How to Plan Dinner Menus for the Family

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Take out a 3-ring binder and some loose-leaf paper.

   For this one, write down the days of the week, leaving three lines for each day.
   
   One page for each day of the week. , Do this quickly and without thinking, there will be time to edit and add to the list later. , Is there anything on it that will take longer than 30 minutes of prep (not including cooking time)? Place a star by these items and reserve them for days when you have extra time such as the weekend or special occasions. , Make notes by each one that can fit into topics. , Mark (on your Master Weekly Plan) the day before as "Leftovers".
   
   For example, if you typically go grocery shopping on Tuesday, make Monday leftover night. , Mark this day as "Quick Meal".
   
   For example, if you run errands on Thursday, mark Thursday as "Quick Meals."
   
   Place different categories on different days according to what you have. , Whatever strikes your fancy until you have all the days filled in with a designated category. , This will be your Current Menu. , For example, if "Leftovers" is on Thursday, and today is Monday, write down Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
   
   Leave two lines for each day. ,, Make sure you have matching side dishes, if necessary, as well. , Be sure to include whatever side dishes you may want. ,,,
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   Step 2: Label different sheets of paper with the following: Master Menu Master Weekly Plan.

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   Step 3: Create a list of main dishes that you and your family enjoy on the Master Menu page you made.

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   Step 4: Review your list.

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   Step 5: Look over the remaining items

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   Step 6: can any of them be classified into certain categories such as: Casseroles

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   Step 7: Mexican or Sandwiches?

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   Step 8: Determine the day you ordinarily go grocery shopping.

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   Step 9: Figure out whether you have a day in the week that is particularly busy.

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    Step 10: Review the Categories you created on your Master Menu.

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    Step 11: Fill in any remaining days with "Soup and Sandwich Night

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    Step 12: " "Family Favorites Night

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    Step 13: " or even "Cheese Night."

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    Step 14: Grab yet another piece of paper.

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    Step 15: Write down the days of the week until and including "Leftovers."

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    Step 16: Place "Leftovers" on the appropriate day.

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    Step 17: Determine what you have in the house and work from that

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    Step 18: your Master Menu

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    Step 19: and your Master Weekly Menu Plan to fill in the main dishes from now until leftover night.

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    Step 20: Take out of the freezer whatever needs to be thawed for tonight's dinner.

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    Step 21: Create the menus for the following week in the same manner EXCEPT

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    Step 22: you can decide what you want to make without worrying about what is already in the house (unless you want to

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    Step 23: for example you want to get rid of that Mac & Cheese you bought a lot of because it was on sale).

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    Step 24: Cull your weekly grocery list from your current weekly plan.

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    Step 25: Repeat and continue updating and working with your Master Menu and Master Weekly Plan.

Detailed Guide

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