Odd menu problem

**emortis13** · 02-07-2007, 01:17 AM

I have tried creating a menu for a week at a time. I have no problems coming up with stuff and sticking to it. The problem is that I find that I if I don’t create a menu I spend less on food vs. fallowing a menu. It doesn’t make any sense to me. Why could this be happening?

**FrugalMomof3** · 02-07-2007, 05:04 AM

I had that same problem as well, it's because when we make a menu it's for items we WANT to eat versus what we have on hand, most times we dont have all the items that pertain to that meal so we run out to the store to buy it.

I no longer make a menu, I just cook what's there and there ya go. If you really want to stick to a menu plan, have it made out before you go grocery shopping so you know what you will need when the time comes.

**freerangers** · 02-07-2007, 06:47 AM

Yep, I know what you're saying!

The key is to use ONLY what you have on hand--if it's not time to go to the grocery store. Make a list of what you have available, then make your menu from that list. Don't fall into the trap of running out to the grocery for just a few things to fulfill your menu list.

Then, as FrugalMomof3 mentioned, make your menu AND your grocery list at the same time BEFORE shopping.

It takes some practice to figure out what works for you and yours, you can do it!

I think something to remember is that a good meal doesn't need to be four or five dishes(I know folks who do this, for even only four people to feed)-- a good meat/main dish and side dish or two is plenty. (Bread is always good)

~~Hang in there!

**tigo** · 02-07-2007, 09:06 AM

I do both- I make a menu but with two teens, sometimes things get eaten that were meant for a meal. Instead of running to the store to replace it I will just cook something else from what is on hand.

**AmyMCGS** · 02-07-2007, 09:47 AM

I make my menu plan each week based on what's already on hand.

If I'm hungry for something in particular and we don't have what I need to make it, I add those items to my grocery list for the next regular trip. Then, once the ingredients are in the house, I add it to the weekly menu plan.

I used to be bad about picking out tons of new recipes to try, and then having a huge grocery list. Now it's a game for me to find new recipes that use ingredients I already have on hand.

**IntlMom** · 02-07-2007, 10:08 AM

I agree with you~ Here is my solution. Today is Wed, we just got our local grocery ads. I will sit down and plan about 4 main dishes from what is on sale. Then I will pick up a few "cheap with sale/coupon type" side dishes. (the large jar of GOOD applesauce is on sale for .99 and I have .40 coupons. I have 3 coupons, I will get 3 jars). I buy produce that is on sale (bananas are .29# this week, and iceberg lettuce is .68/head).....you get the idea.... then sometime throughout the week, I'll make those 4 things, and the other three nites are either leftovers, pantry meals, or a nite out with a mystery shopping dinner. Ok, so this isn't set in stone, but it;s a pretty good guide, and it sounds confusing, but it's not. I'll bet most of you do something similar (ok, maybe not the mystery shoppping dinner...)

**suzysaver** · 02-07-2007, 11:52 AM

I do menu plan around what I have, but I don't always stick to it. Sometimes you just have to use up those leftovers and you can find some interesting meals just sitting there waiting for you to mix up. I like having the plan in place so when I'm tired, I have an idea of what we have and what's on hand.

**ironmaiden** · 02-07-2007, 12:59 PM

I buy loss leaders on meat and throw them in the freezer. Then I plan what's for dinner a day or two ahead based on what's in the house. I do write it down on the weekly schedule. So my grocery shopping is about replacing what we are out of (milk, cheese etc.) and buying what's on sale, not about what do we feel like eating this week.

**Telephus44** · 02-07-2007, 05:59 PM

My system is a lot like ironmaiden's. I mostly grocery shop for loss leaders and meat, and then I cook based on what I have on hand. The only time I go shopping for a specific meal is on holidays.

Once in a while I will go through a phase where I want to try a lot of new recipes and I pick up a lot of odd ingredients - but I usually try and sub in with things I have on hand - like regular vinegar for rice vinegar.

**emortis13** · 02-07-2007, 06:34 PM

everything you guys said makes tons of sense. The part about what i want to eat is sooooo right. Tacos. Tacos. TACOS!!!! Im gona tank the menu plan and go by the seat of my computer chair.

Domo Arigato

**frugalwanttobe** · 02-07-2007, 06:46 PM

I love this thread. I am realizing that I am doing similar things to all of you.

thanks for sharing

**AheeK** · 02-07-2007, 07:54 PM

I used to do the same thing...plan a menu of expensive meals and then bemoan the money I spent on groceries. I still do up a menu, but now everything I make has to be cheap. A cool site I stumbled upon is http://www.cookingbynumbers.com/frames.html. You check off what you have in your cupboards and it pulls up recipes to make using those ingredients. Another site that does this is http://www.masterfoods.com.au/recipes/whatcanimake.asp.

Hope that helps!

**claimsgirl66** · 02-07-2007, 08:34 PM

I do what alot of you all do as well. Took awhile to get used to "shopping" from my pantry vs. making a wish list and then going to the grocery store!

And emortis13, tacos by the way are pretty cheap, tasty and quick to make! If I get hamburg on sale, I will make tacos or mexican several nites in a row!! Yum. I have built up a little stock pile ( a term I picked up here ) of some tried and true food items I use and then just sort of fill in the list with what is on sale. Pasta salad is a good stand-by. You can make up a big batch and toss just about anything in it, and then it makes a burger, or soup and a sandwich seem more like a real meal!

**kaykwilts** · 02-07-2007, 08:54 PM

I have a hard time sticking to a menu. I get sidetracked and dont' do what I have planned.

**emortis13** · 02-07-2007, 11:08 PM

Tacos are cheep with beef. But I don’t like red meat, so I use chicken. Then I do the really bad thing and buy the chicken in the little cans and the peppers frozen. If I did it the right way then yes... I would save money.

You know what…. im just gona do that!! I’m gona get a bunch of frozen chicken on sale, slice it up and cook it all at once then freeze it. Same with the onions and peppers. WEEE!!! Tacos all the time. Why didn’t I do this before?? *Does the taco dance*