Weekly Menu Retrospective #94

Welcome to my weekly roundup of the past week's eats. I prefer to report what we ate in the last week, rather than what we're planning to eat in the coming week. Why? The reason is pretty simple: although I usually have a general idea of what we're going to eat in the next week or so, life often unfolds a little differently than planned, and I adjust my menu plan on a near-daily basis to accommodate leftovers and other not-possible-to-plan-ahead circumstances. I find this is the easiest way to ensure that I minimize our family's food waste. I'm also willing to admit that I'm a rather spontaneous cook, given to preparing foods that strike me as the most appealing thing to eat right here and now!

If you'd like a whole book full of inexpensive, quick and kid-approved recipes, check out my book, Cheap Appétit : The Complete Guide to Feeding Your Family for Less Than $400 a Month (While Eating Better Than You Ever Thought Possible) on Amazon (Amazon.com, Amazon.ca and Amazon UK) and Barnes and Noble.  It's gotten multiple 5 star reviews!! I've included page references to recipes that are in the book in my menu plans so you can locate them quickly. For more details about the book, go here.    

Breakfasts:
Granola (p. 92), Zucchini Raisin Bran Muffins (variation of the recipe on p. 102 ), peanut butter toast

Lunches: 
leftovers, sandwiches, pizza

Dinners:

Monday: I was out at a potluck, the rest of the family had Leftover Buffet

Tuesday: Lemon & Garlic Chicken (p. 184), Skillet Millet, Colourful Cabbage Salad (p. 207)

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce

Thursday: Apple and Sausage Saute (p. 137)

Friday: Everything-But-the-Kitchen-Sink Lentil Soup (p. 162)

Saturday: Basic Bean Burritos (p. 130), leftover cabbage salad

Sunday: Chicken Paprika (p. 185), mashed potatoes, peas & carrots, Old-Fashioned Butterscotch Pudding (p. 233)

 In keeping with my local and organic challenge, I'd also like to note the local and/or organic items on this week's menu:

Organic: coconut (in granola), coconut oil (in granola), canola oil, raisins (in granola), sunflower and pumpkin seeds (in granola), red lentils, flax seeds, spelt bran, coffee (locally roasted and delivered by bike!), cane sugar (in hot beverages and yogurt), mustard, tamari, parsley, paprika,  Fairytale tea, peppermint tea

Local: potatoes, carrots, onions, apples, cabbage, garlic, red peppers, zucchini, salsa (home-canned), ground beef, chicken and sausage (from VG Meats), honey (unpasteurized), milk, sour cream 

Local AND organic: peanut butter, sesame seeds (used to top bread loaves), oats (in granola), millet, milk (used to make yogurt), eggs (not "certified organic", but real free range and fed organic feed), apple cider vinegar, popcorn, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour

For more great meal ideas, check out Menu Plan Monday at orgjunkie.com.
  
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