Here is a Dinner-Only look:
- The way I meal plan is simple. I first look at how far out I want to menu plan. Right now, I am only doing per-pay-period menu planning, but for my sanity, I think I will switch to one day of planning a month's worth of meals. So. Much. Easier.
- Next, I get together my recipes together. For this menu, I needed 13 dinners with the 14th meal being out. So, I find 13 dinner recipes and sides. I gather a few of our good ole standbys that I know everyone will love. Then, depending, I will add some brand new dinner recipes to the menu.
- Now I look at C's work schedule for this week. He works at the same time every day, and the same off days, they just rotate so I like to plan accordingly. I then look at my calendar to see if I have any meetings, play dates, parties, appointments, etc that would interfere with dinner prep or dinner itself. After that is done, I can start placing what meals go on which days. I try and choose meals that take the most time prepping/cooking for nights that C is off. Crockpot meals are easy for days that I may not be home at dinner time and he can just eat and take a plate with him.
- I do a ton on my computer, but menu planning (for right now) just isn't one of them. I like to have a hard copy in front of me. I can't always be on my computer, but I can leave a piece of paper on the counter to come back to if I have a spare moment.
- There are a ton of free blank menu planners on the internet. Organized Home has a nice printable. For more of a calendar format, Donna Young.org has a nice selection of different weekly and monthly printable.
- Lastly, I fill in what dinner goes on what night. :)
Here is a copy of the rough draft I made of this period's menu. As you can see it isn't perfect, and I don't plan on making a nice, neat one either. One important thing: Place your menu plan on your refrigerator or in a spot that is easily accessible and easily seen.
(Yes, I realize my photography skills aren't the best and I cut off and only have six days instead of seven!)
Here is my menu plan for July 19th-August 1st:
Monday 19th: B)grits/Fruit L)mac and cheese D)out
Tuesday 20th: B)cereal/fruit L)Daddy's Choice D)Potato Soup/Taquitos (homemade)
Wednesday 21st: B) Cheese Toast/Fruit L)Leftover Potato Soup and Homemade corn dogs D) Homemade Graham Crackers w/ Homemade peanut butter, bananas and pretzels
Thursday 22nd: B)Oatmeal/Fruit L) Homemade PB sandwiches/pretzels D) Crockpot: Bacon Wrapped Garlic Chicken with mashed potatoes, fried squash and fried okra (I bought fresh squash and okra at the farmer's market in town the other day. I LOVE fried squash but rarely fry anything-tonight-we shall FRY! lol)
Friday 23rd: B) Breakfast Cookies/Fruit L) Rice and Beans D) Homemade Pizza
Saturday 24th: B) Grits/Fruit L) Homemade PB sandwich/pretzels/cheese stick D) Spaghetti (homemade sauce) with green beans and bread
Sunday 25th: B) Cheese toast/Fruit L) Left over Spaghetti and Carrots D) Spicy Black-eyed Pea soup and cornbread
Monday 26th: B) Oatmeal/Fruit L) Mac and Cheese D) Crockpot Sloppy Joe's with Oven Fries and English Peas
Tuesday 27th: B) Breakfast Cookie/Fruit L) PB Sandwich/ pretzels/cheese stick D) TBA (*If I have a sitter, the kids will eat supper there and I will pack C sandwiches for his take-to-work meal*)
Wednesday 28th: B) Grits/Fruit L) Mayo Biscuits and Rice D) Corn Chowder and Rolls
Thursday 29th: B) Homemade Blueberry Muffins/Fruit L) Homemade Corn dogs (from freezer) and green beans D)Chicken and Rice with Carrots
Friday 30th: B) Cereal/Fruit L)Taquitos (from freezer) D) Crockpot Turkey Steaks with Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes and corn
Saturday 31st: B) Eggs and Toast/Fruit L) Mac and Cheese D) Sante Fe Soup with bread
Sunday 1st: B)Oatmeal/Fruit L) Left over Soup D) Mushroom Chicken with rice and green beans
I will be posting recipes for the homemade peanut butter, taquitos and corn dogs in a later post!
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