Menu Planning Changes

I haven't written about menu planning for awhile. And truly, aside for creating a few sauces and a few dishes here and there, I haven't really been trying anything new. I have, however, modified my approach a bit and so far, I like it. My friend, Heather, uses a small white board in her kitchen and I really liked that idea. So, I found a magnetic one for about $4 and have it in my kitchen on the front of the refrigerator - it's easy to adjust the menu plan based on what we have, what needs used, and how our schedule plays out. I have also been including lunch and snack ideas. We generally have cereal or oatmeal for breakfast with the occasional pancakes or waffles thrown in so I don't plan that out.

Overall, I still feel that menu planning has helped tremendously with my organization, with beating the dinner time blues, and with the budget. I'm still working on making sure that food isn't going to waste. And since I'm not a huge fan of most leftovers, I usually try to only make enough for one meal, a lunch for Andrew (he loves leftover for lunch!) and maybe a lunch for the boys and me.

I'm hoping to do more creating and to try some new recipes; I just find that the summer is when I want simple, quick, familiar meals. However, my new Cooking Light arrived a couple of days ago, so perhaps I will find something delicious for a summer time meal.

Finally, what would a post about menu planning be without a recipe...so here is recipe for Blueberry Peach Pancakes that I recently created. They were a huge hit with all of my guys!

BLUEBERRY PEACH PANCAKES

1 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/4 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
dash nutmeg
1 Tb. sugar (generous Tb.)
2 eggs, beaten
2 c. sour milk

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 Tb. melted butter
1/2 c. fresh or frozen bluberries
1/2 c. fresh or frozen diced peaches

Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk together the eggs, sour milk, vanilla and butter. Add the wet ingredients to the mixing bowl and stir until combined (batter may still be lumpy). Fold in blueberries and peaches. Cook on a greased griddle. Serve with maple syrup. Enjoy!

All that to say, the new menu planning is working. I'm glad for a change of pace. And even though I'm not posting my menus, I'm always still happy to give out recipes or whatever...just e-mail or leave a comment!