Friday, August 28, 2009

menu planning

Well, it's that time of year again--time to start being a bit more structured and organized in the meal planning. That's good, if it means less trips to the store. Ideally I would only go once a week and supplement with our Sunday trip to farmer's market. I hate shopping. As far as gathering recipes and deciding what to make goes, more and more I just want simple--super simple--and wholesome basic meals. I'm pulling out my favorite cookbooks for inspiration but lately my very favorite place to get recipe ideas is others' blogs. I print the recipe into a word document--picture and all--and have it to refer back to. Often these blog posts are as pretty and nice to read as any cookbook I own. The recipes pictured are this one, and behind that is this one. Both are planned for this week. I'd love to know what you all are cooking as we head into the fall season and "back to school."

11 comments:

Caroline said...

I definitely need to start planning our meals again, too. I went back to teaching after summer break last Monday and we we found ourselves eating out way too often during the past few days. Meal plans are a great way to stay focused, minimize shopping, and eat at home.

I love your "blog cookbook"! What a brilliant idea!

emma said...

It still feels like Summer here but once it starts getting autumnal I shall feel the need to start making casseroles, potato-topped pies, soups based on things like pumpkins and squashes and fruit crumbles with custard. As soon as it stops being sunny and warm, I crave this kind of comfort food!

Anonymous said...

I do the same thing with blog recipes-I print the photo along with text and recipe. They go into plastic protector sheets and into a 3 ring binder. It does make for a beautiful cookbook.

I just wanted to let you know how much I love your blog. I also love the recipes you pass along. Your Apple Crisp, Whole Wheat Chocolate Chop Cookies 1, Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies, and Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes are all in regular rotation here. Thank you.

As for what is coming up in terms of fall cooking...soups and stews (CI Split Pea and Ham, CC Chicken Corn Chowder with Sweet Potatoes, Beef Stew, Lasagna Soup, Chili, Curried Cauliflower, Broccoli Cheddar, Giada's Winter Minestrone, Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo to name a few). There is nothing like a bowl or soup with some bread or rolls on a cold day.

And back to baking. Cookies, quick breads, and cakes will start up again soon now that we are done with the crisps, cobblers, crumbles, and pies twe have had this summer.

Beth- the mama bee said...

We are busy baking apple pies, sauce and butter as well as similar things with peaches. We are loving all the fresh goodies in season!

Shawn said...

Thank you again so much for the cookie recipe. I made them for my son's first birthday and they held up nicely. I may have rolled them a bit thin as they crumbled easily. Just to clarify there really is 1/2 c. cornstarch? I've never made cookies with that much cornstarch before. They have a very nice shortbread taste and feel.

Thank you again. Now you've inspired me to do some menu planning.

hanna said...

Ah yes! I could have written this post. This is exactly what I'm up to at the moment. I'm also trying to make up a master shopping list for myself and planning to shop only once a month (with veg and fruit in between) to make my meal planning more simple and more organised. I was thinking of sharing my ideas on my blog too because I know this is something that everyone loves ideas on.
I was actually coming to visit here also to ask you where to buy recipe boxes in the US (You can't buy them in NZ). My husband is going via LA to Europe in a couple of weeks so I'm planning on buying something online and having it sent to the address he is staying at. I quite like the Martha Stewart ones but wondered if you know of any other nice ones, or where I could look.
xx
Hanna

Mary Beth said...

Hi Hanna. I recently bought a recipe box on Etsy that I love--it's the one Soulemama featured recently. Here's the link: http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=18100228
It doesn't have a lid, though. Otherwise, he could just try any kitchen store. I wonder if they're becoming uncommon . . . I don't see them very often.

And yes, I'd love to see your meal planning ideas on your blog!

Anonymous said...

I love your idea of printing the blog recipes and making a cookbook of sorts with them! Thanks for the idea and your blog. I find it very inspiring! -Jennifer

~Heather said...

Our latest deliciousness is roasting veges, inspired by: http://bread-and-honey.blogspot.com/2009/06/hippie-chow.html

This is how I get through our weekly CSA allotment: potatoes, beets and carrots get chopped up together, throw in olive oil, pepper and salt and roast at 400 for however long it takes.

Lately the combo has changed to: eggplant, onion, big pieces of garlic and pepper. I either put it over rice or in a pita with chopped cukes and a tahini yogurt dressing.

Easy to make, easy leftovers, totally healthy and minimal ingredients!

christine ~ ourdayourjourney said...

Still trying to get better with our meal planning. Once the cold weather hits, it's definitely soup and stews. Thanks for the inspiration.

et lille oejeblik - a little moment said...

i absolutely agree with you i too find a lot of inspiration from blogs when it comes to cooking (and so many other things). that said, i'm afraid i'm not the big menu planner. tend to just make up a meal from what's around, but some meals become a bit boring or less healthy that way. maybe i should consider some planning.