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Easy Weekly Family Dinner Menu / Meal Plan Week 1


This week in Mrs. Kane's Kitchen...

One of the things I do to keep my sanity with this big family is to plan my menu a week ahead of time.  Honestly, between field hockey, football, orthodontist appointments, and work there is no time for floundering around trying to figure out what to eat.  Not to mention that the kids don't want to hear how busy your life is.  They just want dinner on the table.  The alternative to having a plan is to have quick junk food or fast food - something I hate to do.  We call convenience foods and fast food plastic food in my house because of all the chemicals, stabilizers, and preservatives in it.  Have you ever seen photos of a McDonalds hamburger and fries that have been left out for years?  It looks the same - because it's fake food!

When I create my menu each week, I start with a digital photo-frame that has something to do with the season or a birthday we're celebrating.  In the frame I write the days of the week and their corresponding date.  I also add any sports activities and appointments.  When I print it out, it goes into a modified frame I bought from the dollar store (see photo above).  I removed the glass, and velcroed it to the side of my refrigerator.  Each week a new menu goes in front of the old one.  I never thought the kids would care about this one way or the other.  After all, I'm using this as a tool to help me be prepared - but they love it!  They can't wait to see whats coming when I post it each Sunday and will actually cheer if one of their favorite meals is coming up in the week.  So it ended up being a win-win for us.

A few last comments about my menus are 1.  The disclaimer.  I have a disclaimer printed right on the top of each and every menu.  It reads - Please note:  All menu items are subject to change without notice.  I cannot even imagine the chaos that would ensue without the disclaimer.  What?  You promised that we were having fried chicken on Tuesday!  Followed by all sorts of attitudes and pouts.  Now, all I have to do is wave a finger at my disclaimer, and it takes all the steam out of their revolt.  2.  I have at least one and often two "Survivor Nights".  These are nights where leftovers are encouraged, but I tell them to imagine they were on a deserted island.  What could they cobble together to make a meal?  This is a night for them to stretch their own skills and learn some independence too.  I guess I should mention that the kids absolutely hate Survivor nights.  They're used to fresh home-cooking and aren't shy about complaining.   I tell them that they're probably getting more home-cooked meals than any else they know so a night or two each week shouldn't kill them.  So far, they're not buying it.

Sunday
Linguine with home-made marinara sauce, and meatballs.  Served with crusty garlic bread.  Deep-dish apple pie for dessert.  (I'll link the recipe here when it's complete.)

Monday
Marinated, grilled pork chops served & baked potatoes served with sour cream and fresh chives

Tuesday
Crock pot Beef fajitas, onions and peppers served with warmed tortillas, tostada chips, and home-made salsa

Wednesday
~ Survivor night ~

Thursday
Mango-Jalepeno grilled chicken served with fluffy white rice

Friday
Home-made pizza with choice of toppings:  cheese, pepperoni, Italian sausage crumbles and/or bacon

Saturday
~ Survivor night ~

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