Meal Plans Anyone? (583 views)
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Post by mrswaz on Sept 14, 2016 16:54:22 GMT -5
I have GOT to get back into doing this! With my kids crazy dance schedule some nights we eat dinner as early as 5:00 and some nights it's not until after 8:00. Generally I drive them and drop them, so I'm starting to have more time to cook these days. Living in an urban area, I've gotten lazy at meal planning, because I am just ten minutes away from Costco, Sam's Club, and my favorite grocery stores. My budget would be much happier if I would utilize some of the things I have on hand for change.
I'm going to attempt to come up with a one week plan and report back later. Anyone want to join me?
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Post by Catbatty on Sept 14, 2016 17:39:49 GMT -5
Meal Planning: I know of a couple of recipe software programs that have meal plan sections and they actually work, I think. Well, I dunno. I haven't used those areas of the programs much really. But I know that you point to recipes you have stored, and it will place those recipe links back in the meal plan section (whichever spot you want them in...breakfast, lunch, etc., on the days of the month) and then, optionally, you can tell it to make a Shopping List from whatever recipes you have linked into the meal plan. Some of you already have the programs I'm thinking about. (One of the programs is now seeming to have closed down...but your the installed program still works and the other program is very active. I believe they are both for pc and not mac.)
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Post by mrswaz on Sept 14, 2016 21:14:07 GMT -5
Yes, I actually have Pepperplate and another meal planning app on my kindle. I do use Pepperplate for cooking from a lot, but not the meal planning portion. I should look that over more, maybe it would make the actual task of meal planning more pleasant.
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Sept 15, 2016 10:57:01 GMT -5
I'm game! Now I need to actually do it -- I could use that motivation. I go in waves of menu planning, some weeks I make a plan, and basically stick to it (I do try to add some flexibility to it). But some weeks, plan, what plan. And I do have those nights of, hmm, what am I going to have for dinner and rummage thru the fridge and freezer. And sometimes there's not much to choose from other than a big salad, pasta with tomato sauce etc. Or, I hope that I still have one of the frozen meals I've made in the freezer (and I'm like, yes, frozen burrito it is!).
One thing I want to do (and will probably start a thread) is to make some freezer meals. I find that is so helpful on nights I don't want to cook or I get home late. I know that picking up takeout or prepared food the market can really add up, not only in cost but oh, the calories too!
I might try to pick a cookbook or website as a starting point and go from there.
Thanks for the nudge.
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Post by mrswaz on Sept 15, 2016 11:08:25 GMT -5
I WILL come up with a plan in the next few hours, I swear. I keep staring at a blank piece of paper.
I'm also trying to be more efficient with my errand running, and I drop the kids at dance tonight at 4:30, but then pick the girl back up at 6:00. Ideally, I would like to do some grocery shopping in that 90 minutes plus get a start on getting tonight's dinner made.
We'll see. For sure tonight we'll be having salad, as I have some greens in the fridge that want to be used up.
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sallyt
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Post by sallyt on Sept 15, 2016 13:08:09 GMT -5
I try to meal plan every Saturday, and plan for the rest of the week. I go grocery shopping on Saturday and Sunday. It's not perfect, but works...
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Post by Catbatty on Sept 15, 2016 13:13:22 GMT -5
We like to make things that sit in the fridge and can be spooned out (or brain-don't-leave-me-now...paddled out...cut out...oh well)...during the days after it is made. So, we like to make pots of pinto beans or soups/stews, polenta (or in flat casseroles and cut into squares), crustless quiche-like things (green chile/egg/cheese is one we like), husband's brown rice (Spanish Rice) to die for, carrot or cabbage salad, tomato sauces/salsas to put on every and anything. It's most often just the two of us, so we get a kick out of having fresh food at the ready. (And then we make fresh salads, or make some other side dishes to go with.) My DREAM is to someday make dishes and freeze them. I want to do little pies, cakes, empanada type things (vegetarian mostly--maybe some beef ones with veggies)...TAQUITOS!!! Lots of frozen SALSAS. (Can u tell I'm getting all excited just thinking about this??)
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Post by mrswaz on Sept 15, 2016 17:38:47 GMT -5
Okay, here's what I've got for the next week or so. My original ideas had to be tweaked because DH will be out of town next week, but that made my kids thrilled because then they get my homemade chicken tenders and french fries for dinner.
Tonight: Tacos al pastore Friday: Lasagna, Garlic Bread Saturday: Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon and Potato soup- cover recipe from CL 10/16 Sunday: Leftover soup or lasagna Monday: Sliders (thinking a pork/pineapple thing, have to find one), Potato Wedges, Broccoli Tuesday: Dutch Baby Pancakes with cinnamon apples Wednesday: Chicken Tenders and French Fries
Whew. I cheated tonight by picking up the al pastore meat from Sam's Club already marinated for me. I hope it's good!
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sallyt
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Post by sallyt on Sept 15, 2016 18:26:02 GMT -5
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Sept 16, 2016 11:14:39 GMT -5
Love seeing how people go about planning and what people are making, so thanks. Mrswaz, thanks for starting the thread, just the push I need to actually write things down. I usually write down at least a rough plan, but some weeks, I think I can just wing it (not always a good idea!). I've been getting out of the habit, so I need to get back on track. So rough plans, busy week so going for easy. Greek Fajitas -- new to me -- www.amuse-your-bouche.com/?s=greek+fajitas Asian Lettuce Wraps Chicken Chopped Salad (skinnytaste) Something with leftover black beans -- might make a big salad, toss in chicken, a lime cilantro dressing. Spicy Cashew Crunch Stirfry -- I don't do spicy, so I will tweak that part ? maybe my usual, boneless chicken sauteed in pan, some kind of veg, brown rice or ..... Herb-Roasted Eggplant with Tomatoes and Feta -- ok I'll admit I copied more than a few recipes after learning that clb was closing. I sure will miss that wealth of info! I used to search that site all the time. I copied this one down yesterday.
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Post by mrswaz on Sept 16, 2016 12:33:51 GMT -5
Sallyt, are you making that chocolate pavlova that Smitten Kitchen posted? It looks absolutely divine!
applecrisp, I should go search for eggplant recipes myself. I can't get my family on board with eating eggplant, so it's a tricky one for me. Those Greek Fajitas sound amazing too!
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charley
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Post by charley on Sept 16, 2016 13:31:52 GMT -5
I get how important it is to have meal plans, especially with a busy family. It's just the two of us and I think I'm doing good to plan 3 meals in a row; forget an entire week.
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peachesncream
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Post by peachesncream on Sept 16, 2016 13:51:17 GMT -5
Okay, here's what I've got for the next week or so. My original ideas had to be tweaked because DH will be out of town next week, but that made my kids thrilled because then they get my homemade chicken tenders and french fries for dinner. Tonight: Tacos al pastore Friday: Lasagna, Garlic Bread Saturday: Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon and Potato soup- cover recipe from CL 10/16 Sunday: Leftover soup or lasagna Monday: Sliders (thinking a pork/pineapple thing, have to find one), Potato Wedges, Broccoli Tuesday: Dutch Baby Pancakes with cinnamon apples Wednesday: Chicken Tenders and French Fries Whew. I cheated tonight by picking up the al pastore meat from Sam's Club already marinated for me. I hope it's good! That looks delicious. Wish I were eating at your house!
My advice is, once you've done the hard work to make a weekly menu, save it. Pretty soon you'll have a month's worth of menus, and then 2 or 3 months, to choose from.
You can make substitutions in those menus (using seasonal fruits and veggies).
Mel's Kitchen Cafe has some good ideas. I love her side dish planner. Side dishes are the hardest for me to plan.
www.melskitchencafe.com/menus-2/
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peachesncream
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Post by peachesncream on Sept 16, 2016 14:03:21 GMT -5
I get how important it is to have meal plans, especially with a busy family. It's just the two of us and I think I'm doing good to plan 3 meals in a row; forget an entire week. lol. This is where DH and I are now that we're empty-nesters. I plan for 3 nights a week.
The rest of the time we eat freezer meals, leftovers, or dinner out. (My freezer is my friend. )
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Post by karenw on Sept 16, 2016 14:15:49 GMT -5
I generally plan meals each week, but some weeks (like the upcoming week) I rely on what I have cooked and previously frozen otherwise the freezer starts busting at the seams. Right now I need to empty it a bit. That being said, I am going to make a bunch of casseroles to freeze this weekend!!!! BUT....they are not for my family. I am hosting a pasta party in the next month for DD's volleyball team as well as the Jr. varsity team (she's the varsity captain!!). I thought I would make 2 pans of mac and cheese and 2 baked zitis to freeze so I will have less to do at the last minute since I have the time this weekend. The only challenge I will have is that one girl is celiac (fortunately, she is bringing her own food), one is vegetarian, one is vegan, one has a peanut allergy, and one has a sesame allergy!!! Does not leave many options. The mac and cheese and ziti will cover most of the girls along with garlic bread, salad, and dessert. For the others I think it will have to be pasta with garlic and olive oil (cheese on the side!) and/or pasta with plain sauce. If I get time, may make cookies for DS#2 since his girlfriend is heading up to his campus to visit him in 2 weeks and bringing some stuff that I bought for his dorm room etc...
Karen
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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2016 8:50:22 GMT -5
I don't always have à plan, cook for myself & no kiddos; but try to save time and have a variety of options at hand. I do the bulk of food shopping online at vons.com. Well worth the $13 delivery fee. I like to keep a variety of protein on hand I.e. meat, poultry, seafood/fish and certain frozen veggies just in case, i.e. brussels sprouts, broccoli, etc. I also stock the pantry w San marzano or canned tomatoes, tuna, pasta etc., some canned soup, veggies, clam sauce, fruit, oatmeal. Fresh seasonal fruit and veggies are best, of course. A slowcooker and indoor grill help.
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Post by mrswaz on Sept 18, 2016 14:01:21 GMT -5
So far so good! I planned out meals, went grocery shopping for them, and so far I've stuck to the schedule.
Last nights slow cooker soup was a winner. I'll give that it's own thread when I have a little more time to do so.
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gabbyh
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Post by gabbyh on Sept 19, 2016 9:13:42 GMT -5
OMG sallyt's post reminded me I forgot to copy the quesadilla thread on the old board! Back I go ~Gail
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Post by mrswaz on Sept 22, 2016 11:55:50 GMT -5
Partial meal plan this week. I'm picking up a fall CSA box on Saturday and I have no idea what will be in it. Hopefully somethings to be vegetable sides and salads for a few days, but I'm also leaving a few days open to adjust things as needed. Thursday: Chicken & Mushroom Fettuccine with Broccoli (from Recipe Girl) Friday: Kale & Sausage Stew, fresh homemade bread (from Jamie Oliver) Saturday: Turmeric Pork Chops with Green Onion Rice (from Cooking Light Oct 2016) Sunday: Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, sides TBD Monday: Soft Shell Lentil Tacos
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Sept 22, 2016 19:53:29 GMT -5
Well I didn't stick that closely to the plan, but it was good to get back in the habit of planning since I was slacking on that the last few weeks, so thanks for the motivation. Love reading the great meals and variety of the menus posted and lots of great ideas. I made the Herb-Roasted Eggplant with Tomatoes and Feta and it was just ok. I've made a similar recipe (this one does have more ingredients) that I like so much better, it is CL's Basil Roasted Vegetables Over Couscous. That CL recipe is one of my favorites (I do change up the grain). I would recommend that one! Tonight I made the Asian Lettuce Wraps Chicken Chopped Salad (Skinnytaste.com). I think this is the third time I've made it (I used chicken breast cut up in small pieces). My neighbor was over and asked for the recipe --- so that is always good. Here's a link. www.skinnytaste.com/asian-lettuce-wrap-chicken-chopped-salad/ I'm hoping to plan and shop tomorrow for the next few days. I have one night planned, the quesadillas that Sallyt mentioned -- and I now have a bunch of apples after going a bit overboard at the farmers market. Thanks mrswaz, even getting back to a rough plan is good!
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Post by mrswaz on Sept 22, 2016 20:31:32 GMT -5
Well I didn't stick that closely to the plan, but it was good to get back in the habit of planning since I was slacking on that the last few weeks, so thanks for the motivation. Love reading the great meals and variety of the menus posted and lots of great ideas. I made the Herb-Roasted Eggplant with Tomatoes and Feta and it was just ok. I've made a similar recipe (this one does have more ingredients) that I like so much better, it is CL's Basil Roasted Vegetables Over Couscous. That CL recipe is one of my favorites (I do change up the grain). I would recommend that one! Tonight I made the Asian Lettuce Wraps Chicken Chopped Salad (Skinnytaste.com). I think this is the third time I've made it (I used chicken breast cut up in small pieces). My neighbor was over and asked for the recipe --- so that is always good. Here's a link. www.skinnytaste.com/asian-lettuce-wrap-chicken-chopped-salad/ I'm hoping to plan and shop tomorrow for the next few days. I have one night planned, the quesadillas that Sallyt mentioned -- and I now have a bunch of apples after going a bit overboard at the farmers market. Thanks mrswaz, even getting back to a rough plan is good! Boy, isn't that the truth! Keeping myself from that 3:00 pm what's for dinner routine is a lifesaver- and a budget saver. I went grocery shopping today and fit everything I needed for the recipes I posted in one little basket. As opposed to filling a whole shopping cart with a store full of random things.
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Post by soupandstew on Sept 22, 2016 21:47:34 GMT -5
I'm trying to get back to planning, even if that means planning to get takeout on crazy days. I'm not really up to a full 7-day plan yet, but here's what I have so far for the next week or so:
Friday-eating out at local Lebanese restaurant Sampler plate with hummus, baba ganoush, tabouli, spinach pie and meat pie was awesome, had a Lebanese beer Saturday-stuffed eggplant (had wonderful little eggplants in my farm share so doing basic beef, rice, tomato stuffing) Used Penzey's Turkish seasoning, it was a hit and will serve the other half Thursday. Sunday-DH's night to cook so who knows? Got a little strip steak at the farmers market; tiny red potatoes and Chinese long beans on the side. Monday-have frozen chicken tortellini and a good quality pasta sauce in the pantry, maybe with an arugula & blue cheese salad to use up farm share arugula Tuesday-Got collard greens in share so found a recipe for Caldo Verde with Beef Shank and Sausage foodandwine.com/recipes/caldo-verde-beef-shank-and-sausage. Finally found beef shank and Spanish chorizo after multiple stops. I have no idea why everyone is out of beef shank Wednesday-We're going to the local farmers market Saturday so probably chevre from a local farm, rosemary sourdough bread and a red Added prosciutto and a nice Asian pear to the meal. Chose the Greek chevre with herbs.
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