momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,153
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on May 31, 2015 20:14:00 GMT
Anyone go by any sort of plan like - chicken x times a week, beef, pasta, etc. I try to vary things, but i'm finding that when dh is in charge of dinner, he just does whatever is easiest - like pasta or burgers. Problem is i'll make a pasta dish and then a night later he'll open a jar of sauce and make pasta again.
I'd love to see if others use some sort of plan for the week....thinking this will help will varying recipes more too if I stick to something like this.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on May 31, 2015 20:36:42 GMT
I would love to do something like this, because after I get home from work / health club / whatever, I always end up doing 'whatever is easiest' as well, and I have a freezer and pantry full of things that don't get used with this approach.
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Post by littlemama on May 31, 2015 20:39:56 GMT
On Saturday or Sunday, I figure out what we will eat each night, plus I always have quick things on hand because our schedule can be so variable, especially during baseball season. We don't have any "rules" about how many times a week we eat chicken or beef or whatever, although I do try not to eat the same meat more than two days in a row.
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Post by pmk on May 31, 2015 20:41:10 GMT
I tend to plan 7 meals for the week, buy everything that's needed and then have a list on a board in the kitchen. i don't mind allocating something to each day but dh tends to be happier to choose what he feels like cooking when he's on duty! As long as we have less waste and something to eat each day I'm happy!
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,943
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on May 31, 2015 20:42:19 GMT
I used to do this years ago, then quit because we got busy and I fell out of my routine. (Just when I needed it the most!?! )
Anyway, I would love to get back to it. The closest I come right now is making sure we have stuff for a few stand by meals on-hand.
Once the kids got involved in sports, that was it for me and my planning. LOL
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akathy
What's For Dinner?
Still peaing from Podunk!
Posts: 4,546
Location: North Dakota
Jun 25, 2014 22:56:55 GMT
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Post by akathy on May 31, 2015 20:44:28 GMT
I just went through my freezer to see what meat I have on hand. I write it down so that I can loosely plan meals for the next 6 days or so. I made a list of meals using different things and wrote a grocery list of the things I need to make each meal. I'll pick them up tomorrow. I end up with a list of meals and all the ingredients needed for each meal. Then when I get up in the mornings and plan my day I also plan what I'm making for dinner from my meal list.
This system has worked well for me for years. Instead of being locked in to a certain meal on a certain day this gives me much more flexibility.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 3:25:45 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2015 20:48:28 GMT
I try to make a menu up on Sunday for the week. Nights might not happen and we do something simple, but we try. This week: Sunday: Burgers, Fries & Corn on the cob. Monday: Steamed cod, Jasmine Rice &grilled vegies. Tuesday:Chicken Alfredo & Salad Wedensday:Mississippi Mud Roast, parm potatoes &summer squash Thursday:Pork Marsala,Pasta & Veigie (not sure we will check the farmers market) Friday: Grilled chicken sandwiches, Mac & Chesse & vegie (see above)
We also will be making honey lemonade, strawberry kemonade, some muffins for breakfeast grabs & death by chocolate cake for hubbies bday.
I try to write it out and shop early Sunday morning, hit the Farmers Market on Wedensday & the grocery stores for on sale meat. Seafood is brought the day of, so I try to plan the seafood night on a day I know I will be in town. It also helps I ask everyone to choose a meal and plan it into the menu. It helps that they want it so it's more of a push to help cook. Hubby cooks on his days off with my help and the girls and I cook on his work days. With summer coming it will be nice to have a bit more flexibility with what time we eat dinner.
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valleyview
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,816
Jun 27, 2014 18:41:26 GMT
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Post by valleyview on May 31, 2015 21:05:16 GMT
I also try to do a weekly menu plan based upon what is seasonally fresh and what I may have stashed in the freezer. DH carries his lunch, so I try to plan my leftovers and shopping so that he can do that.
I generally base my menus on what either of us may be in the mood for, what our activities may be, weather (important for grilling out) and variety. We try to eat meatless once a week and fish once a week. Sometimes we shuffle days, but it helps with shopping and just not wondering what to cook as dinner is approaching.
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Post by Daikon on May 31, 2015 21:17:51 GMT
I have been working on my Bachelors for the past few years so I had to plan meals around my night classes. SO isn't much of a cook at all so I needed to make an easy night or two or else the boys would eat whatever. Monday is always crockpot day so that there is lunch for Tuesday. Tuesday nights were class nights so he made chicken tenders and fries in the oven. Wednesday was usually a meat, starch and veg. Thursday was a pasta night. Friday is tacos or homemade pizza. Saturday would be our big dinner day with enough for leftovers for Sunday and Monday lunches. Sunday would normally be dinner out or leftovers.
I am done with school now and starting a new job soon, so this will all change. I am working on new menus of meals that I have taught SO to make in my absence. The boys are getting better at cooking as well, but left to their own devices it will be the summer of Hot Pockets.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 3:25:45 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2015 21:20:44 GMT
I try to make a menu every week but right now it's hit or miss. I have an excel spreadsheet and set up a new tab for each week. I like this because can go back and see what I have made ealier in the year and it gives me ideas of what we liked or hated.
I also try to do something new every week just to keep things from getting boring.
This week my new receipt is a gound beef philly cheese steak sloppy joes - found it on Six Sisters stuff. It looks good.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on May 31, 2015 21:23:19 GMT
I don't plan by type of food, I just meal plan the week of dinners. Some things can be interchangable on what days I make them, but if I plan for hamburgers, I make those the day I shop because they are fresh from the butcher case and change color quickly. Ground beef can be used the day I buy or the next day. Chicken might be able to hold out three or four days depending on the sell by date and how frozen it still is when I pick it up. I make the list of things I bought groceries for on a chalkboard (small little red one from CTMH, love it) in the order that I planned them, but some things can be moved around if I don't have raw meat on a time table.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on May 31, 2015 21:24:40 GMT
This week my new receipt is a gound beef philly cheese steak sloppy joes - found it on Six Sisters stuff. It looks good. Will be looking for your review. We don't really like sloppy joes but the idea of a philly cheesesteak version sounds worlds better.
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NoWomanNoCry
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,856
Jun 25, 2014 21:53:42 GMT
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Post by NoWomanNoCry on May 31, 2015 21:27:33 GMT
@leowife you have a recipe for the honey lemonade? I love lemonade and this sounds really good.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 3:25:45 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2015 21:47:43 GMT
This week my new receipt is a gound beef philly cheese steak sloppy joes - found it on Six Sisters stuff. It looks good. Will be looking for your review. We don't really like sloppy joes but the idea of a philly cheesesteak version sounds worlds better. Here's the link: www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/06/philly-cheesesteak-sloppy-joes.htmlI usually have to doctor up their recipes as they are bland but I'm thinking with the onions and peppers I may not have to this time around.
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Post by maryland on May 31, 2015 21:58:08 GMT
I hate to cook, so if anyone was cooking for me, I would be happy with anything! But I am a sahm, so I am in charge of cooking. I try to make the easiest meal too, so it's often spaghetti with sauce. I also don't like coming up with meal ideas, and my family is no help at all.
I can't wait to try the blogs recommended here!
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brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
Jun 26, 2014 16:09:34 GMT
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Post by brandy327 on May 31, 2015 22:10:59 GMT
I make out a weekly menu on Thursdays because I go grocery shopping on Fridays. Fridays are ALWAYS YOYO(You're On Your Own) because it's the end of the week and I usually don't want to cook. So the kids have cereal or sandwiches or whatever they can heat up on their own. Then for the rest of the week, we do chicken 3 times a week, beef once a week...occasionally twice a week. Then we do pork once a week. I really try to throw in a new recipe every week or two just to keep things different. Here's the menu for this week:
Friday: YOYO Saturday: grilled steak, grilled potatoes, grilled onions & peppers, & grilled mushrooms Sunday: chicken, pasta, broccoli & carrots all tossed with pesto Monday: grilled italian sausages, Alexia fries, grilled onions and peppers Tuesday: lasagna (it's going to be unusually cool the beginning of this week and I didn't make lasagna all winter) Wednesday: pork chops, brown rice, corn Thursday: grilled chicken, shredded potatoes, green beans
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Post by melanieg on May 31, 2015 22:23:28 GMT
I cook all my meals for the week on Sunday. I portion them out and have them in the fridge ready to go at lunch or the end of the day. I find this helps me with the "I don't know what to make and I don't feel like cooking" moments when I get home from work or the gym. I will plan 3ish meals on Saturday. I get my groceries and cook on Sunday. This works for me bc I don't mind the leftover process. It doesn't work for my sister bc she hates leftovers. I will also note that I live alone so it is easier when cooking for 1 (for me)
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Nicole in TX
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,951
Jun 26, 2014 2:00:21 GMT
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Post by Nicole in TX on May 31, 2015 22:45:59 GMT
Lately I have been making a list of meals to cook for the week and making sure I have the ingredients to cook them when I do my weekend grocery run. I don't assign a meal to a specific day, I just cook what I feel like making that day.
I also cook a nice meal on Sundays that has some leftovers and use that for a few lunches.
I also try to make a pot of soup or something on Sunday to have on hand in the fridge.
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conchita
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,141
Jul 1, 2014 11:25:58 GMT
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Post by conchita on May 31, 2015 23:02:56 GMT
Before we go grocery shopping on the weekend I ask my sons and husband for meal ideas. Sometimes my sons suggest and prepare a couple of meals during the week and my husband will also contribute by grilling. We don't have designated meal days like Taco Tuesday. This week we'll be having grilled rib eyes, homemade pizza, Chipotle chicken bowl, ribs, fish tacos and spaghetti with meatballs.
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Post by scrapmaven on Jun 1, 2015 0:23:41 GMT
I try and have a plan, but am flexible w/the days of the week. Planning meals that everyone will enjoy is harder than cooking them.
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Post by jumperhop on Jun 1, 2015 0:31:01 GMT
Kind of. I like to assign a theme to make it easier to meal plan.
Taco Tuesday which can be any Mexican deliciousness pasta new recipe quick dinner freezer meal soup fish cheap night out of the pantry breakfast for dinner on a bun clone a restaurant chicken
it makes it a lot easier to meal plan.
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calgal08
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,519
Jun 27, 2014 15:43:46 GMT
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Post by calgal08 on Jun 1, 2015 2:58:43 GMT
After I've been grocery shopping I make a weekly menu (of course, this is the one week I've still to do it, but, I have at least planned dinner for tomorrow). We usually eat out every Saturday night, the other 6 nights I make sure we have something different each night, with at least 2 vegetarian meals per week. My daily meal plan includes the entree and the veggies. I love coming home from work and not having to stress about what to cook for dinner.
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Post by alittleintrepid on Jun 1, 2015 3:13:14 GMT
I have an inexpensive calendar that i keep on the fridge that just lists the days of the week with open spaces. This thing was probably $1 atMichael's but is so helpful because DH can see it. If left to his own devices Dh would probably order pizza multiple times a week ( because he likes ...he's actually a good cook).
I write out a tentative plan...Friday we had chicken, yesterday we had pork, today was chicken again, tomorrow will be beef. I'm not rigid with the order but will eat chicken as soon as we get it and freeze any meat not being eaten within 24-48 hours.
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katie10
Junior Member
Posts: 73
Jun 26, 2014 10:20:04 GMT
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Post by katie10 on Jun 1, 2015 8:19:25 GMT
I try to plan so I don't end up at the supermarket every day. If I don't, we end up having take out food too often. We don't do "fish every Wednesday" type planning, and we like leftovers so I always make too much of some things.
Lately we're in this routine: Sunday - something like lasagne or other baked pasta & salad Mon - leftovers Tuesday - stir fry, usually vegetarian Wednesday - roast chicken or beef or lamb & veggies Thursday - leftovers Friday - we go out usually Saturday - a new recipe, often seafood
This way I only have to cook on two "school" nights.
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BarbaraUK
Drama Llama
Surrounded by my yarn stash on the NE coast of England...............!! Refupea 1702
Posts: 5,961
Location: England UK
Jun 27, 2014 12:47:11 GMT
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Post by BarbaraUK on Jun 1, 2015 10:02:01 GMT
We don't plan certain meals for certain days but when I go food shopping as well as getting the needed basics, I get ingredients with meals in mind and what will go with things I have in the freezer. So I have a few days meals sorted but can be flexible in use.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 3:25:45 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2015 10:41:33 GMT
@leowife you have a recipe for the honey lemonade? I love lemonade and this sounds really good. 1 & 1/2 cups lemon juice 1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar 5 cups of water 1/4 -1/2 cup of honey the sugar & honey is to taste, start with less and add more if needed. The secert is fresh lemon juice, my 16 year old does that part.
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NoWomanNoCry
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,856
Jun 25, 2014 21:53:42 GMT
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Post by NoWomanNoCry on Jun 1, 2015 16:14:43 GMT
@leowife you have a recipe for the honey lemonade? I love lemonade and this sounds really good. 1 & 1/2 cups lemon juice 1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar 5 cups of water 1/4 -1/2 cup of honey the sugar & honey is to taste, start with less and add more if needed. The secert is fresh lemon juice, my 16 year old does that part. Thank you.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Jun 1, 2015 16:32:47 GMT
I think I need to get a dry-erase board or calendar, and take an inventory of the pantry and freezer. That sounds like it would be a good way to start things off, and I really like the idea of writing down what we're having so it's visible (both for him and for me). My BF doesn't cook, either-- left to his own devices, his idea of cooking is one of the following: ramen noodles, hot dogs / corn dogs, or mac & cheese. If I don't have any ideas, ingredients, or any proteins thawed out, we end up with either a frozen pizza or Papa Murphy's pizza. ...I really like the phrase the summer of Hot Pockets! For me, it would be 'the season of pizza' lol!
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,381
Location: PNW
Jul 20, 2014 21:57:23 GMT
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Post by breetheflea on Jun 1, 2015 16:37:20 GMT
I shop with a seven day menu. Problem is DH will help make the list but then on his day to cook (usually a weekend day) he'll decide to make something not on the list and will go out to the store and buy a bunch of stuff. Then on grocery shopping day I still have ingredients for dinners that did not get cooked but no breakfast food, or stuff for the kids lunches and it throws everything off.
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Post by Merge on Jun 1, 2015 16:54:00 GMT
I make weekly menu plans, and generally try to have one day each with beef, chicken or turkey, and fish. Two days are generally meatless. One day is leftovers and one day is eating out.
Tuesday is always tacos, usually black bean, so that's a meatless night. We love Tex-Mex flavors so we might have those a few different ways during the week. One night is usually Italian and another one Greek or Middle Eastern.
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