Silas, Kaitlynn, and I are recovering from the flu and Jesse and I are leaving on a weekend trip in a few days and the kids are staying with Grandma and Grandpa, so this week’s menu (for those days that we’re home) is super simple and easy:
Breakfasts
Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, and/or Fruit
Lunches
Mac & Cheese, fruit
Chicken Noodle Soup, crackers, veggies
Snack-y lunch
Cheese quesadillas, carrot sticks
Leftovers x 2Snacks
Freezer Cooking in an Hour (stay tuned on Thursday when I’ll share a play-by-play on how this goes!)
Homemade Freezer Biscuits
Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Taco Meat
Crockpot Apple Butter (I bought two big boxes of apples on a special a few months ago and froze some of them so I’m going to try using them in this recipe. We’ll see how it works with frozen apples!)Dinners
Fend For Yourself (since I was sick — I think they had Cheese Quesadillas and soup that my friend brought over. Honestly, I was so out of it on yesterday that I’m not even sure!)
Chicken Noodle Soup, bread, fruit/veggies
Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas, fruit
Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Soup, biscuits, fruit/veggies
Chili Tortilla Bake, fruit
What’s on your menu this week? Share details and/or your link to your menu plan in the comments.
Eleni @ EleniSavesU says
Glad you are feeling better. Thank Goodness I am too. Somehow in our family I was the only one to have the cold. Glad the youngest recovered fast and that my husband stayed home to help. Otherwise the kids would have run circles around me. This is how we keep it simple when the menu planner gets sick. My husband shopped with coupons and developed this week meal plan: http://www.elenisavesu.com/2013/01/when-menu-planner-is-sick.html?m=1
Shelly says
This week my menu has lots of meals I can put together easily in 30 minutes or less. I do have a crock pot meal planned but my crockpot just broke. 🙁 So I may have to alter the plan a little. I also did some freezer cooking this week. I was able to get a roast ready for the freezer, Beef and celery packages made up and I also packaged up two pork roasts and about 12 packages of pork chops.
Here is my menu for this week
http://www.frugalfamilyhome.com/food/menu/menu-plan-for-this-week-5
Rachael says
How do you do mac n cheese? We love the stuff in the box, and I buy the great value brand at Walmart @ $0.66 a box. Is there a cheaper way to do this?
Rachael says
How do you do Mac N Cheese? From a box? We like the boxed stuff, and Doctor Destructo likes it quite a bit (one of the few things I know I can get him to eat). I buy the off brand (Great Value from Walmart, $0.66/box regularly) which is cheaper than the name brand, but I’m wondering if anyone has a way to duplicating this style mac n cheese without the box? Now, my boys won’t eat the style of mac n cheese that is more creamy and more tuna-noodle casserole like. Thoughts?
Crystal says
This week, we’re eating mac & cheese that my sister brought over since I was sick. She asked me what I was hungry for and that and mashed potatoes were the only two things I could come up with (comfort food!).
If we make mac & cheese from a box, it’s typically Annie’s. We also sometimes make it homemade, but I’m still searching for the perfect recipe. Let me know if you ever find it!
Whitney says
I just wanted to tell you that I always feel a little bit better about my own lunch preparations when I see you almost always have a “snack-y lunch.” I don’t know why I feel guilty when I don’t give them a “normal” lunch like mac and cheese, but instead open the fridge and pantry and just start pulling out things that catch my eye. Usually the result is a lunch of cheese and crackers, raisins, fruit that’s getting old, and maybe some carrot sticks. In the end, it’s probably healthier than mac and cheese, but it still doesn’t look like lunch to me.
Out of curiosity – how do you define your own snack-y lunch?
Crystal says
It sounds like we have similar definitions for “snacky” lunches! 🙂
When Pigs Fly ~ Jennifer Van Dahm says
My kids loved this Fresh Fruit “Salsa” with Baked Cinnamon Chips! http://www.jennifervandahm.com/2013/01/fresh-fruit-salsa-with-baked-cinnamon.html
They also loved these Baked Pepperoni Pizza Bites!
http://www.jennifervandahm.com/2012/12/baked-pepperoni-pizza-bites.html
Jillian Kay says
I hope you all feel better soon! We all had something similar during Christmas and it was terrible.
Here’s our menu. I’m mostly relying on my last batch of freezer meals this week:
http://www.momscupofambition.com/2013/01/this-weeks-menu.html
Lisa says
Hope you are all feeling better. We were pretty much sick the whole month of December.
Here is what we are eating this week:
http://simplythingsfamily.blogspot.com/2013/01/menu-plan-january-7-13.html
Ellen says
I hope you are feeling better soon. The flu is WICKED this year. I am an ER nurse, and nearly everyone walking through our doors is suffering from the flu, even those that got flu shots. Even previously healthy, strong individuals are getting so, so sick, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are being hit even harder. Prayers go out to everyone with the flu this year. It really is awful!
Leslie says
Hope you feel better soon. I work for a healthcare system and the flu is wicked this year, we have hundreds of cases.
I am just starting back having menu’s so is pretty basic, new year, new try at doing better, being more organized.
http://analternativestyleoflife.blogspot.com/2013/01/menu-monday.html
Chelsea says
Here’s our plan for the week:
http://stayathomemademom.com/2013/01/07/menu-plan-1713/
There’s a lot of good produce on sale at Aldi this week that we were able to fit into our menu. 🙂
Nearly Natural Nicole says
I’ve planned out my menu for the whole month of January: http://nearlynaturalnicole.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-menu.html
Sarah says
Haha, we call “Fend For Yourself” YOYO night. You’re on your own!
Jamie at Prepared to Eat says
Sorry you’ve been sick! We were sick for 6 weeks, it’s so rough when the germs hit. :/
I menu plan a month at a time. Here is my January meal plan.
Holly says
Here is week 2 of our healthy, unprocessed meal plan: http://livinghappierandhealthier.blogspot.com/2013/01/meal-plan-week-2.html.
Week 1 of eating unprocessed food was a success! I can’t wait to see what this week brings.
Thanks,
Holly
Heather says
Love this Apple Butter recipe, so curious to hear about the frozen apples too! It’s my go-to recipe now and I gave it this year for the holidays to family/friends along with some homemade Blackberry Jam! We use it in the crockpot poured a few chicken breasts or even a small pork tenderloin with a few veggies placed on the very bottom. I was so proud this week that I actually made a meal plan, which I have NEVER done…I thought that with a well stocked pantry, etc I could just wing it, well I kept stressing midday and I figured 2013 is going to be planned out. I made a ham dinner on Sunday night with all the fixings and I have planned out leftovers for tonight and split pea soup for tomorrow. The rest of the week is planned and so far no stress! Thanks for all that you do…huge fan!
PS. Sorry to hear you are sick…I am getting it…first day today that I feel awful…ugggg! 🙁
Heather says
I *just* had to add this…my hubby just got a text and phone call from a friend of his who put in a “request” for more Apple Butter! Even his coworkers are loving it! 🙂
ClareC. says
So glad you always post this, Crystal. I’ve always planned dinners but this year one of my goals is to plan breakfasts and lunches also. Since we’ll be out of town several days this week, I’m able to ease into things this week. 🙂 Hope you feel better soon!
Analisa Lopez says
Hope you feel better!
We are trying out a healthier menu this week:
http://www.booksbillsandgrocerybags.com/2013/01/healthy-dinner-plan-16-112.html?m=1
Michelle @ Willing Cook says
Here is our food allergy menu for the week. I’ve also included a little discussion on the quick & easy money and time saving task of using dried beans over canned beans. I’ve also included some recipes.
Hope you’re well on the mend!
http://willingcook.com/beans-beans-our-allergy-home-meal-plan/
Alicia says
So far, so good!
http://www.everydayhomecook.com/2013/01/weekly-menu-plan-jan-6-jan-12/
Meredith says
When you have to fend for yourself we call it a YOYO dinner. “You’re on your own!”
I dont have a blog but we all just got over the flu too. It was terrible. In fact, my sinuses still haven’t cleared completely and it’s been 12 days now. So our meals arent totally planned but we have enough to make it a week with some good things in store. I am making peanut butter oatmeal muffins for freezer cooking!
Kathy says
YoYo, love it! We are on the same flu schedule you are. Got it the day after Christmas and sinuses are still gunky. That was the worst flu/body aches I’ve ever had!
Feel better!
Crystal says
I love YOYO, too! I’m SO sorry you’ve been so sick, Kathy. And I agree, this is a really nasty flu.
Michelle Zielicke Murphy says
I am working on cleaning out our freezer for the next month or two. So I think your freezer cooking session is JUST what I need. Can’t wait to see how it turns out for you. We got hit by that wonderful bug just like you for the last 2 weeks. I am SO thankful it is GONE. Hope you all feel better soon!
melissa says
Here is my menu for the week, two freezer meals add in but done while cooking!
http://missy-lifeofaworkingmom.blogspot.com/2013/01/weekly-menu-january-6-12-2013.html
Amy says
The banana oatmeal muffins are super yummy! I’ve been making them for a few months, since I started a low carb type diet. I’m trying not to eat wheat or white flour so this is a great alternative. I use Splenda instead of regular sugar. Also, I’ve found that super brown bananas work best. I will say that these taste much better warm vs cold/room temp. I keep mine in the frig and I’ve frozen them before and it worked out great! Hope your family likes them too! 🙂
Pam says
Here is our plan for the week:
http://reorganizedsimplicity.blogspot.com/2013/01/meal-plan-week-of-17.html
Sara@Save Money, Live Joyfully says
My son’s doctor told me today that the flu that’s running rampant is NOT the strain in the flu shot, so it’s extra bad this year. I am so glad you and the children are on the road to recovery!
I made up a big batch of chili over the weekend, so our menu will consist of that in several forms. In lieu of a typical “weekly menu” post today, I posted my “5 favorite ways to use leftover chili” 🙂
amanda says
I will second that it is NOT the strain in the flu shot! I came down with it last week and have finally dragged myself back to work. I want my $25 bucks for the flu shot back, haha. I did manage to cook dinner on Sunday night and make a batch of granola bars for breakfast and a birthday cake for hubby. Now if I could just manage to sleep instead of cough at night so I felt like a human being again…
🙂
Rebekah says
I’m so proud of myself, I made ahead a dozen scrambled egg, ham, & spinach muffin sized breakfast bakes! Super easy, just needed to get my butt in gear! Frozen now for quick, easy reheat breakfast!!
Lunch-chicken, black beans, & salsa all heated together as an instant taco/quesidilla filler’
Crystal says
Way to go; I’m proud of you, too!
Rebekah says
Yay!!!! I do the chicken, black bean, and salsa mixture too!!! So easy, freezes well, and amazing in burritos, over rice or fried eggs!! I can eat it in a bowl with melted cheese and sour cream in top 🙂
Eryn says
I also haven’t planned out our dinners for a while. Looking forward to planned dinners as I return to school next week. Yesterday, leftovers from a party showed up at our house, so Sunday’s dinner became Monday’s…not sure what will happen next! Here’s how it mapped out on paper…
Sunday – Mexican Chicken casserole (though my Mexican husband says there are no such thing as casseroles in Mexico – heehee). This is now Monday’s dinner.
Monday – White Bean Soup (from All You)
Tuesday – Bruschetta Chicken (from All You)
Wednesday – Cauliflower Cheese Soup – bought a HUGE cauliflower at the farmer’s market this weekend for $1.50!
Thursday – Meatloaf (which I will make on Wednesday night since I volunteer on Thursday nights and my family is left to fend for themselves)
Friday – Egg and Tortilla in creamy tomato sauce bake – One of our favs!
Thanks for letting me share!
Eryn
Kayla P says
Frozen apples? I am intrigued! I just might have to google it. 🙂
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
here’s our menu plan: http://thepajamachef.com/2013/01/06/menu-plan-118/
that fiesta chicken soup sounds good!
Trish says
We had it over Christmas too. Of course I was the only one that ended up with the flu ON Christmas.
Here’s our menu plan.
http://wp.me/p1LjCe-18K
Melissa says
Sorry you had the flu! I heard it was bad this year.
We are experimenting with going gluten free for 6 weeks, so here is our plan:
http://www.momsplans.com/2013/01/menu-planning-for-january-6-2013/
I know you had a few members of the family go gluten free. Did you have any success with it?
Gretchen says
I should do some freezer biscuits too. They are so convenient. Here is my simple menu:
http://extraordinaryordinarylife.blogspot.com/2013/01/menu-plan-1613.html
Hope you are feeling better.
Meredith says
This is the first week in a looong time that I’ve been able to post our plan if that tells you something! So thankful for the start of a new year to start fresh 😉
Breakfasts: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins w/fresh fruit & milk; Applesauce & Toast w/Chocolate Hazelnut Butter & milk; Baked Oatmeal Cup w/fresh fruit & milk; Banana rolled in PB & Crisp Rice Cereal w/milk or juice; Biscuit w/jam & Smoothie; Cinnamon Bread w/eggs & fresh fruit, juice or milk; Cold Cereal w/Toast, fresh fruit & juice or milk Lunches: PBJ/leftovers; PBJ/leftovers; Bean & Cheese Burritos; Bagels & Cream Cheese; Black Beans & Rice; Fish Sticks w/sides of spaghetti & sauce; Potatoes w/Chili (we have fresh fruit/veg w/every lunch & milk or juice)
Suppers: Au Gratin Potatoes & Ham w/broc. & fried apples; Angel Hair Pasta Chicken w/salad; Ground Beef Tacos w/potatoes & fresh fruit; BBQ Pulled Chicken w/sweet potatoes & salad; Pineapple Chicken & Rice w/fresh veg; French Dip Sandwiches w/mashed potatoes & fresh fruit; Leftovers or Takeout, depending on what we have and what’s left in the budget 😉
Happy January everyone!
Crystal says
I’m proud of you! Thanks for sharing!
Beth says
I would love to know how you fix the pineapple chicken with rice.. That sounds good!
Meredith says
Sure thing! I wish I could give you a link, but this is one of my husband’s creations – so no measuring involved. 🙁 So, we usually use fresh or thawed boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders, but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs (and in that case, I usually try to take off the big fat pieces), and he puts olive oil in the pan, and then the chicken – you can cut it into chunks the size of your pineapple pieces if you’d like. My husband’s family is Cuban-American, so we use this seasoning that I’ve only seen in Florida called Adobo (NOT to be confused with the canned chiles in adobo – SO not the same thing AT ALL! LOL) – but it’s basically salt, garlic powder – these are the base of it – with a little oregano & turmeric. I think you could leave out the oregano (but if you use it be sure to crush it up fine) and you can leave out the turmeric too – I don’t know if turmeric has flavor, I just know it adds natural yellow color to things. Then he’ll add thinly sliced onion, cook that till translucent, and then add canned pineapple, adding juice from the can as needed too (I usually only buy the chunks or the tidbits, but I’m sure anything would work, and fresh pineapple could work too, but I find it a pain to buy fresh, even a bigger pain to can myself, and way too expensive to buy fresh and all chopped up, so I cave on the whole “bpa in cans” things when it comes to pineapple 😉 Sometimes if we have it, he’ll add thinly sliced or chunks-in-the-size-of-our-pineapple bell pepper – any kind works. And then we serve it over steamed rice – pretty simple meal and easy clean up too! HTH!
Analisa says
Adobo can be found in mexican grocery stores! My Grandma is Puerto Rican and uses it all the time:) Good stuff!
Tabitha says
We are all getting over a bad cold too. I hope you feel better soon! Enjoy your get away too, that sounds great!
Here is our menu, http://simplymykitchen.com/on-the-menu-for-january-7-2013/
Jacque C. says
This week I’m making meal that can last for my husband and I (we have no kids yet) so that I don’t have to cook everyday.
Sunday: Hamburger Helper
Tuesday: Spaghetti
Wednesday: Fish/Veggies/Rice
Friday: Grilled Chicken/Mashed Potatoes/Veggies
Jacque C. – Owner
TidyMighty Organizational Printables
http://www.tidymighty.etsy.com
Lori says
Sorry you’ve been feeling poorly 🙁 I hear the flu is very wicked this year. We had the stomach bug right after Christmas and it wiped me out for over 24 hours, so I can only imagine what the flu is like. Take care of yourself!
Diane says
I hope you all feel completely better soon!
Crystal says
Thanks so much!
Emily says
Here’s our gluten free menu plan:
http://ourfrugalhappylife.blogspot.com/2013/01/menu-plan-16-breakfast-for-dinner.html