This week’s menu plan

by Crystal on February 25, 2013

We’re supposed to get quite a bit more snow today and have blizzard-like conditions for the next few days. I went ahead and planned a full menu, but if our electricity goes out like they are predicting is possible, we’ll fall back on PB&J and cold cereal. We stocked up on some no-electricity-required staple meal ingredients just in case.

Breakfasts

Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, and/or Fruit

Lunches

Mac & cheese, fruit
Snack-y lunch
PB&J, carrot sticks, apples
Cheese quesadillas, carrot sticks
Scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit
Leftovers x 2

Snacks

Fruit/veggies
Popcorn
Chocolate Cranberry Energy Bites
Apple Butter Muffins

Freezer Cooking in an Hour (stay tuned on Thursday when I’ll share a play-by-play on how this goes!)

Homemade Freezer Biscuits
Barbecued Beef in the Crockpot
Chocolate Cranberry Energy Bites

Dinners

Dinner with extended family
Spaghetti Pie, Homemade French Bread, steamed veggies, fruit
Chicken Noodle Soup, Easy Whole Wheat Muffins, fruit/veggies
Vegetable Beef Stew in the Crockpot, Homemade Bread Sticks in the Bread Machine
Barbecued Beef in the Crockpot, baked potatoes,
Homemade Pizza {we’re hosting our couples’ group this week and everyone else is bringing the sides}
Dinner out

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

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

Sarah February 25, 2013 at 10:10 am

Here’s our menu: http://thecozyabode.com/?p=19
Jen Krausz February 25, 2013 at 10:16 am

Breakfast: Wheatgrass smoothies for the grown-ups, cereal and pop tarts (on sale) for the kids
Lunch: pb&j, roast beef sandwiches, school hot lunch, hot dogs
Dinner: boxed fish fillets and fish sticks with baked potatoes and green beans, hamburger helper, chicken quesadillas with black beans, church dinner (soup and sandwiches), marinated, broiled steaks with potatoes, bacon and cheese quiche
Jamie Rohrbaugh February 25, 2013 at 10:18 am

Veggie sandwiches, Dreamfields pasta, a casserole or two that I spent Saturday morning making, and Dollar Taco Night. It’s not much of a plan, but it’s the best plan I’ve had in awhile. I’m most excited about Dollar Taco Night, LOL.
- Kim February 25, 2013 at 12:57 pm
  
  What is Dollar Taco Night?? It sounds interesting
  - Jamie Rohrbaugh February 25, 2013 at 08:01 pm
    
    LOL. Kim, Dollar Taco Night is when my local favorite Mexican restaurant runs a special. Every Monday night, tacos are $0.99 (chicken, beef, or bean). They are delicious! Not the home-cooked meal everyone is probably imagining, but my DH and I go straight from work to volunteer at church on Monday nights, so Dollar Taco Night is a tradition. Can’t eat for cheaper than a buck!!
Ashley @ These Precious Days February 25, 2013 at 10:34 am

Lots and lots of yumminess going on here! I am taking full advantage of all the great produce and healthy food deals at our local Kroger and Meijer stores this week. I have 4 GF dinners planned, some delicious PB/Carrot/Banana Muffins and our favorite soup–White Chicken Chili! See my Meal Plan and recipe links here—> http://these-precious-days.blogspot.com/2013/02/meal-plan-monday-feb-24-mar-2.html
Jamie at Prepared to Eat February 25, 2013 at 10:45 am

Good luck to you! I sure hope you don’t lose power and you stay nice and warm.

Here’s my monthly meal plan: http://preparedtoeat.com/monthly-meal-plan-february-edition/.
kelly February 25, 2013 at 10:50 am

Hey Crystal Looks like a yummy plan.. you should look into getting a little one burner stove that you you just screw on the top of a small propane tank.. I know you said you dont really get super crazy weather there but we just have one for camping.. nice to have just to heat up soup or whatever you would make on the stove:0) Its actually kinda fun my boys love it… like camping inside when the electricity goes out… the stove i have is this one … http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-One-Burner-Propane-Stove/20369794
Lisa February 25, 2013 at 10:57 am

Hope you don’t lose your electricity. Ours goes out fairly often. It is amazing how much we rely on it. Here is our plan this week:

http://simplythingsfamily.blogspot.com/2013/02/menu-plan-february-25-march-3.html
Rachael February 25, 2013 at 11:02 am

My menu….

http://mamarachael.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/menu-making-and-menu-for-feb-24-to-mar-2/

I want to do more freezer cooking, but I’m also trying to empty my freezer so i can defrost it (its a chest freezer) before we buy another quarter cow.
Myra @ MyBlessedLife.net February 25, 2013 at 11:06 am

I hope you enjoy the energy bites, Crystal! Thanks for all you do!!
- Crystal February 25, 2013 at 11:21 am
  
  I’m pretty positive we will!
  
  Miss you!
Kim February 25, 2013 at 11:27 am

Ours is simple this week, as I did a lot of cooking last week!
BF: muffins, cereal, freezer biscuits and eggs
L: Leftovers*3(chicken and sausage gumbo, nachos, and red beans and rice), sandwiches with fruit
D: Red beans and rice dinner at church, crock pot brisket, mac and cheese and veggies, ham and cheese boats (diced ham and cheese with mayo and mustard on a hot dog bun and toasted in the oven), and chicken fried steak
Snacks: apples and peanut butter for the 3 yo and apple slices for the 18 month old, grapes, tomato slices, popcorn and chips with salsa

Also, attempting wheat bread in the bread machine for the first time… Hope it turns out!

On a side note does anyone have a great recipe for granola bars that does not have peanut butter or nut products in it?
K February 25, 2013 at 11:33 am

I’m planning on white chicken chili, chicken & rice, & a cold pasta salad that has vegetables & cubed chicken in it (the chicken is already cooked & in the freezer) to name a few. I guess it’s chicken week!!

Biscuits were sounding good last night. I may have to make those too. I add 1/4 cup more milk to a single recipe, then spread the dough in a 9 x 13″ pan & bake it. That way I eliminate rolling out the dough & cleaning the counter (as much), which is a time saver for me. I love what I call “short cut cooking,” even though I usually cook from scratch. I’ve never tried freezing them though.
- Becky February 25, 2013 at 12:39 pm
  
  Crystal, I have a question on your menu. What does your Snacky Lunch include? I notice that you have it often. I am open for ideas so I was just wondering. Thanks!
  - Crystal February 25, 2013 at 12:45 pm
    
    It’s different every week. Just snacky type foods — fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, etc. Whatever we have on hand.
    - Becky February 26, 2013 at 01:22 pm
      
      I see! We have some of those lunches too, I just didn’t have a name for it, but now I do! Thanks!
Jillian Kay February 25, 2013 at 11:53 am

I hope you keep your power!

Here’s my menu:

http://www.momscupofambition.com/2013/02/this-weeks-menu_23.html
Liz @ Wonder Woman I'm Not February 25, 2013 at 11:53 am

Good luck with the storm! We are expected to get some of it, they just are sure how much since we’ll be on the edge of it.

Here’s our menu for the week. Thanks

http://www.wonderwomanimnot.com/2013/02/weekly-menu-36.html
Lynn @ Chick Chat This And That February 25, 2013 at 11:56 am

Those Apple Butter Muffins sound wonderful! I’m going to have to try them. Here’s my menu for the week. Thanks

http://www.chickchatthisandthat.com/2013/02/24/weekly-menu-it-still-winter/
Peach State Pretties February 25, 2013 at 11:56 am

Can’t wait to see how the freezer biscuits turn out!
Laurie February 25, 2013 at 12:19 pm

Thanks for always posting your menu plan. I decided to go theme based and posted about it.

Laurie

http://iwannaknowbelle.blogspot.com/2013/02/themed-menu-planning-works-for-us.html
Nearly Natural Nicole February 25, 2013 at 12:22 pm

Here’s my February Menu: http://nearlynaturalnicole.blogspot.com/2013/01/february-menu.html
For 2013 I started scheduling meal plans a month at a time It’s helping me so much. I’m saving time and I’m more prepared each week.
Jenny February 25, 2013 at 01:37 pm

Crystal,

I’m interested in more details on entertaining small groups for dinner. We did similar evenings this month but ended up spending a lot more money than we intended both times due to nerves about having enough for guests to eat and not wanting to look cheap by only serving the entree and not having sides available. We tried to potluck one evening but still ended up buying the entree, the drinks, and a side that nobody else had offered to bring but my husband felt was necessary given the entree. Suggestions? I would love to see more posts on entertaining well on a budget this year!
Jenny
- Sara February 25, 2013 at 01:59 pm
  
  I second this request! We also budget for hospitality but I am always interested in frugal and delicious ways to feed others.
- Crystal February 25, 2013 at 02:06 pm
  
  We’ve run some great posts in the past that you might enjoy reading. Check them out here:
  
  http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/hospitality-on.html
  
  http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/10/7-tips-for-hospitality-on-a-pastors-wifes-budget.html
  
  http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/12/31-days-of-giving-hospitality-on-a-budget-day-10.html
  
  Our couples’ group rotates houses and whoever hosts usually makes the main dish and every one else does the sides/desserts. This makes it simple and easy — and it’s fun to all pitch in!
  
  As far as other hospitality, it’s usually on a smaller scale (having a family over, etc.), so I’ll just make extra of whatever I was already serving our family. A big pot of soup and fresh bread, veggies/fruit, and cookies is one of my go-to meals right now for hospitality — especially in the cold weather.
  
  I really focus more on reaching out to people and making them feel welcome in our home and usually keep the food simple so that the fellowship is what people remember and are blessed by. And this also allows me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with whoever is over at our house.
Abby February 25, 2013 at 03:11 pm

Our menu plan largely consists of meals from the pantry and freezer this week as we stretch our grocery budget through the end of the month.

http://motheronamission.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/menu-plan-monday-february-25-march-3/
Kimberly Wright February 25, 2013 at 03:41 pm

Over the weekend I made huge batches of egg and sausage burritos and pancakes to freeze for breakfasts.

I struggle with lunches. My kids pack lunches but I feel like they take the same ol same ol everyday!

Here’s my dinner menu for the week:
Monday: Penne with italian sausage and peppers with homemade yeast rolls.
Tuesday: Crock pot roasted whole chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, cornbread
Wednesday: applesauce glazed pork chops, baked mac n cheese, broccoli, buttermilk biscuits.
Thursday: Ground turkey tacos and mexican rice
Friday: Wrapped up dogs (http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/wrapped-up-dogs-64951.aspx) and corn.
Saturday: Soup and sandwiches
Sunday: Crockpot turkey chili
Kimberly Wright February 25, 2013 at 03:48 pm

For what it’s worth, I’m very interested in meals that I can make ahead and freeze. For bigger families, I feed 6 people daily! Thanks in advance! =)
Laura Rogers February 25, 2013 at 04:15 pm

Your menu looks great as usual! Posted mine here:

http://mrsrogersfrugalneighborhood.blogspot.com/2013/02/menu-plan-monday-02252013.html
ClareC. February 25, 2013 at 04:29 pm

I’m doing better at making up my menu plans and sticking to them, and my grocery bill has been happier as a result also.
Dinners this week: Tangy Tuna Macaroni, Black Bean Soup w/cheese quesadillas, Meatloaf with smashed potatoes and green beans, Southwestern Spaghetti with toppings, Coconut Curried Chicken over rice, Cauliflower pasta with a side of sliced tomatoes, and hubby wants to grill out one night this weekend (we live in Florida so that’s doable pretty much year round.) Hope you stay warm, Crystal!
Marie February 25, 2013 at 05:14 pm

Crystal I just have to tell you that I just recently started doing the freezing pbj’s and it’s saved me sooo much time. My husband was gone for a week right after I had surgery and we put all the kids snack foods and veggies in baggies. We then put them where I could get to them easily while on crutches. I remembered about the sandwitches and so my husband whipped up a bunch for me and it literally saved my mornings!! So now every Sunday he makes up a bunch and freezes them for me.
- Crystal February 25, 2013 at 05:18 pm
  
  Oh yay! I’m so glad to hear this!
Melissa Hagner February 25, 2013 at 05:15 pm

Here is my menu, I’m trying to update the blog with my menu recipes thoughout the week. So check back and find the recipes Here is my menu http://missy-lifeofaworkingmom.blogspot.com/2013/02/weekly-menu-february-25-march-3.html
Ally February 25, 2013 at 07:11 pm

Yeah, here in Kansas City we’re getting blasted as well…

Thanks for the meal ideas. Great for winter-type weather.

P.S. We rely on PB&J a lot too. Fast, easy, and inexpensive.
Holly February 25, 2013 at 07:28 pm

I really like all of the crockpot meals. I am trying to rotate more crockpot meals into our menu. We tried a new recipe Skinny Soup! It was a wonderful! The spice really help to make all of the veggies much more exciting.

Here is our whole menu plan:

http://livinghappierandhealthier.blogspot.com/2013/02/meal-plan-week-9.html
Susan February 25, 2013 at 07:56 pm

Crystal — How do you keep all your frozen-ahead food from spoiling during long electricity outages?
- Crystal February 25, 2013 at 08:00 pm
  
  Since it’s freezing outside, we won’t have to worry about it if the electricity goes out this time. In the summer, as long as you don’t open your freezer, it will stay good for 2-3 days usually if it’s fairly full. We’ve never had an outage beyond half a day, though.
Shelly February 25, 2013 at 08:06 pm

I hope you don’t lose power this week. My kids would love to have the snow as we only had a few inches. In December.

Here is the plan for our meals

http://www.frugalfamilyhome.com/food/menu/menu-for-this-week-225
Milk Allergy Mom February 25, 2013 at 08:17 pm

I’m trying a new menu plan tactic…I’ve failed at a few other methods so maybe this time will be the charm.

http://milkallergymom.blogspot.com/2013/02/simple-dairy-free-dinner-planning.html
Angela February 26, 2013 at 02:15 pm

http://thefamilywesterhoff.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/meal-plan-monday-22513/

I’ve just started posting my own menu plans!
Julie February 27, 2013 at 11:46 pm

I made the Choc cranberry energy bites, they are amazing! I used chunky pb and omitted the other nuts, cheaper and so yummy!
Emily March 02, 2013 at 02:00 am

I’m interested in what your spaghetti pie recipe is. My mom makes a spaghetti pie that is so delicious but everyone makes them different!
Lisa March 03, 2013 at 09:00 pm

Love the pizza recipe!!! We’ve tried a few in the past and basically gave up. (So we’ve been ordering Little Caesar’s.) Gave yours a try last night and it was so easy and delicious! Looking forward to many more homemade pizza’s now!