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Frugal Menu Planning--Getting Started |
by:
Cyndi Roberts |
Getting started makingplan forweek's worth of
meals can surely bebit daunting at first. It
need not be complicated--thoughlittle bit of
time spent planning will be well worth it!
A good way to start is by looking at what you already
have on hand -- sort of takingvisual inventory.
Next,it's helpful to list onpiece of paper, allmeals
for coming week.
For example, list alldays, then Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner, etc.
On this list of meals, write downmain dish andcouple
of side dishes that you want to make, keeping in mind what
staples are on hand incupboard and in the
freezer. Try to come up with as many meals as you
can with what you have on hand.
Remember to write down some ofextras you
think you might like to make duringcoming week --
such as cookies, snacks or desserts.
Always keepads fromlocal grocery store
handy and plan meals aroundweekly specials,
if possible. Don't just think about main dishes; if
bananas are on sale, make banana bread for snacks,
or lunches, for example.
While you are making your menu plan, think about what
will be happening innext week. Is Friday night
Football Game Night? Plan to havesupper that is
quick to fix. Is Wednesday your day off? That is the
day you might want to try outnew recipe that takes
a little longer to prepare.
Whatever your schedule, plan your menus around it.
And be flexible! If it snows on Tuesday, and you hadn't
planned to make chili until Thursday, you can just switch the
menus around.
Keep your lists, so that in weeks to come, you can be
reminded of some meals your family especially liked
(or disliked!). Afterfew weeks, you will end up with
set of weekly menus that you can use over and over.
With your plan in hand, you will not be tempted to
go for takeout because you just can't think of anything
to make for supper. And you will not get caught without
that "one ingredient" you need to make tonight's supper,
so no more last minute trips togrocery store!
Aboutauthor:
Cyndi Roberts iseditor of"one Frugal Friend two Another"
bi-weekly newsletter and founder ofwebsite ofsame name.
Visit http://www.cynroberts.comto find creative tips, articles, andfree e-cooking book. Subscribe tonewsletter and receivefree e-course "TamingMonster Grocery Bill".
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