Meal Plan Jan 30 - Feb 5

One of the best things I've done in my kitchen over the years is to meal plan! Having a plan written down makes that "witching hour" of 4:30-6 pm go so much more smoothly. Do we always follow the plan down to each detail? No, not always. Sometimes what I plan on Sunday to eat on Thursday isn't what I feel like fixing come Thursday. Or we might have a change in plans that will not allow for me to make what's on the menu. Or I might forget to get the meat out of the freezer in time to thaw. But it's a start, and that's what matters most. A plan is a very good thing to have!

Menu planning was quick and easy this week because I have been using a monthly calendar to plot out the meals I have in mind based upon what we have on hand in our pantry and freezer.  We had a few changes in our menu plan last week at the last minute due to schedule changes and a key missing ingredient in the pantry, so the Spaghetti Soup and the Ham and Potato Soup are making a repeat appearance on this week's menu. We also ended up going out to eat on Sunday night for a Family Date to Texas Roadhouse, so we'll be having macaroni and cheese this week on Kids' Pick Night.  This Saturday, Feb 4, is National Nutella Day (can't remember where I read that one), so we'll be celebrating with a special breakfast on Saturday morning.

Here’s what we’ll be having on our table this week:

Crock Pot Monday – Ham and Potato Soup, Salad, rolls (from freezer), strawberry pretzel dessert

One Dish Tuesday – Baked Ziti, salad, bread with dipping oil
Sandwich Wednesday – Chipotle inspired burritos, salad
Kids' Pick Thursday – Spiral Cut Ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans, blueberry sundaes
Quick Fix Friday – Chili Dogs, veggies and dip, chips
New Recipe Saturday – Strawberry/Nutella Crepes for breakfast, U-Pick Lunch, Date Night Dinner
Sunday Brunch– Apple Pancakes, Bacon
Sunday dinner - Spaghetti Soup, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Salad

For breakfasts this week:

Cereal/toast/bagels, smoothies, hard cooked eggs, sausage balls, ham/potato/egg/cheese breakfast wraps (freezer), yogurt/ homemade granola

For snacks this week:

Cereal, chex mix/trail mix, crackers w/ cream cheese or peanut butter, pretzels w/ cheese cubes, popcorn, pizza bagels, veggies with ranch dip

What's on your menu this week?

Need some further inspiration? Check out some other menu ideas over at I'm an Organizing Junkie where Laura hosts Menu Plan Monday every week.