At the cornerstone of saving money with your groceries is planning your meals ahead of time. Nothing kills a budget like going to the store unprepared. This week I felt rushed to get my things together so my menu planning was lacking which made me feel lost in the store. Frustrating.
Fortunately I know what we like and was able to grab stuff that I knew would make a meal at some point. But in general I do NOT like to do it that way. I want to have a plan going in, I want to know what I need to get me through the week and that's what I want to get.
So, I'd love to know how you menu plan? Do you have a set menu that you always use or is there a cookbook you love?
I'm a variety kind of person. My ideal week is when I can find 4 or 5 recipes that I'm really excited about making - whether it's all from 1 cookbook or from recipes friends recommend. I've already mentioned my love for Kraft Food & Family. I also enjoy Pampered Chef cookbooks when they don't involve too much Pillsbury biscuits.
But I am open to suggestions! If you love a cookbook or site please pass it on.
Photo by daveynin
I'm recently back into the meal planning and preparing role after being out of it since last summer! Yikes! My brain feels like mush lately, so the other day I just started listing as many meals as possible that I know how to make. I categorized them like: Chicken...-pot pie -enchiladas -casserole, etc. Then Corey marked a handful of them that he was in the mood for. It has helped tremendously in my meal planning endeavors!
ReplyDeleteOh, and if you want a really funny recipe idea, check out the latest post on my blog! :)
Also, can you tell me where you all get your coupons? I'm about to subscribe to the Sunday paper to get those coupons, but should I be tracking down more?
Oh, and I love love KFF too!
This is my biggest struggle. Planning meals. So many days it's 5 oclock and I'm thinking...what am I gonna make for dinner. I'm horrible at planning. My husband is a picky eater and my twins are starting to eat table food now and it's getting harder and harder for me. I don't want the kids to eat "processed" garb with lots of junk added but it's hard to plan meals around them. Suggestions?? I did find two really good recipes in a twin book I have. A chicken pie from scratch and turkey chili. I can share those if anyone wants them. The chili one is on my blog...the chicken pie is great for the kids too. Any help for how to plan is appreciated. :)
ReplyDelete