There are all kinds of accountability that I could launch into rambling about- not eating too many sweets, saying more positive things to my kids in a day than negative ones, reading my Bible everyday, not spending a ridiculous amount of time online.... This list could go on and on. Somethings we can handle ourselves. With other things, we do better if someone is watching and clearing their throat as we reach for another cookie or as we log on to our computer for the fifteenth time in a day.
Well, whether you like it or not, I am going to use you (or the idea of you) to keep myself accountable for planning and making meals this fall and winter. All that preserving and freezing and drying and storing isn't worth a hill of beans if we don't actually USE what we've put up. Planning meals helps me be deliberate about using what we have and gives us a variety of things to eat. Otherwise, we might end up eating many of the same things over and over because that's what the cook is in the mood for.
All our freezer meals are gone. I've made a master list of what I can make based on what we have and have filled in my October calendar. On the right hand side (you may have to scroll up or down a bit to find it), you will find my weekly menu for dinner (evening meals). These meals will be made with what we have in our freezer and pantry and what I can buy from the grocery store for $300/month (our regular grocery budget which includes occasional take out).
If the meal has an * by it, it means the recipe is in my Recipe Index. Maybe our menus will give you some ideas for your dinner, too.
Thanks for all your help. Oh. You do know that if I don't stick to this, it's all your fault, right? Accountability, people!!
When's dinner? Sounds fabulous!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, blogging does keep me accountable and that is one of the reasons I like to do it. I know everyone can't actually see into my home, but I KNOW that if I said I was going to do something, then I need to do it.
A tip for easy freezer meals is to just make two of something instead of one. Eat one for dinner and the other goes into the freezer for a busy night (during the holidays, for example). I find this easier than planning an all day cooking session. Doesn't work for every meal (especially since I like to make a lot of fresh stuff), but it is great for soups!
I like the idea of the weekly dinner menu on the right hand side.... if I lived closer I would swing by around dinner time on the preferred meal nights and wait for an invitation to stay for dinner... I would of course come prepared with a lovely dessert hidden in my car... :)
ReplyDeleteI just found your site and love it! Your pantry and freezer photos made me swoon. I am on the same path as you, just not as far down the road. I am very inspired by your journey and can't wait until my pantry looks like yours. Thank you and please keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your menus.(and maybe copying them!)