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Monday, September 22, 2008

Menu Planning Monday:


I actually planned a menu this week! I don't know if the motivation for it is because I have a class to teach on menu planning and budgeting this week, or if it's because i'm just so ready to get back to normal life again. I normally have a budget of $75.00 per week for my family of 9. This weeks menu cost $100.00 since I was out of so many things.
So maybe this week isn't as frugal as usual but don't worry, i'm still on budget since I had leftover money from previous weeks. I am also still stockpiling a few things that I have coupons for. I have enough bottles of salad dressing to last the rest of the year or more. I was out of anything that wasn't perishable because of the hurricane so that's why it's a bit more this time.

I do have to say that it is so nice to eat cooked food again. We are all so tired of sandwiches here. You just have no clue.

Breakfast:
Monday:
Waffles and fruit
Tuesday: Baked oatmeal
Wednesday: Muffins and sausage
Thursday: Eggs and biscuits
Friday: Pancakes and fruit
Saturday: Eggs, hashbrowns, and a meat
Sunday: Country ham and gravy over biscuits

Lunch:
Monday:
Grilled hot dogs, homemade mac & cheese, and a veggie
Tuesday: Sandwiches and a veggie--->sorry kids!
Wednesday: Soup and crackers
Thursday: Fried ham, mashed potatoes, and a veggie
Friday: Baked potatoes and vegetable plate
Sat and Sun: We either eat leftovers, or a salad, or sandwiches

Snacks:
Monday:
Banana bread
Tuesday: Fruit
Wednesday: Homemade cookies
Thursday: Veggie and cheese tray
Friday: Tortilla wraps---> Filled with peanut butter, banana, and/or honey

Dinner:
Monday:
Crockpot chicken--->recipe below!
Rice pilaf
Corn on the cob

Tuesday:
Baked tilapia
Butter and garlic green beans
Salad

Wednesday:
Mexican bar night--->we have tacos, burritos, enchiladas, mexican rice, refried beans. Everyone just chooses what they want.

Thursday:
Family syle chicken
Roasted squash and zucchini
Yeast rolls

Friday:
Baked italian sausage and peppers
Green beans
Twisted breadsticks

Saturday:
BLT's
French fries

Sunday:--->one of our favorites! I can give recipes if you'd like.
Mini meatloaf patties with mushroom gravy
Braised radishes
Cheesy cauliflower casserole

One of my easiest recipes that I cook on a busy day is crockpot chicken. It only takes about 5 minutes to get started and everyone here loves it. I used to make it without the thyme and rosemary, but it has made it so much better since we started adding these herbs. We use dried herbs out of our garden, but you can use fresh also if you'd like.

Crockpot Chicken:
1 whole chicken 3-4 lbs
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can of water
salt and pepper
garlic powder
Thyme
Rosemary

Directions:
Put chicken in crockpot. Add canned soups and water, mix as well as you can. Season top of chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. I just eye it. I might use about 1 tsp of each. Cook on high for about 6 hours or until done. I usually debone it after it's done cooking since I have little ones.

For more great menu ideas, head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for Menu Planning Mondays.

6 comments:

Frugal Finds said...

the crockpot chicken sounds yummy!!!

Nicole said...

OOh I would like the recipe for the mini meatloaf patties with mushroom gravy. That sounds like something Earl and Jacob would love.

I may have to steal your Mexican bar night idea.

Teresa said...

Sure, Nicole. I'll type it out in just a bit. It is really one of our family's favorites meals.

Oh, mexican night is a big hit too. I like to save it for a Wednesday since it's so easy to do.

Sonshine said...

yummy week planned! I make crockpot chicken too and don't use much in the way of spices, however, I am going to have to try it your way! :)

Enjoy your week! :)

Anonymous said...

Hey Teresa-

Just wanted to say "hey" and let you know how much I love the new design. You are such an inspiration!

Teresa said...

Sonshine, I was surprised at how much more flaver the dish has now. If you like thyme and rosemary, you'll like the flavor.

Stacy, thanks so much for both compliments. "Hey" back at ya! :-)

Nicole, I haven't forgotten about those recipes for you. I will get to them when we break from schoolwork.