Menu Planning and Shopping

The first thing that is needed to do monthly meal planning and shopping is patience! It is not simply opening up the cookbook and putting the first 10 things that you see onto paper. I mean, come on, they could all be seafood recipes! ( I like seafood but NOT every day!)

You need a plan. A monthly meal templete. The one I have used is at www.vertex42.com/ExcelTempletes/meal-planner.html but there are many out there! It depends on how you like the monthly set-up. Another variation is at http://organizedhome.com/printable/household-notebook/month-meals or also if monthly planning scares you try this link to help you get started. http://www.theprojectgirl.com/2009/01/19/menu-planning-form-free-download/ She has put a templete together for weekly planning that incorporates your grocery list. 

Mentioning a grocery list has made me remember this site as well if you like to be organized and have your items needed catorgarized. http://www.grocerylists.org/  The one that I printed also has a check list at the bottom for "When you go..." and "Before you check out..." to help you remember!! Believe me ~ I need to have reminders!

Now for the actual menu.

I enlist the children and my hubby when creating the menu. It takes some pressure off of me and let's everyone participate! Of course, Dominic also says something like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, ICING!!! Uh yeah...maybe for dessert on the first two.

A hint to also relieve that stress of planning the monthly menu is to do this when the kids are napping or when you are enjoying a cup of coffee. Maybe even after a bath!?!
Don't try to do it all at once either! Sometimes you need a break from looking at cookbooks because even though food is needed so is rest and relaxation.

That being said once you have it all planned out complete your grocery list. You can do this while writing down the page number and the specific cookbook you used for that particular recipe. Not that you write out the recipe but the ingredients that you know that you don't have and would need to purchase. It helps from flipping back later and go "Now where was that page and what did I need?"

I forgot to mention that in addition to getting your family's help in the idea department we have also made Friday night pizza night. Every Friday either bought or homemade pizza sits on our table.

Okay now if that has you feeling overwhelmed all ready..........











GO EAT CHOCOLATE!!




Do whatever you want but now I have some recipes for you. These are the ones that I love so go ahead and use them and let me know what you thought!
  

Main meals:

Noodle Hamburger Dish

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef, browned & drained
       (I used Turkey Burger & it tastes great!)
1 green pepper, diced
1 qt whole tomatoes
10 3/4 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 large onion
1 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
8 oz pack noodles, uncooked
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup shredded cheese

1) Cover all ingredients except cheese in slow cooker.
2) Cook on high for 3-4 hours.
3) Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

* I served this the other night to 8 children and they all asked for more!!  Serving amount ~ 10! 


Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

1 1/2 cups water
2 cups of cubed peeled potatoes
2 small carrots, grated
1 small onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped*
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp beef bouillin granules
1/2 tsp salt
1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
(Again I use Turkey Burger)
2 1/2 cups milk. divided
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
8 oz process American cheese, cubed
1/4-1 tsp cayeene pepper, optional
1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
*Note~ When cutting or seeding hot peppers, use rubber or plastic gloves to protect your hands. Avoid touching your face!!!!!!*
****I did not use the jalapeno pepper or cayenne pepper due to personal preferance.****

1) In a large saucepan, combine the first nine ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
2) Stir in beef and 2 cups of milk; heat through. Combine flour and remaining milk until smooth; gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted. Add cayenne if desired. Top with bacon just before serving.
6-8 servings

Sweet and Sour Sauce for meatballs

Take equal parts Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce (about 3/4 cup each per serving of 8 people) and mix together until smooth. I usually melt down the jelly in the microwave and then stir in the sauce. Add to meatballs and bake.

I hope you enjoy these recipes and the information. Let me know what you think!