Menu Planning

In my latest effort to cut costs, I have had menu planning on my to do's for about a week. I have been putting it off, doing random internet searches on the subject mostly, but I haven't actually planned one yet. I usually just fix whatever sounds good, or whatever the kids want (with in reason). Javi will usually say chicken or pasta.

After my investigation, most say to plan your menu around the store fliers that come in the mail. You plan according to what's on sale. That can be challenging for us, because I try to cook fairly healthy as much as possible, and the stuff on special isn't usually organic, unless I am buying from the health food store. Today was a good day to shop organic (which is why I went), there was an organic sale at our local health food store, Henry's. A lot of their organic produce and organic packaged items were on sale. I definitely noticed a difference. I had a full cart and it was $89. I really spread it around and got a mix of meat, veg, frozen and packaged, so I felt like it was a good variety. That will be our food for the week. I should be able to make a roast, make a stew out of leftovers and make some pasta and tonight we are having a chicken and veg stuffing casserole.

I love Robin Miller's show on the food network because she really deals with the concept of menu planning. Making extra portions and banking items for later in the week to use for a different recipe. Unfortunately, I hardly ever get to watch the whole show, if at all because it comes on when I have to pick up Ethan. Fortunately, all the recipes are available on the website I linked to.

Anyway...my reason for the post was to ask all of you how you plan or if you plan your menus for your family for the week. Do you have any interesting tips, tricks or resources that you use? Email me or post a comment with your response. I will share all your answers in a post.

Thanks!!