Menu Plan – Week of January 18th and Pantry Update

When I decided to participate in the Pantry Challenge, my goals were to only go to the grocery store 3 times in January, allowing myself $50.00 per trip, and only allowing myself to buy dairy, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables when I went. The first week went well; I was a little under budget at $43.64, even though I bought mostly organic items and bought a few more items than were on my list like bread and jam. Last week, however, was a complete bust. I think I went to the store 5 of 7 days. I do not know yet, how much I spent because I have not added up all of the receipts, but 9.50 here and 11.23 there add up pretty fast. What went wrong? I didn’t make a menu, which means I was disorganized, but also that my family did not know which items were off limits. Hopefully, this week’s menu will help me finish out the month of the challenge successfully. If I still find that I am having difficulty, I may plan breakfast, lunch, and snacks. I know that if I plan wisely, we have enough food to make it to the end of the month with only one more shopping trip.

Monday – Broccoli with Penne

Tuesday – Teriyaki Chicken, Rice, and Glazed Carrots

Wednesday – Use leftover chicken, rice, and carrots to make Teriyaki Stir Fry

Thursday – Spaghetti, Salad, and Artisan Bread

Friday – YOYO Dinner

Saturday – Gluten Free Pizza and Garden Salad

Sunday – Use last of Teriyaki chicken in Asian Chicken Salad

I will post the recipe for Teriyaki Chicken tomorrow, as well as recipes for how I use the leftovers to make “encore” meals.

To view more menu plans visit Menu Plan Monday.