Monday, September 5, 2016

Menu Planning 102

After a recent post, Meal Planning 101, I had a few people ask about what types of meals I plan, so I decided to do a follow up post in hopes to share a few new meal ideas with you.  If you haven't checked out my Meal Planning 101 post yet, be sure to do that, too.

Today, I am sharing my August menu with you.  I usually take it week by week when meal planning, so I don't plan too far in the future.  I use to plan (and shop) two weeks in advance, but after our schedules got a little busier, I decided to take it a week at a time.  August had 31 days in it, and I cooked 21 of them.  I usually watch my carbs, so I make a few adaptions for me (like Zoodles, Low Carb tortillas or mashed caulifower), but usually let my kids eat the normal "stuff."  Our menu is simple, and repetitive, but I'm sharing...because you asked. :)

August 6: Grilled Steak, Italian Dressing Marinated Mushrooms & Zucchini (thanks for the idea Johannah) and Baked Potatoes (Sweet Potato for Me).

(This is Johannah's picture, not mine, but doesn't to look yummy!  Thanks for sharing this idea Johannah.  I loved it!)

August 7th:  Melissa D'Arabian's Crockpot Carnitas, Crockpot Black Beans & Rice (from Working at Home School)

(Photo from Food Network)

August 8th: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole from Joy Filled Eats & Green Beans
**I've made this twice now & it is soooo good (& I don't even like Ranch).  Especially for my low carb, THM friends**

(Picture from Joy Filled Eats)

August 9th: Dreamfields Pasta with Turkey Meat Sauce (With a Low Sugar Marinara Sauce) & Caesar Salad

August 10th: Grilled Beef, Chicken, Veggie & Pineapple Skewers, Over Quinoa



August 11th:  Tacos (With Low Carb Tortillas)

August 15th:  Chicken Alfredo Over Zoodles & Caesar Salad


August 16th: Mississippi Pot Roast & Mashed Cauli (Thanks to A.Liz Adventures for the idea) and green beans.



August 17th: Everyone's favorite, Foil Packet Salmon with Fresh Green Beans & Quinoa


August 18th: Grilled Chicken, Ina Garten's Roasted Broccoli, Baked Potato (Sweet Potato for me)

August 19:  Mrs. Criddle's Sour Cream Beef Enchiladas


August 20th:  Dinner Out with friends...I'm only including this because this picture cracked me up.  I'm a picky eater, and so is my dear friend, Christy, so when they sat down her order of tamales, I thought they had got it WAY wrong!  "Uh oh, she accidentally ordered the tamale stuffed eggplant" I thought.  Nope!  It was actually one HUGE tamale.  Local friends, you can find this at Wild Salsa.  Interesting...



August 21st: Speaking of my pal Christy, this is her recipe for Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops, Roasted Asparagus, Salad


August 22nd: Gwen's Nest Spaghetti Pie & Salad

(Picture from Gwen's Nest)

August 23rd:  Chicken Thighs with Creamy Bacon Mushroom Thyme Sauce, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes  **I try to make at least one new recipe every month and this was this month's newbie.  It was soooo good!  My husband said it was restaurant quality.  I will definitely make it again...SOON!**

(Picture from Julia's Album...yum, so good!)

August 24th:  Trim Healthy Mama's Cheeseburger Pie & Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

(Picture from Pinterest)

August 25th:  Breakfast for Dinner

August 28th:  Trim Healthy Mama's Crockpot Cajun Chicken over Zoodles with Caesar Salad

August 29th:  Crockpot Chicken Tacos (With Low Carb Tortillas)


August 30th:  Lemon Pepper Tilapia, Broccoli, & Quinoa


August 31st:  Crockpot Chicken Parmesan with Caesar Salad

I hope I have given you some dinner ideas.  As the cooler weather approaches, I am looking forward to breaking out some soup, chili and stew recipes!  Be sure to check back soon for more dinner ideas!

I am linking up with a few of my favorites: Beth, Justine, and Liz for Tuesday Talk.



Have a terrific Tuesday!

Emily










24 comments:

  1. Short story: Thank you for the kitchen inspiration you being me! The End! lol

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    1. I'll cook the main meal...you get dessert. Deal? :)

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  2. I think I will just refer to this post for dinners starting next week. THANK YOU! xoxoxoxox

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    1. You are very welcome. You had some great ideas today, too. I always struggle with breakfast and lunch ideas. I'm trying to be more creative since school started.

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  3. Everything looks delish! Glad you enjoyed the mushrooms and zucchini!! =)

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    1. I loved the mushrooms and zucchini and would have never thought to be those together. So good! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. And now I am starving. I need to check out some of these recipes soon!

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  5. Your menu looks amazing! I may have to steal some of these delicious recipes! Yum!

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    1. Thanks, Laura! Let me know if you try any of them.

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  6. Now I have all kinds of ideas! I've been in a cooking slump lately. Thank you for sharing!!

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    1. It's easy to get in a dinner time slump during the summer. Who wants to spend time in the kitchen when there's fun to be had? I'm happy to pass along some ideas.

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  7. Totally think I'm going to have to try the chicken parm! We cook at home a lot and sometimes it's super simple but still so much healthier than dining out not to mention cheaper! Mmmm....I'm a sucker for some carnitas too.

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    1. Cooking at home is much healthier, plus going out with two preschoolers isn't too fun either! Definitely try the carnitas! They are so good, and super simple!

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  8. Ugh...my mouth is watering over this post! SO many good ideas!! We try to eat at home at least 5 nights a week; this gives me some great ideas to switch things up a bit!

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    1. Great! I hope you'll find some new favorites!

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  9. First of all, fabulous looking meals. I haven't been to good on the meal planning front since school started, luckily my husband takes over for the most part during the school year.

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    1. That's awesome that your husband takes over during the school year! I'm sure you are exhausted after a full day of teaching! I hope you're having a great school year so far!

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  10. Everything looks amazing and now I am hungry!!
    I have a few I want to try! I think the Chicken Parm is first on my list!!
    Thanks for sharing!!

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    1. Thanks, Heather! The chicken parm is super easy and everyone in the family liked it!

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  11. OMG Emily... I wish I lived at your house. I'm drooling, especially for that cheeseburger pie!! Have a great week.

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    1. The cheeseburger pie is sooo good! I also love that it makes a whole casserole dish, so there's enough for lunch the next day! :)

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  12. Oh my goodness so many yummy meals!! I am going to add some of these meals to my meal calendar for next month. Hope you are having a great day!

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    1. Thanks, Jessica! You'll have to let me know if you try any of them!

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