Sunday, April 18, 2010

menu plan | the cheating version


I did it. I cheated by taking the checkbook to the grocery store today rather than my cash. First time since December 28th. Not part of the plan but it was easier this week than waiting to go to the bank tomorrow. Busy week coming up so I decided it was more important to take care today of what I could, rather than put off til tomorrow or Tuesday. I still gave myself the same limit of $225. When it was all said and done, I had $6 to spare.

Here's the basic outline for the dinner menu for the next 2 weeks.  Keep in mind that I only plan the entree. I always have salad, fruit, veggies and breads on hand to fill in for sides. And yes, I know I will have to feed my family 14 dinner meals in the next 2 weeks and I only have 11 listed below. I try to leave a bit of wiggle room so as to actually use everything I buy which allows for 1 or 2 nights of leftovers or a change of plans.

Lentil Tacos on whole wheat tortillas w/lettuce, tomato, cheese

Easy Tuscan Pasta - new recipe

Turkey Divan (from this cookbook)

Burrito Bowls -- rice, pinto beans, leftover taco meat from freezer, shredded cheese, salsa

Bean & Cheese Burritos

Homemade Pizza

Parmesan Chicken Tenders on spaghetti

Minestrone Soup

Peppery Chicken Wraps on pita bread - new recipe

Bacon & Egg Salad Sandwiches

Baked Tilapia

For me, the change of seasons also brings a change in menu.  With warmer temps on the way, I've been giving thought to meals that won't require me to heat up the kitchen (read no oven required). I've been perusing my cookbooks for tasty sandwich ideas, cold salads, and grilling options. What are your favorite warm weather meals?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

still on budget! whoo-hoo!

i peeked at your meal plan because i am way behind.

stomach bug hit our house and i haven't cooked a real meal or gone to the store in over a week!

warm weather meals: blt's baby, love them, but your egg salad with bacon, sounds wonderful, em's would love that.

Anonymous said...

still on budget! whoo-hoo!

i peeked at your meal plan because i am way behind.

stomach bug hit our house and i haven't cooked a real meal or gone to the store in over a week!

warm weather meals: blt's baby, love them, but your egg salad with bacon, sounds wonderful, em's would love that.

Jenni said...

Mmm...my stomach growled when I read "bacon and egg salad sandwiches". So simple yet so divine.

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

Shish kebabs...marinated chicken and lots of veggies cooked on the grill OUTSIDE...served with a side of rice and fresh fruit. SO yummy!

Nancy said...

Thanks for the suggestions, girls. Jen, I too love BLT's. I could eat them every day with fresh from the garden tomatoes. And Michelle, shiskebobs are the bomb.