Menu Planning Monday... On Wednesday!

You probably thought I forgot all about you, didn't you?  Oh, how crazy the weeks can be!  With my kids off of school on Monday, my time was spent with them... and then I found myself behind on Tuesday!  So, today is my day for catching up.  While I wrote the menu for this week on Sunday, this is my first opportunity to post it here.

The menu planning has been a huge hit with my family.  I am finding that it is helpful to me in planning... but also that it is helpful to the kids.  For those who are particularly picky, it can be so helpful for them to know what is coming up.  We have a lot less complaining and fussing over food!  Love that.  On Sunday, I post the menu on the fridge so they can look it over and so they can help with meal prep., too!

The breakfasts and lunches will be very similar to last week.  If you missed that post, you can find it here.  I had considered not assigning breakfast foods but changed my mind.  The menu seems to be encouraging all the kids to try new foods and to eat a greater variety of items throughout the week.  This is great for my budget, too!  I am able to spread out more expensive items and encourage more fruits and veggies... a bonus I did not anticipate when we began.

Dinners this week:

Monday- The kids were out of school and we "splurged" on our favorite burger place!  Eating at home saves money on costly beverages and the kids were thrilled for the treat!

Tuesday-Hot pork sandwiches with veggies and dip.  This simple recipe uses my crock pot, leftover Sunday roast and canned good I keep on hand.  We use:  one can of beef broth, one envelope Italian dressing seasoning, one jar mild pepper rings, one jar mild giardiniera.  Simply throw all of this in the crock pot and let it simmer all day.  Serve on crusty rolls with cheese.  So easy, so good!

Wednesday-Chicken taquitos with dips and rice.  I use the recipe found here and make extras to freeze.  The dips are mainly healthy... homemade salsa, homemade guacamole, taco dip and one cheese dip.  These are served with the taquitos and can personalize the meal. The last time we made these, my kids went nuts for them!  Very family friendly!

Thursday-Spaghetti with sauteed spinach and homemade garlic bread.  The last time I made spaghetti sauce, I froze a bunch so I am set for this meal.  The recipe for spaghetti sauce and meatballs found here is the very best I have ever had... totally worth the time spent making it.  Try it.  I dare ya!

Friday-Bubble Pizza with fruit.  Friday, we are hoping to have friends over so fun food is a perfect fit!  Bubble pizza is fast and easy and most kids love it.  Have you tried it?  Here is a recipe you can peruse but feel free to personalize it with the toppings your family loves the most.  (We use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.)

Saturday-Chili dogs with veggies.  Last week's chili dogs got replaced with something else so the supplies are still here and the meal can be used.  Saturday afternoons are perfect for this!

Sunday Dinner-We always make a big, traditional dinner on Sundays after church.  This week, I will make a beef roast in the crock pot (my kids call this "the meat that falls apart when you touch it"... catchy, huh?) and with that we will have mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade bread, corn we froze last summer and applesauce (I throw in some Red Hots to make our special family recipe!).  The leftovers from this meal will make lunches for Mark for next week and be used in, at least, one meal to come.

So, there it is.  One week of meals using a bunch of things I had on hand!  What are you making this week? I would love some new ideas!  The traffic on last week's menu post was amazing. As long as you are here, please leave a quick message below about what you are cooking or what you would like to try.  Your thoughts can encourage so many others to try new things!  Thanks so much!

Blessings on your day!