I like schedules, sort of. They are a necessary evil and most events and scenarios in a family require adhering to a specific plan. However, meals are my place to rebel. My need for variety and sometimes even living on a whim is why I do not use the typical menu plan.
Instead of listing what meal will be served for each day of the week, I make an inventory of all the possible meals that we have in our pantry and freezer. I do not assign a day to the meal, but rather, I have a simple master list. This list is especially helpful on the weeks that I want to spend less at the grocery store and make use of what we have on hand.
As the week wears on, I will use the list to see which meal works into the allotted time we have available each day and what I’m in the mood to cook. For me, this works much better than having to stick to a daily schedule and I can ensure our food is used before it goes bad. I mark the meal off my list and at a glance, it is easy to see my remaining meal options.
Do you plan your menus? Do you find them tedious or difficult to work around? I have found what works for my family, but I’d love to hear what works for yours.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
{ 14 Comments }
I do the same thing! I shop every two weeks, plan on 10 meals (given a few left over nights and one or two meals out…tops). I do put them on the calendar, but if I dont do the meal on the day planned, I just go along the days and see what hasnt been crossed off. Works for me… Thanks for sharing!
I usually do like you. Make a list of what I want to make.
I will sometimes label out the days just to remind myself if I need something easy on a certain day or we’re going somewhere or what not.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who does this! I was beginning to worry about me. Like Nicole, we list a couple of extra meals so we’re not “stuck” with a meal.
I follow a similar plan. I make 2-week menus, simply listing the meals and making grocery lists. I separate the meals into “1’s” and “2’s” to have an idea of what fresh produce to purchase. We head to the grocery once, and the the farmer’s market twice (once per week). On days when I have more time, I aim to make the longest prep time meal, and in a snap, I have a couple of no-fuss foods ready for other hurried days.
I do something very similar. I have a notebook that I use to organize all my meals and recipes. This helps me plan my grocery list too.
http://www.mandys-treasurecove.com/2009/09/menu-planning.html
I like it!
I do something very simular and it allows the flexibility I like.
I have recently posted two blogs regarding menu planning, how I do it and my master list of dinner meals we use at our house. I also like a ‘plan’ but I also switch things up when our schedule requires it without that giving me frustration. To me, just one trip a week to the grocery really keeps down my frazzled feel. Ha!
I try to menu plan, but more often than not I just let things slide and play with what I have on hand. I do know that when I’m aware of what’s for dinner, the rest of the day just seems to fall into place. But sometimes it’s hard to imagine on Sunday what you’ll feel like eating on Wednesday! I just love your idea of having a master list you can choose from. Thanks!
I avoid making menu plans because I like the flexibility of deciding what I’m in the mood for. I like this idea and it maybe a nice compromise. Thanks!
Karen
That’s pretty much what I do. I like knowing my options for the week, and being able to select a quick option on hectic days.
I don’t go by a menu plan. I just ask what the hubby is making or what I feel like eating and that’s what we get. I can’t cook.
I met you at Blissdom, so I’m stopping by to say hi!
I love the idea of a “master list.” I’m constantly trying to use what I already have, mostly because I hate to go to the grocery store but also because if I don’t, food I “forgot” about will go bad.
The problem is that I forget all that it is I’m trying to use up. Maybe a master list will do the trick!
Trackback & Pingback