Oh dear! It has been over three months since I posted a menu. I have had menus planned. Since the baby came, we have tightened down our budget and I am working very hard to make meals based on what we have in the kitchen, or if I buy a more expensive ingredient (like buttermilk) to use many meals around it so it does not go bad. Sometimes our budget means I have to forgo good loss leaders, but I made a point to pick up some Tillamook Cheese at the local QFC for only 2.99 (2lb block!). I also matched some coupons and a 3 dollar up reward to get a good deal on diapers at Rite Aid. I'm enjoying the challenge, and Ben gives me grace if I go slightly over budget.
In the past two months, I made a wonderful discovery! Before the move, we always shopped at a large grocery store where the prices were cheaper because you had to bag your own groceries. They also had an ample supply of bulk food. I loved shopping there, and missed it when we came up here. But, in October, I discovered a store not 12 miles away. 12 miles is too far to drive every week. However, it is perfect for stocking up on the big bulk items. In October, my daughter and I made the trek and I came away with over 60 dollars worth of food! But, I bought enough pasta, oatmeal, beans, flour, sugar, frozen veggies, and other sundry items to last us until December....at least! It was important though, to realize that not all items were cheaper. For example, bacon was 3.47/lb. I passed it up since it wasn't on sale. I saved my receipt to help me start a price book. That way I can compare the loss leader deals in my town to the typical prices there.
On to the menu for this week. To save money, I made a tentative list of what we'll eat for the month. I am balancing it around deals in the paper too. It seems to work well because I already have all the main ingredients and just have to pick up some produce or milk.
Here's the menu for this week.
Sunday: Potato Soup, homemade applesauce, bread
Monday: Quick Cassoulet (a new recipe)
Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, courtesy of Finding Joy in My Kitchen. This is also a new recipe
Wednesday: Stromboli? I've wanted to make this for a long time, but never gotten around to it. I'll bet it would taste great with tomato soup. Perhaps I'll pick some up.
Thursday: Burgers and Fries
Friday: Leftovers (I never feel like cooking on Friday, so I've learned to plan something simple, or leftovers)
Saturday: Best Chicken Ever
Get more menus at Laura's I'm an Organizing Junkie Menu Plan Monday!
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