Wednesday, February 18, 2009

WFMW: The Weekly Menu


I mentioned that we started using coupons about a month ago, which has dramatically changed how I figure out what's for dinner. Once a week I sit down with my book of coupons and two sheets of paper for lists. One list is to write down meal ideas and the other is the grocery list. I end up with a list of about 6 real "meals" - a main dish and all accompaniments.

The first week, I hung this list on the side of the fridge so I wouldn't forget what I had all the ingredients for. It worked so well, that I've continued hanging up the list. This week, I jazzed up my list by putting it all in a document using fancy fonts and a layout similar to an exclusive restaurant. You know, just to make it all feel more official.

Everyday, I go to the list and see what sounds good and what I have time to prepare and eat depending on our evening schedule. For example, I'm not making pork chops with glazed onions, steamed vegetables, and french bread when we're going to have to race out the door to basketball. That's a time for those frozen pizzas further down the list. I make sure everything is thawed and ready early in the day. Once we've eaten, I mark that dinner option off the list.

It's a great way to make sure all the groceries get eaten and I'm not staring in the pantry at 5:00 thinking, "What can I make with a can of cream of mushroom soup and some pasta?"

For more Works For Me Wednesday tips, go to Rocks in My Dryer here, but only for this week. Next week it moves to a new home.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I do a much better job sticking to the menu when I have it posted! I haven't done it in awhile. I need to get back to it! Thanks for the reminder.

na said...

If I have it down on paper...I am more likely to follow it (and remember what I am supposed to be making!).

Anonymous said...

I wrote a month's worth of menus for each season. When something is on sale, I can stock up, and make meals from those things and the things that are fresh in my garden each season.

Will Stranathan said...

Nothing wrong with a can of Cream of Mushroom Soup and some pasta. Goes great with SPAM and frozen soybeans.

Nancy said...

I like your idea of having a list to go from to start with!! I'm going to compose a master list of ideas. THanks for sharing!

Nancy said...

And I LOVE your dining room table! Enjoy!