This Week’s Menu

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by Crystal on August 29, 2011

My salad at lunch today

I mentioned on Saturday on my Facebook Page that I’ve been in a lunch rut. There were over 200 people who commented with great ideas and links. I’m inspired and looking forward to trying some of the different ideas over the next few weeks.

Breakfasts

Pick-Me-Up Smoothies, toasted bagels
Yogurt Bar (yogurt with toppings people can choose to sprinkle on)
Whole-Wheat Pancakes, cantaloupe
Whole-Grain Hot Cereal, fruit
Granola Bars, fresh carrot & apple juice
Orange Cream Smoothies, toast
Pumpkin Scones, scrambled eggs

Lunches

Taco Salad, apples
Homemade Uncrustables, carrots, peaches
Tossed Salad with chopped hard-boiled eggs & Homemade Croutons, toasted bagels
Cheese quesadillas, carrots,
Refried beans, cheese, chips, salsa, steamed peas
Leftovers
Lunch with friends (I brought bread.)

Snacks

Granola bars
Fruit/Veggies
Chips/Salsa
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Dinners

Taco Chicken Bowls, fruit salad
Dinner with extended family x 2
Grilled Gyros (I’m substituting lamb instead of the beef), fruit
Whole-Wheat Pancakes, bacon, scramble eggs, cantaloupe
Crockpot Barbecue Chicken, Au Gratin Potatoes, frozen vegetables, fruit
Dinner out

Freezer Cooking in an Hour

Homemade Uncrustables
Homemade Croutons
Pumpkin Scones

What’s on your menu this week? Share details and/or your link to your menu plan in the comments.

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{ 45 comments... read them below or add one }

  • Jessica August 29, 2011 at 05:38 pm

    I think we’re making the same crockpot BBQ chicken this week :) Here’s my menu plan for anyone who is interested: http://jandjnewleaf.blogspot.com/2011/08/whats-for-eats-this-week-and-why-we.html

  • Sara@Save Money, Live Joyfully August 29, 2011 at 05:39 pm

    The pumpkin scones sound wonderful! I love that it’s pumpkin season (even in 95 degree weather :)

    This week I’ve got some wonderful meals lined up! Tonight I’m making the only meal in which my daughter inhales ALL her veggies…Minestrone Soup! I have a $65 budget for all groceries, and the entire menu for the week (with recipes) is here:

    http://www.savemoneylivejoyfully.com/2011/08/this-weeks-menu-planaugust-28-september.html

    • Mealr Mom August 29, 2011 at 05:48 pm

      Fantastic meal plan! I love me some Pioneer Woman too! Question: do you keep whiskey on hand or is that something you work into the $65?

      • Sara@Save Money, Live Joyfully August 29, 2011 at 06:02 pm

        Thanks! I buy the little “Airline” bottles of alcohol when I need them for a recipe. I used half a cup of whiskey in the chicken, which is just about what one of those little $4 bottles is, so it worked out :)

    • Carrie @ My Favorite Finds August 30, 2011 at 06:45 am

      I know, Sara. I have been holding of on the fall yummies because it’s still 80s/low 90s this week in Ohio. It’s like as soon as August ends, I’m all ready for fall, even if the weather isn’t quite super cool yet. I love the $65 menu budget. I’m heading to your site now to check it out.

  • Rachel August 29, 2011 at 05:42 pm

    What is tool is used to make the uncrustables? I saw it in the picture but do not know whatit is called. I really want one.

    • Crystal August 29, 2011 at 05:46 pm

      I’m just going to use a glass and a fork to crimp the edges. I think the tool is from Pampered Chef?

      • Rachel August 29, 2011 at 06:43 pm

        Thank never even thought of that. I will do the same.

        • Amy August 29, 2011 at 08:46 pm

          I found a square shaped one at Bed Bath and Beyond that works well and leaves a little more bread. Love the crouton idea!

      • Ann August 30, 2011 at 08:15 am

        I have one of those pampered chef tools. And all that wasted crust has bothered me too. Croutons, what a great idea. can’t believe I never thought of it. I would sometimes put the crust pieces in the freezer to make bread pudding later on. but honestly, that never happened and the bread mostly went to the trash eventually ( some fed the ducks at the park)

  • Anna J August 29, 2011 at 05:44 pm

    I thought of you when I caught the first episode of Sandwich King yesterday. He was making “Greek Tacos” with lamb – they looked really yummy!

  • Mealr Mom August 29, 2011 at 05:45 pm

    I HAVE to try those Pumpkin Scones!!!

    This week’s dinner in the Mealr house:
    Mealr’s Black Bean and Ground Beef Tostadas
    Grilled Salmon, Mealr’s Fettuccine Alfredo, Steamed Broccoli (My Birthday Dinner!)
    Mealr’s Stuffed Zucchini
    Homemade Pizza (with with fresh marinara sauce from the garden, bell peppers, mushrooms and black olives)
    Mealr’s Pulled Pork Carnitas AND Corn and Black Bean Salad
    Out to Dinner on Saturday

  • Carolynn @ mylittlebitoflife.com August 29, 2011 at 05:49 pm

    I love gyros! (Especially real ones made with lamb!) We are in a lunch rut too, but my kids really love what we have for lunches. So if there is room in the budget and I’m getting tired of what they’re eating, then I’ll pick up something quick and easy that I like! :) Here’s our weekly shopping and menu plan: http://mylittlebitoflife.com/?p=2045

  • Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love August 29, 2011 at 05:49 pm

    I do scones a lot! In fact, I pre-mix all of the dry ingredients and freeze (a trick I learned from LifeasMom) for quicker breakfasts in the morning. We love scones! My basic scone recipe is here: http://www.simplifylivelove.com/2011/01/apple-pear-scones-with-whole-grains.html

    For dinners this week we’re having fried potatoes and sausage; baked pasta with spinach, lemon, and cheese; crispy chicken thighs; taco soup and more! For links and recipes, you can see my menu here:

    http://www.simplifylivelove.com/2011/08/weekly-menu-and-freezer-cooking-plan-829.html

  • Emily August 29, 2011 at 05:51 pm

    We are having Cheeseburger Rice, Pizza Pie, and more!

    http://ourfrugalhappylife.blogspot.com/2011/08/menu-plan-828.html

    All gluten free, too! :)

  • Kimberly August 29, 2011 at 05:56 pm

    My favorite thing to make for supper is BREAKFAST….glad to see that on your menu this week. We have it planned for one night this week too. Sometimes I make a breakfast casserole and fruit. Sometimes it’s scrambled eggs, ham or sausage, grits, etc. I’m from the South, so there’s nothing like a good Southern breakfast. I truly believe that Breakfast at Suppertime tastes much better than Breakfast in the morning.

  • amy@twobgardening August 29, 2011 at 06:06 pm

    Looks Yummy!!! Can I come over tomorrow for lunch? :) Salads are one of my favorites. I just had a taco salad for dinner- black beans, salsa, sour cream, tortilla chips, lettuce, mozz. cheese, tomato and mushrooms. So delicious.

  • Shelby August 29, 2011 at 06:26 pm

    I’m so excited that we’re getting close to Crockpot weather! Your Crockpot meal makes me want to make chili and cinnamon rolls!

    Our menu for the week is here: http://www.womworkingmom.com/2011/08/wom-meals-this-weeks-menu-for-829.html

    It’s a little simple, but that is ok.

  • Alison@CouponKitchen August 29, 2011 at 06:31 pm

    http://couponkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/08/weekly-menu-august-28-september-3-2011.html

  • Anne @ Modern Mrs Darcy August 29, 2011 at 06:36 pm

    Grilled gyros sound fantastic! We all love lamb, so I’d do the sub, too. But it’s nice to have a recipe with beef in case lamb is crazy expensive when I’m at the grocery.

    This week’s menu was planned around our farmers’ market bounty:

    http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2011/08/your-guide-to-savvy-summer-farmers-market-shopping/

  • Katy @ Purposely Frugal August 29, 2011 at 06:48 pm

    That salad looks good!!
    Here’s my 2 week menu plan:

    http://purposelyfrugal.com/2011/08/29/groceriesmenu-plus-a-funny-flip-flop-story/

  • Mom's Plans August 29, 2011 at 06:57 pm

    The uncrustables are so cute! I will have to make these!!

    Here is our menu plan for the week:

    http://www.momsplans.com/2011/08/menu-planning-8282011/

    I had a big head of cabbage to eat up, so we are trying two different cabbage soups/stews. We already had one tonight. Yummy!

  • Billene August 29, 2011 at 07:05 pm

    Thank you so much for the uncrustables idea, they are so pricey at the grocery, I hate to buy them. Now I can make as many as I want without spending so much money.

  • Kelley August 29, 2011 at 07:19 pm

    I love Mondays because I get to browse all the amazing recipes of others. :)

    Heres what the Grants are having this week..

    http://www.thegrantlife.com/2011/08/menu-monday_29.html

    Happy Monday all!

  • Sarah @ Mindfully Frugal Mom August 29, 2011 at 07:19 pm

    Here’s my menu plan for this week. It’s about 90% pantry stuff plus fresh CSA produce. I barely spent any money at the grocery store this week!

  • KC August 29, 2011 at 07:28 pm

    Crystal- I saw the recipe for uncrustables that you put a link to. I love that idea!
    We don’t really eat crutons, so I had another idea to use up the extra bread. Baked french toast!
    I know that you’ve made baked french toast before. My family loves it and would be a good use for the extra bread. Question for you or any of your readers: Have you ever made and frozen baked french toast? How do you freeze it (what do you wrap or store it in)? How does it taste thawed?
    Thanks!

    • amy August 29, 2011 at 10:25 pm

      I tried my recipe recently. I baked it about 15-20 minutes shorter than the recipe called for, saran and foiled it when it had cooled a bit, then froze. To reheat/finish baking, I thawed it for about an hour (I didn’t want to break my Pyrex.). Then baked it about 45 minutes. It turned out okay, but the texture was mushier (is that a word) than usual. I think trying it this way was not so time saving, except in the prep.

  • Julie in IN August 29, 2011 at 08:02 pm

    Crystal, Is that a taco salad? It looks like craisins on the edges??

    Has anyone made uncrustables with homemade bread? Does it fall apart?

    I am cooking a double meal on Monday, Tuesday and Friday so I can have a night off on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Saturday we will enjoy something on the grill.

    Tomatoes and peppers are finally ripening so I’m caning salsa this week. So glad to have pickles, relish and peaches done for the year.

    • Crystal August 29, 2011 at 08:16 pm

      It’s just a tossed salad with craisins and hardboiled eggs. Yum!

  • Heather August 29, 2011 at 08:15 pm

    love your meal plan and am thinking we will have to try the pumpkin scones here too! i love pumpkin season and all the yummy things we can make with pumpkin!

    i know your family loves banana bread, so i thought i’d share the following recipe with you. raspberries are in season here for a little longer and this was such a huge hit with my hubby that he ate the first loaf in a day and i had to take the second one out of the freezer! i hope you try it! (also, i used a half pint of raspberries, which was more then the recipe called for, but i think it was the perfect amount)

    http://allrecipes.com/recipe/raspberry-banana-bread/detail.aspx

    • Crystal August 29, 2011 at 08:21 pm

      Thanks for sharing!

  • Kimberlee@ThePeacefulMom.com August 29, 2011 at 09:01 pm

    Thanks for the Taco Chicken Bowl recipe–I want to try that!

    Here’s our $100 Budget Weekly Menu for this week:

    http://thepeacefulmom.com/2011/08/26/100-budget-weekly-menu-826/

    and my daughter’s Simple Gluten Free Menu:

    http://thepeacefulmom.com/2011/08/28/simple-gluten-free-weekly-menu-82811/

  • Rene @ Budget Saving Mom August 29, 2011 at 09:15 pm

    I have a super busy week, so I will be having super easy chicken crockpot recipes this week! All different kinds though, so it won’t be boring. (-:

    http://budgetsavingmom.com/2011/08/29/menu-plan-monday-easy-version-chicken-crockpot-recipes/

  • Rebekah August 29, 2011 at 09:15 pm

    Your meal plans always impress me because while I love variety in my dinner menu, we eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch every single day!

  • Katie Richtsmeier August 29, 2011 at 09:30 pm

    Thanks for the great ideas. School started for my kiddos this week, I am going to make a freezer full of uncrustables this weekend. They all 3 love them, but I won’t buy them since they cost so much. I’ve made them before but also got frustrated by the waste. Now that I know what to do with the edges, I think I’ll try again. :0)

    If anyone is interested, here is our menu plan for the week: http://supersavingsisters.blogspot.com/2011/08/menu-plans-more-balance.html

  • Laurie @Passionate Penny Pincher August 29, 2011 at 09:33 pm

    Here’s our menu from last week – http://passionatepennypincher.com/?p=27217

    Your salad looks delicious!

  • Koree Fugate August 29, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    I need lunch/dinner ideas that are full of protein, but meat-less. Any thoughts?

  • Bethany August 29, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    Here is our plan and a few great crock pot recipe inspirations!

    http://bigredpot.com/menu/menu-plan-829-94/

  • Carrie @ My Favorite Finds August 30, 2011 at 06:43 am

    You’re not helping me hold back on the fall yummies with those pumpkin scones! I pinned those last week, and have been holding off on trying them because it’s still “summer” weather in Ohio. But, I might have to make an exception. I hope they turn out well for you. Your Cinnamon Sugar Scones are one of our favorites. We’re having breakfast for dinner this week, too :) .

    http://myfavoritefinds.blogspot.com/2011/08/menu-plan-week-of-august-28.html

  • Bridie @ I Heart Veggies August 30, 2011 at 07:09 am

    http://www.iheartveggies.net/p/weekly-menu.html

    Here is our mostly vegetarian meal plan!

  • Ann August 30, 2011 at 08:09 am

    Since one of my weekly goals is meal planning, here’s what I have planned for the week of menu’s. I’m focusing mostly on dinner and don’t have the full week planned out yet. Here is what I have so far:

    Dinners:
    Sun: Stroghanoff, okra, peaches.
    Mon: Spaghetti and meatsauce, green beans, rolls, cucumbers.
    Tues: Pizza, chopped tomato and basil salad, fruit (this is our busy night).
    Wed: chicken (not sure yet how it’s prepared), beets, barley or rice, cucumbers.
    Thurs: Leftovers (probably mostly chicken)
    Fri: I haven’t got that far yet ( will figure it out after my trip to the store on Th)

    Breakfaststs: pancakes, cereal, bacon, toast, oatmeal, fruit.

    Lunches: In addition to a few school lunches, the kids will have PB &J, salami sandwiches, cheese and crackers, with fruit, cheezits, pretzels, yogurt. Need to work on healthy lunches on the go for myself.

    Now that school is back on, I’m trying to schedule Thursdays off of work for me so that I can work on some household stuff including some cooking ahead. This Thursday what I’d like to accomplish: make muffins, baked oatmeal, plan the rest of the weeks menu. If time, make liquid soap from bar soap ( no lye soap for me just yet;)

  • Beckie August 30, 2011 at 10:57 am

    Thanks Crystal for the shout out on my Uncrustables and Croutons! That was a nice little traffic boost {giggle!}. <3 you!

  • Emily August 30, 2011 at 10:59 am

    So glad you linked to the uncrustables recipe. I’ve been meaning to Google it and see if I could find any recipes. Has anyone ever tried to make the grilled cheese uncrustables? My son’s class at daycare is peanut free, so I can’t do the PB&J ones for him. He loves grilled cheese though, so that would be great if I could send him those. Maybe I’ll just have to try it and see how they turn out.

  • Lisa August 31, 2011 at 03:22 pm

    The pumpkin scones look really good:) This could be a dumb question but I was wondering how you do them for the freezer? Do you freeze them already baked with the icing? I really want to make a batch but unsure of the best way.
    Thanks

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