Filed under: Menu Plans
Aah, the end is near. School is almost out, and this assignment is almost over. Comfortable, welcome changes of spring/summer. And we’re planning, and we’re planning…
This week’s menus rely on what we’ve got in the way of leftovers, fresh cheap produce, and freezer stuff to use up. The goal is to have everything out of the basement freezer and packed into the smaller upstairs freezer, before we vaca. Then there’ll be enough for about a week for three of us, until I can get back into the replenishing groove. So! Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday/Mother’s Day: Omaha Steaks steaks, burgers and dogs (FREE), baked potato casserole (~$1), broccoli slaw (.75). (Switched from Saturday due to scheduling.) About $1.75.
Monday: Leftover chicken (I’m guessing about $1 not calculated in other meals), peppers (1.59), onion (.25) with tortillas (.50). About $3.40.
Tuesday: Fish (2.24), green beans (.34), salads (.40). About $3.00.
Wednesday: Flat iron steak (2.47) on big salads ($1), oven steak cut potatoes (.75). About $4.25.
Thursday: Chicken (1.25) taco casserole (~ 1.50), small salads (.40). About $3.20.
Friday: Cheese ($1) quiche (~ .30) with Push In Pie Crust (~ .30). About $1.60.
Saturday: Pork dish tbd
These dinners for the four of us will cost about $22.00, estimating Saturday. We’re already eating lighter meals, and have fired up the grill more than once. Yup, it’s going to be a nice summer.
For more inspiration and awe, visit Menu Plan Monday.
May 14, 2012
I was able to kick back a little last week because my menus were planned. But this week I’m relying on pre-cooked ingredients and frozen delights more, so that I have time to work in the yard, hopefully, and walk with #2. Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Indoor-grilled (too windy) burgers (free), brats (3.75), tortilla chips (.50), veg plate. About $5.00.
Monday: Italian chicken (cooked Sunday) (.88/#), with pasta (.88) and cooking creme (1.49), salads (.60). About $4.60.
Tuesday: Baked fish (2.50), rice (.35), broccoli (.88). About $3.75.
Wednesday: Bbq pork in the freezer (1.49), fries (1.00), slaw (<1.00). About $3.50.
Thursday: Spaghetti (.50) with meatballs and sauce (1.78), salads (.60), garlic bread (.75). About $3.65.
Friday: Grilled chicken breast (~2.70), potatoes (.50), carrots (.50). About $3.75.
Saturday: Grilled boneless pork ribs (3.00), burgers (free), corn? (.70), vegs tbd (~$1). About $5.00.
These dinners for the four of us will cost about $29.25, with some leftovers. But leftovers are fewer with what we have in the freezer to use up. Still, just enough is good enough, and we are certainly not going hungry! Still lots to use up. God provides.
For more inspiration and awe, visit Menu Plan Monday.
May 7, 2012
It’s so hard to believe it’s the end of April already! The early summer-like weather (98 degrees in March in Omaha, Nebraska!), then the late frost, and now a typical spring, make it seem like time is whizzing by faster than it should.
Time to stop and relax. Get out again between the raindrops, and enjoy Creation. Except it’s May, and that brings “stuff.” So, for a few days at least, we’re kickin’ back. And this week we have have another birthday! A big birthday, and IT’S. NOT. MINE! :D Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Baked chicken breasts (1.19), potato dish (FREE – leftovers from #1′s job), zuchinni boats (1.50). About $2.75.
Monday: Crock Pot pork roast (3.12 for this dinner), with potatoes (.50) for the guys, carrots (.50) and salad for me (.20). About $4.35.
Tuesday: Baked Parmesan fish filets (pollock) (~ 2.30), pasta (.88) with Parm (.10), veg tbd (~.50). About $3.80.
Wednesday: BBQ chicken (.88/# plus bbq sauce), fries (.90), salads (.40). About $4.00.
Thursday: Breaded pork chops (~3.50), mashed potatoes (.60) for the guys, green beans (.34), salad for me (.10). About $4.55.
Friday: Out for a birthday dinner, then a movie for the guys.
Saturday: Maifest dinner out.
These dinners for the four of us (not including the entertainment dinners, which come out of another budget) will cost about $19.45, which is AWESOME! Much of these dinners are prep-ahead or Crock Pot, which is also really nice. The leftover cheesy potatoes were deelish, and #1 even had leftover leftovers in his lunch Monday, while I had leftover chicken.
Here’s my goal for menus for May: Use what I have, except for fresh produce and dairy. That’s it. And it will be difficult, because there are some great coupons out now, HERE and HERE. But I’ll live.
For more inspiration and awe, visit Menu Plan Monday.
April 30, 2012
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April 29, 2012
The week is not starting on a good note; it can only get better. So I’m relying on my menu plan to rescue me from some of the mania and stress. And it always comes through for me, for which I am extremely grateful.
The good news is that after paying bills and doing finances over the weekend, we seem to have improved the aerobic culture in that regard. I’m still well below my monthly grocery budget, which means more food pantry donations. It’s status quo for another month, until school gets out. Well, actually, we’ll be changing some behaviors in the transportation area, so that’ll mean a little more tension — hence the blessing of the menu plan.
Sunday: Roast turkey breast ($3), cranberry and pecan stuffing (.79), sweet potatoes (.33/#). Around $4.25. The turkey breast I got last month was very moist, and super easy to cook. I was going to Crock it, but forgot, so it went in the oven, seasoned and covered, for about 2 hours on 250 deg, then uncovered for about 20 minutes. Yum!
Monday: Fish sticks (2.49), mac and cheese (.50), green beans (.34). Around $3.50. The fish sticks are the Fit & Active brand with NutraPure, and I will be reviewing these.
Tuesday: Leftover turkey ($2.50) stir-fry (vegs ~$1), brown rice (.35). Around $4.00.
Wednesday: Spaghetti with marinara ($1 Target deal), salads (.60), garlic bread (.50). Around $2.25.
Thursday: Chicken Fajitas (chicken .88/#, peppers .99, onion .20), brown rice (.35). About $3.25.
Friday: For two: FREE takeout pizza (daily deal voucher), salads (.30). Less than .50. The pizza is from a new-to-us place, and a review is forthcoming.
Saturday: For two: cheddar brats ($1.99), homemade steak fries (.50), veg tbd (~.50). About $4.00.
These dinners for the four of us (two on Fri/Sat) will cost about $21.75, with lots of variety and using up stuff I have. There’s variety, flavor, and fresh produce in every meal but Monday (and do Mondays really count?).
For more inspiration and awe, visit Menu Plan Monday.
April 23, 2012
This week brought storms and the grillage didn’t happen. No worries: instead we had some of those oops brats and #1 made his famous sauerkraut. I had an extra crescent rolls tube, so viola! The importance of well-stocked pantries. The grillage will have to wait for another time.
This is a birthday week for us, combined with some unusual scheduling events, so again the Menu Plan will be my life saver! Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Chili (total ingredients: 2.50), cheese topper (.34), tortilla chips (.99). About $4.00.
Monday: Chicken (leftover ~.50) soft tacos (tortillas .79, cheese .34, misc leftover fillings and toppings ~.25), salads (.30). About $2.50.
Tuesday: Bowtie pasta (.91) with peas (.43) and tuna (.50). About $2.00.
Wednesday: Crock Pot creamy chicken (recipe tbd; using new lemon herb Cooking Creme) (chicken .88/#), rice (.30), carrots (.25). About $3.50, est.
Thursday: Salisbury steaks (1.75), potatoes (.30), green beans (.34). About $2.50, with leftovers.
Friday: Penne (.91) with Alfredo (.65) and chicken (leftover ~.50). About $2.25.
Saturday Birthday Dinner for 3: Pizza burgers (beef .99, sausage ~1.25, cheese .30, sauce leftover), fries (.50), salads (.30). About $3.50.
These dinners for the four of us will cost about $20.45, and again that’s total for the four of us. While these are just our dinners, they do make up the bulk of our food budget. This is even lower than last week, and I’m Thrilled! We’re eating a little more simply, but the meals are still packed with nutrition and variety, which is important at Chez CT.
For more inspiration and awe, visit Menu Plan Monday.
April 16, 2012
What a sense of relief! Welcome, blessed New Life! Welcome, sense of peace!
To help keep that peace alive for us, my menu plans will certainly help. It’s down to the four of us again, and with our routine back to workable, my dinners will be “normal.” We’ve got activities that seem tame with use of the plan, and I’ll be using up freezer and pantry items, taking advantage of seasonal sale items, too.
On Saturday, I conducted freezer and pantry inventories. O.Mi.Gosh! This week we’ll use up the Easter ham, and intermingle that with using up other leftovers and must-use ingredients. In the coming weeks, we’ll have a huge variety in our meals. Yay! Here’s what’s on our menus this week:
Easter Sunday: Ham (1.69/#, and lots of leftovers), mashed potatoes (free), roasted sweet potatoes (.30), green beans (.33), brown n serve rolls (.99) and butter. About $5.25.
Monday: Beef (leftover in the freezer ~2.00) stir-fry (vegs .33), brown rice (.30). About $2.75.
Tuesday: Leftover ham (~$3), mac/cheese (.25), salad (.40). About $3.65.
Wednesday: Baked chicken breasts (.88/#; 2.65), roasted sweet potatoes (.30), green beans (.33). About $3.30.
Thursday: Ham casserole w/leftover ham (recipe TBD; ~$3), salads (.40). About $3.40. A second casserole will go in the freezer; lots of meat on the bone. Bone goes in the freezer for soup in a week or so.
Friday: Fish recipe from a new cookbook (gift) (~$2), potatoes (.40), green peas (.48). About $3.00.
Saturday: Omaha Steaks and burgers (free), buns (.30), fries (1.89), salads (.40). About $2.75.
These dinners for the four of us will cost about $24.10, including Easter dinner. Again, these are just our dinners, but they do make up the bulk of our food budget. This is the lowest cost I’ve had for dinners in a long time. The 1.69/# ham is helpful, as well as the free Omaha Steaks, and .88/# split chicken breasts, which I still have. The leftovers are very helpful to throw together in different combinations, and in varying portions.
For more inspiration and awe, visit Menu Plan Monday.
April 9, 2012
Join us this week as we play another round of “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?” Each night will be a surprise as to how many appetites sit around the CT dinner table.
It’s another weird dinner week, but hopefully things will get back to normal really soon. One out of town, a couple out of pocket, and yours truly still out of her element. Added guests here and there, added activities, and added confusion. But hey! It’s all good. These menus are easily expandable or contractable (or get saved as lunch leftovers, anyway).
Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Lasagne (noodles $1, sauce .54, beef $1, cheeses $2 total, egg .08), salad (.50), FREE Rotella breadsticks from an outing. About $5.10, with lunch leftovers.
Monday: Lloyd’s bbq (1.79 x 2) on buns (.35), cole slaw (.35), oven steak fries (.30). About $4.60.
Tuesday: (Extra appetites for certain.) Crock Pot beef roast (~$7 beef, ~$1 seasonings), potatoes (.50), carrots (.99). About $9.50; leftovers not included in this cost.
Wednesday: Fish sticks (2.50), mac and cheese (.40), green beans (.28). About $3.20.
Thursday: Pot luck out: cookies (what else? ~$2.50), meatballs (1.75). About $4.25
Friday: Baked fish ($1.79/# = $2.50), rice (.40), broccoli (.48). About $3.40.
Saturday: Leftover veg in quiche (~2.25 including cheese), salads (.40), leftover FREE breadsticks. About $2.75.
These dinners for the five of us will cost about $32.80, including the 2.99/# pot roast splurge. The cost of beef is totally outrageous! I’m so glad I still have some packages of that .99/# lean ground beef deal I stumbled upon. The roast leftovers will go into the freezer for a quick meal probably next week.
For more inspiration and awe, visit Menu Plan Monday.
April 2, 2012
Meal planning has been difficult this week. Another person in the house, here for fun times, and with little appetite for anything but hamburgers, has made our meal schedule stand on end. Still, I’m planning and making meals. Leftovers go into lunches or the freezer. Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week.
Continue March 27, 2012
It’s been a whirlwind at our home for a few weeks. Sorry I haven’t posted. I have planned menus, and they have been a lifesaver! At least one part of each day has gone right. Except that one day when I realized I hadn’t taken anything out of the freezer when DH told me he had to work late unexpectedly. Gotta love Papa Murphy’s.
Hey, if you can’t work with what Life hands you…. refer to the meal plan! We’ve been able to weather the storms here because of the stability of the dinner hour. Sounds corny, but it works for us. The coming few weeks are going to be just as hellish. A foreign visitor will bring joy and diversity, but this is new to us, and there are twists. An unexpected trip due to medical issues during the visit. Spring breaks. Well, this is life in the States!
At least my house is clean after it’s home-oscopy. (Yes, I did go there.) Looks, feels and smells so much better! Just gotta finish the kitchen after another visitor on Monday. So, to keep the sanity, here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Brats (1.99), Italian chicken sausages (1.99), mashed potatoes for the guys (FREE leftovers from camping), pan-cooked tri-color peppers (2.49). About $6.50, with leftovers for three lunches!
Monday: Crocked bbq chicken (.79 x 3), rice for the guys (.30), corn (.29). About $3.00.
Tuesday: Broccoli (.50) and cheese (1.25) quiche (eggs .26, crust .30), salads (.40). About $2.75.
Wednesday: Baked creamy chicken (.79 x 3, cream of soup .59, herbs from stash) , potatoes for the guys (~ .75), slaw (.30). About $4.00.
Thursday: Papa Murphy’s pizza for our foreign visitor (big splurge at $35), salad for me (.25). About $35, and there will be leftovers.
Friday: Welcome dinner at the German club.
Saturday: Out to dinner in-between sight-seeing. (I’m thinking good Nebraska steaks.)
These dinners for four will cost about $51.25, but on three days I’m feeding eight: two adults, a tween, and two teen guys (each count as two). And that doesn’t include going out. That pizza puts me waaaay over the average weekly budget for this family. However, it is a busy day after a very late night, and there’s a band concert involved, so no pizza from scratch. But lots of “average American flavor.”
Not frugal, you say? Pshaw! I’ve scrimped and saved for quite a while to make this splurge possible. We want our guest to have a great experience, and the way to keep a teen guy happy is to feed him. Next week we have more typical Cheap Thrills meals planned, just more food volume.
For more inspiration and awe, visit:
March 19, 2012
Birthday week was a diet bust. Surprised, really? But I did maintain the weight, and now we’re off on another leaner venture, for me anyway.
This week is about streamlining and makin’ it easy. Sunday’s lean pot o chili only yielded one lunch extra. What an eye opener — a pot o chili in my house no longer provides two dinners. That, and the boys are some sort of alien replacements who have decided to conquer Earth by taking control of our food budget. Same thing.
So I’m going with some pre-portioned dishes, and loading the plates with vegs. If they want the bread and butter, it’s always there. Here’s what’s on our dinner menus:
Sunday: Chili (beef $1, can of Mexi tomatoes .59, can of diced tomatoes .30, 2 cans beans .80, onion .10, misc spices .10), chips (.90 for dinner). About $3.80.
Monday: Tomato Basil marinated chicken breasts (<$1), broccoli (.50), cauliflower (.50), potatoes for the guys (.50). About $2.50.
Tuesday: Turkey soft tacos (meat 1.99, tortillas .79, cheese .50), salads (.40), rice for the guys (.30). About $4.30.
Wednesday: Mini cheese ravioli (3.38), red sauce (.50), broccoli (.50). About $4.40.
Thursday: Chicken pot pie (stay with me: 2 cans Progresso chicken pot pie soup 1.26, leftover FREE chicken, leftover vegs in the freezer FREE, 2 pie crusts 1.25 = 2.51), salads (.60, ’cause I get a huge one and a smaller piece of pie). About $3.10.
Friday: Salmon ($4), green peas (.88), salad for me (.15), rice for the guys (.30). About $5.35.
Saturday: Homemade pizza for the guys (crust .75, sauce .30 leftover from Wed., cheese $1, pepperoni .75 = 2.80). Date night at home for us: petite sirloin steaks 4.44, vegs tbd, marinated shrooms ~$1, potato for DH .20 = $6. About $9.00.
These dinners for four will cost about $32.45, and that includes a fantastic meal for our date night! You’ll notice I round up a little, which accounts for the S&P, splash of milk, etc. It is a huge change to not expect leftovers from my dinners. But we were talking about this, and realized it’s only another year and a half till we’re down to three, so starting to “cook big” all the time, then readjust, might not be worth it. I can just plan for more lunch foods, and that’s easier for me than learning how to cook on a whole new level.
By the way, for my birthday, we went to Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse at Village Pointe. (No coupon, no daily deal voucher, nothing! Ack!) Anyway, the food is absolutely delicious. My salmon was very good, DH’s steak was excellent by his report, and the banana cheesecake, well, let’s just say I would definitely recommend it! The bill was steep, though. We saw folks apparently out for just another weeknight dinner. Must be nice.
For more inspiration and awe, visit:
March 5, 2012
My pared-down menus are working! I lost three four (as of this morning) pounds last week! What I did was cut out most starches for me, while still making them for the guys, and added more fresh vegs to my plate. I also did get out and walk around before dinner on the days before the foul weather hit, and did some “yoga-esque” stretching lifts and resistance before sitting down to some of my evening shows. And we hiked on Sunday at Hitchcock Nature Center. But the food was key. So I’m going along the same route this week.
We’ve got the usual activities this week, plus my birthday (old enough, and it’s impolite to ask). I’m sticking to simple preparation, big flavor, and fresh vegs. Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Swiss chicken (chicken .99/#, homemade white sauce .20, Swiss cheese .50, dash of leftover champagne), broccoli (.50), cauliflower (.50), rice for the guys (.30). About $3.50.
Monday: Spaghetti (~.60) for the guys, meatballs with sauce (1.99), Italian blend cheese (.25), pan-grilled zuchinni (.43), salad for me (.30). About $3.60.
Tuesday: Mac & cheese (.25), tuna (.60 for two cans) for the boys. Out with DH for my birthday (FREE with gift money). About $1.50.
Wednesday: Chicken Fajitas (chicken .99/#, peppers .65, onion .25, seasonings .20), salads (.80), rice for the guys (.30). About $3.75.
Thursday: Eggplant Parmesan (eggplant .99, bread crumbs .20, egg .07, Parm ~.10, Italian blend cheese .25), broccoli (.50). About $2.10.
Friday: Individual homemade pizzas! (dough ~$1, cheese $2, toppings of choice ~$1), salad for me (.30). About $4.50.
Saturday: BBQ pork (1.48/# = 2.25), slaw (cabbage .39/#, dressing ~.20, carrots .12), mac & cheese for the guys ($2.89, and I’m sure it will all be gone). About $5.75.
These dinners for four will cost about $24.70! One meatless meal, another for the boys, and I’m having salmon on Tuesday. I’m making my Friday pizza a veg, too, so that certainly works out well. If I remember, I’ll Crock up the black beans I got last week (1.79/#), and toss some into the salads with the Wednesday fajitas for more Omega-3. A 1/4 cup would be about .15, and the rest would get nicely packed for the freezer.
No weekly dessert treat this week, till Easter. Since it’ll be my b’day, I may pull the 8″ round red velvet cake from the freezer and douse it with cream cheese frosting.
For more inspiration and awe, visit:
February 27, 2012
We had a little getaway this past weekend, and it was really nice, just the two of us. But it became clear that we will be paring down our eating (both amounts and ingredients) in the coming weeks. And since Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, and there are 40 days of purposeful living (and eating), it’s a good time to do that. We will eat simply, with fewer “recipes” but still lots of flavor in the seasonings and vegs.
I have to say that when you’ve been sedentary for a while — in my case, it’s been about a year since I smacked my head against the icy cement — mild hikes become “events,” and moderate terrain becomes “scaling a cliff.” The exercise has been good, though, and sparked me to try to get out even in colder weather, even if for short walks just to stretch. Getting home by 3 pm certainly should help.
So this week, some exercise and pared-down intake. Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Last of the junk — a quick pizza from Papa Murphy. $4.00 for the pizza and free cookie dough (birthday month). Oh, yes, and #2 pointed out, “You said that the last time we had pizza.”
Monday: Chicken Fajitas similar to THIS RECIPE (chicken .99/#, peppers about $.75, onions .25), green salads with tomatoes (.60), brown rice for the boys (.35). About $3.45.
Tuesday: Boneless pork chops (1.89/#, so ~ 2.84) pan grilled, frozen green vegs tbd (~.58), potatoes for the guys (.50). About $3.95.
Ash Wednesday: Tuna (.50/can; 1.50) tossed with pasta (.75) and herbs, salads with tomatoes (.60). About $2.85.
Thursday: Slow-simmered, extremely lean boneless beef ribs (4.10 from Aldi), garlicky green beans (.25 sale), brown rice for the guys (.35). About $4.70.
Friday: Tomato soup (about .60 total with herb add-ins and toppers), grilled cheese sandwiches (~.20 each x 4) for the guys. About $1.50.
Saturday: Fish of some sort tbd (hoping to keep it to less than $3), Parmesan vegs (about $1.50 per MasterCook), yolk-free noodles for the guys (.50). About $5.00.
These dinners for four will cost about $21.45! I’m still aiming for two or more meatless dinners per month, and the Lenten season makes that easier for my family to get into the habit willingly. The cost of fish is so incredibly high; supply and demand, and folks are catching on to how good it is for us. DH and I were discussing the unavailability of much local fish, but I’ll still look for reasonable walleye to cook up at home. Salmon seems to be out of the budget, unless a local grocery would have a loss leader — hint, hint.
I was reading in one of the ToH magazines that black beans actually contain more omega-3 antioxidants than salmon! A bag of beans will likely go into my cart this week to help with the meatless meals.
For more inspiration and awe, visit:
February 20, 2012
It was a great week, because I had all my dinners planned. Except for Saturday, which I forgot to put in the Crock Pot, so we had *ahem*za. I’m human. Imagine that.
This week includes Valentine’s Day, which is also our 20th anniversary, a “flexible” schedule, and an interesting mix of weekend plans. Menu planning has been a challenge. But I’ve come up with a plan. And that, my friends, is what it’s all about. Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Roasted chicken breasts (.79/#), potatoes (.50), carrots (.99). About $4.50. Chicken served cut from bone; leftover picked chicken being used for Tuesday.
Monday: Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole (~1.50), green beans (.25). About $2.
Valentine’s Day Tuesday: Parma Rosa (.69) pasta (.75) with leftover chicken (free), salads (.20) for the boys; about 1.65. For us: bacon-wrapped turkey tenderloins ($5), steamed baby Yukon gold potatoes (.40), salads (.40); about $5.80. 1-layer red velvet cake about 1.20. Candles, white tablecloth, and soft music will be involved. Total about $8.65.
Wednesday: Italian skillet: sausage (.99), white beans (.50), tomatoes (.45); garlicky (.03) green beans (.25). About $2.25.
Thursday: Fish sticks (~3.00), Honeybaked mac/cheese (free), salads (.60). About $3.60.
Friday: Soft tacos (1.99 for meat, .79 for tortillas, .50 for cheese), chips (.50) for the boys; about 3.80 — and there will be plenty of leftovers, so about half that (1.90). Meal for us: balsamic chicken breasts (1.85), Honeybaked mashed potatoes (free) and green beans (free), Cordial Cherry chocolates (free); about $1.85 for us. Total about $3.75.
Saturday: Totally TBD — everyone has a different schedule and activity! Someone will be having leftover soft tacos (1.90). I’m hoping to keep this to about $4 total.
I also made a batch of chocolate cookies with peppermint icing and sprinkles to get us through the week, about 1.46.
These dinners for four will cost about $30! This includes our special anniversary dinner and lovely desserts. And a word about the fish sticks: Aldi’s Fit & Active fish sticks are made with NutraPure, a fish protein added to breading to make fried fish less able to absorb oil (I had to research that). This makes the fish healthier to eat; I’ll be giving a review of this one.
For more inspiration and awe, visit:
February 13, 2012
It’s back to work I go! (whistling like a cartoon character) This week we have some early evening activities, and I’m working till 5 pm. Can I say again how I love my programmable oven, my Crock Pot, and my freezer?
This week’s inspiration is my schedule. There need to be meals in tummies by 5:45 one night, and 5:15 another night. Zip, zip, zip. (Quite frankly, I don’t know how or why people do this all the time. This is unusual for us.) I’ll be out the door an hour after everyone else, which gives me time to prep and program whatever is necessary for dinner. I’ll be working in two offices in different areas of town, and I don’t know what kind of rush hour traffic I’ll encounter. (Thankful the snow is pretty much plowed away, though!) Sunday SuperBowl eats aside, these are quick go-togethers using what’s on hand.
Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Super Bowl Sunday: Bratwurst ($4), pepperjack potatoes (cheese $.75, sour cream .40, onion .10, potatoes .50), cole slaw (cabbage .38/#). About $6.15. (Plus the chips and beer, which come from entertainment.)
Monday: Swiss Chicken from the freezer (about $4), roasted cauliflower (.50). About $4.50.
Tuesday: Spaghetti (.50) with meatballs ($1.50), broccoli (.50). About $2.50.
Wednesday: Crocked Chunky soup ($2), fancied up with fresh garlic (.05) and some dried herbs (.10), bread and butter (~.35). About $2.50.
Thursday: Chicken (FREE and cooked, in the freezer) soft tacos (.79) with cheese (.60), salads (.40), corn (.48). About $2.30.
Friday: Sauerkraut (.65)/noodle (.75)/ beef sausage ($1) dish. About $2.40.
Saturday: Crock Pot turkey soup (FREE turkey carcass) with vegs (leftovers, ~$1), and biscuits (.50). About $1.50.
These dinners for four will cost about $21.85! The special treat of brats was a deal, but brought up the cost. Still, it was the SuperBowl. The dessert for the week will be chocolate cookies (.85) with peppermint icing (.45), about $1.30, but won’t mak an appearance till Monday night.
For more inspiration and awe, visit:
February 6, 2012
It was good to not have to think about dinners last week. The thinking was done, the planning was done, and I just had to thaw, prepare and put it on the table. The brownies were excellent, thankyouverymuch, and lasted the whole week — I can hardly believe that, either.
This week we start with a FREE roast turkey , obtained a few months ago at No Frills. The turkey makes return appearances in sandwiches and on the menu. Our treat for the week will be pumpkin pie bars, which is simply a pie made flat in a rectangular pan, which will hopefully last a while. I have “one of those days” on Thursday, so we’ll be having a freezer meal.
This unseasonably warm weather is getting me excited to fire up the grill. And by fire, I mean we have a gas starter charcoal grill that even I can do. Next Sunday is one of those football events, so it’ll be a great time to cook out. Seriously, who would have thought, after the last few years, that it’d be 58 degrees in Omaha, Nebraska, at the end of January?!
Here is what’s on our dinner menus:
Sunday: Turkey (FREE), stuffing (.89), carrots (.49), salads (.60), gravy (close to FREE). About $2.00.
Monday: Tex-Mex Casserole (seasoned meat $2, cheese .60, beans .10, prepared cornbread .60), salad (.60). About $3.90.
Tuesday: Leftover turkey (FREE), rice (.40) pilaf (extra .20), broccoli (.58). About $1.20.
Wednesday: Crocked sauerkraut (.65) with bacon (.40) and onion (.25), pan-grilled boneless pork chops (1.89/#, so ~ 2.84), boiled baby Yukon gold potatoes (.30). About $4.45.
Thursday: Chicken pasta dish from the freezer (~ 2.00), salads (.60). About $2.60.
Friday: BBQ pork from the freezer (1.48/#, so about 3.21 with sauce), roasted russet wedges (.50), slaw (~.50). About $4.25.
Saturday: TBD, probably turkey casserole with leftovers. Aiming for $2.00.
These dinners for four will cost about $18.40! I’m finding that offering whole wheat bread and butter to #1 is helping the bottomless pit effect, even though he rarely eats it. The dessert is about $2.42, per MasterCook.
For more inspiration and awe, visit:
January 30, 2012
Did you stick to your menus? It was a good week to do so, around here, anyway. The Saturday meal ended up being two half racks of baby backs that I found in the freezer. This was for two of us, since I ended up not going out after all. They were about $1.50 each, and sides were leftovers and potatoes.
I didn’t get to my freezer cooking sessions. I did plan them out, though — does that count? I’ve been bombarded by one thing after another. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
This week will be very cold and right now snowy. Lots of flavor in these meals, along with some comfort and love to keep us warm. Here’s what’s on our dinner menus:
Sunday: Pork loin roast (1.89/# so 2.84), noodles (.75), carrots (.75), salad ($1 because I bought a bag). About $5.35.
Monday: Soft tacos (meat $1.98, tortillas .99) with cheese (.50), rice (.40) and black beans (.25, from dried). About $4.15.
Weekly dessert: Brownies from a mix ($1 total made).
Tuesday: Mac (.38) and cheese (.75) with leftover ham (~$1), green beans (.49). About $2.65. I’m also using ham this day to make a Ham and Cheesy Potato Casserole like THIS RECIPE for the freezer.
Wednesday: Hunt’s® Bruschetta Chicken Grill, reviewing for the coupons (see post HERE) (chicken 1.59/# so 2.39, tomatoes .50, balsamic vinagrette FREE, tomato paste .30, green onions .10, leaving out the basil, garlic .03, homemade bread .50), broccoli (.63). About $4.45.
Thursday: Leftover pork (~2.75) stir-fry (vegs 1.09), with rice (.40). About $4.24.
Friday: Chicken-apple sausages ($2 for all 8), pasta (.40), veg tbd (~.50). About $2.90.
Saturday: Burgers ($3.60) with buns (.45), oven fries ($.65), lettuce, etc. (~.30). About $5.00.
These dinners for four will cost about $29.75! This is a lot more than last week. But we also have more meat in this menu plan than last week. And, Sunday’s dinner was a feast because we were all home! I’ve started making a weekly dessert (which doesn’t last a week). Last week it was pineapple upside down cake with the last of the pineapple from Aldi. This week it’s brownies. Because I’m in charge.
What’s on your menu? What deals are you putting to use?
For more inspiration and awe, visit
January 23, 2012
Life tosses monkey wrenches into our plans on a regular basis. And so it was last week. Lucky for me I had my menu plans! We only switched two days, which I should have planned for to begin with. I didn’t consider a wedding reception when I originally planned a homemade bean soup night. Oops. So we switched with the next night’s steak dinner, and that allowed us to take advantage of some great grilling weather. (Yes, the calendar says mid-January in Nebraska.)
I’ve had a few questions lately about how I do my menu plans. I’ve been doing this for decades, and I use a menu plan grid to fill in my menus on each day, because I’m a visual learner. You can download and print that form HERE. If you’re brand new to menu planning and really need to take baby steps, CT recommends Food on the Table.
The starting point for this week is my freezer stash. I’m relying on a lot of that, and pantry overflow. I did a freezer/pantry inventory last weekend, and I’m good to go for quite a while, with some fresh produce and dairy. These meals are super-thrifty that way. I’ve scheduled some fast-to-grab meals, and will be trying out new recipes for old favorites, like Monday’s Parm chicken. Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Home-made bean soup with the ham bone. (The bone had less than 1/2 cup meat! Ready rescue: a forgotten kielbasa from the freezer ($1), and a leftover handful of tiny pasta tubes.) The soup came to about $3 for a huge pot with seven large extra portions, so about $1.50 for the meal. Biscuits (.47 per MasterCook). About $2.00.
Monday: Parmesan chicken breasts (trying a new recipe, without sauce) (chicken breasts 2.46, egg .09, bread crumbs .20, Parm .25), rotini pasta (.89), steamed veg blend (.53). About $4.45.
Tuesday: Crock Pot sauerkraut (1.30), pan-grilled pork chops (2.36), boiled potatoes (.30). About $4.00.
Wednesday: BBQ chicken from the freezer (chicken nearly free, bbq sauce .25), Kahlua baked beans (2.35 per MasterCook), slaw or salad (~.50). About $3.25.
Thursday: Leftover pea soup and noodles from the freezer. Free — cost included in original meal.
Friday: Spaghetti (free) and meatballs from the freezer (1.79), salads (.50), Parmesan and dressings. About $1.50.
Saturday: Two camping, one out, one OYO.
These dinners for four will cost about $15.25! The scratch cooking is still helping keep the costs down, along with the loss-leader grocery deals. This week I’ll also be planning out some freezer cooking sessions.
What’s on your menu? What deals are you putting to use?
For more inspiration and awe, visit
January 16, 2012
If meal planning is a new part of your routine, try Food on the Table and make it easy on yourself. This is an online meal planning site that helps you get the most of your budget. Food on the Table pairs your menu selections with (right now) HyVee or SuperTarget prices.
With this FREE service, you select your preferences in food and preparation. Then select the recipes and print a grocery list. A great way to start out! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be submitting your own recipes!
Check it out HERE.
January 11, 2012
As part of my committment to try a few new recipes each month, last week we tried Hearty Meat Pie from Taste of Home. I halved the recipe, just to try it (without the freezing part). It’s like a meatloaf inside a pie crust — awesome. This calls for more celery than we prefer, so next time I’ll reduce that. And my guys commented a few times on the shredded texture of the vegs, so I think I’ll finely chop rather than shred when I make it again. I like that it goes in uncooked, but magically comes out perfect. The instructions to start at 375 and reduce to 350 degrees seemed different to me, but the crust and inside were done to perfection. CT recommends!
This week I’m embarking on my super-thrifty menu planning. Now, I do have a huge freezer and pantry inventory to use, so I’ll be mixing it up with flavors and meats. For the most part, though, I’ll be cutting waaaay back on food purchases. Be sure to check out my “$350 per month in 2012″ post! That said, I did get an incredible deal on a ham this week, and I’ll be using that as a starting point. Sunday ham is a no-brainer.
Here’s what’s on our dinner menus this week:
Sunday: Ham (1.04/# = 1.75), baked potatoes (.24/# = .50), salads (.40), the last (I hope) of all the candy/cookie/cake gifts (free). About $2.65.
Monday: Baked boneless chicken (2.35), pasta (.55) with Alfredo sauce (.30), broccoli (.53). About $3.75.
Tuesday: Spaghetti (.55) with red sauce (.45), Parm cheese (.10), salads (.40), garlic bread (leftover bread, butter, ~.35). About $1.85
Wednesday: Ham (leftover ~$1) and potato (~.30) casserole (other ingredients ~.30), peas (.53). Also making a second one for the freezer. About $2.15.
Thursday: Grilled cheese sandwiches (bread ~.75, cheese ~$1, butter .05), tomato soup (.19 from previous stash). About $2.00.
Friday: Homemade chicken (leftover FREE) garlic (Alfredo sauce .30, garlic .05) pizza (crust ~$1) with added vegs (~.40). Making extra pizza dough for the freezer, too. About $1.75.
Saturday: Ham (bone ~ $1.50) and bean ($1.50) soup (onion, carrot, celery ~ $.75), biscuits (.40). About $4.15 for TWO dinners, or $2.10 for this meal.
These dinners for four will cost about $16.25, with leftovers! The scratch cooking is helping keep the costs down. Adding vegs is helping boost the nutrition and flavor. Double batches will make life easier down the road — extra ham for the freezer (and sandwiches) is invaluable around here.
What’s on your menu? What deals are you putting to use?
For more inspiration and awe, visit
January 9, 2012
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