Start the year with some weekly meal planning. We all probably feel a bit tired of cooking after the holidays yet a new year can provide some opportunities to add some new meals to your repertoire.
Did you see some inspiring new recipes online, in a magazine or perhaps in a new cookbook that came wrapped under the tree? By meal planning you will save time, money and preserve your sanity. No one wants to decide what to have at 6:00 on Tuesday when your family is hungry. Make a cup of tea on Sunday afternoon and try these ideas.
- Pick one new meal recipe you want to try each week.
- Save one day for leftovers and one day for eating out.
- That is 4 recipes you have done before. What about having your child or children make dinner one night? What night is convenient for them? or have them make a batch of cookies, banana bread or scones on Sunday afternoon while you are planning.
- Create a list on your phone or the computer of regular items you need for smoothies, breakfasts, snacks, lunches and treats then on top of these items add the ingredients for your 5 dinner meals.
An hour on Sunday might be just the thing you need to help with the stress of dinner. Here are 4 recipes you can try this winter. Each recipe has some suggestions on how you can cook once for 2 meals.
– prepare this one in the morning and shop for a coleslaw on the side. Leftovers can be made into Pork Quesadillas just add some Monterey jack cheese or Jalapeño Cheddar cheese along with some Tortillas shells to your shopping list.
– Serve along side broccoli and naan bread. Or make double the rice and then you have the start of another meal – .
for Meatball Quinoa Soup and another day cooked in your favourite sauce on pasta. Add jarred tomato sauce, pasta and romaine lettuce for a caesar salad to your list for meal #5.
– a perfect meal for your meatless Monday and one your kids can make. Double this recipe so you can have leftovers for lunch.
