Just a quick post about Menu planning and Grocery List making. I have found a number of wives saying that they have trouble with menu planning...and it looks like, for years, we have been trying to get that grocery list making down to a science. From Wooden Pegboards, to Books, to .pdf downloadable sheets
I have to admit it does take a bit of organization...and considering I just cleaned out my large freezer to find 3 bags of Frozen Broccoli...ALL opened, I haven't completely gotten this down myself.
So, the first part will take a bit of thought time but not a lot of work. I sat down at the computer and made a document I entitled "Menus". Then I proceeded to type out each and every meal we prepare. We all have those things we do over and over again and if, like me, you still try new recipes you will want a reminder of that meal and where to find it. After I wrote them all out and there were well over 100 I sent myself an email with this list as an attachment seeing as computers tend to die and take with them all your documents.
When I am ready to make out a weekly menu I open up the document...since I only cook every other day and serve leftovers on my non-cook days, I needed 4 meals. I choose my 4 meals from the list, highlight them and then move them down to the bottom of my menu list...as used. Next week I will choose from the unhighlighted meals at the top of the page...highlight them and move them to the bottom also and do the same thing every week. This way I won't be repeating the same meal unless I really want to because of a certain love for a meal. When they have all been used I remove the highlighter on the page and start over.
When I try a new recipe that we love, I put it on the list, plus the cookbook and page number that I found it in. It makes life easier that way.
As for the Grocery List...again you need to be on top of the organization but it only takes a moment of your time. When I notice something is running out I use my phone, which tends to be with me all the time, and put it in the notes. Whether cat food or dish liquid or onions. When I am making my list from my menu, I will check out ingredients to make sure I have enough left of something or if I have it at all...to avoid 3 bags of Broccoli. I then add what is in my notes to my list. I like a paper list in a notebook best although I have used my phone at times. Writing something out with a pen is easier than typing on that little keypad for me. I bring a highlighter in my pocket book and cross out what is now in my cart.
Just a btw side note...I always put my groceries on the cart and start adding what I think my grocery bill is going to be and I have gotten pretty good at the guess, usually within a few dollars. I probably need to do that to prevent going over my budget but try not to impulse buy unless it is something I use all the time and it is an amazing sale...then I buy a ton of that item.
