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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

How to Plan a Menu

Last week our assistant pastor's wife asked me to speak to a group of our church ladies on how to plan a menu. It was definitely something new for me as I have never done any sort of public speaking regarding my menu planning. I am including my notes from this as a post to hopefully be a help to you as you write your menus.

Menu Ideas for Busy Moms
(or anyone else who needs some help planning their menus)

Planning a menu can be a big time and money saver. It can also help you eat healthier and not be as stressed. Writing out a menu can seem a bit daunting to someone who has never done it. To plan a menu, you’ll need your calendar and a menu/shopping list notepad, notebook, computer, and/or dry erase board (basically a place or places to write down your ideas and final menu plan).

Some steps to follow:
  1. 1. Choose a time frame that works for you (I’d suggest 1-2 weeks when you’re just starting out)
    • 1 week
    • 2 week
    • 3 week
    • Monthly
  2. Consider a format
    • By Cuisine type - Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Comfort, etc.
    • By Meal type - Brinner a.k.a. breakfast for dinner, Soup/Sandwich, pizza night, new recipe night, etc.
    • Rotating – your menu repeats every 4 weeks
  3. Start making a list of meal options but consider the following,
    1. what fruits and veggies are in season
    2. family favorites
    3. what items are on sale (most stores have a cycle of sorts for sales, certain items go on sale every so many weeks)
    4. what things you have on hand
    5. there will be days where you really don’t want to eat what’s on the menu so be flexible, switch it with a different item on the menu
    6. any meals from previous menus that you didn’t make
  4. Compare your calendar with your meal ideas and write out your menu. Remember, your meals don’t need to be anything fancy but they do need to work for your family.
  5. Now that you’ve got your menu completed, write your shopping lists accordingly. 
Sample Monthly (August) Menu
My Format is Italian, Soup/Sandwich, Salad, Tex-Mex, “Comfort”, Leftovers, or Night Out

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
30

Tex-Mex – Tacos and black beans with rice
31
Salad – Grilled Chicken Salad Bar and fresh fruit
1

NIGHT OUT
2
Sandwich – Ham and cheese wraps with fruit salad and chips
3
“Comfort” – Stuffed Crust Pizza, salad and chips
4

“Italian” – Italian Chicken Soup
5

LEFTOVERS
Italian – bowties w/creamy pesto and chicken, carrots, beans, French bread
7
Sandwich – Sloppy Joes, potato wedges, and fruit salad
8

Salad – Taco Salad with tortilla bowls
9
Tex-Mex – Chimichangas w/all the fixings
10  

DATE NIGHT
11

“Comfort” – Red Beans & Rice
12

LEFTOVERS
13
“Comfort” – Crockpot Italian Chicken, side salad, and rolls
14
Salad – Grilled Chicken Salad Bar and fresh fruit
15

 LEFTOVERS
16

Tex-Mex – Tacos and black beans with rice
17

Sandwich – Subs, carrots and fruit salad
18

FAMILY REUNION
19
Italian – Spaghetti, side salad, mixed veggies, and rolls
20

CALENDAR MEETING
21
“Comfort” – Steak, sweet/regular potato fries, sautéed veggies, and side salad
22 - Shared Dinner – Pork Tenderloin, mixed veggies, salad, and  French bread (Skipped Taco Salad)
23


Tex-Mex – Fajitas and side salad
24


“Italian” – Homemade Pizzas
25

BCM ACTIVITY
26
Sandwich – Pulled Pork and slaw, relish tray, and side salad
27

Tex-Mex – Cowboy Skillet
28

Comfort – Chicken Pot Pie and salad
29

Soup – Chicken Enchilada Soup
30

BIRTHDAY PARTY
31

WEDDING
1

Salad – Simple Italian Pasta Salad
2

"Italian" - Calzones and a side salad

Here is a downloadable 1 page outline from my "talk".

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