Meal Plan Monday

If you have read any of my Tweets, you'll know that I detest cooking. Hubbs is a killer chef, but he works 3p-11p and therefore he isn't here to prepare our meals. That leaves me struggling in the kitchen. I used to peruse the grocery store freezer section for casseroles and easy stuff, box dinners and the like. Since our new budget plan is in effect, those things really add up and we're trying to cut our grocery bill. So while I'm not baking from complete scratch, I am having to actually cook. Breakfasts and lunches are a free for all around here, three out of four kids and a husband can prepare their own daytime meals, and it saves me time and frustration. So all I do is dinner. My mother-in-law has taught me that each meal must have a meat, vegetable, and a starch.

Monday - Philly Cheese Steaks (is that all one word?), the peppers and onions count for the vegetable and the buns count for the starch. I'll add a salad for myself to fill up so I only have half a sandwich, as I am trying to eat a little healthier.

Tuesday - BBQ Chicken, corn, and an envelope rice (we get the store brand because they're cheaper and taste just the same).

Wednesday - Tortellini w/ white sauce, crescent rolls and salad. I have Youth Group on Wednesdays, so it's always a quicker meal as we have to be out of the house by 5:45 and don't get home until after 9.

Thursday - Pork chops, carrots, and an envelope noodle.

Friday - Chicken Patty Parmigiana, broccoli and rolls. My kids love this, and it's not too expensive and it's easy, so it's a meal I'm keeping from my lazy days. Coat a baking dish with a layer of red sauce, plop as many frozen chicken patties in there that will fit, cover with a layer of red sauce, top with shredded cheese, cover and bake at 350* for 20 minutes or so.

Saturday - Leftovers, we call this Fend For Yourself day.

Sunday - No idea yet. Sundays are our big family dinners, since Hubbs is home with us, and he usually prepares this meal. He says he cannot be held down to a menu plan, as he is inspired on a whim and goes to the store to get what he needs. This goes against all I know about budgeting and cutting a grocery bill, but I let him have this freedom because whatever he comes up with is always mouth-watering delicious.

Hope this helps someone out there. Just posting it and making it concrete has helped me! Thanks!

Later, gators!