As of today, we have three months of menus and shopping lists. I don't know about you ladies, but the holidays absolutely wore me out. Not only did we have expected company, but my in-laws flew down for a surprise visit. By surprise, I mean my husband was cleaning out the garage and they walked up shouting, "Hello!" It was a nice visit, but it's been hectic. So, this week if dinner doesn't almost make itself, it's not going on the menu. We all need one of those weeks from time to time, right?
Here we go with the usual spiel:
The linked recipes feed a family of 4 – 6 with leftovers that can be used for lunch and one additional meal during the week. These meals do not have to be prepared in any particular order, simply arrange them as best fits your schedule. Once a week we enjoy C.O.R.N which is simply a lighthearted reference to Clean Out the Refrigerator Night.
Nifty.
The shopping list does not include basic pantry items such as flour and sugar, but does include all the spices used for this week. Don't be scared to substitute and remember many of the spices, dry goods, and cheeses will not have to be purchased every week.
The grocery list is after the jump. Simply cut and paste it into a new notepad document, delete the items you have on hand, add your weekly breakfast and lunch staples, and print. Why, it's nearly a life of leisure. If you are fairly new to cooking, your grocery bill will drop once your pantry is stocked with basic spices and dry goods.
Have a great week.
Heather Solos can usually be found at Home Ec 101, her personal blog Moncks Corner Moments, or contributing to Type-A Mom.
1. Sausage, bell peppers and onions, oven roasted potatoes
Use the optional tomatoes to be sure everyone is getting enough fruits and vegetables. To roast potatoes, dice them into one inch chunks, toss with a couple TBSPs of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 400F for 20 – 30 minutes depending on how brown you like your taters.
2. Garlic and soy chicken thighs, rice, steamed broccoli
To add some kick to the broccoli, after it has steamed toss it with a little soy sauce and garlic in a frying pan over medium heat. This should only take two – three minutes, don't overcook your broccoli, you'll destroy lots of the vitamins.
3. Oven baked beef chimichangas, refried beans, fried green corn.
4. Pork chops fake-n-bake style, baked apples, green beans
Baked apples are a cinch, remove most of the core, don't cut through to the bottom. Fill the hole with butter and brown sugar, place in an oven safe dish and bake for 15 minutes with the pork chops or a little longer if you like the apples quite soft
5. Dilled salmon, baked sweet potatoes, peas with almonds
To bake sweet potatoes, just give them a good scrubbing, prick with a fork, and place on a baking sheet. Bake them at 400F for 1 hour or until pierced easily with a fork.
6. Sub sandwhich night, raw veggies with ranch for dipping
Grab your favorite deli meat, cheese and sandwich toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers). Use a loaf of French or Italian bread, prepare the sandwich, close, and slice into sections to serve. Our kids get a kick out of this meal, the husband and I are glad it's quick, tasty, and a fraction of the cost of a Sandwich shop.
7. C.O.R.N.
You're so excited you can't stand it. I can tell.
Dairy Case and Products
Butter
Eggs
Plain yogurt
Shredded or block cheese for the chimichangas (If you like cheddar get a block and save some slices for sub night)
Sour Cream (optional)
Dry Goods
Almonds, sliced
Flour tortillas
French or Italian bread
Honey
15oz can diced tomatoes
Refried Bean
Rice
Frozen
Broccoli
Corn
Green beans
Meat
Chicken thighs
Deli meat (your favorite)
Italian sausage links
Round steak
Salmon
Produce
Bell Peppers (if they aren't ridiculously expensive grab a red or yellow one, too for a splash of color)
Carrots (or other favorite dipping vegetables)
Garlic
Green onions
Onions
Potatoes
Sandwich toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, whatever floats your boat)
Sweet potatoes
Spices and Condiments
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Chili powder
Dill weed
Dry mustard
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salsa
Soy sauce
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The sausage, peppers, and onions looks SO scrumptious! I think I may have to try it later this week. Thanks!
I hope you like them, too. We'd have them more often, except for the whole, experimenting with new recipes for the site thing.