Pantry Challenge Update & Menu Plan for the Week of January 15th

We're still going strong with the January Pantry Challenge.  Even though I spent more than the first week ($38.75), I am proud that this past week my total was under $65 at the grocery store.  (Usually, we spend roughly $75 a week for food.)  We've being go through yogurt and fruit like crazy, so I'll be making a batch of homemade yogurt this week.  Trust me: If you eat a lot of yogurt, you should really make it yourself.  It's so much more cost-effective than buying the 32-oz tubs, especially if you buy organic. 

Because our grocery budget has been lower this month as we eat out of the pantry and freezer, I've been able to put the leftover money back and even reduced the amount of money I took out for this week!  (Tryin' to save some moolah!)  The food is slowly dwindling--although we still seem to have tons of meat in the freezer--so most of the items I'm purchasing this week are staples, produce, and dairy.  The inventory worksheets have REALLY helped me to know what's available and what's been used up, so I can (1) plan our meals and (2) add used-up items to the grocery list.  I highly recommend keeping a running inventory of all the food you have at hand. Sure it takes a little effort upfront, but life is so much easier when you don't have to run continually to the fridge or pantry to see what you've got.

So, as we continue to eat from the pantry, fridge, and freezer, here's our menu plan for the week of January 15. I'll be continuing the two-week menu plan. Sort of.  See we will be leaving for Walt Disney World :) next Wednesday, heading down to my parents' house Tuesday.  So, this menu plan goes from Sunday, January 15-Monday, January 23.

Breakfasts
Scrambled eggs with orange slices
Yogurt with granola & fruit
Cinnamon oatmeal with blueberries & strawberries
Blueberry muffins & sausage links
Peanut butter & jelly toast with fruit

Lunches
Turkey & cheese sandwich with fruit
Bean quesadilla
Grilled cheese & carrot sticks
Pizza (from the freezer) and fruit
Leftovers

Suppers

Source

 Sunday, Jan. 15: Leftovers from the previous week

Monday, Jan. 16: Sonoma Chicken Salad on lettuce with crackers or bread and Fruit Salad (This is THE BEST chicken salad I have ever eaten!)

Tuesday, Jan. 17: Breakfast for Supper! Fried tenderloin (deer), Southwestern Hash Browns, Scrambled Eggs, Biscuits, & Fruit

Wednesday, Jan. 18: Big Meatballs in Herb Tomato Sauce (from this great cookbook) on angel hair pasta with Salad

Thursday, Jan. 19: Sweet Potato-Black Bean Quesadillas with lettuce and tomatoes and Fruit

Friday, Jan. 20: Pizza Night!!

Saturday, Jan. 21: Meatball subs with chips

Sunday, Jan. 22: Leftovers

Monday, Jan. 23: Salmon Wellington (freezer) with Brown-Wild Rice & Broccoli and Carrots

That's what we'll be eating these next few days.  What's on YOUR menu?

Blessings to you!

Keri

   

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