Menu Plan

As the pantry challenge continues I am making a menu plan every week. I find that I can put together several meals with what I still have and only have to buy a few supplemental items at the grocery store.

I try to make the menu plan on Wednesday because that's the day the grocery ad dates begin each week.

Last week I cleaned out the pantry and noted dates on many items. I also pulled several expired or almost expired things to the front to use right away. Those included: 2 cans of tuna, a package of instant rice & broccoli, a package of instant alfredo noodles, velveeta shells & cheese, a can of vegetable broth and a box of raisins. I tried to incorporate these items into the meals this week and a few are left for next week.

Wednesday: Freezer Meal - beef stroganoff & salad
Thursday: Tuna Casserole & salad
Friday: Freezer Meal - Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Saturday: Dinner Out (a Free treat)
Sunday: Chicken Taco Soup & salad
Monday: Pork Chops, Rice, & Broccoli
Tuesday: Lasagna, Garlic Bread & Asparagus

I'm running really low on lunch stuff for the girls so we've been having pb&j or grilled cheese a lot with a piece of fruit. We ate the past date Velveeta shells and the cheese wasn't easy to melt. =^) Oh well.

DH - The history of the menu plan is that if you plan your menu out for that week, then you're more likely to use what you have and be careful with the money you spend on food. Plus it helps set expectations with the fam.