Over the years I've posted pictures of so many delicious dinners that I've made. There are typically two responses. People either think they would never have the time to prepare such meals, or they are convinced they could never make anything like that. But, in reality, both reactions are unfounded. Weekly meal planning is the secret to creating fast, fresh, healthy meals for your family every night.
Until very recently, I would never have considered myself a "good cook." Like so many other working moms, I resorted to preparing processed foods out of the box, the can or the freezer, thinking that was the only way to get a decent meal on the table quickly in the evening. However, I've learned that a delicious dinner prepared with fresh ingredients typically only takes an additional 10-15 minutes. Those extra few minutes are well worth it considering the benefits they bring--lower fat, lower sodium, more nutition, less preservatives, better taste and gorgeous presentation.
Several cooking magazines like Rachael Ray and Cooking Light cater to busy moms by focusing on recipes that can be preapared from fresh ingredients in 30-40 minutes. If you're like I was, and feel you are not very adept in the kitchen with knife skills, etc., it may take a little longer that the recipe indicates in the beginning. However, over time, your prep and organization skills will improve. You can always pre-prep indredients on the weekend to save time during the week, or take a one-time continuing education course in knife skills at your local community college to get a jump on things.
By planning weekly "menus" you streamline your grocery shopping by making a list of
ingredients that you will need for the week. That not only helps the grocery budget, but also reduces the amount of spoiled, unused food in the fridge. Plus, having a menu eliminates the daily stess of trying to figure out what to make for dinner. Just check your menu once you get home, grab your ingredients, and get cooking.
Once or twice a month, I sit down on a Saturday or Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and flip through the latest editions of my cooking magazines to plan out several weeks of menus in about a half hour. To make things a little easier, my family reserves a few nights every week for "traditional" activities. Wednesdays have always been our our date night, so we normally go out to dinner, and Fridays are pizza nights. Sometimes we get a pizza from our favorite local pizzeria, and sometimes I make one at home (I do cheat and use Pillsbury roll-out pizza crust). Therefore, I only have to fill in the blanks for five days a week. On the three remaining week nights, I look for recipes I can prepare quickly in less than 40 minutes. On weekends, I have a little more time to prepare dinner, so I sometimes, especially on Sundays, go all out. Slow cookers are also a great tool any day of the week and it's a great idea to invest in a slow-cooker recipe book like this one. It's OK to leave a few days in your menu blank because inevitably something will happen to throw a wrench into your dinner plans. Be flexible and either move that night's meal to later that week, or reschedule it for another week in the near future.
Recently I added a new feature to the home page of the website called "What's for Dinner?" to share with you what that week's meal plan looks like in my house. I provide links to any recipes I use or restaurants we visit. Feel free to use my menu, or create your own.
Starting with simple recipes will boost not only your skills in the kitchen, but your confidence too. Over time, you will find that you can easily prepare fantastic dinners in no time at all. In addition, you'll find that you can improvise more and alter recipes to better suit your tastes and the tastes of your family. Pretty soon, you'll be able to start creating meals without recipes because you'll begin to understand what ingredients work together. And, you'll find new family favorites that you can make over and over again with ease.
Believe me, if I can become adept in the kitchen, you can too. With a little pre-planning you'll be amazed with what you can put on the table every evening. Your family might even think you've been sneaking in a few culinary classes in your free time.