Mealplans WB 2 February 2009

juliapenguin

I think that looks ok - it's best to start with things you know you all like, and just try to add in new things next month, especially if you're still over budget.

How about adding in a couple of veggie meals next month - personally I find that vegetable curry is just as tasty as chicken curry, and significantly cheaper. Will your OH complain about not getting meat at every meal? You could possibly cut the portion size of the meat and add more veg to make up the difference.

Also, why don't you have a 'different dinner' night every week, when you pick a recipe off here and try something new? Then you won't get stuck in a rut, and the people on here have some amazing ideas for cheap, delicious, healthy dinners.

The most important thing is that you're menu planning at all - it saves a fortune. Don't try to get it perfectly right at the beginning - you can gradually make the savings without frightening the family!

Julia xx

juliapenguin

Just noticed you're pregnant! No wonder you're trying to get organized - you're nesting again! Good luck xx

betterlife

just an idea but as you are having 4 roasts with chicken why not boil up the carcess each week then pick all the remains of chicken off and make some soups, cream of chic, chic and veg, chic and lentil etc, very cheap to make, quick and easy and good for you, also no waste with the chickens.x

redmel1621

Thanks Julia

I will definitely look through the recipe threads and try to add in more varieties next month:)

I'm not sure about cutting out meat as dh would complain, but I have already taken loads of tips from this site about cutting down the amount of meat in each meal, which has helped immensely. I used to cook a chicken for a Sunday dinner, use the whole of the breast meat in the meal (even when there was only the two of us) and chuck the rest of the chicken away:eek: I now use a chicken for two main meals, (usually Sunday dinner and then a curry/casserole etc.) and usually have some leftover for some sandwiches too or mixed with sweetcorn and mayo in a jacket potato for lunch:D

The meal planning this month, even though not all home-made or scratch cooked, did seem to save me money on the big shopping order, and I can't see myself having to buy many extras through the weeks:)

Mel x

redmel1621

betterlife wrote: »

just an idea but as you are having 4 roasts with chicken why not boil up the carcess each week then pick all the remains of chicken off and make some soups, cream of chic, chic and veg, chic and lentil etc, very cheap to make, quick and easy and good for you, also no waste with the chickens.x

Hi betterlife
:oI'm afraid one thing I can't bring myself to do (yet?) is boil up a chicken carcass, to make stock etc...

I would love to make some soups but I have tried and for some reason it is the one cooking skill that evades me They just never taste very nice, and I end up eating them but not enjoying it at all, or throwing it away!!

It is strange because I am generally an OK cook and can rustle up most types of meals, but Soup is like my nemesis:rolleyes:

Mel x

got-it-spend-it

Redmel I thoroughly recommend that you try a roasted vegetable soup. You roast off the veggies in the oven first (I use onion, sweet potato and butternut squash), the once they're cooked blitz, add some stock (I just use stock made from bouillion powder) and season. It much more flavoursome than veg soup made on the hob.

Another soup I love (and it's dead cheap) is an onion fried off, a tin of tomatoes, a tin of value kidney beans and some spices. I blend half and leave half chunky and it is delish.

I think your menu plan looks good- well done you for managing a whole months worth in advance.

Penny-Pincher!!

I think thats a great mealplan for the month. If you all like the mealas, then you cant go wrong.

PP
xx

redmel1621

Thanks PP - Yes we do all like the meals I've included. I suppose that's what I was aiming for in the first few months....I have probably missed out a few that we usually have, like fajitas, which the kids love:D but then again it gives me something to add each month:)

Thanks got_it - I will definitely try the roasted soup, looks simple enough (bet I manage to destroy it somehow:( ) I will give the other one a miss because I can't stand the taste/texture of kidney beans, even though I LOVE baked beans
Thank You for the 'Well Done' too.

I have really worked hard at it this month and hopefully it pays off, and I can get myself more organised and save money whilst eating more varied meals.

Mel x

joanie

Hi Mel,

just had to say - me too with the soup !

I've tried and it's awful !!! don't know what i do wrong... however there is one soup that i can do and is gorgeous....i adapted from a recipe a friend gave me.

creamy squash with chilli...

fry a chopped onion in 2 tablesppons of oil with a teaspoon of mixed herbs for 5 mins to soften
add 2 sliced carrots and 2 sliced sticks of celery for another 5 mins....
add a qtr teaspoon of chilli powder and a chopped squash and 1.5pints of water with 2 chicken oxo cubes

simmer for 30 mins then blend...

it tastes a bit like a korma sauce and is really thick!

jo
x

Buddingblonde

The secret to soup is a good stock - get boiling that carcass. I am a veggie and I find it a little stomach churning to deal with so OH strips the bones once the stock is made puts aside the meat that wa left on the bird. Add one bag of lentils, 2 carrots chopped, 2 large onions chopped (or leeks) and cook for 30 mins. I am told by OH that is it the best chicken soup in the world - I freeze half and he eats the rest over a couple of days.

I also make chicken and rice for him - make stock and then add chopped courgette and leeks and a a couple of good handfuls of rice. He likes this too.