I had to chuckle the other day. A friend of ours was trying to figure out what to have for dinner. We gave then a bunch of suggestions - spaghetti, burgers, corn chowder, pancakes, and more. Unfortunately none of them worked out. This family ended up heading to the local pizza joint. Now I love a night off from the kitchen as much as the next gal. However, unexpected trips to the local take out place add up to a blown budget. So when asked why I menu plan, my number one reason is to save money! I feed our family of 5 on $80.00 a week. And I know I couldn't do this without menu planning. Not to mention the 4pm stress of what are we going to have for dinner doesn't exist!
Monday
Breakfast: Homemade Yogurt and Granola
Lunch: Ski Day Picnic - Hummus, Veggies, Cheese, Crackers, Apples, Blueberry Muffins
Dinner: Apres Ski Party
Tuesday
Breakfast: Poached Eggs on Wheat Toast and Grapefruit
Lunch: Alphabet Soup and Crackers
Dinner: Chicken, Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf and Broccoli
To Do: Thaw Pesto and Ham
Wednesday
Breakfast: Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Lunch: Orzo with Pesto and Tomatoes
Dinner: Cheese Bow Tie Pasta with Ham and Peas with 90 Minute Rolls
To Do: Soak Beans make yogurt & kefir
Thursday
Breakfast: Oatmeal Bar
Lunch: Tuna Wraps and Apple Slices
Dinner: Black Bean Burritos and Mexi Rice
To Do: Make Tortillas
Friday
Breakfast: Cheese Omelets and Oranges
Lunch: Mac & Cheese with Carrot Sticks
Dinner: Homemade Pizza
Saturday
Breakfast: French Toast and Bacon
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: New England Clam Chowder
Sunday
Breakfast: Cold Cereal
Lunch: Grilled Cheese and Roasted Tomato Soup
Dinner: Ribs, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes and Corn
To Do: Make Bread
So that's our $80 menu for the week. Of course you don't see the snacks and deserts. What are you having this week. I'd love to hear about your menu plan and food budget. And if you still aren't sure about menu planning or need some more inspiration, head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for her Menu Plan Monday.
I like how you have a 'To Do' portion in your plan. That is super important! This week I'm working on artisan bread stuff. As bread it is amazing straight out of the oven and then it hardens up terribly. I've got to figure that out! As a calzone though, it was amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteHello, You could check out my blog I have posted the first two weeks of Feb, menu. I try so hard to make it on $300 a month. I give you kudos for making it on $80 a week! http://myjouneytogoinggreen.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI can't even tell you how much I need this inspiration right now. Thank you!
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