Wednesday, November 12, 2008

A little bit of crazy

Sorry, I've been absent as of late because I've been busy creating my masterpiece. I may not have the artistic/creative talents that my husband possesses, but I do have the crazy (albeit obsessive) ability to organize details and finish a task like no body's business.

I am, however, pretty lazy, so I have to be highly motivated to use my gift to it's fullest potential.

The other day, I decided that I'm tired of never knowing what to make for dinner, not being prepared, making short/expensive trips to the store, and too often resorting to a frozen pizza or macaroni and cheese. So, I'm turning over a new leaf!

There are lots of dishes that I enjoy making, and that my family enjoys eating, but that I never make, because I forget about them. As a result, I often get into a cooking rut and only a use a handful of recipes. Those days are gone.

This weekend, I sat down and listed thirty-nine main dishes, and several vegetable side dishes, that I've used before or would like to make in the future. I took all of those options and cataloged them into thirteen weeks worth of menus. I was careful to organize them in such a way that allowed me to make/buy an ingredient once and use it twice, therefore saving time and money.

Then, since I was on a roll (and frankly couldn't have stopped if I'd wanted to,) I made a master grocery list for each week of meals. Check it - that's thirteen weeks of meals completely planned, and with shopping lists! But, do you think I stopped there? I realized that why put in all of that effort if only I can benefit from the results. So, I'm going to be sharing my work with all of you. Before I can do that, though, I have to gather/type all of the corresponding recipes, and I'm asking Jeff to make it look pretty.

Because of everyone's individual likes and dislikes, I'm sure that no one could use these menu's in their entirety. Plus, a "week's worth" of meals for us is actually only three days, so if you cook full meals more often you'll have to add to it. But, at least you'll have some new recipes/ideas, and the template will be there for you to make it your own.

I've already finished 5 weeks of recipes, so I'm hoping to post the finished product by early next week at the latest - I hope you'll enjoy it!

8 comments:

Holly said...

oh boy... *clapping hands wildly*
I am SOOOO excited to see this masterpiece. You have NO idea!!!

I too share a need to be organized but am often lazy to a certain degree.

Phillips said...

Sweet, I'm hoping to reap the benefits of your obsessive nature :)

Chantelle said...

Can't wait to see it! Maybe it will give me some new ides. It is so terribly easy to get into a rut.

Stephanie B said...

Great idea! Can't wait to see the results!

Nate and Jan said...

perfect timing, jeanelle! i realized last night that we have dinner w/ guests 4 times this week, and that i'm just plain bored with the food we've been eating. so was going through recipes and books last night too.... only my motivation doesn't last all that long! looking forward to your new recipes!

lesnet said...

Jeanelle - Can't wait to see it. I've also been freezer cooking, chad and I will cook this weekend and freeze everything for the next 4 months. I now cook 4 times a year and go to the store once a week for milk and fruit and bread - 10 minutes each time. It's fun and so much less stressful during the week. I'm looking forward to seeing some new ideas for recipes.

Kelly said...

Yay! I've been meaning to do something similar and have been too lazy. I'm so happy you are sharing :)

Alison said...

Awesome! I'm feeling pretty good if I can get a week's worth of meal's planned! Can't wait to see the masterpiece. I'm also a bit more interested in what Lesnet had to say. 10 minutes at the grocery store once a week??? Cooking only four times a year?? That sounds beyond belief and so heavenly. Especially after my grocery trips yesterday....Isn't it crazy the things we moms appreciate once the kids come? Did we ever even think much about this before?