If you are dealing with food allergies in the kitchen, one of the most helpful ways to keep your sanity is to use a menu. Though you can expect to invest some time in the planning phase, the pay-off later is well worth the effort.I like to plan menus seasonally so that I don't have to go through the planning phase each month or week. You could probably save money by planning a menu each week based on what is on sale at local stores. However, it is hard for me to find the time each week to scour ads and plan meals since I'm dealing with a more restrictive diet. (FYI, our restrictions include dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. I'm thankful that wheat and soy are not included. My heart goes out to those of you who are allergic!)
I plan seasonally to accommodate the type of weather we're having. No one (except maybe my husband) would enjoy hot Chicken & Dumplings in August. Planning to grill out when the snow is falling does not usually work very well (yes, I'm speaking from experience!). So, I like to make menu twice a year - one for colder weather and one for warmer.
The first step that I take in planning a menu is to list the type of meals that I would like to prepare each night (I'll explain later what I do for breakfast and lunch). The type of meal is based around our lifestyle for that particular day. For instance, for Sunday lunch I like to have a crock-pot recipe so that I can throw all the ingredients in the pot before church and come home to a hot and ready dinner.
As I am beginning the menu-planning process for the next season (which will be Spring/Summer), I've listed the following types of meals that I expect we'll be having each day of the week.
Sunday - Crock Pot
Monday - From the Freezer
Tuesday - Crock Pot or Freezer Meal
Wednesday - Cook a Fresh Meal
Thursday - Cook a Fresh Meal
Friday - Pizza or other "Fun" Food
Saturday - Grill Out / Picnic
Right now, I am enjoying the benefits of Once-a-Month-Cooking. Before our son was born in December, a friend came over and helped me make lots of meals for the freezer to help me get through these first few months. I love the idea of freezer meals, and they are very helpful during this busy time, but eventually I get tired of warmed-up food and miss cooking. With this new menu I'm hoping to mix things up a little so that I get the convenience of freezer meals when I most need it while also getting to exercise my culinary skills during the week.
Just wondering... What is your favorite style of cooking? Do you enjoy having dinner in the freezer? Do you buy a new crock pot annually because yours gets so much use? Do you trade off preparing meals with your spouse? I'd love to hear from you!
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image from art.com
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