menu planning need ideas

This week I am stuck coming up with dinner ideas. Do you ever get into a menu planning rut? Suggestions?

Re: menu planning need ideas

I have a lot of cookbooks and cooking magazines, so when I am stuck, I will look at them, or I look online at blogs. I try to vary it... plan something with poultry, something with beef, something with seafood, something vegetarian or some pasta based dish.

I don't mind working in some tried and trues, so sometimes I will start with one of those, or with a recipe I want to try, and then go from there to fill in. Or sometimes I am in the mood for something (e.g., soup), and will start there.

I always get food inspiration from Pinterest!

I usually only plan to cook about 3-4 dinners a week, depending on the week. Then, I have leftovers other nights or we have plans/go out.

And I typically only plan the main dish for a weeknight meal and then just do easy sides (steamed or roasted veggies, a baked potato in the microwave, quick cooking rice, bagged salad, etc.).

What type of food do you guys like to eat? Maybe people can suggest good recipes they make that would appeal or provide inspiration.

menu planning need ideas

This happens to me all the time, especially since I am not a cook at all!

I like to browse pinterest.

I also sometimes just walk around the supermarket for ideas. I might see that something that would make a good side and build around that.

Especially now that my DS is eating the same food as us, I'm trying to incorporate a variety of foods, especially veggies.

Re: menu planning need ideas

My crockpot has also been king for me as of late!

I will use it 2 nights a week and we eat leftovers in between.

Both DH and I don't have to sit down and have a big meal every night, so this works for us.

menu planning need ideas

What type of foods do you like ?

menu planning need ideas

on Monday or Tuesday I am planning on making something interesting... acorn squash stuffed with a sausage-brown rice mixture (chicken apple sausage, brown rice, onions, mushrooms, egg to bind it). maybe try something like that?

the way i usually get out of a rut is i buy something different at the store. it forces me to think outside the box and try a new recipe. that's what happened with the acorn squash. i never buy it because i never know what to do with it, but i got it so that i would try something new.