DianeW88 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  LOL...If I make it, they eat it, or they don't get dinner. I don't take a poll on what everyone wants. My kids will ask what's for dinner, and I tell them, and nobody is allowed to complain about it. I also always take into account what our busy nights will be for the week, and those are crockpot meals. That way we don't throw in the towel and go out to eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. 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  That's why I plan the main dishes but don't assign dates. At the beginning of each week, I look at the list, and pick what works for our upcoming week. I don't usually ask, I just tell them what we're having. Since there are only 3 of us, I'll occasionally ask if they want this or that tonight, but that's the extent of their choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa in SC 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   I pick 6 or 7 items for any given week from the month's list. Nothing I make is really too time consuming unless I just want it to be. I don't assign a meal to a specific day. I just know I'll be making all of the things I chose at some point during the week. I check the calendar for commitments that will impact dinner. I don't poll the family before I decide. I make things most of us like anyway. If dinner isn't someone's favorite, well then, maybe tomorrow night will be.  When the olders were younger, we had a routine that's become standard. It goes like this:  Child: Mom? What's for dinner? Me: Food. Child: Right, but what kind of food? Me: Edible food. Child: /chuckles and wanders off to do something else or offers to help/  Sooo...everyone knows that we will have edible food every night lol. Works for me. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaAkins 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   Yes, I plan our meals according to what we have going on. For example, on Tuesdays, we are gone from the house from 3:30-5:45 for dd5's dance class. Since we're usually hungry when we get home, I know that I don't want to come home and have to start prepping dinner. So I usually plan crockpot meals for Tuesdays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaAkins Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Â 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! :) Â I put links with the recipes that I have handy! The rest are things that I make from memory! Â 1/9 salisbury steaks with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans 1/10 Creamy Bacon Carbonara with Chicken, roasted broccoli - http://www.justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com/?p=2094 1/11 Proscuitto Wrapped Chicken thighs, roasted red potatoes, asparagus - http://www.staceysnacksonline.com/2010/12/prosciutto-wrapped-chicken-thighs.html 1/14 Chicken Cordon bleu, roasted veggies 1/15 Crockpot beef & broccoli, fried rice - http://jennifersikora.com/2012/09/crockpot-beef-and-broccoli/ 1/16 Chicken Ranch tacos, rice, beans, corn 1/17 Roasted Pork in a Baguette, green beans or salad - http://joanneweir.com/recipes/mains/pork-roasted-the-way-the-tuscan-do.html (this is the basic recipe, but i use rosemary instead of sage) 1/22 Chicken Parm Meatballs, spaghetti, Italian bread, salad http://www.dinneralovestory.com/chicken-parm-meatballs/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Â I put links with the recipes that I have handy! The rest are things that I make from memory! Â 1/9 salisbury steaks with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans 1/10 Creamy Bacon Carbonara with Chicken, roasted broccoli - http://www.justgetof...ake.com/?p=2094 1/11 Proscuitto Wrapped Chicken thighs, roasted red potatoes, asparagus - http://www.staceysna...ken-thighs.html 1/14 Chicken Cordon bleu, roasted veggies 1/15 Crockpot beef & broccoli, fried rice - http://jennifersikor...f-and-broccoli/ 1/16 Chicken Ranch tacos, rice, beans, corn 1/17 Roasted Pork in a Baguette, green beans or salad - http://joanneweir.co...-tuscan-do.html (this is the basic recipe, but i use rosemary instead of sage) 1/22 Chicken Parm Meatballs, spaghetti, Italian bread, salad http://www.dinneralo...parm-meatballs/ Â Â Thank you, I really appreciate it! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammyw Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I'd love to get some help planning meals. I try to plan by the week, but sometimes I don't, and then our meals are just not as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium 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  I do a lot of prep. If there's a day where no one feels like having X, I swap days or I usually have the ingredients for a simple substitute or lunch food.  Here's my month, I'm afraid I don't have anything you ladies didn't already have above me. Wednesdays are homemade pizza and Fridays are breakfast for dinner nights. I just listed the main dish and will have rice, veggies or some side.  1. Burritos 2. Pizza 3. Salad 4. Waffles 5. Cottage Pie 6. Quesadillas 7. Monkey Brains (sloppy joes) 8. Chicken Korma 9. Pizza 10. Broccoli Cheese Soup 11. Breakfast Burritos 12. BBQ Chicken 13. Teriyaki Chicken 14. Spaghetti 15. Chicken Noodle Soup 16. Pizza 17. Bean Burritos 18. Pancakes 19. Hamburgers 20. Cowboy Beans 21. Kiddo's Birthday 22. Lemon Pepper Chicken 23. Pizza 24. Minestrone 25. Eggs and Toast 26. Grilled Cheese. 27. Fish Fingers. 28. Spaghetti 29. Tuna Noodle Casserole 30. Pizza 31. Ravioli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjzimmer1 Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 There is no way I can plan the whole month out since baby is due in 3 weeks so sometime this month everyone will be scattered for a while. Plus some days I just have no energy to cook and we pull out a freezer meal. But I have a few days worth so far (mostly stolen from ideas in the last few days. Also I don't usually plan sides and veggies as I just pull together something from what I have/feel like making that day.  29th Baked Fish with Tomato Herb Sauce over mashed potatoes 30th Korean Beef over rice 31st and 1st we have family event so won't be home for dinner 2nd Roast Sticky Chicken in the crockpot and roasted potatoes (either red or sweet since I've got both on hand right now but not both because we don't like them mixed) 3rd Onion and Bacon tart from Saveur that was posted here 4th Creamy Chicken and Bacon Carbonara that someone posted above 5th Chicken Soup 6th-9th Easy stuff as my husband is out of town and the kids aren't as picky about eating leftovers and odd assortments I find in the freezer  After that I don't have specific days in mind but we will have a baked ham at some point and follow it up with ham and bean soup. My brain is too fried to think much farther out than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Live2Ride Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I do weekly because I make menu's as to what's on sale. I subscribed to the Fresh 20 website and have been using it as a jumping point for my meal planning. Some dishes I don't make because I know that they won't be received well at all and then some I put for the next week if I know something is coming up on sale. Â I plan on making all the dishes in this weeks lineup, but I also plan to make a couple from previous weeks. Because I have access to all the archived recipes, I even schedule lunches and weekends. Â I also have a good amount of food I need to start rotating out (by using it) and restocking a little at a time. I will be doing that this year as we buckle down our finances and use what we have first. Plus with a large cow in the back that will need to go in to the larger freezer this spring, I will not be purchasing any frozen goods at all. Told DH that we have got to start getting those freezers down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Here's what I have for the next two weeks: Â Dec. 30: Filet Mignon with Au Gratin potatoes and salad Dec. 31: New Years Eve Party (bringing Firecracker Shrimp & white chocolate brownies) Jan. 1: New Years Day Party (bringing cookies and cornbread) Jan. 2: Sesame Shrimp with Jasmine Rice and fruit Jan. 3: Chicken Pesto Casserole Jan. 4: Soups (variety of cans available), Sands, Leftovers (take your pick) Jan. 5: Eat Out/Macaroni Grill Jan. 6: Grilled Boneless Pork Chops with White Cheddar Risotto & Salad Jan. 7: Chicken Noodle Soup Jan. 8: Crock Chicken Creole with Long Rice and Salad/Fruit Jan. 9: Eat at Church Jan. 10: Guys leftovers/Me eat at meeting Jan. 11: Soups (variety of cans available), Sands, Leftovers (take your pick) Jan. 12: Traveling, leaving Fr. pizza for boys Jan. 13: Order Chinese or pizza (if we don't eat on the road) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Live2Ride 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   I'm the mom, I balance the meals to make sure everyone is getting nutritious filling meals (repeat as needed lol). Since no one likes to help, then they get what is served. Only recently has DD started expressing an interest in meal preps. :)  Also my family knows that I don't set meals in stone. I also make sure I have a few quick items for those nights when stuff happens and I do use my crockpot. We've also got better at making sandwiches to take along in the car. I bought insulated lunch boxes a couple of years ago when they were clearanced and a few sturdy thermos's to take on the days that we have places to go. Warm soups on cold days are so nice instead of a cold sandwhich...Just gotta think ahead a little and realize that the meal plans are not set in stone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaAkins Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Grocery list is done. I'm hoping to hit BJ's and Harris Teeter today and Trader Joe's tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I plan weekly. Rest of the week- Salmon patties, mashed potatoes and peas Pork loin baked with apples Hawaiian slider ham n cheese  Hawaiian sliders - sounds yummy! Details, please?  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.  I love your list! Maybe I will skip planning and just come knock on your door at dinnertime. :rofl:  We are actually trying to eat very simply in the coming months to help one of our kids overcome some weight and food sensitivity issues. I'd like to drop a few pounds myself. I am just going to go by the week, and instead of a list I'm working on designing a chart with columns. First column for day/date, second column for protein item, third column for carbohydrate item, next column for veggie and then a column for dairy (which may or may not come with every meal). After we get in the habit of seeing what proper portion sizes look like, we'll get a little crazy and start making combinations.  I've enjoyed looking at everyone's lists! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeneralMom Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 OKay because I have pregnancy-induced, heat-exaccerbated insomnia, last night I started organizing everyone's menu ideas into a list broken down by type (soup, side, beef, etc.). I'll post it as soon as I am done. I usually plan 2 weeks at a time because we have so little pantry and fridge space in our teeny little house at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 We plan by the week as well, but I'll still post if that is OK. I have a master list of meals that I choose from and then just plug them in based on sales that week. This week coming up, we are trying to eat based on what we already have. I over bought last week and then we had company and have a lot of things still in the house. Â Yesterday - Sloppy Joes (homemade mix from the freezer), Broccoli, Tater Tots Tonight - Hawaiian Chicken, Rice, Green Beans, Pineapple Monday - Breakfast for Dinner (I'm making Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Eggs, Fruit) Tuesday - Shrimp Chowder Wednesday - DH is wanting to go out for Italian Thursday - Quesadillas and Mexican Rice Friday - Chicken & Broccoli Braid, Corn Saturday - Balsamic Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes, Lima Beans Sunday - I am planning on going out with friends, DH will be cooking for he and the kids, his choice. :) He usually does grilled cheese, spaghetti, or something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeneralMom Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 Formatting problems. Sorry  SIDES:  Baked Potatoes brussel sprout salad cauliflower Corn Bread creamed onions and peas Garden Salad Mashed Potatoes orzo Oven Chips Oven Fries Potatoes Au Gratin Rice Risotto Roasted Asparagus Roasted Broccoli Roasted Potatoes scalloped potatoes Tater Tots twice-baked potatoes  SANDWICHES: Black bean enchiladas Calzones Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Egg Sandwiches Grilled Cheese Meatball subs Pizza Quesadillas Sloppy Joes Southwestern eggrolls Tacos tuna melt Tuna Sandwiches Vegetarian Sloppy Joes Veggie calzones  VEGETARIAN: Black bean enchiladas Broccoli cheese rice casserole Bulghur Chili Cheese Fondue Crockpot: Farmhouse Fricasse (from Vegetarian Slow Cooker, p. 117) Falafel General TsoĂ¢â‚¬â„¢s (vegetarian) Grilled Tofu Koshari (Egyptian dish of rice, lentils, chickpeas and macaroni topped with tomato sauce and fried onion) Laban, Rice (cooked yogurt dish, Arabic) Malfoof, Salad (stuffed veggie rolls) Musaka Quinoa Salad Roasted Veggie Magic spinach quiche Stir-fried Vegetables Tempeh Tacos Tofurky Vegetable Flan Vegetarian Chili Veggie Burgers  PASTA: baked veggie pasta Baked Veggie Spaghetti Cowboy Spaghetti fettucine alfredo GF pasta with hot Italian sausage linguine and red clam sauce Mac and Cheese mexican ziti noodles & beans noodles w/cabbage & pork Pasta Bake Pasta e fagioli pasta salad pasta w/mushrooms peanut noodles Penne w/ chickpeas and spinach pesto pasta pierogies ravioli shrimp and pasta Southwestern pasta Spinach Lasagna spinach stuffed shells Stir fried veggies and Japanese curly noodles stir fry noodles Yaki mandu (filled dumplings)  HAM OR PORK: Balsamic Pork Loin Brown Sugar & Balsamic Glazed pork (crockpot) cranberry pork chops dr pepper pork fennel roasted pork ham & broccoli Ham and cheese sandwiches Hawaiian pork chops Hawaiian slider ham n cheese herbed pork tenderloin Hocks and blackeyed peas (New Year's Day) Mu Shu pork, noodles w/cabbage & pork Onion and Bacon tart pork butt pork chops pork roast Pork Stir Fry over rice pork tacos pork tenderloin with red cabbage pulled pork sandwiches Ribs Roasted Pork in a Baguette sati babis (Pork butt is marinated in a savory blend of spices, before being grilled on skewers and served with a sprinkle of fresh lime juice.) Sausages Spam Teriyaki Pork balls  BEEF: bacon-meatloaf Beef Buritos beef roast - crock pot Beef Stew beef tips with mushrooms Boeuf bourguignon Broccoli beef Brunswick stew Chili corned beef and cabbage Cottage Pie cow tongue Crockpot beef & broccoli Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches cube steak sandwiches and fries Curry Beef & peas Dawud Basha, Rice (Arabic; meatballs in a tomato stew with dried mint) Dried Beef Gravy Fasulia (green bean and meat stew) Filet Mignon Flank Steak in crockpot grilled cube steak with peppers and potatoes Grilled steak and smoke sausages Hamburgers Hotdogs Kafta Waraq (Arabic meatballs wrapped in grape leaves) Korean Beef over rice lamb ribs London Broil Meatballs and gravy meatloaf muffins mexican hamburger casserole Mongolian beef olive oil poached steaks w/thyme Pasties Pot Roast ricotta-stuffed meat balls salisbury steaks with mushroom gravy Sausages Shepherd's Pie Shredded Beef Enchiladas sirloin steak Sirloin Tip roast Sloppy Joes soft tacos - beef stroganoff stuffed butternut squash Vegetable beef Vegetable beef stew  GAME: deer chili squirrel and dumplings  POULTRY: baked chicken BBQ Chicken BBQ Chicken Pieces in Crockpot bbq chicken sandwiches Beer can chicken Broiled Chicken Butter Chicken & rice Cheese/Chicken/broccoli Soup chicken & wine Chicken Alfredo Chicken & Broccoli Braid Chicken and dumplings Chicken and noodles with crackers Chicken Burgers Chicken Burritos chicken casserole Chicken Cordon bleu Chicken curry Chicken Diable chicken dish - crock pot Chicken Enchiladas Chicken Enchiladas with Verde Sauce Chicken Fried Rice Chicken Korma chicken Marsala Chicken mushroom stroganoff Chicken Noodle Casserole Chicken Noodle Soup Chicken Parm Meatballs Chicken Parmigiana Chicken Pesto Casserole Chicken piccata Chicken Pot Pie chicken quesadillas Chicken Ranch tacos chicken spaghetti Chicken Stew chicken stirfry chicken tenders Chicken Tenders chicken tetrazzini chicken tikka masala Chicken with celery soup chix legs chix on a stick (from weelicious, my kids love it) cream cheese chicken and noodles Creamy Bacon Carbonara with Chicken Creamy Chicken Spaghetti crescent chicken Crock Chicken Creole crockpot beer chicken crockpot salsa chix GF tortellini with chicken Green chicken pitas grilled chicken Grilled chicken wings and tenders Hawaiian Chicken homemade baked chicken nuggets Indian chicken tacos Italian chicken King Ranch Chicken Lemon Chicken Lemon Pepper Chicken mushroom herb chicken mustard chicken thighs oven fried chicken Proscuitto Wrapped Chicken thighs Roast Sticky Chicken in the crockpot Roasted Chicken Salsa Verde Chicken Taco Bake sesame glazed chicken simply great chicken - pinterest Skillet Fried Chicken Strips soft tacos - chicken Teriyaki Chicken Thai Chicken Turkey kielbasa turkey nachos Turkey Sausages White Chicken Chili  SEAFOOD: Baked Cod Baked Fish with Tomato Herb Sauce over mashed potatoes fish and chips Fish cakes Fish Fingers fish tacos with lime cream sauce greek shrimp Grilled Salmon Halibut Paella salmon patties Sesame Shrimp shrimp and pasta Shrimp Chowder Shrimp Creole shrimp scampi Talapia tuna casserole Tuna Mac Tuna Pea Wiggle  SOUP: bean soup black bean soup Broccoli Cheese Soup butternut chowder celery almond soup celery soup Cheese/Chicken/broccoli Soup Chicken Noodle Soup Creamy Potato Soup crockpot meatball soup crockpot mex bean and beef soup Italian Meatball & Tortellini Soup Kitchen Sink Soup lentil soup minestrone soup Pasta e Fagioli Soup Potato corn chowder Potato Leek Soup potato soup pumpkin soup split pea & ham soup Split Pea and Vegetarian Sausage Soup Taco soup tomato basil soup w tortellini tomato soup tortilla soup turkey veg soup Vegetable soup Veggie soup  LEGUMES: Bean and Cheese Burritos Beans and Rice Black eyed peas Cowboy Beans Fava Bean Ratatouilee Indian Dal Lentil casserole Navy Beans and Bacon noodles & beans pasta and peas Pinto beans and tortillas Red Beans and Rice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandaceC Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 Look at all that chicken we're eating!! Ha!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 Wow, I've never tried to plan a month at a time. I've got too much to do right now to plan a whole month, but I'll have more time come Wednesday and could plan the rest of the month. I'll be back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 jenr.... wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiseOwlKnits Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 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  For me, I know that Wednesdays and Thursdays are hectic so I either need something that goes in the crock-pot or a 30 minute meal. Two Mondays out of the month are like that too. So when I sit down to come up with my menu, I place things according to where I should have the time. As the week actually comes up, I have been known to shift planned meals around a bit within the week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeneralMom Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 Look at all that chicken we're eating!! Ha!! Â Â Well, we're also eating a massive amount of chili and cornbread, but I only listed it once. But, I had the same thought about the chicken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeneralMom Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 I realized I didn't add my menu plan, but as I am in Australia and Perth is in the middle of a heat wave, we haven't wanted to actually eat much. I did buy a 4kg ham for Christmas, but it was too hot to cook. Just got around to it yesterday so we have cold ham slices in the fridge to nibble on if anyone gets hungry. I also have the bone simmering to make broth and will make Hungarian bean soup tomorrow. Tongiht (NYE) we are doing our traditional filet fondue but are skipping the cheese one and the dessert one.  So here is my list of what I would have made for dinners if we wanted to eat anything other than ice cubes:  Ham slices with leftover sides Hungarian Ham and Bean Soup Ham and beans and rice Quinoa Salad Pasta with tomato sauce Gnocchi with creamy pesto sauce Nachos with homemade salsa, guacamole, and sour cream (okay we did eat these) Chickpeas and chicken chermoulade Tomato Soup and Quesadillas Chicken salad Meatballs and homemade chips (french fries) Leftovers  I also made a cheesecake and planned on making carob pudding and muffins but the thought of turning the oven on makes me cringe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb in NZ Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 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  January was easy for me as I wanted to eat up what we had on hand. With us being on summer holidays for the whole month of January, I had no activity filled days/evenings to work around, only one birthday dinner that will get decided closer to the time. For February's monthly menu I'll be consulting my calendar to see what is on before assigning meals to days. Also, as we'd have eaten most of what I have currently on hand, I'll be buying to suit the menu.  I like to have a roast on Sunday, with the plan of using the left-over roast meat for lunches (wraps, salads, etc.) during the week. Monday night is scouts, so I plan a crockpot meal that can be eaten before or after scouts, depending how hectic our after school time is. Tuesday dh & the boys sail & usually have a sausage at the yacht club before coming home, so I'll plan soup & fresh bread for that night as no one is really hungry, but just needs a top-up before bed. Wednesday ds#2 has team sailing practice & ds#1 will have night class, so like to do something easy, usually ethnic (curry & rice, mexican, stirfry, pasta, etc.) Thursday both boys have social hockey, but I have no commitments, meaning I can spend a bit more time preparing dinner. We usually have something grilled, like lamb chops, BBQ chicken, hamburgers, etc. Friday is a free evening for us, unless we have a regatta that weekend. If it's a regatta weekend, we would have already left, otherwise we do a fast food style meal (fish & chips, MYO pizza, etc.) Saturday is left-overs or eggs, if we are not away at a regatta.  I vary the roast each week, depending on what meat is on sale that week. I make stock from the bones, etc. for soup that week or freeze for another week. I debone any left-over meat & put it in the fridge to use as lunch meat that week.  I only consult family members regarding the menu if it is their birthday. Otherwise the standing choice is "Eat" or "Don't Eat", but no other food will be offered if you choose "Don't Eat." All 3dc are very good eaters IMHO because they have grown up with the expectation that they are to eat what is served. Dh's only request is that we have lots of veggies & that I don't serve "Chicken & Rice" too often as that is what he had to eat most nights when he lived in the islands. Of course since dd & ds#1 spent their early years in the islands, they LOVE chicken & rice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsBanjoClown Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 I have the first 20 days planned. Â 1. fettucine alfredo, salad 2. hot dogs, sweet potato fries 3. hamburger casserole, salad 4. pork chops, roasted broccoli 5. eating with extended family 6. leftovers 7. roast chicken, potatoes, carrots 8. lime chicken soft tacos, salad 9. spaghetti, salad, Italian bread 10. meatloaf, mac and cheese, cabbage 11. chicken pot pie 12. grilled steak, salad 13. leftovers 14. garlic chicken, asparagus, red potatoes 15. cheese quesadillas, refried beans, guacamole/chips 16. homemade chicken nuggets, sweet potato fries 17, baked ziti, salad 18. broccoli-cheese soup 19. grilled chicken and veggie kabobs, corn on the cob 20. leftovers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caitlinsmom Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 I sat down Sat night and did an 8 week meal plan rotation. Then Monday night I decided to switch things up. So here is the plan for this week. I will share the others later. :) Some of these will change for me as I will be doing the Whole30 Challenge. Â 1. Oatmeal, zoodles and meatballs (pinterest), chili 2. Breakfast skillet, turkey roll ups w/salad, baked chicken and sweet potato fries w/veggie 3. Eggs and bacon, calzones and veggie sticks (kids), taco salads 4. Yogurt, bacon and fruit, roast beef roll ups (pinterest), baked chicken and spinach flautas (pinterest) 5. Waffles and eggs, chicken salad with flavored mayo collard wraps, sweet and sour chicken with veggies and egg rolls 6. eggs and bacon, chicken nuggets, vegetable soup and salad 7. Breakfast skillet, leftovers, new recipe night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinmomma Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Alright, I will be back to this thread. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmomof2boys Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Great thread. I will be working on this and replying. I think meal planning is one of my weaker strengths, but I am trying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhaddon Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 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    I take out my planner and a piece of scrap paper. I write down all the dates and I circle each day I have something in the evening. It is a crock pot meal day. I plan a crock pot meal to be done and pull an easy one out or try something new. After that I go through and look at what I haven't made in a while and write it down. Those dates I will switch around within a weeks time frame. I usually buy all my staples and go to the store once a week for stocking up on sales items I know I need, my fresh produce and dairy products. I also make a better planner for each week and I write out what meat I need to pull down and thaw out, usually two days ahead of time. I also pull out meat for breakfast meals and lunches. I will somtimes on a crock pot night if I have time, assemble a breakfast casserole that lasts a few days, I just pull out in the morning and bake! This has saved money, sanity, and from eating out.  I do not do freezer meals because I'm home enough that it isn't worth it for me.  So I found out we have two family dinners this month so that saves me two days of meals! yay, I love those. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhaddon Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 OH and I don't usually plan out lunches. I buy stuff to have on hand, but usually I plan on making enough to have leftovers and we pull those out throughout the week to have as our lunch. If we run out of leftovers then I will make something light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 This week I've got  New Year's Day- junk. dips, black eyed peas, chicken and noodles and some new potatoes Tues- always Pizza day here because of a local pizza parlor's "two for Tuesday" deal Wed- Hawaiian sliders for lunch and stuffed shells for supper Thurs- Salmon, potatoes and peas Fri- chili  Most mornings I make a big breakfast around 10, the guys eat after feeding the cattle, so our meals are pretty catty-wonkered. We'll eat again early at supper time, lots of grab food for the guys too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 This week (mostly Fresh 20): Â Mon: Turkey Cutlets with Mushroom Gravy Tues: Party fare Wed: Baked tilapia w/green beans with tangerine butter, almonds, and brown rice Thur: Turkey noodle casserole w/Parmesan bread crumb topping Fri: Split pea and potato soup w/grilled ham & cheese parmesan melts Saturday: Garlic mushroom linguini w/tangerine salad with citrus vinaigrette (best salad ever) Sunday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, green salad with pear slices and apple cider vinaigrette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Here is my list for January.  1. Savory Yorkshire pudding Ă¢â‚¬â€œ based off onion and bacon tort 2. Vegetarian sheppardĂ¢â‚¬â„¢s pie 3. Taco salad 4. Mac and cheese, green beans, carrots 5. Tofurkey, mashed potatoes, green peas 6. Veggie soup and PB&J 7. Spaghetti 8. Vegetarian Sloppy Joes, chips 9. Black eyed peas and corn bread 10. Homemade pizza 11. Greek potatoes and dolmas 12. Seitan sausage, cabbage, summer squash 13. Chili 14. Black bean burgers, fries 15. Baked ziti 16. Grilled cheese and potato soup 17. Broccoli fettuccini alfredo 18. Smart dogs, chips, sauerkraut 19. Baked potato, salad 20. Minestrone 21. Red beans and rice 22. Burritos 23. Mushrooms and gravy, mashed potatoes, peas 24. Eggs and toast 25. Roasted veggies over pasta 26. Falafal on pita, salad 27. Spinach lasagna 28. Veggie pot pies 29. Black bean soup and quesadillas 30. Colcannon, broccoli 31. Nachos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 1. Savory Yorkshire pudding Ă¢â‚¬â€œ based off onion and bacon tort  I made this again for a party yesterday, but added lots of roasted garlic to the onion and bacon. I swear I turned my back for just a second, and the whole things was gone. Didn't get a single piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Â I made this again for a party yesterday, but added lots of roasted garlic to the onion and bacon. I swear I turned my back for just a second, and the whole things was gone. Didn't get a single piece. I'm thinking about trying to double it so we can have leftovers. I'm using asparagus, garlic and bell peppers tonight. (My menu is a day off.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Ok...meals for the next ten days or so:  Swiss Broccoli Ham Ring (Pampered Chef), ambrosia salad  Shepherd's Pie, green salad  Flaky Chicken Taco Pockets, refried beans, green salad  Braised Shorts Ribs with carrots, potatoes and celery in the crockpot, dinner rolls  Bacon Cheddar Florentine Quiche, orange slices, muffins  Rigatoni Skillet Bake, green salad, Italian bread  French Dip sandwiches (crockpot), carrot/celery sticks, sweet 'n tangy coleslaw  I'll have leftovers for 2-3 nights with some of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I'm in, but not, 'cause I'm using a service (The Fresh 20). Â 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: Â Moira-girl, I think we need to meet for wine. I may owe you one for this tip. Â I have started putting together cookbooks for each of my kids to leave the house with that includes basic tips and favorite meals. This looks like it could make the project much easier. Â Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Looking ahead at trying to do this, I really don't think I can because I need to shop for what's on sale each week. I'm going to have to bow out. I wish I could do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb in NZ Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 So far my monthly menu is working out really well. I decided to stick with what I've written, even when I don't really feel like making that particular meal that evening. I've been pleasantly surprised at how the family is accepting our menu. Overall I feel that we are eating better as I am not falling back on my comfort meals (pasta, etc.) & we are eating a lot more veggies & a lot less starches. I set the breadmaker each evening to have a loaf of bread ready at 8:00am & this is the only loaf I make that day. Our Christmas cookies are all gone & I'm making only a couple things for morning tea to last all week. My boys are learning the hard way, when that's gone, there'll be no more until next week. I like that our eating is more planned & less "grab & go." I hope that a side effect of my freezer/pantry/garden month will be that we are all healthier (& hopefully dh & I weigh a bit less.) Â I feel that accountability here is key to me sticking with my plan. If it was just me, I probably would have given up when I got tired, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 What I have so far, in no particular order (yes, we eat a ton of chicken because beef, pork, and seafood are outrageously expensive here):  Pasta primavera Beef tacos Pepper chicken with veggies Meat loaf with mashed potatoes and veggies Spaghetti Chili Chicken Kurma with veggies and rice BBQ chicken with potatoes and veggies Chicken fettuccini Alfredo Chicken tacos Sweet sour chicken with rice Chili rubbed chicken pineapple-jalapeĂƒÂ±o salsa Cajun chicken pasta Beef and broccoli with rice Seafood chowder Baked ziti Buffalo chicken with potatoes and veggies Italian chicken with rice White chicken chili Tuna noodle casserole Chicken salad sandwiches Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti and broccoli Grilled cheese and tomato soup Mexican Mac and cheese Linguine with white clam sauce Tuna melts Mexican tamale pie   Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 I'm doing a modified freezer/pantry challenge, buying fruit/veg/dairy/eggs as needed but also buying on-sale items that are at my buy-it price. Â I planned the first 17 days of January on January 1 :) Â Yesterday--turkey tortilla casserole (modified from Cooking Light) Today--- butternut squash ravioli (this month's CL) 8. Turkey pot pie (Tgiving turkey; all from scratch) 9. Meatball sandwiches (leftover meatballs in freezer) 10. Baked potato soup (potato "guts" from NYE baked potato skins; modified from CL) 11. Mexican meatballs (already prepped in freezer) 12. Chili and cornbread 13. Pot roast with dumplings 14. Spaghetti carbonara (CL) 15. Pork loin roasted with garlic and rosemary (CL) 16. Pork carnitas gorditas (half of pork carnitas recipe in freezer; CL) 17. Turkey tetrazzini (makes two casseroles, one to feed the freezer; CL) Â Ha I use Cooking Light recipes a lot :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 We are doing weekly, so this is this weeks only: Â Monday - Chili, Cornbread Tuesday - Chicken Pot Pie Wednesday - Chicken Enchiladas Thursday - Leftovers Friday - Breakfast for Dinner Saturday - Balsamic Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes, Lima Beans (we didn't make it last week, change of plans) Sunday - Hawaiian Chicken, Rice, Green Beans, Pineapple (this is the kids favorite meal, we have it at least every other week) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaAkins Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 I just had to come back and tell you all what a difference participating in this challenge has made in our week. I planned the whole month of meals, bought all necessary meats & non-perishables for the month, and the perishables for the first week-ten days. I have not had to step foot in a grocery store or Walmart in a whole week! Not only has it saved us a lot of money, this challenge has also saved me lots of time, gas & energy! I now have a short running list of the perishables that we will need for the upcoming week-ten days as well as any random things that we have run out of it or discovered that we need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 We're weekly as well (Fresh 20):  Monday: French Toast, fruit plates Tuesday: Polenta Mozzarella Bake with spinach salad Wednesday: Salmon with roasted red pepper sauce and parmesan cannellini beans Thursday: Sausage and Bean Stew Friday: out Saturday: Greek Chicken with warm spinach orzo salad Sunday: Twice Baked Pizza potatoes with sautĂƒÂ©ed garlicky chard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 OK I am modifying mine to include all the meals. I tend to work better this way...  Monday - B - French Toast, Apples - L - Hummus, Baby Carrots, Strawberries - S - Pretzels - D - Chili, Cornbread  Tuesday - B - Yogurt, Strawberries - L - Leftover Chili & Cornbread - S - Bananas - D - Chicken Pot Pie  Wednesday - B - Banana Pancakes, Applesauce - L - Leftover Chicken Pot Pie, Apples - S - Pretzels - D - Chicken Enchiladas & Mexican Rice  Thursday - B - Egg Sandwiches, Apples - L - Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Bananas - S - Popcorn - D - Leftover Chicken Enchiladas & Mexican Rice  Friday - B - Oatmeal with added Blueberries & Applesauce - L - Hummus, Baby Carrots, and Bananas - S - Apples - D - Breakfast for Dinner  Saturday - B - Waffles, Applesauce - L - Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Baby Carrots, Apples - S - Popcorn - D - Balsamic Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes, Lima Beans (we didn't make it last week, change of plans)  Sunday - B - Egg Sandwiches, Yogurt - L - Leftover Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes, & Lima Beans - S - Apples - D - Hawaiian Chicken, Rice, Green Beans, Pineapple (this is the kids favorite meal, we have it at least every other week) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest inoubliable Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 I'm so late to get back to this thread! I'll list my January here. I want to say first, though, that this has made a HUGE difference in how we're eating, our finances, and given us more time together as a family to plan, prep, cook, and eat. Thank you, thank you for starting this thread!!  4/1 Spaghetti with bean balls, Italian bread 5/1 Black bean burgers, rosemary potatoes 6/1 Tacos, Mexican rice 7/1 Curried chickpeas on basmati, naan 8/1 Chickpea cutlets, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots 9/1 Baked potato and greens soup, potato wedges 10/1 Spaghetti with bean balls, Italian bread 11/1 Tacos, Mexican rice 12/1 Potato soup with vegan bacon and cheese 13/1 Vegan sloppy joes, baked potatoes 14/1 Spaghetti with bean balls, Italian bread 15/1 Vegan baked mac-n-cheese, pigs in a blanket, steamed broccoli 16/1 Potato and corn chowder, crackers 17/1 Curried chickpeas on basmati, naan 18/1 Lentil soup, crackers 19/1 Baked BBQ tofu w/ apricot sauce, pink cole slaw 20/1 Chickpea cutlets, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots 21/1 Black bean burgers, rosemary potatoes 22/1 Spaghetti with bean balls, Italian bread 23/1 Baked BBQ tofu w/ apricot sauce, pink cole slaw 24/1 Curried chickpeas on basmati, naan 25/1 Vegan sloppy joes, baked potatoes 26/1 Tacos, Mexican rice 27/1 Spaghetti with bean balls, Italian bread 28/1 Vegan baked mac-n-cheese, pigs in a blanket, steamed broccoli 29/1 Vegan sloppy joes, baked sweet potatoes 30/1 Lentil soup, crackers 31/1 Potato corn chowder, crackers  Today I'll be making some black bean brownies and some cranberry cheesecake squares for the month. I also typed all this out into a calendar that I downloaded from one of those create-your-own-calendar websites and slipped it into a presentation binder I had laying around. My goal is to carefully meal plan each month this year and save it in this binder so that I never have to meal plan again except to tweak for things like company coming over or to plug in a new recipe. I'm so excited by this that I already have February done AND a special page in my binder with menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas. :blushing: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmvaughan4 Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 I don't designate days, so we can choose what sounds good for each day. Here is our list:  1. BLT wraps 2. Frito Pie 3.Chili 4. Chili 5. Chicken Fajitas 6.Chimichangas 7. Beef and Noodles 8. Potato Soup 9. Refried Beans 10. Bean and Cheese Enchiladas 11. Chicken Salad 12. Baked Ziti 13. Taco Pasta 14. Rice and Bean Casserole 15. Chicken, Bacon, Broccoli Rice 16. Italian Chicken Soup 17. Pork Chops 18. Roast 19. Beef Stew 20. Chicken and Noodles 21. Black Bean Soup 22. Grilled Chicken Sandwiches 23. French Dip Sandwiches 24. Pizzas 25. Nachos 26. French Toast 27. Baked Potatoes 28. Coney Dogs 29. Biscuits and Gravy  I also don't plan sides. We usually have salads, rice, and whatever we can find in the pantry. I bought ingredients for all of the meals, plus some household items and spent $350. We'll have to replenish fresh veggies, fruit, and milk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gentlemommy Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Here's mine-  Monday B-cereal and bacon (daddy wanted some, hence the weird combo lol) L-crackers with cheese D-roast chicken, carrots and potatoes, salad S-bananas and cherry turnovers  Tuesday B-bagel w/cream cheese L-chicken salad wraps with leftover chicken D-terryaki chicken stir fry (carrots, broccoli, and zucchini) S-fruit, nuts, or Greek yogurt  Wednesday B-oatmeal or eggs L-Mac and cheese and edamame D-turkey/noodle/veggie soup and salad S-fruit, nuts, or Greek yogurt  Thursday B-cereal L-pita chips with hummus, carrots D-at grandparents house S-fruit, nuts, or Greek yogurt  Friday B-bagel with cream cheese L-bean burritos D-fettuccini Alfredo, chicken, broccoli, caprese salad S-fruit, nuts, or Greek yogurt  Saturday B-oatmeal or eggs L-chicken nuggets and sweet potato fries D-crockpot beef stew, potatoes, carrots, and peas S-fruit, nuts, or Greek yogurt  Sunday B-at church, usually a bagel with cream cheese and a donut L-out D-grilled chicken, rice, salad S-fruit, nuts, or Greek yogurt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhaddon Posted January 7, 2013 Author Share Posted January 7, 2013 Yay! I'm happy to read that it is going well and helping some out :) I like the different ways everyone plans and hope it will help with some meal ideas for everyone next month. I know I get stuck in a rut of the same things and meal planning breaks me out of that rut. Â I didn't designate days for mine because my local grocery store is sometimes out of things (like fresh fruits/vegis and meats) so I buy all staples and shop sales each week and then plug in from my 30 days. I hope that might help someone that shops the sales some? You don't have to follow 100% if you can't and if you need to post a weekly meal when the sale add is released that's ok too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoCandJ Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 I do weekly (just started actually for budgeting) Yesterday was fish and French fries Tonight is sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage Tuesday night baked chicken and asparagus with rice Wednesday is chili Thursday is hot dogs and Mac and cheese (dd's request) Friday is cabbage roll Saturday is pizza :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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