Menu Planning

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Grateful for a weekend together.  The kids were super excited to have some snow to play in this weekend too!   Thankful for a great time with the family.  With everything going on this week I want to keep our schedule as streamlined and simple as possible.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Crockpot Roast, Baked Potatoes
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Tilapia, Steamed Asparagus
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Chicken & Rice Casserole, Mixed Veggies
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Pork Chops, Stuffing
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Thankful for a weekend with family and an opportunity to catch up on laundry as well as some other items around the house.  Our family celebrated Halloween over the weekend by carving pumpkins, eating a special meal, and hanging out together for a fun family night.  As we gear up for another busy week of school, work, appointments, and a multitude of other activities going on I want to keep the dinner menu easy and efficient for everyone.

    By the time we get home from work and school,  activities, do homework, pack lunches for the next day, prep for the next day, shower, and spend a little time together there is not much time for elaborate meals at home.  Thankfully we can have more fancy time consuming meals over the weekend when our schedule is a little bit more flexible.  As long as I prep the night before everything will be ready to go in the evening once the crew arrives home.  We try not to eat out very often and to make healthy meals at home, however, in order to do it we need to plan and prep ahead of time.  Grateful for my crockpot and other kitchen tools that assist in making home-cooked meals at home with the family possible even with a busy schedule.   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Cube Steak, Steamed Vegetables
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Seafood Tacos, Black Beans
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Grilled Mustard Chicken, Tagiatelle Pasta
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Mesquite Pork Loin, Apple Slices
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Thankful for a weekend with family and an opportunity to rest a little.  Jake and I have been fighting a cold, but starting to feel a little better now.  We are gearing up for a super busy week at school, work, and other activities.  As we try to keep everyone on schedule and healthy we are planning a simple, easy yet healthy menu for the upcoming week.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Cube Steak, Steamed Broccoli
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Stuffed Acorn, Soup
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Grilled Chicken, Pasta Casserole
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Crockpot Pork Loin, Stoneground Wheat Bread
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Thankful that the kids get an extra day on their weekend.  It is always nice to have them around a little bit more.  They worked on some of their school projects over the weekend so they would be prepared for the week.  They have a busy week during and after school with their clubs as well as extra volunteer activities.  Somehow they have packed their schedules pretty full, but they are enjoying meeting a variety of people and participating the activities.  Jake and I have a busy week at work.  Jake has a bunch of extra co-workers in Greenville office with Hurricane Matthew coming through Charleston this past weekend.  Thankful it wasn’t any worse than it was.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Pasta Twists & Beef Casserole
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  3 Bean Chili & Wild Rice
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Cheddar Applewood Chicken & Lo Mein
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Mesquite Pork & Stoneground Wheat Bread
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    We have a full schedule this week, but no traveling as far as work so everyone will be together for the evening meals.  Trying to make the menu simple and easy as our evenings together are more limited after work, school, activities and other scheduled events.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Beef Shepherd’s Pie Casserole, Mash Potatoes
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Shrimp & Stuffed Talapia, Tagliatelle & Mushroom Pasta
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Sweet & Sour Chicken, Udon Noodles
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Apple Bourbon Pork Chops, Mult-Grain Bread
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Last week went by quickly and as we approach a new week it is another full schedule.  Thankful for a family who works and plays together.  We had a great weekend, but are preparing for another crazy week of school and work ahead.  The menu will be slightly different this week with everything going on, but I will try to stay on track as much as possible.

    It will be another busy week, but glad that the family is working together to get everything done.   This week I have some special events going on and I need to utilize the items in my pantry.  Trying to keep it healthy, yet simple since several nights we are tighter on time.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Sloppy Joe’s, Fresh Salad
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Sandwiches, Salads, Fresh Veggies
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Hotdogs, Baked Beans
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Crockpot Pork Roast, Mash Potatoes (we switched this night around last week so it’s back on the menu)
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    This week we are back to our “new normal” schedule.  Last week was a little different since the girls were out of school Monday for Labor Day and Tuesday and Wednesday for Teachers Professional Learning Days. LOVED having extra time with my sweet girls and Jake over the Labor Day weekend!!!

    We are gearing up for another full week of school, work and extra activities.  The girls are starting to have more club and after school activities starting this week too.  Along with a handful of appointments and other fun activities so it will be a busy week for the  whole crew, but looking forward to hitting a rhythm.

    It will be another busy week, but glad that the family is working together to get everything done.   This week I have some special events going on and I need to utilize the items in my pantry.  Trying to keep it healthy, yet simple since several nights we are tighter on time.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Chili, Corn Bread
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):   Tagliatelle & Garlic Pasta, Asparagus, Stone Ground Wheat Bread
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Sweet & Sour Chicken, Steamed Rice
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Crockpot Pork Roast, Mash Potatoes
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    We are starting to establish more of a school and work routine.  I would be lying if I said everything has gone completely smoothly, ha!  A couple of nights this past week after a full day at work, picking up the kids so we can do homework, dinner, get everyone settled into bed, I was exhausted and ready to go to bed as well.  Typically, I am good staying up late and love getting up early, but with the transition I have had to go to bed around 9 or 10 at night (for those who know me that is early)!

    Thankfully we are getting settled into the routine.  I think this week will be easier now.  This week I have some special events going on and I need to utilize the items in my pantry.  Trying to keep it healthy, yet simple since several nights we are tighter on time.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Beef, Tomato and Noodle Soup, French Bread
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):   Baja Fish Tacos, Salad
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Sweet & Spicy Teriyaki Chicken, Steamed Rice
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): BLT Sandwiches, Pasta Salad
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    It has been a whirlwind of activities around our house this past week with getting back from Alaska, work, transitioning the kids to a new school, friends visiting, and a large amount of other fun activities going on.  Thankful to be back home again and getting started on a more consistently (and somewhat) normal school again.

    Since this week we have a mix of activities on the agenda including school and work we’ll make it simple and easy.  I based our menu off some items that we need to use up from our pantry.   Hopefully once we get into our new regular routine I will be able to catch up on more long term projects around the house and yard again.  Our menu is going to be simple and easy.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Beef Pasta Casserole, Steamed Vegetables
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):   Homemade Individual Pizzas, Salad
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Chicken Vindaloo, Homemade Naan Bread
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Pork & Vegetable Stir Fry, Udon Noodles
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    We are back now after an amazing family vacation!  We had a blast exploring Alaska and Canada.  It was the first time any of our family had been to Alaska.  The girls and I have never been on the west coast prior to our trip.  I’ll share a little bit more about our adventures soon.

    This week we have a mix of activities on the agenda.  We are getting back into the work and regular schedule as well as gearing up for fun with family, friends, and the upcoming school year.  We have friends coming to visit for a few days, the girls are attending their last summer camp, and we have the Meet the Teacher night this week which means school is around the corner.  Our menu is going to be simple and easy.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Crockpot Roast, Potatoes, & Green Beans
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Minestrone Soup, Garlic Bread
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Grilled Mustard Chicken, Fresh Fruit
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Special Event
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.http://www.blessingsmultiplied.com/wp-admin/post-new.php

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz