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 2Snacks
Fruit/veggies
Popcorn
Chocolate Cranberry Energy Bites
Apple Butter MuffinsFreezer 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 BitesDinners
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.
Lisa says
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! 🙂
Emily says
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!
Julie says
I made the Choc cranberry energy bites, they are amazing! I used chunky pb and omitted the other nuts, cheaper and so yummy!
Angela says
http://thefamilywesterhoff.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/meal-plan-monday-22513/
I’ve just started posting my own menu plans!
Milk Allergy Mom says
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
Shelly says
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
Susan says
Crystal — How do you keep all your frozen-ahead food from spoiling during long electricity outages?
Crystal says
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.
Holly says
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
Ally says
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.
Melissa Hagner says
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
Marie says
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 says
Oh yay! I’m so glad to hear this!
ClareC. says
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!
Laura Rogers says
Your menu looks great as usual! Posted mine here:
http://mrsrogersfrugalneighborhood.blogspot.com/2013/02/menu-plan-monday-02252013.html
Kimberly Wright says
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! =)
Kimberly Wright says
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
Abby says
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/
Jenny says
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 says
I second this request! We also budget for hospitality but I am always interested in frugal and delicious ways to feed others.
Crystal says
We’ve run some great posts in the past that you might enjoy reading. Check them out here:
https://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/hospitality-on.html
https://moneysavingmom.com/2012/10/7-tips-for-hospitality-on-a-pastors-wifes-budget.html
https://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.
Nearly Natural Nicole says
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.
Laurie says
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
Peach State Pretties says
Can’t wait to see how the freezer biscuits turn out!
Lynn @ Chick Chat This And That says
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/
Liz @ Wonder Woman I'm Not says
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
Jillian Kay says
I hope you keep your power!
Here’s my menu:
http://www.momscupofambition.com/2013/02/this-weeks-menu_23.html
K says
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 says
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 says
It’s different every week. Just snacky type foods — fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, etc. Whatever we have on hand.
Becky says
I see! We have some of those lunches too, I just didn’t have a name for it, but now I do! Thanks!
Kim says
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?
Myra @ MyBlessedLife.net says
I hope you enjoy the energy bites, Crystal! 🙂 Thanks for all you do!!
Crystal says
I’m pretty positive we will! 🙂
Miss you!
Rachael says
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.
Lisa says
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
kelly says
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
Jamie at Prepared to Eat says
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/.
Ashley @ These Precious Days says
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 Rohrbaugh says
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 says
What is Dollar Taco Night?? It sounds interesting 🙂
Jamie Rohrbaugh says
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!! 🙂
Jen Krausz says
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
Sarah says
Here’s our menu: http://thecozyabode.com/?p=19