Do you plan ahead for you week’s menus? Maybe even for a whole month’s worth of menus?
It can be overwhelming and even difficult to plan many meals in advance in the face of busy schedules and changing moods. Here are a couple of tricks I’ve discovered that have proved successful in my own family life:
- Make a list of family favorites. If your family has a few favorite meals that they love, why not make a list of them – including regular side dishes and desserts – and keep a list of your “Favorite 21″ or “Favorite 15″ family meals! When you have a whole month to plan for, you can easily rotate these favorites often enough so your family does not get bored with them or tired of them.
- Work from the same source on a weekly basis. Select one recipe book or recipe file to use for a set week – then you only have to reference that one source when it’s time to prepare your meals during that time frame. What a time (and space) saver! You can include pg numbers next to your menu items, saving time and keeping it simple.
- Prepare several meals in double proportions and freeze half. This is a GREAT way to save both time and money. Take advantage of your store’s sales and prepare a dish that your family loves! You can double the recipe and freeze half. Develop a system of labeling & dating the items so nothing goes to waste.
- Don’t forget to try new recipes. This was one of my mom’s favorite hobbies: New Recipes. And we were always her willing guinea pigs! It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to meal preparation – so throw in a few new recipes each month to change things up! You may find a new family favorite recipe that will help you keep things fresh and keep your family satisfied!
These are just a FEW tips to get you started! For more help, visit Dine Without Whine to help YOU find success in the kitchen!
About Debbie T
Welcome to my blog. Grab a latte and settle in for a good read! I'm Debbie - aka The Queen Mommy. I'm really just a Right-Brained woman who loves God, her husband, and her three children. I This means I'd rather write than clean... I enjoy writing about family & home, faith & life, marriage & parenting, food & addiction. I do participate in affiliate programs and use affiliate links and graphics throughout my blog. If you follow a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission to help support my family at home. Click here for my Disclosure Policy.
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