Create a Menu
Last week I shared a story of how throwing away trash bags full of expired and rotting food was the catalyst for change in my home. In this blog post, I will explain how I did it and provide helpful tips for creating your list of meals. Here is how to create a menu full of variety and flexibility and finally answer the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?”
Five Ways to Create 30 Ideas for Dinner
Number One: Main Ingredient
Pasta – pasta with vodka sauce, lasagna, pasta with meat sauce, pasta with meatballs, feta and tomato pasta
Fish – mustard salmon, lemon salmon, salmon patties, fish tacos, shrimp tacos
Pork – Loin, Chops, BLTs, Fried Ravioli, Sausage and Egg Casserole
Chicken – Chicken Curry, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Wings, Lemon Chicken
Beef – Chili, Nachos, Flank Steak, hamburgers, tacos
Number Two: Food Types
Sandwiches – recreate a Subway, Penn Station, or even grocery store sub at home.
Salads – The possibilities are truly endless
Vegetarian – Building in more veggies and creating protein through something other than meat is a great way to cut down on your grocery bills.
Vegan – I really love vegan recipes; look for them on apps like YouTube and TikTok.
Egg Based – Omelets, Frittatas, casseroles, anything mainly egg-based.
Crock-Pot, instant pot, or air fryer recipes.
Number Three: Restaurant Inspired
Asian
Italian
American
Mexican
Indian
Number Four: Quick and Easy
Breakfast for Dinner
Freezer/Fridge Clean Out – Pull it out and cook it up
Somewhat Homemade – Frozen pizza and bagged salad with homemade dressing
Carry Out at Home – Pick up preprepared meals from your local grocery or favorite take-out place and enjoy them in the comfort of your home in your pajamas
Choose Your Dinner Night – I saw this on a video and thought it was cute. A father took his three young children to the store and left them to choose what they wanted for Dinner. They all selected something vastly different from the frozen food section of the grocery. He added a few healthy sides. The kids seemed happy, and I knew from watching the video that core memories were made.
Number Five: Leftovers
Tonight’s chili can be tomorrow night’s chili nachos
Tonight’s steak can be tomorrow night’s fajitas
Tonight’s rice can be tomorrow night’s stir fry
Tonight’s rotisserie chicken can be tomorrows night’s chicken curry
Tonight’s salmon can be tomorrow night’s salmon salad
Take Your Time
The important thing is not to stress. Life can be challenging, and families are everything. Food connects and nurtures the heart and soul of your family.
Next blog post, I will be wrapping it up. Until then, subscribe and never miss another blog post.