Menu Plan Jan 23-29

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.  I took a quick look at our family calendar and made sure that the meal preps would work with our schedule, added in some fresh fruit and veggie/salad sides from my weekly trip to the grocery store, and we’re all set.  Saturday dinner is up in the air, as we have a slew of kids' activities going on at the same time and we're not exactly sure how that's all going to come together yet. 

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

Crock Pot Monday – Honey Garlic Chicken, rice, edemame, salad (the 8 year old's student teacher from last year is coming over for dinner)

One Dish Tuesday – Ranchero Beans and Rice, salad, frozen lime mint salad
Sandwich Wednesday – Spaghetti Soup, salad, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Salad, Peaches (from freezer)
Kids' Pick Thursday – Crispy Oven Fried Chicken, potatoes, peas, salad, fruit
Quick Fix Friday – Ham and Potato Soup, salad, wheat rolls (from freezer), strawberry pretzel dessert
Saturday – U-Pick Lunch (leftover buffet), Dinner on the go
Sunday Brunch– Baked Oatmeal with blueberries, ham slices (from freezer)
Sunday dinner - Salmon patties, macaroni and cheese, broccoli slaw

For breakfasts this week:

Cereal/toast/bagels, smoothies, ginger maple pancakes (freezer), hard cooked eggs, oatmeal with fruit, ham/potato/egg/cheese breakfast wraps (freezer), yogurt/granola

For snacks this week:

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

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.