UmMusa Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 So has anyone started yet? Five days left of January, so I've got my recipe cards out and am asking the kids for input. I'm so happy I did it for January!!! I'll post mine when I get it completed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgrin Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Oooh, I did this last night. I hate the kitchen, and I'm not a good cook. I tend to get distracted and frazzled and forget things (like turning the oven on, or stirring to keep it from scorching :ohmy: ). I also lack creativity or the ability to taste something and be able to tell what it needs to make it better. I cannot do anything on the fly. Thus, meals are the worst part of my day. But I've never really meal planned, and we end up going out to eat FAR too often. I planned our meals and sides for the 2nd half of January, and life was so much less stressful and hectic. We had one meal out when my meal didn't turn out as planned, so our food costs plunged from their usual high. I am so excited to be done. I am trying to go through all of the recipes I have and try each of them to see which are not worth keeping anymore. Once I get through my main dishes, I'm going to try to find some interesting sides to add to my repertoire. Here's what I've got for February: 1 Maple-glazed salmon, sauteed spinach, rice pilaf 2 Lentil quiche, stewed tomatoes, salad 3 Chicken & Rice casserole, salad, toast 4 Hamburgers, baked beans, baked potatoes 5 Penne pesto bake w/sausage, salad, garlic toast 6 Greek chickpeas w/spinach, pita bread, plain yogurt tzatziki 7 Crockpot salsa chicken, Baja black beans & corn, rice 8 Whole wheat Hamburger casserole, broccoli 9 Hot tuna buns, tomato soup, carrot & raisin salad 10 Potato dish from Zaire, toast 11 Chicken pot pie, salad 12 Porcupine meatballs, cooked carrots, broccoli 13 Pulled BBQ pork, buns, baked beans, cole slaw 14 Garbanzo Goulash, italian bread, asparagus 15 Baked hawaiian chicken, rice, broccoli 16 Steak, baked potatoes, asparagus 17 Tuna patty burgers, baked fries, spinach salad 18 Pineapple black bean enchiladas, salad, salsa 19 Crock Pot rotisserie chicken, seasoned rice, swiss chard 20 Beef quesadillas, Southwestern black beans & barley 21 Welsh rarebit, tomato soup 22 Crockpot falafel, tabbouleh, tzatziki, fatoush 23 Apricot salsa chicken, rice, broccoli 24 Beef stroganoff, noodles, salad 25 Mustard-Molasses Salmon, asparagus, seasoned quinoa 26 Middle Eastern lentils & rice, plain yogurt, pita, romaine 27 Chicken & spinach quesadillas, Baja black beans & corn, avocado 28 Beef stir-fry, rice, frozen veggies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted January 26, 2013 Author Share Posted January 26, 2013 Here we go! I noted some days next to some dishes b/c it would fit into my schedule better to make those dishes on those days. Some repeats from january just never got made. February Meal Plan Hamburgers Friday Koshari Grilled Salmon, veggies, rice Shepherd’s Pie Broccoli Soup w/ Cornbread Tue Broiled Chicken, Veggies Crockpot: BBQ Zesty Chicken Thurs Lentil Curry Friday Kafta Waraq Roast Leg of Lamb Sunday Whole roasted chicken in crockpot, salad, rice Molokhieh Tuesday Mujaddara Chicken Paprika Thursday Kafta Balls with veggies Friday Chicken Nuggets in skillet Saturday Malfoof Sunday Musaka Fasulia, Rice Tuesday Chicken Burgers Broccoli Rice Casserole Thursday Baked potatoes Friday Roast chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, any other veggie Saturday Spaghetti and Sauce, Salad Roasted veggies over pasta Italian chicken with rice (crockpot) Sloppy Joes Curried chickpeas, rice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandaceC Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Working on mine today!! Here are my January meals in case anyone wants more ideas. :) There are links to most of them. Here are my 2 pinterest boards with lots of these recipes also. Healthy Meals & Recipes For February 2 weekends I am out of town, which is unusual...so DH said he will just do hot dogs, grilled cheese, etc. Easy stuff. :) So I have no meals listed on those days. I also don't cook on Wednesdays because our schedule is non-stop and no time for cooking. I had not been listing things on Sundays because I consider it my "day off" but I'm thinking of trying to just plan really simple things on that day. Still pondering... This is what I have so far... Oh, sides are usually salads and veggies...whatever I have available. 1 2 3 4 salmon patties 5 chili 6 7 Hannah's birthday - eating out 8 9 10 11 pizzadillas (on pinterest board) 12 sausage & white bean soup 13 14 15 baked spaghetti 16 breakfast 17 18 Pasta w/ zucchini (pin) 19 Crockpot beans & rice (with tortillas) 20 21 Taco Bake/Casserole 22 Creamy Chicken Enchiladas 23 Grilled burgers 24 25 potato soup 26 taco chicken bowls 27 28 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandaceC Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Oh my goodness, UmMusa! You have so many dishes I have never heard of! I would love for you to share some of these...either recipes or descriptions! I need to get out from under this rock I'm living under...branch out a bit!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Mine's still a work in progress; here's what I've got so far (starts week of 1/28) Hoping to find inspiration from this thread to fill in my blanks. 1/28--B: granola, L: mulligatawny stew, D: roasted veg pasta 1/29--B: cereal, L: minestrone soup, D: chicken marsala over mashed potatoes 1/30--B: fruit salad and english muffins, L: egg salad, D: beef & broccoli w/rice 1/31--B: yogurt parfaits, L: chicken salad, D: ravioli soup 2/1--B: oatmeal, L: zucchini squares, D: quesadillas & salad 2/2--B: pain perdu, L: tomato corn salad, D: pork chops & egg noodles 2/3--B: eggs, L: chickpea spinach stew, D: wings, munchies (Superbowl) 2/4--B: oatmeal, L: chicken & fruit salad, D: mushroom/rice soup 2/5--B: yogurt smoothie, L: grilled cheese & apple, D: spicy Indian chicken 2/6--B: strata, L: TBD, D: pasta salad 2/7--B: oatmeal, L: cauliflower soup, D: ribs 2/8--B: cereal, L: ham/gruyere sandwich, D: curry coconut veg 2/9--B: pancakes, L/D: making paczki at inlaws 2/10--B: eggs, L: TBD, D: turkey, stuffing 2/11--B: smoothie, L: turkey sandwiches, D: barley soup 2/12--B: cereal, L: orzo salad, D: turkey shepherd pie 2/13--B: mini quiches, L: red cabbage salad, D: pierogi 2/14--B: strawberry scones (Valentine's Day), L: quesadillas, D: beef tamale pie on schedule, but hopefully dh & I go out :) 2/15--B: parfait, L: turkey burgers, D: roasted veg crepes 2/16--B: muffins, L/D: at my mom's 2/17--B: eggs, L: TBD, D: pork chops, cabbage 2/18--B: oatmeal, L: taco salad, D: mushroom soup 2/19--B: yogurt w/warm berry sauce, L: grilled cheese, D: chicken chili 2/20--B: cereal, L: egg salad, D: ground pork 2/21--B: fruit and toast, L: TBD, D: pasta 2/22--B: oatmeal, L: soup, D: pizza 2/23--B: pancakes, L: TBD, D: fried chicken, biscuits 2/24--B: eggs, L: TBD, D: beef stew 2/25--TBD 2/26--TBD 2/27--TBD 2/28--TBD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest inoubliable Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 woot! I've been waiting all week for someone to start this thread! 1/2 Potato soup, crackers 2/2 Sausage pizza bites 3/2 Corn chowder, crackers 4/2 mac-n-cheese, pigs in a blanket 5/2 chickpea cutlets, steamed broccoli, rosemary potatoes 6/2 chili, crackers 7/2 spaghetti w/ bean balls, bread 8/2 sloppy joes 9/2 BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, cole slaw, fries 10/2 tacos, Mexican rice 11/2 black bean burgers, fries 12/2 cream of broccoli soup, crackers 13/2 sweet potato and lentil soup, crackers 14/2 fennel and sausage pasta salad 15/2 curried chickpeas on basmati, naan 16/2 black bean burgers, fries, cucumber slices 17/2 BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, fries, cole slaw 18/2 spaghetti w/ bean balls, bread 19/2 jackfruit crab cakes, fries, cole slaw, hush puppies 20/2 sloppy joes 21/2 clam chowder, biscuits 22/2 tacos, Mexican rice 23/2 potato soup, cracks 24/2 mac-n-cheese, pigs in a blanket 25/2 black bean burgers, fries 26/2 baked BBQ tofu w/ apricot sauce, cole slaw 27/2 enchiladas, Mexican rice 28/2 spaghetti w/ bean balls, bread Breakfasts are oatmeal during the week, cinnamon rolls on weekends with clementines. Lunches are leftovers or chickpea salad, usually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 woot! I've been waiting all week for someone to start this thread! 1/2 Potato soup, crackers 2/2 Sausage pizza bites 3/2 Corn chowder, crackers 4/2 mac-n-cheese, pigs in a blanket 5/2 chickpea cutlets, steamed broccoli, rosemary potatoes 6/2 chili, crackers 7/2 spaghetti w/ bean balls, bread 8/2 sloppy joes 9/2 BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, cole slaw, fries 10/2 tacos, Mexican rice 11/2 black bean burgers, fries 12/2 cream of broccoli soup, crackers 13/2 sweet potato and lentil soup, crackers 14/2 fennel and sausage pasta salad 15/2 curried chickpeas on basmati, naan 16/2 black bean burgers, fries, cucumber slices 17/2 BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, fries, cole slaw 18/2 spaghetti w/ bean balls, bread 19/2 jackfruit crab cakes, fries, cole slaw, hush puppies 20/2 sloppy joes 21/2 clam chowder, biscuits 22/2 tacos, Mexican rice 23/2 potato soup, cracks 24/2 mac-n-cheese, pigs in a blanket 25/2 black bean burgers, fries 26/2 baked BBQ tofu w/ apricot sauce, cole slaw 27/2 enchiladas, Mexican rice 28/2 spaghetti w/ bean balls, bread Breakfasts are oatmeal during the week, cinnamon rolls on weekends with clementines. Lunches are leftovers or chickpea salad, usually. Could you please share your recipes for those in bold above? Also, curious, what is jackfruit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest inoubliable Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 The chickpea cutlets and bean balls are from the Veganomicon cook book. Here's a site that has the recipe. http://www.theppk.com/2010/11/doublebatch-chickpea-cutlets And here's the bean balls http://livingismotion.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/vegan-beanballs-from-veganomicon Sausage and fennel pasta salad - http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/2012/09/fennel-and-sausage-pasta-salad - I use a vegan sausage. Jackfruit is...weird, and awesome, and delicious. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackfruit Lots of cool stuff can be made with it, try googling around for just "jackfruit recipes". http://www.culinate.com/articles/features/the_vegan_barbecue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um_2_4 Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Ok I have to do this tonight as I go shopping in the am. I'm posting here so I will remember ;). Ok, So I did enough for the rest of Jan. and all of Feb. Not in any particular order, I'll work on that now. I do need to fill in with some different soup ideas. (DH loves soup, I don't) and sides. I also want to work on lunches. We are in a rut. Lamb & hummus beans with rice, yogurt, salad Homemade mini pizzas, carrot/raisin salad, clam chowder Shawrama, hummus, tabboulei Kafta ball stew, rice Shrimp alfredo, ceaser salad, toast Lasagna, garlic toast, salad Skillet stuffed peppers, rice, salad Kung pao beef, rice, chinese corn soup Meatloaf, mash potatoes, corn pudding, carrot soup Lahmi bajeen, lubyah bil zeit, soup Chili, baked potatoes Lamb kabsah, salad, yogurt/cucumber sauce Black bean and garlic salmon, rice, hot&sour soup Fetaih with lamb feet Baked ziti with meatballs, ?, toast Bean & cheese smoothered burritos, spanish rice, soup? Leban eya (Yogurt and lamb stew), rice (makes enough for 2 days) Salmon, brussel sprouts, rice, tomato and bean soup Hamburgers, cole slaw, baked beans, fries Stuffed cabbage rolls, ?? Curry beef with couscous, lentil soup Bbq with lamb and beef, hummus, salad (weekend) Fajitas, sweet corn cake, guac, black bean soup Taco bar (night dh is working) Speciality pizza night (alfredo pizza, bbq pizza, mexican pizza), soup, fruit salad Lo mein, egg rolls, soup Kafta bil tahini, salad Fish baked in the oven, roast potatoes, salad, corn chowder Rice with lamb and veges pilaf, yogurt & cucumber sauce, fatoush Fasoulia, rice These are the things I plan for breakfasts: Whole Wheat pancake muffins, WW peanut butter bread Malneesh (cheese and zaatar) Eggs and lebni cereal toast w/pb or nutella Lunches are usually: Quesidella (sp?) PB sandwich or Nutella sandwich, Macaroni w/sauce buffet (PB,apple slices, wheat thins, fruit, pretzels, cheese sticks/cubes) but this one is messy with the 3yos. Leftovers I need more ideas in this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Yes! I was looking forward to this thread so I can nab ideas from you wonderful ladies LOL. Will post mine when I finish it :) As always some kind of unlisted side and Wednesday is always homemade pizza night. 1. Egg Sandwiches 2. Quesadillas 3. Hamburger Casserole 4. Chili 5. Tacos 6. Pizza 7. Coconut Chicken 8. Bacon Quiche 9. Pork Chops 10. Fish Fingers 11. Teriyaki Chicken 12. Spaghetti 13. Pizza 14. Steak 15. Pancakes 16. Sub Sandwiches 17. Taco Soup 18. Cobb Salad 19. Bean Burritos 20. Pizza 21. Lasagna 22. Eggs and Toast 23. Grilled Cheese 24. Spaghetti 25. Soup with bread bowls 26. Sloppy Joes 27. Pizza 28. Meatballs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 The chickpea cutlets and bean balls are from the Veganomicon cook book. Here's a site that has the recipe. http://www.theppk.co...hickpea-cutlets And here's the bean balls http://livingismotio...rom-veganomicon Sausage and fennel pasta salad - http://www.healthful...age-pasta-salad - I use a vegan sausage. Jackfruit is...weird, and awesome, and delicious. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackfruit Lots of cool stuff can be made with it, try googling around for just "jackfruit recipes". http://www.culinate...._vegan_barbecue Thanks so much! Quick questions: is it 1/4 cup of vital wheat gluten in the bean balls? Do you do any sauce or gravy on the cutlets or do they stay pretty moist? Lastly, where do buy the jackfruit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiseOwlKnits Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Feb 1 - Tuna casserole Feb 2 - Lasagna Feb 3 - Chicken fajitas Feb 4 - Tilapia Feb 5 - French bread pizza Feb 6 - Dinner Out Feb 7 - Turkey and dumplings Feb 8 - King ranch chicken Feb 9 - Spaghetti Feb 10 - Chicken enchiladas Feb 11 - Chili Feb 12 - Tikka masala Feb 13 - Dinner Out Feb 14 - Taco salad Feb 15 - Lettuce wraps Feb 16 - Mushroom broccoli pasta Feb 17 - Roast chicken Feb 18 - Salmon Feb 19 - Quiche Feb 20 - Dinner Out Feb 21 - Soup and Sandwiches Feb 22 - Barbecue chicken Feb 23 - Pork roast Feb 24 - Shrimp fried rice Feb 25 - Pork tacos Feb 26 - Ham and mac and cheese Feb 27 - Dinner Out Feb 28 - Salmon pasta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 Oh! Thanks for the prod UmMusa! :001_smile: I actually have all this weekend free and I think that would be a good idea, especially the part about getting input. I will try to post what I come up with by tomorrow night. ETA: We ended up doing this over supper tonight! Here is what I have. It isn't assigned to any dates, though. I have to have some flexibility, so I'll plug these into my menu schedule on a weekly basis. It is kind of organized by type, and some are repeated, but I tried to encourage my guys toward using what I have in the freezer and pantry. Chicken parmesan Curried chicken tacos Orange chicken on salads Szechuan chicken on salads Beef with ginger and bok choy Broccoli beef Prime rib roast Steak night x3 Hoisin pork lettuce wraps Pork tenderloin with cinnamon apples and cabbage GF Pizza night x3 Penne with broccolini, red pepper and Italian sausage Baked pasta with sausage and peppers Spaghetti with wilted romaine and mixed greens and Italian sausage Cuban black beans and yellow rice Lentil dal and coriander rice Red beans and rice Baked almond rice casserole Potato corn chowder Spicy tortellini soup Butternut squash soup x2 Beef vegetable soup Thai chicken noodle soup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest inoubliable Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Thanks so much! Quick questions: is it 1/4 cup of vital wheat gluten in the bean balls? Do you do any sauce or gravy on the cutlets or do they stay pretty moist? Lastly, where do buy the jackfruit? Yes, 1/4 cup. I use a mushroom gravy - oodles of recipes for that online so just choose on that looks doable for you (if you're looking at keeping the meal vegan, anyway). They're moist enough without, but we love the mushroom gravy.We get our jackfruit from a supermarket called Food Maxx. They carry a lot of Asian, Indian, Latin/South American foods. They seem to be big in CA, so not sure how my rinkydink town in VA got one. I've never seen jackfruit anywhere else, unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 I don't have mine done yet (do it weekly) but I will be joining in when I do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um_2_4 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Just updated my post above, but I am gonna lurk for some good and easy soup recipes.. I need a couple new ones... And lunch ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted January 27, 2013 Author Share Posted January 27, 2013 Just updated my post above, but I am gonna lurk for some good and easy soup recipes.. I need a couple new ones... And lunch ideas. Carrot Soup (or Sweet Potato Soup) 1/2 of a large onion 1" fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped 2 tsp curry powder 1/4 cup rice 2T oil 3-4 sweet potatoes or 2lbs carrots, peeled and cubed 10 cups water or chicken broth Saute onion and ginger till translucent. Add rice and curry; stir one minute. Add carrots (or potatoes) and broth. Simmer for about half an hour and then puree till smooth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted January 27, 2013 Author Share Posted January 27, 2013 Oh my goodness, UmMusa! You have so many dishes I have never heard of! I would love for you to share some of these...either recipes or descriptions! I need to get out from under this rock I'm living under...branch out a bit!! :) Aww! I realized after I posted that a lot of the Arabic dishes do not really translate, so I'll try to sum it up here: #2 on my list is Koshari. Egyptian staple. Lentils, rice, pasta, tomato paste, caramelized onions. #9 Kafta Waraq is little meatballs made with allspice, onion, parsely rolled into a slightly oblong shape (like a finger) and then wrapped in a grape leaf. you line them all up in a pyrex and bake till crispy! #12 Molokhia (oops didn't realize my DH's name was in there... will go delete that) is a green leaf that is cooked up in chicken broth served over rice and with chicken. #13 is Mujaddar: plain ol' rice and lentils boiled in a pot seasoned with cumin. topped with caramelized onions. very similar to koshari #15 Kafta balls.. again, the kafta is a meatball with onion, parsley, and allspice (salt/pepper too) #17 Malfoof is rolled up cabbage leaves with a rice and meat stuffing. heavy on the cumin #18 Musaka is similar to the Greek dish but mine is without bechamel sauce. #19 Fasulia means green beans. it's a beef stew with green beans in the sauce with tomato paste. served with rice. #20 Chicken burgers are new to us. I get ground chicken and add to it a bit of already cooked onion and red pepper. season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, and then make them on the grill or in the broiler pan in my oven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readinmom Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 This thread is inspiring. We are on a tight budget so I'm going to be checking out all the meals on here. The recipe links are great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandaceC Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 UmMusa, thank you!! So these are Arab/Egyptian dishes? Wow...I'm so intrigued. :) thank you so much for explaining those!! I wish I knew what I was doing in the kitchen...not a very good cook at all. :) I'm on my phone and can't see the profiles...do you live in the Middle East? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dm379 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Stupid question incoming: Am I the only one that has tons left over after every meal? I noticed nobody has plans for a leftovers night. We usually do that every 3 or 4 days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dm379 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Another stupid question: Does anybody meal plan for breakfast? If so, can you share? I always seem to repeat the same 3 things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevergiveup Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 I take a different approach rather than plan a whole month. Go to grocery. See what meat is most reasonably priced. Put in cart. Try to remember ingredients for various recipes that use that meat while stuffing cart with vegetebles. Get home check recipes. Find out I am missing one key ingredient. End up making something like spaghetti and eating that for 3 days. Go to Costco. See what meat is most reasonably priced. Put in cart............ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um_2_4 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Stupid question incoming: Am I the only one that has tons left over after every meal? I noticed nobody has plans for a leftovers night. We usually do that every 3 or 4 days. Leftovers are usually lunches. Dh takes his to work everyday, and the kids and I finish up the rest at home. If there is a really large amount, I miight freeze some (usually the chili, maybe some soups) so no one gets bored. UmMusa, thanks for the recipe. I make a slightly different version of carrot soup. And thanks for starting this thread, I am so happy I have a whole month planned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Stupid question incoming: Am I the only one that has tons left over after every meal? I noticed nobody has plans for a leftovers night. We usually do that every 3 or 4 days. I haven't posted my plan for Feb yet but wanted to comment. We use our leftovers for lunches the next day. The hubby takes them to work or I eat them here. The kids generally don't because there isn't enough, but if there is they will. They like things like sandwiches, carrots and hummus, salads, wraps, etc. more so in general they prefer that to leftovers. Usually once a week, most of the time on Saturday, we will have a leftover night to eat anything that happens to be left in the house. If there is nothing left, that night becomes something simple like spaghetti, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, etc. that is easy to make from things we already have on hand. That way if we don't have leftovers, my plan isn't all screwed up, but if we do, then we eat them. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Another stupid question: Does anybody meal plan for breakfast? If so, can you share? I always seem to repeat the same 3 things. In genearl we make the same things for breakfast, if you need some ideas, we rotate through these: French Toast Pancakes (many types, some favorites are strawberry, blueberry, banana, apple cinnamon, etc. just with the fruit chopped small and dropped in) Waffles (same as above with flavors, just throw them in the batter before pouring in waffle maker) Eggs & Toast Egg & Cheese Sandwich Yogurt & fruit Oatmeal (with same as pancakes flavors, we just make them ourselves) Biscuits & Sausage Gravy (Only have this on mornings when I have leftover sausage from something, usually, because otherwise it takes too long to make on most mornings by the time I make the biscuits) Omelets Cheese grits with side of fruit (sometimes DD requests this, I figure, why not) I feel like I am forgetting something but those are the main ones we cycle through around here. I don't usually plan them unless we need to be out of the house quickly, and then I pick something fast. Otherwise, the kids pick in the morning and DH makes it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Stupid question incoming: Am I the only one that has tons left over after every meal? I noticed nobody has plans for a leftovers night. We usually do that every 3 or 4 days. What are these leftovers of which you speak? :confused: I haven't seen those in years! I have 3 teenagers. I could triple a recipe and not have leftovers. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 I am supposed to be doing this today and I will as soon as I stop reading thread here! I am curious to see how the menu planning goes this month, now that two of us are gluten free and I have to plan school lunches and scout camping meals as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted January 27, 2013 Author Share Posted January 27, 2013 Stupid question incoming: Am I the only one that has tons left over after every meal? I noticed nobody has plans for a leftovers night. We usually do that every 3 or 4 days. What drove me to make a monthly plan is that I was rarely having enough leftovers to be enough for the next night. I quickly realized I needed to 'kick it up a notch' and catch up with my family's eating. So now I just tell myself I'm making a new meal each day and don't worry over "what am i going to cook today" dilema. I'm on cruise control and just cook the next thing. DH now takes lunch to work, which is AWESOME! If, after a couple of nights of big meals we have lots of leftovers, then of course I will just catch up and finish those up before making another dish. The beauty of this method is that you make it work for you rather you work for it! Also, if you know there are some good grocery sales you can rearrange some meals (for meats or veggies) and get back to the other ones later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb in NZ Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 I've drafted out my menu for the next 10 weeks, but I'll just post February's dinners. 27/1---Freezer Surprise (eat up all those odds & ends that I put in the freezer for quick snacks) 28/1---Roast Chicken & veg. 29/1---Soup Night: Pacific Split Pea & Ham + homemade rolls 30/1---Dinner Salad Plate 31/1---Pasta & Salad 01/2---Hamburgers, Wedges, Veggie Platter 02/2---Dh&boys on road trip, so I'll have a munchie platter of bits & pieces 03/2---Corned Beef & Cabbage, potatoes, carrots, & mustard sauce 04/2---Beef & Pea Curry 05/2---Soup Night: Chicken & Leek soup + salad 06/2---Corned Beef Hash & eggs 07/2---Pasta & Salad 08/2---Fried Rice & Spring Rolls 09/2---Lamb Chops, Roast Veg, Silverbeet 10/2---Roast Pork dinner 11/2---BBQ Pork on buns, Beach Slaw 12/2---Soup Night: Corned Beef + Veg soup 13/2---Tuna Mac Salad + greens 14/2---Apricot Chicken Curry, Rice & Peas 15/2---Bean & Cheese Burritos + Salad 16/2---Ham Steaks, Pineapple, Salad 17/2---Roast Beef dinner 18/2---Veggie Flan + Salad 19/2---Soup Night: Smoked Fish Chowder + homemade rolls 20/2---Dinner Salad Plate 21/2---Pasta & Salad 22/2---Fishcakes & salad 23/2---@ scout camp (those at home eat left-overs or eggs) 24/2---Meatloaf dinner 25/2---BaconEgg Pie + salad 26/2---Soup Night: Vegetable Beef soup 27/2---Tomatoe/Herb Sausages, mashed potatoes, & veg 28/2---Butter Chicken Curry, Rice & Peas 01/3---MYO Pizza night 02/3---Steak & Salad Breakfasts are MYO, with porridge, cereal & milk, toast, yogurt smoothies, etc. as options. When I make pancakes / french toast / waffles, I always make extras & freeze for quick breakfasts. Lunches are left-overs or salad + fruit & yogurt. Ds#2 takes his salad in a wrap as it is easier to eat at PS. January's menu was focused on using up what we had in our freezer / pantry / garden. I will now shop to get just what we need on a fortnightly basis, but by having menus drafted out for the next 1-2 months I can take advantage of sales as they come up on meats, etc. I'm hoping that my 2013 grocery total will be less than half my 2012 grocery spend. Menu planning is essential to reach this goal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa in SC Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 I'm typically a pro at meal planning. I've been doing it for almost 23 years, and I participated in this last month. I enjoy planning meals, and generally enjoy cooking. I'm told I'm good at it. Judging from dh's love handles, it must not be terrible lol. Here's my new problem. We've eaten budget consciously forever. Meat has more often been a condiment, rather than the feature of the meal. However, I need to lose weight. Dh needs to lose weight. So, we're embarking on our first foray into the land of LCHF. I don't know what to make! I mean, I think I can muddle through this week, but a whole month? Ack! I've relied on pasta, potatoes, breads and other grains to stretch meals for our entire marriage. Obviously, our health is most important, and i'll figure it out eventually, but does anyone have any inspired suggestions in the meantime? Please? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um_2_4 Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 So I assigned dates and somehow came up short 1 day :confused1: ...but I went shopping on Sun am and was so happy to know exactly what I needed versus my usual of wondering down the aisles trying to think of ideas for the week :hurray: . I already started the dough for the Lahmi bajeen and will make them during quiet time. (I didn't use to start dinner till 4pm :glare: ) So here is my revised list, I am hoping I can do a leftover night, but I know that probably won't happen: 1/28 - Lahmi bajeen, lubyah bil zeit, soup 1/29 - Shrimp alfredo, ceaser salad, toast 1/30 - Kafta ball stew, rice 1/31 - Skillet stuffed peppers, rice, salad 2/1 - Fetaih with lamb feet 2/2 - Shawrama, hummus, tabboulei 2/3 - Stuffed cabbage rolls, ?? 2/4 - Lasagna, garlic toast, salad 2/5 - Taco bar (night dh is working) 2/6 - Lamb & hummus beans with rice, yogurt, salad 2/7 - Kung pao beef, rice, chinese corn soup 2/8 - Leban eya (Yogurt and lamb stew), rice (makes enough for 2 days) 2/9 - same as 2/8 2/10 - Fish baked in the oven, roast potatoes, salad, corn chowder 2/11 - Chili, baked potatoes 2/12 - Homemade mini pizzas, carrot/raisin salad, clam chowder 2/13 - Kafta bil tahini, salad 2/14 - Fajitas, sweet corn cake, guac, black bean soup 2/15 - Lamb kabsah, salad, yogurt/cucumber sauce 2/16 - Bbq with lamb and beef, hummus, salad (weekend) 2/17 - Meatloaf, mash potatoes, corn pudding, carrot soup 2/18 - Hamburgers, cole slaw, baked beans, fries 2/19 - Bean & cheese smoothered burritos, spanish rice, soup? 2/20 - Curry beef with couscous, lentil soup 2/21 - Black bean and garlic salmon, rice, hot&sour soup 2/22 - Speciality pizza night (alfredo pizza, bbq pizza, mexican pizza), soup, fruit salad 2/23 - Lo mein, egg rolls, soup 2/24 - Rice with lamb and veges pilaf, yogurt & cucumber sauce, fatoush 2/25 - Salmon, brussel sprouts, rice, tomato and bean soup 2/26 - Baked ziti with meatballs, ?, toast 2/27 - Fasoulia, rice 2/28 - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readinmom Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Stupid question incoming: Am I the only one that has tons left over after every meal? I noticed nobody has plans for a leftovers night. We usually do that every 3 or 4 days. I don't always have a ton of leftovers, just a little of this and that. I usually plan a leftovers meal with a baked potatoes. The leftovers can be used as toppings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Another Jen Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 I take a different approach rather than plan a whole month. Go to grocery. See what meat is most reasonably priced. Put in cart. Try to remember ingredients for various recipes that use that meat while stuffing cart with vegetebles. Get home check recipes. Find out I am missing one key ingredient. End up making something like spaghetti and eating that for 3 days. Go to Costco. See what meat is most reasonably priced. Put in cart............ we must be twins... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb in NZ Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Stupid question incoming: Am I the only one that has tons left over after every meal? I noticed nobody has plans for a leftovers night. We usually do that every 3 or 4 days. I usually have a plan for any left-overs. I like to have a big roast dinner on sundays. Then any left-overs can be used in Dinner Salad plates (wednesdays), MYO pizzas or fried rice (fridays) or soup (tuesdays). I, also, use left-overs for lunches. Ds#1 takes left-overs for lunch most days. We all like wraps made with left-over roast meat or chili or curry. Calzones, meat pies, & stuffed potatoes are other yummy ways to "re-make" left-overs. When my dc were little & I had a fridge full of 1-2 servings of a variety of meals, I would write up a menu on our white board & it was first come, first serve for dinner that night. Lucky for me dh isn't a fussy eater most nights & he would eat what was left. But as I am now in reality feeding 3 active men, left-overs are rarely a problem for me. If I want to have left-over for meals later in the week I need to dish up the plates from the stove & pack any excess food away in the fridge pronto, otherwise everything gets eaten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 I've noticed that you all have very few repeats. I don't have that many meals my family will eat to do that. My husband and I are not super adventurous in trying new things and the kids aren't at all. Also my dh won't do soup for dinner, he says it's not filling enough. Now being in the job he's in, he goes to the ship about 5am and is usually eating lunch at 10:30 at the latest, when he gets home he's starving. NO he can't snack, most days he's lucky to fit in lunch. Here is what we have for this month. Here's a key, FFY=Fend For Yourself, this happens every monday since I'm at the gym with youngest and don't get home until about 7:30pm, Every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday and Every Thursday is Italian night which means mostly it's just spaghetti, but occasionally I'll do Chicken Parm for dh and I or a ziti/lasagna Feb 1: Cream Cheese Chicken (this is a new recipe so I hope it's good and goes over well) Feb 2: DH and I will eat out as the kids have a thing at their gym so it's DATE NIGHT Feb 3: Chicken Cordon Bleu and/or Chicken stuffed with Broccoli & Cheese Feb 4: leftovers/FFY Feb 5: Tacos Feb 6: Chicken Rice Feb 7: Spaghetti Feb 8: Chicken Nuggets/Chicken Sandwices Feb 9: Pizza Feb 10: Pork Chops Feb 11: FFY Feb 12: Tacos Feb 13: Chili Feb 14: Spaghetti Feb 15: DATE NIGHT (we get two of these because the gym thing from Jan was postponed to early Feb due to weather) Feb 16: Steaks (most likely we'll go out as a family to our favorite steak joint) Feb 17: Chicken Cordon Bleu/Chicken stuffed with Broccoli and Cheese Feb 18: FFY Feb 19: Tacos Feb 20: Chicken Rice Feb 21: Spaghetti Feb 22: Mac & Cheese Feb 23: Pizza Feb 24: Burgers/Hot Dogs Feb 25: FFY Feb 26: Tacos Feb 27: Pot Roast Feb 28: Spaghetti And we just start back at the top for the next month. I've actually written this down on a white board calendar with a Sharpie and we just change the dates in the boxes with a Dry erase marker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybear Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 I'm typically a pro at meal planning. I've been doing it for almost 23 years, and I participated in this last month. I enjoy planning meals, and generally enjoy cooking. I'm told I'm good at it. Judging from dh's love handles, it must not be terrible lol. Here's my new problem. We've eaten budget consciously forever. Meat has more often been a condiment, rather than the feature of the meal. However, I need to lose weight. Dh needs to lose weight. So, we're embarking on our first foray into the land of LCHF. I don't know what to make! I mean, I think I can muddle through this week, but a whole month? Ack! I've relied on pasta, potatoes, breads and other grains to stretch meals for our entire marriage. Obviously, our health is most important, and i'll figure it out eventually, but does anyone have any inspired suggestions in the meantime? Please? :D what is LCHF? I'm waiting to hear what others have to say on this. I do a lot of pasta, potatoes, etc. which keep costs down, but don't keep the waistline down. Also, I have been trying to make things ahead and freeze them, but again, those items don't always seem best for me. When I'm trying to eat healthy/lose weight I end up making more salads, which is good, but not necessarily cheap nor can it be done ahead. So, I'm all :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 I believe LCHF is Low Carb/High Fat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 Is anyone still planning? I just did mine for next week. Can we start one for March? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um_2_4 Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I was just thinking of this thread. I missed doing it for March and my budget is hurting because of it. Off to plan for the rest of March..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 You guys plan by the month? Wow. I plan 2 weeks at a time. Why doesn't someone just do it for me. I'll just copy lists here. New rule: post links to recipes. :thumbup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 I haven't seen a march thread. Start one! I didn't do a monthly this time because I had so many unused from feb and jan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Love seeing the whole month menus!! Could use some new ideas. I need to get back to menu planning again. Just basically ate out for 8 months as I was working with no time to cook. Back to regular life again now tho. Here's an old February menu from back when I did planning... BTW, that prime rib was a fluke; hasn't been on the menu since that extended family gettogether. :) Off to see if someone started March! • Friday: roast chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw • Saturday: chicken and dumplings (sick household) • Sunday: crockpot lasagna, salad, garlic bread Lunch/snacks: leftovers, frozen pizza, lunchmeat sandwiches, banana bread muffins, date bars, pineapple tapioca • Monday: chili • Tuesday: mahi mahi, baked potatoes, broccoli slaw • Wednesday: Bruce and I: Applebee’s, kids: chicken kiev, baked potatoes • Thursday: spaghetti with italien sausage, salad • Friday: Cozy night out • Saturday: venison roast, mashed potatoes, salad • Sunday: take out pizza • Monday: eat out • Tuesday: • Wednesday: church- wild rice soup • Thursday: pepper steak and rice • Friday: mahi mahi, mashed potato patties, corn/peas • Saturday: kids to Mom & Dad’s; us to Lighthouse Fundraiser dinner • Sunday: sloppy joe lunch at church, wild rice soup • Monday: spaghetti with Italian sausage • Tuesday: chili • Wednesday: chuck roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, salad • Thursday: ginger chicken delight, jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, salad, eggrolls • Friday: Junction Oasis- out (fish fry/burgers) • Saturday: Wendy’s --housecleaning for company • Sunday: prime rib, baked potatoes, scalloped corn, salad, homemade rolls, Gerri’s strawberry jello • Monday: sweet and sour chicken-StM, rice, broccoli, corn • Tuesday: tacos • Wednesday: prime rib, mashed potatoes, salad, green beans • Thursday: meatballs, baked potatoes, creamed corn, salad • Friday: sloppy joes, beans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.