Mommy Bits » Menu planning

Menu Planning Tuesday????

ShannanB — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:28:36 +0000

Ok. So it’s Tuesday and I’m just now posting my menu plan for the week (You may have noticed I didn’t even get to it last week- FAIL). If you live in the mid-west (Ohio / Kentucky) than you, like me, have been dealing with some intense snow and sleet issues. On top of that, my Mom-who cares for the boys during the day, has been sick so I’ve worked from home both days this week. To say it’s been a little crazy would be an understatement Fo-Sho.

So, here it is. In all it’s glory. My menu plan for the week. I am still primarily playing around with a heavy vegetarian menu.

Monday - Black Beans & whole grain rice with turkey sausage, green & red peppers, onions and shallots
THIS WAS AMAZING! I was nervous about using whole grain rice but it was great.

Tuesday - Vegetarian quesadilas with green & red peppers, tomato, and more.
These rocked. Will be sharing the recipe on Monday!

Wednesday -White Chicken Chili

Thursday - Vegetarian Wraps with avocado, roasted red pepper humus, tomato and cucumber

Friday - Vegetarian Chili with meatless crumbles, corn, red beans and tomatoes
I’m modifying a Rachel Ray recipe for Turkey Chili

Saturday - Wraps/Grill Cheese Sandwiches with Chili

Sunday - Grilled chicken marinated in jerk seasoning with southwest corn, boiled red skins and corn bread

Next week I’m hoping to try out a few recipes from this month’s Vegetarian Times. I’d never heard of the magazine before my boss lent me her copy late last week. It’s got some great recipes that I am eager to try out.

Intro to Meal Planning

ShannanB — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:54:53 +0000

Alright, here we go. My first real menu plan and my first time participating in Organizing Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday. I have to say that I really enjoyed sitting down this morning before going to the grocery store and planning out what I was going to make this week. I couldn’t believe how much EASIER it made grocery shopping. Instead of just randomly buying things that “sounded good” I was being strategic! It was insane. This week I decided to go the vegetarian route. Some of these are new recipes for me so I’ll be sure to let you know which worked and which didn’t (hopefully they’ll all be tasty!).

Monday - Fruit Plate (Boys have soccer, I have a late meeting)
Tuesday-Black Beans & Rice: Brown rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, shallot & avocado
Wednesday- Veggie Wraps: Whole wheat wraps, hummus, gr. pepper, tomato, lettuce, cucumber & avocado
Thursday- Soup: Diced tomatoes, onions, potatoes, corn, celery, tomato paste and veggie broth
Friday- Date Night – Boys having Grilled Cheese & Veggie Soup, Fruit Cup.
Saturday – Veggie Tacos: Whole wheat tortillas, vegetarian “meat” crumbles, tomato, avocado, lettuce, corn & salsa.
Sunday – Pasta Dish: Whole wheat pasta, garlic, olive oil, walnuts & craisins.

Interested in menu planning? Check out Menu Planning Monday at Organizing Junkie.

Want to see what other’s are planning for dinner this week? Check out these blogs:

No Measurements | $5 Dinners | Stretching a Buck

Recipes for Success

ShannanB — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:24:05 +0000

This week I’ve been thinking a lot about menu planning.

I’ve been all over the web, doing research. So far I’ve gotten some great information and ideas from friends like Marcy at Stretching a Buck, Andrea at Mommy Snacks and over at Blissfully Domestic too. While I’m not officially starting until Monday, I’ve found myself already researching and trying to find recipes that allow me to make multiple meals that share ingredients. Here’s a quick look at what I’m doing this week during my trial run. I’d love to have your feedback as well as any tips or links to sites on menu planning you love.

I had a lot of fun coming up with the menu but it was really hard. You’ll see that I don’t yet know what to do Saturday or Sunday nights. I’ve never really cooked before so ‘ll def. be looking to those of you who rock at this for help!

One additional thing that I should mention that I am trying to make meals that can carry over to lunch the next day. I have sort of a problem with eating out for lunch….. a problem that I am really trying to overcome!

Sunday
Mean Green Tortilla Soup
Monday
Lunch: Leftover Mean Green Tortilla Soup
Dinner: Green Eggs and Ham (son’s request….)
Tuesday
Lunch: Leftover Mean Green Tortilla Soup
Dinner: Sausage Jambalya
Wednesday
Lunch: Leftover Sausage Jambalya
Dinner: Ham & Potato Soup using left over ham from Monday
Thursday
Lunch: Ham & Potato Soup
Dinner: All in One Sausage & Pasta dish using leftover sausage
Friday
Lunch: Leftover Sausage and Pasta
Dinner: Stouffers Lasagna
Saturday
Lunch: Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Dinner: TBD
Sunday
Lunch: Stouffers Lasagna
Dinner: TBD

PS. Erin at $5 Dinners has some great, affordable recipes if you’re looking to start menu planning too!

UPDATE:One of my good friends just pointed out that there are not a lot of veggies here and it’s meat/salt heavy. YES. For this week I didn’t sit down and do a plan (like you should) I reacted to what we had in the house. I also want to note that the boys, for the most part, have not eaten what we have had. They do not like meals that are all mixed together like soups, jambalaya, etc. I don’t want you all thinking they aren’t getting their F&V’s, they are. They typically get the meat we are eating with a F&V. Thanks to my gal pal for pointing that out. I promise next week’s menu will be much more well rounded and all family – inclusive.