucks addiction... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gentlemommy Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I'm in! I also do mine weekly, so I can meal plan around sales. I have specific meals for dinner, but just rotate breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas. Dinner for the rest of this week and next- Friday-making lasagna to take to the in laws Saturday-chicken noodle soup and salad Sunday-shepherds pie Monday-roast chicken and veggies Tuesday-chili and corn bread Wednesday-leftovers Thursday-$5 pizzas on our way home from the gym Friday-Hawaiian pork chops, cabbage salad Saturday-fettuccini Alfredo, caprese salad Sunday-teriyaki chicken and veggie fried rice Breakfast is bagel with cream cheese, eggs, pancakes, or oatmeal Lunch ideas- Bean burritos Turkey sandwiches Chicken salad sandwiches Pita and hummus Buttered pasta and edamame Leftovers Snacks are Greek yogurt, carrots, fruit, cheese sticks, popcorn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justme824 Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Okay, I actually made a dinner list. Now I just need to follow through. I think I will try and do one big shop Monday, then fill in the gaps with fresh produce, milk, and bread weekly. I still need to figure out the pizza nights (the person who selects our family movie for the night also selects the pizza). I'm quite certain that I won't be going in this order, but selecting what I can cook that night based on my mood & time. I add salad & veggies to every single meal regardless so they aren't listed since I use what's on hand. Lunches here are typically leftovers, and with a nice meal plan like this I see plenty of leftovers that will be up for grabs! Breakfast during the week is simple - oatmeal, yogurt, scrambled eggs/toast, etc. I get a little fancier on the weekends - pancakes, potatoes, etc. 1 Chili & Cornbread 2 Spaghetti & Meatballs 3 Chicken Tacos & Rice 4 Pizza Friday 5 Roast Chicken & Potatoes 6 Pulled Pork Sammies 7 Pasta e Fagioli Soup 8 Potato Soup 9 Beef Stew 10 Pork Chops & Potatoes 11 Pizza Friday 12 Dried Beef Gravy 13 Chicken Enchiladas 14 Chicken Noodle Soup 15 Chicken Tenders with Mac & Cheese 16 Lemon Chicken & Confetti Rice 17 Sausage & Potatoes 18 Pizza Friday 19 Grilled Cheese 20 Cowboy Spaghetti 21 Sloppy Joes 22 Meatloaf 23 Turkey Nachos 24 Pesto Pasta 25 Pizza Friday 26 Fettuccini Alfredo 27 Chicken Pot Pie 28 French Toast & Sausage 29 Pot Roast 30 Beef Tacos 31 Baked Ziti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Here's mine, starting with tomorrow. Dec. 28: homemade Mac 'n cheese with broccoli spears. Dec. 29: Salsa Verde Chicken Taco Bake, green salad, fruit Dec. 30: Spaghetti & meatballs, Italian bread, green salad Dec. 31: sloppy joes, oven baked fries, carrot/celery sticks Jan. 1: Streusel Baked French Toast, bacon, fruit salad Jan. 2: leftovers Jan. 3: Chicken Noodle Casserole, green salad, muffins That's all I have for now. I'm trying to have a "no spend" January, so my budget is set at the absolute minimum. Most of my meals will be made with pantry/food storage items. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caitlinsmom Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I'm in. I will do a freezer inventory tomorrow and see what I come up with. There are some good ideas on the thread already which will give me a boost. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Laurie Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I plan a month ahead and just finished mine because I'm grocery shopping tomorrow. (I do a monthly big trip to Costco, our local foodie grocery store, and Target for staples and then go each week for perishables for that week's meals and to replenish produce.) stroganoff pinto beans and tortillas (my dh is from NM and makes the beans and tortillas and the kids love it.) cheeseburger chix; crash hot potatoes; roasted carrots enchilada casserole, salad turkey veg soup w cabbage and brown rice and homemade biscuits spinach minestrone soup w homemade bread and salad wild salmon, baked potatoes w butter, sour cream, and fresh chives, roasted broccoli homemade chicago style pizza, salad sloppy joes, fries, veg of some sort- I start running out of ideas for veggies in the winter and often make some boring frozen veggies. chix legs w rice and oven roasted veggies crockpot chix noodle soup, salad chix on a stick (from weelicious, my kids love it), homemade mac and cheese, green beans crockpot meatball soup, salad Indian dal and naan greek shrimp w orzo, green beans tomato basil soup w tortellini and bacon wrapped breadsticks fettucine alfredo, salad crockpot mex bean and beef soup, salad chix parm, roasted broccoli wild salmon and oven roasted veggies (sweet potatoes, red potatoes, spinach) linguine and red clam sauce, salad meatloaf, cabbage, potatoes crockpot chix and lentils over rice french toast casserole and sausage spaghetti w pesto, salad roasted veggie magic (from gluten free goddess) fish and chips and veggies crockpot salsa chix and beans over rice, salad I don't schedule anything on Saturdays. Dh and I eat alone together and cook something new together. The kids get to pick convenience meals for Saturdays, like frozen pizza or whatever they want. They consider that a treat and I count on that day off. I also hardly ever used my crockpot before having a high-needs baby/now toddler, and it's now my bff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I'm in but haven't made my plan yet. I started something new in November. I've always done weekly planning. Last month I made a list of meals for the month, but didn't assign dates. It worked well and gave me more flexibity. I'll post my January list this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 This will be fun. I will post mine tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Here's my next month's menu: Dec. 30 - sausage biscuits (breakfast for dinner) Dec. 31 - vegetarian (soup) Jan 1 - chili and cornbread muffins Jan 2 - noodles & beans (this is my kid's go-to daddy's-work-night meal) Jan 3 - homemade baked chicken nuggets Jan 4 - salmon and broccoli Jan 5 - homemade pizza & salad Jan 6 - pancakes, eggs, bacon Jan 7 - beans and rice Jan 8 - spaghetti & meatballs, garlic bread Jan 9 - noodles & beans (daddy's work night) Jan 10 - crock pot cream cheese chicken and noodles Jan 11 - pork chops & baked sweet potatoes 12 - spam & rice 13 - breakfast casserole 14 - Vegetable soup 15 - beef roast - crock pot 16 - noodles & beans (daddy at work) 17 - baked chicken, veggies, potatoes 18 - salmon patties 19 - bean burritos or nachos 20 - sausage biscuits 21 - bean soup 22 - meatloaf muffins & mashed potatoes 23 - noodles & beans 24 - chicken dish - crock pot 25 - pulled pork sandwiches 26 - baked potatoes and salad 27 - pancakes, eggs, bacon 28 - veggie quiche 29 - beef tacos 30 - noodles & beans 31 - chicken stirfry, rice Feb 1 - tuna casserole Feb 2 - sausage, beans, rice Feb 3 - breakfast casserole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Here's my new attack plan for dinners: Sunday - dad grills (hamburgers/hot dogs, steak, kabobs, fish) or if he's not grilling then something in the oven (other than roast chicken), potatoes of some sort, veggie, salad Monday - quick pasta dish + salad (fettucine alfredo, spaghetti with meat sauce or spaghetti carbonera) Tuesday - roast chicken + rice + veggies Wednesday - breakfast for dinner + fruit salad (omelets, pancakes, waffles, etc) Thursday - pizza + salad Friday - meatless (fish, seafood, vegetarian) (can be anything from cod, to shrimp fried rice to minestrone soup and grilled cheese sandwiches) Saturday - leftovers, carry out or something new to try Breakfasts are pretty easy but my downfall is lunches. Everybody just kind of comes and gets what they want and often they don't eat well or they don't eat enough and then get hungry before dinner, wind up snacking and then don't eat dinner. Throws everything off. I need quick, healthy lunches that will please everybody. That's hard! I love this approach! You are giving me some ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kateincali Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Tuna Pea Wiggle is a traditional Vermont dish. It's simple & easy to make & a family favorite. #1 Make a basic white sauce (I drain the water from the cans of tuna & peas to add in more flavor) #2 Stir in canned tuna. #3 Stir in peas (I like canned, but you could use frozen.) #4 Serve over crushed saltines, toast, or noodles. My brother likes Tuna Pea Wiggle so much that my mother would send him some every year on his birthday :laugh: . DH isn't a fan, but my dc love it. We do the same things just put it over buiscuts! ummy...i was never a pea fan, so it tends to be corn! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kateincali Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Life is way to complicated for me to do the whole month! It seems things change to much and I love to use the store ads to decided what to make, saves a few cents! So here is mine for the first week of January. Pot Roast with rice and veggies Potato Corn Chowder with biscuits Burritos with the leftover Pot Roast Pork Stir Fry over rice Chef Salad Creamed Tuna over biscuits Leftovers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Here's my January list. We probably won't get to everything on it, since things come up and we end up eating out sometimes. The only date that is meal specific is New Year's Day. Dh likes hoppin' john (black-eyed peas) so I'll make that but without the greens. No one likes collard or mustard greens so we usually just have a salad. For the most part I don't plan sides because I order from a produce co-op weekly. Sides are based on what comes that week. I also list by categories, so for example if I want to do something with the meatballs I have in the freezer, I just have to look at one general area of the list. Jan 1st - Hoppin' John, cornbread, tomatoes, salad January meals: shrimp creole fish tacos with lime cream sauce pork roast pulled pork sandwiches pork chops with apples and onions cranberry pork chops herbed pork tenderloin pork tenderloin with red cabbage minestrone soup chili lentil soup tomato-basil soup and grilled cheese sandwiches split pea soup with ham red beans and rice meatball subs meatballs and gravy meatloaf tacos roast chicken chicken enchiladas fried rice with whatever leftover meat we have baked potato bar, salad tortellini with pesto sauce, tomato salad breakfast casserole French toast, bacon, fresh strawberries homemade or take & bake pizza We will go out for dinner on or near our anniversary. We'll also have several leftovers or clean out the fridge nights. Anything on the list I don't make this month will roll over to February's list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandaceC Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I'm working on my menu right now! I've done this off and on in the past and have GOT to be better about it routinely!! :) ETA: Ok, here's what I've got so far! This took me all afternoon! LOL! Right now I'm skipping Sundays and Wednesdays because of church and our crazy schedule. Still trying to figure out those days... 1 2- simply great chicken - pinterest 3 salmon patties and roasted broccoli 4 creamy chicken enchiladas 5 chicken pot pie 6 7 breakfast 8 chicken noodle soup 9 10 soft tacos - beef 11 grilled cheese and tomato soup 12 oven fried chicken 13 14 mexican hamburger casserole 15 bbq chicken sandwiches 16 17 chicken alfredo and salad 18 breakfast 19 grilled steaks 20 21 cube steak sandwiches and fries 22 chicken casserole 23 24 potato soup 25 soft tacos - chicken 26 grilled cube steak with peppers and potatoes 27 28 fried rice and chicken 29 south of the border casserole 30 31 quiche Almost all these recipes are on my pinterest boards for recipes OR healthy meal ideas. Sorry I'm too lazy to type them all out!! :) I looked in my freezer and we have ground beef, cube steak and chicken. So I'm trying to cook with only those meats this month. I already had the canned salmon also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 These are lunches and dinners. Kids are cooking some of these so they reflect their choices. Some of these days are holidays and or parties here or out. All breakfasts are eggs, muesli, oatmeal etc. 29 beans and cornbread Snacks for pm 30 Roast, vegetables, bread, banana pudding Brownies, ice cream and fudge sauce 31 Vegetable beef stew, bread Smokies, cheese dip, crackers, loaded nachos, fruit tray 1 Black eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread Leftover snack food, birthday cake 2 Tuna salad on pita, carrots, fruit brownies Ham and cheese sandwiches, cuties 3 Quesadillas, Spanish rice Minestrone soup, bread 4 Chicken and noodles with crackers Homemade pizza, vegetable tray 5 Toast with jam, eggs, sausage Cheese ball and crackers for party 6 Roast, vegetables, bread, fruit jello Leftover snacks from party 7 BBQ sandwiches and pickles Pancakes and eggs with sausage or bacon 8 chowder, oyster crackers Italian chicken, mashed potatoes, fruit, bread 9 Homemade macaroni and cheese Shepherd's pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa in SC Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 Ok...so I've planned January. This is how I do it. I pick 30ish main dishes and list them with the recipes attached. I then pick the items for a particular week based on sales, how busy I'll be, etc. We rarely have bread, and I pick sides totally based on what's nutritious & cheapest, so the only thing I'm listing is main dishes, and those are in no particular order. As a matter of fact, they're loosely listed by category, because that's how I plan. Looking over the month, it seems heavy. What can I say? It's winter. We're cold (weenie SC residents that we are). I pretend to redeem myself through adding lots of fresh green salads and tons of fruits and veggies. I don't pretend to add those things lol, I just pretend that their addition redeems the "heartiness" of the entree. :D 1. Creamy Potato Soup 2. White Chicken Chili 3. Homemade Chicken Soup 4. Cheese/Chicken/broccoli Soup 5. Italian Meatball & Tortellini Soup 6. Poor Man Stew 7. Shredded Beef Enchiladas 8. Tacos 9. Chicken Enchiladas with Verde Sauce 10. Taco Salad 11. King Ranch Chicken 12. Chicken Diable 13. Baked Veggie Spaghetti 14. Spinach Lasagna 15. Stuffed Shells 16. Creamy Chicken Spaghetti 17. Pasta Bake 18. Squash & Broccoli Mac & Cheese 19. Thai Chicken 20. Shepherd Pie 21. Sloppy Joes 22. Roast with carrots & potatoes 23. Pasties (because of leftover roast) 24. Chicken Fried Rice 25. Homemade Pizza 26. Homemade Faux Deep Dish Pizza 27. Roast Chicken (out of order because the leftovers will become the chicken fried rice) 28. London Broil 29. Leftover London Broil on Greens with Sliced Pears and Bleu Cheese 30. Some kind of mish mash stew or pot pie using all the bits of leftovers I've tucked into the freezer over the month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 Y'all are awesome. I'm starting a list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 I go week by week. Next week will be: Sun-roast turkey, baked sweet potatoes, rolls, kiwi Mon-turkey nachos, fruit salad, vegetable tray Tue- baked veggie pasta, oranges Wed-boneless pork chops, broccoli, biscuits, applesauce Thu-turkey veg soup, fresh bread, grapes Fri- calzone, salad, ice cream Sat- grilled cheese and tomato soup, baked apples Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songsparrow Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 Wow, you guys are awesome. I get stressed planning a week ahead, but I just went to the grocery store and stocked up. We are trying to eat Primal, so lots of meats & veggies. Here's what I have for the next week-ish ... Meats: 2 small chickens to roast for friends who are coming over for dinner today. Use the chicken remains to make stock. Big pot roast Lots of ground beef in the freezer. May try a stuffed butternut squash, some ricotta-stuffed meat balls, chili, and/or a bacon-meatloaf recipe I haven't tried yet. Veggies: Cauliflower for mashed cauliflower Lots of carrots for carrot soufflé and for the stock (celery & onions, too, for the stock) Pumpkins to roast and make pumpkin soup Butternut squash, not sure how I'm going to cook yet Yams, for maple mashed sweet potatoes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandaceC Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 I'd love to hear how you prepare your maple mashed sweet potatoes!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiffnkids Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 Thanks for inspiring me to get this done! Here's the plan: 28. Potato soup and cheese toasts 29 Burgers/dogs/veggie burgers, fruit salad, oven chips 30 Beer can chicken, grilled cauliflower, mac n cheese 31 Appetizers and snacks 1. Black eyed peas, rice, cornbread, spinach 2. Turkey kielbasa, pierogies, cabbage and carrots 3. Burritos 4. Veggie calzones and salad 5. Ham, spinach quiche, fruit 6. Ham, au gratin potatoes, green veggie 7. Stir fried veggies and Japanese curly noodles 8. Pressed subs, veggies with dip, fruit 9. Bean soup and cornbread 10. Italian macaroni and broccoli 11. Southwestern eggrolls, rice, pico de gallo 12. Broccoli cheese rice casserole, grilled chicken, salad 13. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green veggie 14. Chicken mushroom stroganoff, green veggie 15. Sloppy joes/veggie burgers, quinoa salad, fruit 16. Brunswick stew and homemade crescent rolls 17. Turkey sausage, veggie, pesto pasta 18. Cheese fondue 19. Quesadillas and black bean soup 20 Ribs and chicken, baked potatoes, green beans 21. Spaghetti and meatballs, salad 22. Breakfast - croissants, eggs, bacon, grits, fruit 23. Chili 24 Grilled chicken wings and tenders, orzo veggie medley 25. Pizza and salad 26 Veggie soup and grilled cheese 27. Roast chicken, stuffing, peas and corn 28. Tacos 29. Chicken and dumplings 30. Southwestern pasta 31. Meatball/falafel pitas and Greek salad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 I'm in! I can always use new ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 The thread inspired me to try planning two weeks. Here's what I have so far, in "flexible" order. I kind of group things by main dish, then I spread those out over the week for variety. Things like the side veggies may have to change depending on what looks good at the markets and on the sales. I have enough meat to last until May (I think), so that part is easy to plan. Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatotes, cranberry sauce, lettuce & pea salad (New Year's Eve) Hocks and blackeyed peas (New Year's Day) Broccoli beef, brown rice Boeuf bourguignon, rolls, salad Steaks, steamed broccoli and salad GF tortellini with chicken, veggies and mushrooms in garlic chicken broth sauce, and salad Chicken piccata, snap peas, carrots, and salad Indian chicken tacos and salad Mu Shu pork, rice pancakes, stir-fried veggies GF pasta with hot Italian sausage and stir-fried romaine and mixed greens (whatever I can find) Macaroni and cheese, steamed broccoli, salad Pinto beans and rice, steamed broccoli, salad Gluten free pizza (x 2) For lunches, it will be mostly soups, and I will make the guys some sandwiches as well. Soups will be: Potato leek Minestrone Butternut squash and bacon Navy bean and bacon Vegetable beef Chicken and white & wild rice For breakfasts, we usually have eggs or ham for protein and fruit. The guys also have toast, or sometimes pancakes or french toast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justme824 Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I decided to do one big shop and just got back. Our cupboards & fridge & freezer are stocked. There a few more things I need to pick up tomorrow at a different store, but that will be easy as tomorrow is also my Target run. Then my weekly trips will be just milk & produce ( if only I had the fridge space for a month of milk). I can already tell I saved a bundle :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaAkins Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 This is what I have planned so far. The open dates indicate nights that I'm not sure that we'll actually be home for dinner or nights that dh will be gone (I usually just do something easy when he's gone). There are a few open dates for the last week of the month - our dinners will be based on what is left in our freezer and cabinets at that point! 1/1 – Ham, rice, black eyed peas, green beans 1/2 Brown Sugar & Balsamic Glazed pork (crockpot), mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli 1/3 mexican ziti, corn 1/4 macaroni & cheese with ham & broccoli 1/5 crockpot beer chicken, roasted veggies, rice 1/6 leftovers or eating at grandparents’ house 1/7 (My Birthday) 1/8 Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, salad 1/9 salisbury steaks with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans 1/10 Creamy Bacon Carbonara with Chicken, roasted broccoli 1/11 Proscuitto Wrapped Chicken thighs, roasted red potatoes, asparagus 1/12 1/13 Sirloin Tip roast, homemade mashed potatoes 1/14 Chicken Cordon bleu, roasted veggies 1/15 Crockpot beef & broccoli, fried rice 1/16 Chicken Ranch tacos, rice, beans, corn 1/17 Roasted Pork in a Baguette, green beans or salad 1/18 - leftovers 1/19 – DD8’s birthday (she’ll get to choose dinner) 1/20 1/21 1/22 Chicken Parm Meatballs, spaghetti, Italian bread, salad 1/23 1/24 Flank Steak in crockpot, roasted red potatoes, veggie 1/25 Roasted Chicken, mashed potatoes, veggies, 1/26 1/27 1/28 1/29 1/30 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Well, thanks to all of you I've been very busy the past few hours. I fully expect a lot of leftovers, so I'm not concerned that I came up with only 28 days instead of 31. I listed a few lunch ideas, but of course there are always the standbys like PB&J, Tuna, etc... Dinners Koshari Zesty BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Fasulia, Rice (Thursday) Shepherd’s Pie Musaka, Rice Lasagne, Salad Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Cornbread or Homemade bread Broiled Chicken, Salad, Veggie Meatloaf, Salad, Rice BBQ Chicken Pieces in Crockpot, Veggies, Salad (Thursday) Laban, Rice (cooked yogurt dish, Arabic) Taco Soup, Cornbread Salmon, Rice Malfoof, Salad (stuffed veggie rolls) Memaw’s Casserole, Salad (kind of a mexican spaghetti casserole) Kafta Waraq (Arabic meatballs wrapped in grape leaves) Chicken Stew (Thursday) Chili and Cornbread Oven Fried Chicken, Salad, Veggies Chicken Burgers, Veggie Spaghetti and Sauce Dawud Basha, Rice (Arabic; meatballs in a tomato stew with dried mint) Roast Chicken with Red Peppers & Garlic, Rice Roast Leg of Lamb, Rice, Veggies (Thursday) Meatballs baked with turnips, carrots, roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes; Rice Fava Bean Ratatouilee (p. 201 Forks over Knives) Skillet Fried Chicken Strips, Salad, Veggies, Rice White Chicken Chili Lunches Tacos Red Beans and Rice Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Quesadillas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I do monthly and I'll be sure to share as soon as I actually finish it. haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alicia64 Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I don 't mean to steal the thread, but how do you guys do this kind of planning?? Do you look through your calendar and if you have a busy afternoon you plan an easy dinner? I just end up often feeling like I planned something difficult (ish) to make when I had a harder day. Also, there are so many days where I planned to make, say, lasanga, and everyone really felt like having something entirely different. How do you deal w/ that? Alley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 We usually do weekly, but since we recently purchased a 1/4 cow and a 1/2 pig, I've got a freezer full of food to work with. There are a couple of holes I need to fill in still, but here's our month so far: Jan 1-yogurt w/berry sauce, celery almond soup, sesame glazed chicken w/Brussels sprouts Jan 2-smoothie, mini pizzas, rolled cabbage Jan 3-oatmeal, egg salad sandwiches, black bean soup Jan 4-cereal, salad, veg stir fry w/rice Jan 5-pancakes or muffins, tuna sandwiches, chicken tetrazzini Jan 6-eggs, ??, pork butt Jan 7-granola bars (homemade), tomato soup, bulgur chili Jan 8-yogurt parfait, pasta salad, mushroom herb chicken, twice baked potatoes, veg Jan 9-egg sandwiches, cole slaw, beef enchiladas Jan 10-granola, mushroom quesadillas, split pea & ham soup Jan 11-cereal, tuna sandwiches, veg curry w/rice Jan 12-pancakes or muffins, corn & bacon chowder, cauliflower mac & cheese Jan 13-eggs, ??, olive oil poached steaks w/thyme Jan 14-smoothie, brown rice salad, ?? (veg based) Jan 15-oatmeal, peanut noodles, mustard chicken thighs Jan 16-eggs, tuna melt, noodles w/cabbage & pork Jan 17-cereal, salad, butternut chowder Jan 18-oatmeal, rice, peas & carrots, potatoes & eggs w/salad Jan 19-pancakes or muffins, ?? (soup), pasta w/mushrooms, chicken & wine Jan 20-eggs, ??, fennel roasted pork Jan 21-oatmeal, salad, ?? (veg) Jan 22-yogurt, flatbread w/veggies, chicken in wine sauce Jan 23-eggs, minestrone soup, chili mac Jan 24-oatmeal, pizzas, spinach, pasta & pea soup Jan 25-baked apple, ?? (sandwich), ?? (veg) Jan 26-muffins/pancakes, ??, roasted veggie pasta Jan 27-eggs, ??, sirloin steak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 1/9 salisbury steaks with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans 1/10 Creamy Bacon Carbonara with Chicken, roasted broccoli 1/11 Proscuitto Wrapped Chicken thighs, roasted red potatoes, asparagus 1/14 Chicken Cordon bleu, roasted veggies 1/15 Crockpot beef & broccoli, fried rice 1/16 Chicken Ranch tacos, rice, beans, corn 1/17 Roasted Pork in a Baguette, green beans or salad 1/22 Chicken Parm Meatballs, spaghetti, Italian bread, salad Do you happen to have recipes handy for any of the above? Your whole menu sounded like things we would eat here, so I am curious about these! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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