this is the first time i've published my weekly dinner menu (i think, correct me if i'm wrong.) i started menu planning at the beginning of the year and it totally works for me. it keeps me organized at the grocery store, which keeps me from over-buying, and it forces me find and try new recipes. but best of all, there is this awesome peace of mind of knowing well in advance what's for dinner.
okay i'll get right to it...
Monday: Tortellini Marinara
Tuesday: Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken, salad
Wednesday: Hamburgers (actually turkey burgers but shhh, don't tell)
Thursday: TGIT (Thursday is our family fun night, we dine out)
Friday: French Bread Pizza, bean salad
Saturday: Chicken Pot Pies, baked potatoes
Sunday: Crockpot Tortilla Soup
a few notes...my menu is flexible so that if i crave Mexican on Tuesday, i can switch the recipes around. also, i don't usually plan side dishes, because i almost always have something on hand to pair up with the main dish. i usually include frozen or take-and-bake pizza once a week on my menu, but since we have tortellini and french bread pizza this week, i opted for a different frozen entree- the pot pies. my family likes the Marie Callendar brand. i mentally plan lunch for Saturday and sometimes Sunday, and it's usually something super dooper easy like sandwiches or nachos, because we always have ingredients for those things on hand. when i'm menu planning (usually sunday nights or monday mornings) i write the recipes beside the menu, and make note of where the recipes come from. i also make my grocery list at the same time. and then i look for coupons. the whole process takes less than an hour, and today i'm doing it with my 1 year old on my lap. i say this to encourage you, not to brag :)
