Weekly Menu Plan #20

Heather says:

The last menu plan I posted was back in 2011.

I’d like to say that I’ve just been doing them on the sly, but the truth is, I fell off the wagon and never could get back on until I got my life back in order. I know I‘m not the only one interested in getting back into or started with the habit. If you’re looking forward to making something new this week or want to share your menu feel free to do so in the comment. (Just do one link per comment or the SPAM filter will get you*).

So we’re here, it’s a brand new year, I have a pantry and even a blackout pantry once again. Now it’s time to get my budget back in line and stop doing the 5pm stare into the refrigerator or the 6pm dash through the grocery store. If you’ve wanted to menu plan but aren’t sure how to start, I wrote a helpful series on basic menu planning.

It’s January which means collard greens and root vegetables are in season and pork is generally cheaper, at least in the South. I’m hoping to begin posting recipes again, but we’ll see what happens. I’m trying to tone down my expectations. Reality has bitten me in the butt often enough. And looking at the menu yes,I know that’s a lot of chicken, it’s what is in the freezer.

I’ve linked the recipes that are on the site and those that I plan on referencing. Most of this week’s menu is being made from items in the freezer or pantry, but I’ll supplement with items from the sales flyer.

• Monday – Red beans and rice, okra (frozen) – I’ll probably just stir that right into the red beans and rice
• Tuesday –  Taco Tuesday – Buffalo chicken tacos with avocado (if available) side salads with chipotle ranch (the chicken will be cooked in the slow cooker and shredded, the buffalo sauce will be added shortly before serving
• Wednesday –  Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (or tacos for the non-wheat tolerant), kale and brussels sprout slaw, and sweet potato fries
• Thursday – Date Night – Shrimp Curry has been requested… it’s going to depend on what I find on sale at the grocery store and I might investigate the fish market nearby, if I feel adventurous.
• Friday – Albondigas – made with ground pork, I’ve found this works really well
• Saturday – CORN (That’s Clean Out Refrigerator Night)
• Sunday –  Coconut milk chicken thighs, Thai Peanut Spaghetti Squash and something green, probably broccoli

I’m starting a log of what we’re eating (for all of our meals) to help build a more substantial emergency pantry based on our eating habits.

Let’s do this.

*A note on comments, you only have to be approved the first time you comment. I had to turn this on after dealing with hundreds of spam comments a day. Once you’re in and proven to be a person and not some poor soul paid pennies a comment, your comments will show up in real time.