Economy Busting Tip: Meal Planning – Part 1

Another Economy Busting Tip- Meal Planning Part 1

This simple discipline can also save you hundreds of dollars a month.  I just saved $200 this month alone.  This then becomes my “fun” money..whooohooo! 

Well I have an allowance of $200 a week, this is for diapers, wipes, t.p. shampoo, conditioner, soap, oh yeah and food.  I can feed anywhere between 15-25 people at a time.  My teens have friends who come over anytime of day, so I am always prepared for the extra tummies to feed.

*NOTE- there are two parts to this Tip, the first is planning your meals, next is shopping the ads. 

Below I have our master list.  It will be changing again because my daughter can now tolerate more foods…yay!  Just browse my list to get an idea then brainstorm with your family.

Bulk Cooking

Bulk cooking can also save you hundreds of dollars.  Once a Month cooking was popular at one time but there is an easier way to save money.  Follow the link to find out more about it.

Breakfast

We try and make everything homemade when possible.  If you can mill your own flour then by all means go ahead.  For breads with yeast use a hard wheat berry and for quickbreads use a soft wheat berry.

Most of these are able to be prepared the night before then just pop into the oven and bake in the morning while making beds, dressing etc…I love going on Bed and Breakfast recipe sights for some good breakfasts ideas!

• Cinnamon breakfast cake
• German Pancakes with strawberry jam on top
• Pancakes with fruit or choc-chips homemade syrup
• Waffles, homemade syrup or fresh fruit and whipped cream
• Muffins-oatmeal, blueberry, spice, carrot, zucchini, mystery muffins(muffins w/jam in center)
• Banana bread
• Carrot cake
• In a pinch…oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar- not a favorite though!
• Bread with melted butter a little sugar sprinkled on top and shredded cheese, then baked till cheese melts and edges a little brown. (We use old hotdog/hamburger buns for this)
• Guest breakfast…Pan fried potatoes, onions cooked in butter slowly then chopped hotdogs mixed in or sausages, then throw in some chopped apples. Scrambled eggs with cheese (green onions and chopped tomatoes when available)
• Oatmeal pancakes- variation- I just pour the batter in a greased jelly-roll pan and bake, then cut in squares, serve with apple sauce.
• Crepes filled with fruit and whipped cream

Lunch Side Dishes

I make a master list of side dishes and match them with my list of main meals.