Smarter Planning & Smarter Shopping

PLAN YOUR MEALS!!

Here is an example of my menu I prepare. My husband get paid on the 1st and 15th of the month, so I prepare for that period of time.

I don't prepare a breakfast and lunch menu because my kids fix their own meals at that time. I make sure I stock up on a variety of breakfast and lunch foods. Usually I get those items from Sam's or Walmart. Things like Fish Sticks, Nuggets, Egos, Cereal, Pancake, Eggs, Bacon, etc.

When preparing my menu, I take into consideration our weekly meetings and other engagements. If we are going to be away, that's a "Eating Out" day. I try to cook enough food to last two days so that I won't wear myself out in the kitchen.

Once I plan my menu, I write my grocery list based on what I need to prepare the foods. Another money saving tip----- when preparing your menu, look in your pantry and freezer to see what you have left that you can cook. That will be less that you have to buy.

Here is my current menu, with the numerical value representing the date:

1 - Eating Out

2 - Baked Turkey, Yams, Green Beans, Broccoli Rice

3 - Leftovers

4 - BBQ Ribs, Jambalaya, Baked Beans, Cake

5 - Leftovers

6 - Chicken Patties, white Gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots
7 - Pizza, Green Salad
8 - Red Beans, Rice, Baked Chicken, Corn bread
9 - Leftovers
10 - Catfish, French Fries, Green
11 - Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Green Salad
12 - Leftovers
13 - Pork Chops & Gravy, Rice, Corn

14 - Leftovers

15 - Eating Out

Special Menu for SPECIAL Days

WOW! Today I found this menu the girls and I prepared. I believe it was for last year's Father's Day. I thought I share it with you, for it is a great idea for a romantic dinner or even a surprise dinner.



My girls were involved with the planning and preparation of the food, as well as the printing of the menu. it was a wonderful time of bonding with my girls. Big Daddy was pretty happy about it too. Try it for your loved one, or special friends. Let them have the menu as a keepsake.
BTW, we printed our menu on heavy card stock paper.

Breaded Pork Chops



Orage Bell, circa 1986

 Working at Coca-Cola privied me to the world and teachings of Mr. Orage Bell. Bell was an older gentleman and  fellow Lab Tech who took me under his wings. Not only did he teach me job skills, but also life skills. Over a 2 year period, Bell generously shared insightful wisdom in the areas of, lab test, job production tips, money management, male/female relationship, buying the right car, as well as the history and other facts relating to the Masons. Oh yes, Mr. Bell was a proud Mason. More importantly, Bell could cook! He was my mentor who was  a huge influence on my life during that time. It was at Coca-Cola that I "grew up". I greatly benefited from his insightful wisdom. His love for cooking and sharing became the catalyst that helped me to become a much sought out caterer and a great cook for my family .

Me, hard at work & looking very surprised.

We were working the night shift when Bell brought mouth watering pork chops. The chops were so good that I went home and slapped my momma and my daddy. Well, maybe not, but I did prepare the pork chops for my parents. Back then, I lacked culinary skills, however, this dish became a highly requested meat for me to prepare. It took a long time for me to reveal the "secret ingredient" that caused those chops to taste so goo-googily-good. Thanks Mr. Bell for sharing the secret with me.