Preplanned Menus complete with shopping lists!

[canadian gardener]

Some fun links here with preplanned menus, complete with recipes all ready to roll to the grocery store with a list if anyone wants to try out menu planning along with a pre planned list for groceries.

Just add in the other odds and ends that you need, cross off what you already have on hand of the pre planned list and you are set to go shopping. Minimum of fuss.

By menu planning, and keeping a running list on the fridge (stick a magnetized shopping list up there with pen) I'm able to manage a big shop every other friday with a mini shop on the alternates to pick up produce, milk or any super duper specials.

If you try http://www.savingdinner.com/menumailer.html you will find a sample of a preplanned pretty health menu with shopping list provided.

Here is another 5 weeks of extremely economical meals and lists:

http://ndsuext.nodak.edu/extpubs/yf/foods/fn529w.htm
http://ndsuext.nodak.edu/extpubs/yf/foods/fn530w.htm
http://ndsuext.nodak.edu/extpubs/yf/foods/fn531w.htm
http://ndsuext.nodak.edu/extpubs/yf/foods/fn532w.htm
http://ndsuext.nodak.edu/extpubs/yf/foods/fn533w.htm

BTW don't be scared of the words "menu planning". All it is is a fancy term for getting the fixings for 5 to 6 meals (one or two nights are leftovers and soup and or going out).

If you don't want to make them, or want something different, you have choices. Before menu planning, your only choice is back to the store, wasting even more time, gas and money. Now you can make something else from the list, (doesn't have to happen on the night you thought it would) or do a recipe that is similar.

[canadian gardener]

and don't forget to check into the stickys in this forum with preplanned menus.

[Heather]

Thank you so much Margery....I am going to look these over tonight!

[guest2]

wow! Lots of great info here! Thanks Margery!!!!!

[canadian gardener]

I found my preplanned menus and shopping lists a real life saver with this last round of company.

I subscribed to menu mailer last payday, the low carb one (dd and I have GOT to lose weight) and it's easy to do.

The recipes are pretty simple to put together, and once I streamlined them a bit (wrapping stuff in Romaine leaves for petes' sake!-- just dump the stuff on a salad and have done with the fuss and fiddle factor!)

and substituted some things for cost (crab is not in my budget, but fake crab is, turkey breast is unavailable but frozen chicken breast is)

then it became simpler and cheaper.

But having it preplanned and the list all ready to go is a real luxury.

[canadian gardener]

oh and that Salmon with Pecan Butter Glaze is LOVELY. I had it for the first night we had company and it's a good company meal.

[Darlene]