Ever since I started meal planning, our food budget has gone UP. All of these Pinterest recipes are killing us. But we are eating so much healthier, and of course in turn, our entertainment and restaurant eating has significantly decreased. So in the end it all equals out. My cooking skills have definitely increased!
Here’s what I plan on making as our main course for each dinner:
- Monday – Balsamic Chicken with Greek Salsa
- Tuesday – Apple Cider Sauced Pork Chops
- Wednesday – Chicken, Potatoes, asparagus
- Thursday – Steak and Pasta
- Friday – Tacos
- Saturday – Out for dinner
- Sunday – Out for dinner
What’s on your menu?
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BrokeElizabeth says
March 5, 2012 at 9:43 amThankfully I've never been sucked in by Pinterest recipes… I hope it stays that way, I like that my grocery bill is always crazy low 🙂
Sarah says
March 5, 2012 at 9:52 amPinterest recipes will be the death of me. Seriously! They all look so delicious…..except a lot of what I pin isn't the healthiest…..haha so no cooking them until I get back in shape 🙂
Financial Slacker Ch says
March 5, 2012 at 9:53 amI love love tacos!!!!
Lena says
March 5, 2012 at 10:01 amOh, I love Pinterest too! Apple cider sauced pork chops sound awesome. We need to make it next week! Our food budget actually went down since we started making a menu every week. And the health benefits too! You actually know what you eat!
Mrs. Baker says
March 5, 2012 at 10:25 amthat's crazy that your budget went up! i usually find we do better when we plan out meals! we planned 15 meals so far for this month and i'm looking forward to it 🙂
Laurie @ Rookiewife5 says
March 5, 2012 at 10:26 amI realllllly wish I could plan dinners like that. But my mood changes by the minute and sometimes I feel like cooking. Other times I don't. Thanks for sharing these awesome recipes though.. it inspired me to cook something yummy tonight 🙂
Canadian Saver says
March 5, 2012 at 10:30 amDid your grocery budget go up because of the main food ingredients or the vinegars, spices, oils? I find when I am trying new recipes with exotic (different) ingredients, it costs a lot to buy bottles and jars up front, but they end up lasting a long time…Balsamic vinegar is one of my favorite flavors, yum. Will check out the chicken recipe 🙂
Shannon Marie says
March 5, 2012 at 10:34 amUm… can I come eat with you all?! Ha! 🙂 I've been wanting to cook more Pinterest recipes but I never have time. Now I'm definitely going to have to try some soon!
lil desiqua says
March 5, 2012 at 11:25 amPinterest recipes haven't gotten me yet! (But I definitely use it for outfit inspiration!) All those dishes sound healthy and delicious!
Amber says
March 5, 2012 at 11:38 amI love the idea of meal planning but like another commenter said, sometimes I feel like cooking & sometimes I don't. I've started planning for just weekends– bc I find I have more energy on weekends to cook and I actually enjoy it! Rather than it feeling like a chore after a long day. I wanna try some more be recipes, I'll have to check these recipes out!!! Thanks for sharing 😉
shopping2saving says
March 5, 2012 at 1:28 pmI love asparagus and the balsamic chicken sounds tasty. We made these chicken wings last for the entire weekend. We bought them at a Chinese restaurant! Also this week I have no idea what we're eating…sigh
Lesley @ my lively m says
March 5, 2012 at 2:14 pmYum, that picture is making my mouth water! You wouldn't think meal planning would cost more but wow, does it ever. It's worth it though if you can stay on track. I will have to try out some of these recipes.
Ashley says
March 5, 2012 at 2:22 pmYUM! Tonight's dinner sounds delish!
House of Sykes says
March 5, 2012 at 2:40 pmAn easy way to bring the budget back down is to reuse ingredients. It's okay if you eat chicken 2-3 times a week or if you eat green beans on Monday and Thursday. Also, plan you meals based on what's on sale. Use Pinterest as a second resource to your grocery store's sale ad. Don't be afraid to use frozen veggies instead of fresh. They can be just as good and MUCH cheaper!!
SuperMom Diaries says
March 5, 2012 at 6:31 pmThat looks really good. I am learning to cook.. it's fun! 🙂
retirebyforty says
March 5, 2012 at 7:30 pmLooks good!We had pork chops Sunday night. Monday – I made pineapple curryTuesday – stirfry noodlesWed – ?Thursday – Mrs. will cook. forgot the dish
Laura @ No More Spen says
March 5, 2012 at 8:10 pmLol menu planning is supposed to save you money 🙂