Meal planning-does anyone do it?

[appwsmsmkr1]

One of the things I have the most trouble with is meal planning. The other is "mise en place" We are a household of two so either I have a ton of leftovers or my freezer is filled with packages of meat that there are days that if I want to make x then need x y and z. This also affects how often I do smoke meat.

For those that do meal plan I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you
Josie

 

[daveomak]

Make a list of the meals and what they consist of...    Post the list and use it...  purchase groceries based on the list...  cook according to the list...  you can switch days around...

 

[appwsmsmkr1]

Make a list of the meals and what they consist of...    Post the list and use it...  purchase groceries based on the list...  cook according to the list...  you can switch days around...

Thank you very much!

 

[daveomak]

What works really well is....

Make a list of breakfasts, lunches and dinners.....   everything and anything you like....    list of ingredients for each....  

Look for the dinner you want next Thursday and pull the ingredients list and shop..  That's what restaurants do....  BUT they will substitute fresh local ingredients depending on the time of year etc....   or the cut of beef or pork depending on what available on sale...  if you want beef stew and rib steak is on sale....  Let me think... do I want a rib steak for $0.20 per pound more than stew meat ???  Then add a new menu meal to the list..  sweet potato or new potato and peas with cream sauce..   Check out some of Foamheart's threads....  Now there's a man that eats good...   all home cooked poor folk food to die for...    (Kevin... that's a compliment and I will share my recipes from the new book that's coming soon)...

Kevin will even learn ya how to pressure can at home...  or hot water bath... 

This forum is chuck full of folks that know how to do STUFF...  great place to hang out and learn...  better'n school even....

 

[bauchjw]

I'll always listen/differ to the salty guys (like Dave and Foam) with respect, but a less responsible option Is freezer parties! Get a bigger freezer (or assign a current one) for smoker leftovers only. Then every 6 months thaw the smoker freezer stockpile and invite everyone over to chow down and make room to start over again!

It's not economical, but it is an excuse for two more get togethers a year!

 

[SmokinAl]

I'll always listen/differ to the salty guys (like Dave and Foam) with respect, but a less responsible option Is freezer parties! Get a bigger freezer (or assign a current one) for smoker leftovers only. Then every 6 months thaw the smoker freezer stockpile and invite everyone over to chow down and make room to start over again!

It's not economical, but it is an excuse for two more get togethers a year!

I like it!!!

Al

 

[worktogthr]

I'll always listen/differ to the salty guys (like Dave and Foam) with respect, but a less responsible option Is freezer parties! Get a bigger freezer (or assign a current one) for smoker leftovers only. Then every 6 months thaw the smoker freezer stockpile and invite everyone over to chow down and make room to start over again!

It's not economical, but it is an excuse for two more get togethers a year!

This is exactly what I do... I have a bunch of friends or family over and make a bunch of dishes with all the leftover BBQ. There are so many different t apps and and sandwiches you can make with all those vacuum packed goodies.... Or you can do this haha http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...kenfatty-smokezilla-smokesquatch-lots-of-pics

 

[venture]

Being a retired old fart and unfortunately living alone for about the past year?

I have always planned meals.  I use grocery ad specials, my freezer, and bulk buying wherever I can without wasting gas money.

My plan is never to pay full retail unless necessary or for a special meal.

Knowing the usual items I purchase, I can usually plan meals out for two or three weeks based on the contents of my freezer and pantry.

Never pay full retail, and you can retire comfortably while eating very well!

Good luck and good smoking.