Growing up, I was in charge of making weekly menus and shopping lists. I naturally carried that into my college and "grown-up" years. Just this past year, however, I started to try out monthly menu planning, and it has made a huge difference in keeping me on track with our monthly budget, and it saves me a lot of time in the planning process.
I adopted my menu planner from my friend and college mentor, Phyllis Daniels. She uses it for her family, and has so graciously given permission for me to post it here!
4-Week Meal Plan (Blank)
The first month using this, I had to come up with 4 weeks of dinners. That took a little time. But, after making the first month's menu, the subsequent months have gotten much easier as I just tweak and add or subtract a few dinner each month (normally takes me about 15 minutes each month). I'm sure to keep each month's menu in a binder so I can look back on it and remember any old recipes I used but forgot. For example, I just looked back at last year's fall menus, and realized all the glorious pumpkin and soup recipes I used!
When grocery shopping, I try to grocery shop once every 2 weeks (with a small trip in between to pick up fresh fruits, veggies, and dairy). We end up picking up less "extras" and hence keep within our monthly food budget more easily.
To get you started on your monthly menu, I'll share mine for this month, as well as a few blogs that I love getting recipe ideas from because they are always delicious, affordable, and kid-friendly.
Kraft Recipes
Six Sisters Stuff
Skinny Taste
Nap Time Creations
Thanks for posting the sheet! Great idea! I also read a tip about taking time to list every dish you cook on a table according to type (for example: Mexican, Beef, Soup, etc.). Then you can refer back to it when you need ideas. I was shocked at the number of dishes I make regularly! This is a topic near and dear to me, as cooking has become a serious challenge during this toddlerhood time. When things are plotted out carefully, I can better plan how to get the cooking done on a particular day.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in seeing your recipe for sloppy joe lentils! I am always trying to add more meatless recipes and to use lentils is a great way to do it. thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Val!
ReplyDeleteHere's the recipe we use and all really enjoy it.
http://www.readyseteat.com/recipes-Vegetarian-Sloppy-Joes-5288.html
Last time we made it, we also snuck in some red and green peppers, chopped super super finely.