How closely I follow my plan depends on:
1) if I remember to thaw my meat
2) how tired I am at 4:45 p.m.
3) whether I am stocked with the necessary ingredients.
Though I might switch to an alternate dinner plan about 30% of the time, having a plan is still enormously helpful. It's much better than having to generate ideas and choose what to cook each day. If what I've planned won't work, I often just look to the next day's menu and cook that if possible.
Since I'm somewhat of a variety freak, Asian and Mexican foods are usually interspersed with standard American fare. When I'm looking for new ideas, I like to consult Menu Plan Monday, at orgjunkie.com, which usually includes a couple of new recipes well worth trying. Here is a sample weekly plan:
- Monday: Penne Pasta with Italian Turkey Sausage in Red Sauce
- Tuesday: Sesame Crusted Chicken, Quinoa, Green Beans
- Wednesday: Burgers, Pea and Carrot Salad
- Thursday: Chicken Fajitas, Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
- Friday: Pizza
- Saturday: Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo, Tossed Salad
There are more menu plans on my blog here (which include some links to recipes).
Are you a person who craves variety, or are you the type who prefers tried-and-true dinner options?
-Written by Julia Baurain
