[Contrary Housewife]

Whether it's to save money, expand your meal repertoire, or eliminate the dreaded, "What in the world are we going to eat tonight" conundrum, meal planning can help make your daily life easier.

What's on your menu this week?

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Zhoen, that is quite the list. Good luck with it!

The last dated freezer inventory I can find is dated April 2021, so I really need to do a new one, when it is daylight. DH broke the light in the freezer by trying to force stuff into it. Meanwhile I know I can manage the next 7 days:

-- bratwurst, carrot and potatoes
-- lemon chicken, green beans, stuffed mushrooms
-- meatloaf, spinach, boxed potato au gratin
-- wild rice soup w/mushrooms
-- gyros (take out)
-- l/o corned beef sandwiches
-- seared tuna, cauliflower rice, edamame

The week after that I can do a bean soup and mac and cheese from the pantry.

 

[Contrary Housewife]

2nd week of January:

-- l/o meatloaf, l/o potatoes, green beans
-- chicken marsala over noodles, zucchini
-- bean & bacon soup with vegs
-- fried chicken sandwiches, caesar salad
-- macaroni with ham, veg
-- pineapple & broccoli pork rice bowl, spring rolls
-- roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, veg
-- leftovers

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Next week subject to changes:

-- leftover turkey, other leftovers
-- fried rice (take out)
-- pulled pork sandwiches, slaw
-- turkey tacos, spanish rice, guac& chips
-- beef barley soup, baguette
-- chicken & veg curry over rice
-- bratwurst, potatoes

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Can you believe it has only been 4 weeks since Christmas?

-- brats, potatoes, zucchini
-- chicken curry, rice, vegs
-- tuna nicoise salad
-- ham and potato soup, stuffed mushrooms
-- l/o bbq, corn, beans, cucumber salad
-- chicken wings, spinach
-- fish sandwiches, fries
-- pork chops, veg

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Zhoen, the lights in my sewing room (front facing window) are still up. Hey at least you got dinner on the table every night!

I had to scratch the chicken curry again. It's not that hard, but I've been extra fatigued this week. So it's plain baked chicken with rice-a-roni, and a 15 minute nap on the couch.

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Moving into February. Stuck to the plan pretty well this week, next week is more flexible:

-- pork chops, corn
-- chicken, spinach salad w/beets
-- cubed steak, asparagus
-- ?? zucchini, potatoes
-- chicken, brussels sprouts
-- chili dogs
-- wonton soup, egg rolls
-- ??

One night will probably be takeout. I'm not sure what yet.

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Rough plan for next week:

-- burgers and fries
-- soup (probably one from the freezer)
-- baked chicken, carrots, rice
-- ravioli, salad
-- salmon bowl with bok choy
-- smoked chicken, veg
-- brats, potatoes
-- potluck (??)
-- V-day (??)

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Digging into February:

-- Mexican (out)
-- chicken, spinach
-- pork stir fry, l/o rice, fresh spring rolls
-- chili, l/o Mexican
-- chicken, asparagus
-- bean & bacon soup
-- ??, butternut squash

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Been tired of cooking so last week didn't go exactly to plan, but I was able to pull things out of the freezer instead of eating out. Next week is sketched out using what is on hand:

-- smoky beef sandwiches, salad
-- Chinese take-out
-- mac&cheese with ham, veg
-- l/o roast turkey, vegs
-- tacos
-- leftovers, or soup
-- potluck w/ friends

I have lettuce, bok choy, asparagus, potatoes, carrots, green beans, and frozen vegs for sides.

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Moving into March!

-- ham and cheese sliders
-- burgers, fries
-- baked fish, veg
-- chicken, veg
-- soup (wild rice or black bean)
-- pork chops, veg
-- out
-- out

Spending a weekend with friends, will probably pick up sandwiches or pizza while we're out.

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Putting together next week, because the weekend is going to be busy:

-- BLT or salad
-- chili dogs, apple crisp (dessert for the week)
-- chicken, asparagus, potatoes
-- tuna nicoise salad
-- soup
-- chicken stir fry, fresh spring rolls
-- spaghetti w/tomato or pesto, broccoli
-- breakfast tacos (Sunday brunch)

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Aldi is advertising $3.99 for flat cut. Reg 5.79

Local grocery has chuck roast for 3.99, too, which looks awfully tempting this year.

I'm seeing a lot of sales on canned tuna, time to stock up.

 

[Contrary Housewife]

There were half a dozen packages of corned beef at the grocery store this morning, for $9.99/lb. I asked a store manager about next week's ad and was told they're not available yet. I'm sure they have them, because they have to know what to put signs on for tomorrow.

 

[Contrary Housewife]

This week that store is advertising a different brand of corned beef brisket for 3.99.
Different store has point cut for 2.98, flat cut for 4.98.
Aldi still has flat cut for 3.99.

 

[Contrary Housewife]

miteigenenhaenden, your meal plan looks like the menu at a very expensive cafe. : )

March Madness:
-- scalloped potatoes
-- ham quiche
-- corned beef/pot roast, vegetables
-- baked chicken, brussels sprouts, potato
-- dirty rice with turkey sausage
-- leftover beef/roast pie
-- fish sandwiches

 

[Contrary Housewife]

First week of Spring:

-- teriyaki chicken with pineapple and pea pods
-- take out
-- chicken caesar salad with pao de queso
-- bbq ribs(pre cooked), potato something
-- chili, corn bread waffles
-- tuna and avocado rice bowl, egg rolls
-- meatball sliders
-- spaghetti with sausage

 

[Contrary Housewife]

For the end of March:

-- leftover chicken and green beans
-- spaghetti with sausage , asparagus
-- chicken with black beans and mango
-- sloppy joe sandwiches, salad
-- tuna and avocado rice bowl, egg rolls
-- chili, corn bread waffles
-- pork chops, cauliflower

 

[Contrary Housewife]

First of April:

-- chicken wings, slaw
-- ramen noodle veggie soup with l/o duck
-- burger & fries
-- lemon chicken, veg
-- fish, vegs
-- leftovers
-- grilled chicken, salad

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Something with lentils ( I have never bought them before or cooked them) Suggestions?

Lentils are good in soup. You'll find many recipes. Let them simmer in broth until they are soft. They need salt to make them flavorful, so it's a good place to use sausage, kielbasa, andouille, ham or bacon for flavoring.

I've also used this recipe: Carrot and Red Lentil Soup