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!
With our busy schedule and commitment to eating together as a family nightly, I've come up with a thematic night approach to planning our weekly menu. I've used a variety of menu planning strategies over the years, and this seems to be working best for our family at this stage of life. We have fruit at every meal, but I don't always write that down in the plan. We just sort of pull together what we have on hand.
Here's what's on our menu for this week.
CROCK POT Monday - Honey Garlic Chicken, Rice, Steamed Broccoli
COMFORT FOOD Tuesday - Potluck Meatballs (as seen on Pioneer Woman), Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus
SANDWICH Wednesday - Ham/Cheese Stromboli, Salad, Chips
KIDS PICK Thursday - Walking Tacos, Dirt Pudding Cups
MEATLESS Friday - Pasta with Red Sauce, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Salad
NEW RECIPE Saturday - Make your own pizza (new pizza crust recipe from Pioneer Woman), Italian Salad
BRUNCH Sunday - Egg Casserole, English Muffins with Strawberry Freezer Jam
QUICK BITE Sunday Night Dinner - Turkey Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Salad, Cupcakes
Breakfast Options This Week:
cereal/toast
vanilla yogurt with fresh strawberries and homemade granola
hard boiled eggs
ham/cheese corn muffins
Snack Options This Week:
Veggies/Dip or Fruit
Cereal
Graham Crackers with peanut butter/marshmallow fluff
Granola Bars/Gogurt
Popcorn
I'll post recipes and pictures as I make the meals. this blog is a work in progress. Thanks for following.
What's on your menu this week?
If you need further inspiration for meal planning, check out Menu Plan Monday over at Organizing Junkie. Lots of bloggers have linked up their menu plans for the week. It's a neat way to do a little blog hopping and get some new ideas.
Have you tested out PW's pizza dough yet? She says it's best made 2 to 3 days ahead. I generally make ours Thursday morning ( for Friday evening) . I keep it the kitchen aid mixing bowl - grease up the sides and bottom of bowl, cover with Saran wrap -- and it's ready to go the next day. Very delicious.
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