2010 Coupon Insert Schedule

Time for another year of awesome grocery savings! Feel free to print the following list, provided by Mommy Snacks. Go visit Mommy for more great savings info!

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JANUARY~
January 3:
2 Smart Source, 2 Red Plum, General Mill

1/10:
Smart Source, Red Plum

1/17:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Proctor & Gamble

1/24:
Smart Source, Red Plum

1/31:
Smart Source , Red Plum

FEBRUARY ~
2/7:
Smart Source

2/14:
No Inserts

2/21:
Smart Source, General Mills, Procter and Gamble

2/28:
Smart Source, Red Plum

MARCH ~
3/7:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

3/14:
Smart Source, Red Plum

3/21:
Smart Source, Red Plum

3/28:
2 Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

APRIL~
4/4:
No Inserts

4/11:
Smart Source, Red Plum

4/18:
Smart Source, Red Plum

4/25:
Smart Source, Red Plum

MAY~
5/2:
Smart Source, Red Plum, P&G

5/9:
Smart Source, Red Plum

5/16:
2 Smart Source, Red Plum

5/23:
Smart Source, Red Plum

5/30: No Inserts

JUNE~
6/6:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

6/13:
Smart Source

6/20:
Smart Source, Red Plum

6/27:
Smart Source, Red Plum

JULY~
7/4: No Inserts

7/11:
Smart Source, Red Plum

7/18:
Smart Source

7/25:
Smart Source, Red Plum

AUGUST~
8/1:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

8/8:
Smart Source, Red Plum

8/15:
Smart Source, Red Plum

8/22:
Smart Source, Red Plum

8/29:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Proctor and Gamble

SEPTEMBER~
9/5:
No Inserts

9/12:
Smart Source, 2 Red Plum

9/19:
Smart Source, Red Plum

9/26:
Smart Source, Red Plum

OCTOBER~
10/3:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

10/10:
Smart Source, Red Plum

10/17:
Smart Source, Red Plum

10/24:
Smart Source, Red Plum

10/31:
Smart Source, Red Plum

NOVEMBER~
11/7:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

11/14:
Smart Source, Red Plum

11/21:
Smart Source, Red Plum

11/28:
No Inserts

DECEMBER
12/5:
Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter and Gamble

12/12:
Smart Source, Red Plum

12/19:
No Inserts

12/26:
No Inserts

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Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

Happy New Year!

Wow! 2010!!! Seems like life just seemed to zip by this year. The faster it goes by, the more I realize that I need to 'stop and smell the roses', as the old saying goes. Last year was so full of family fun, and I just love thinking about all the events that we shared. Since I haven't posted since October, I thought I'd show you what was going on in our household!

During September and October we attended a slew of volleyball games. Being that we live in a rural area, going to a game in another school's gym means traveling, which means we had a few late nights out during the work/school week. No matter... I just love watching my girls play!

Another happening this Fall was my birthday. I turned 45. OMG! That sounds soooo old! Here's the boots my wonderful hubby bought me. I LOVE them! The last time I had a new pair of boots was for my 16th birthday. YES, 16!! I think I was due for a new pair!

Halloween was so much fun. We carved pumpkins and went trick-or-treating. This year was interesting, as it was the first year that I didn't make the girls their costumes. They got together with a friend and designed their own costumes and put it all together themselves. They were "catnappers". No, they didn't fall asleep. They were some type of burglar that takes cats. Don't ask.

In December, the twins showed their animals in both our local Chapter Show for our FFA, and at a prospect show. "B" (pictured on left) won her first showmanship buckle and was so proud of herself! They both have done a fab job raising, caring for, and training their animals.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas volleyball came to an end and basketball started, the girls participated in their school band concert, club volleyball startted for Baby B, there were tryouts for Winterguard for Baby A and then practices stared, there were family events to participate in, and finally thyroid surgery for me... More on that later.

Through it all I managed to stay pretty well organized, and I had all my shopping and planning done by December 13th. My surgery was on the 17th, and recovery was very quick. We ended up sharing a very relaxing holiday, and we all spent two full weeks at home together. It was a wonderful Christmas!

We ended the year on a high note by adding a new member to our family. We're so excited to introduce our new little girl, Trixie!

As the new year begins, I'm thinking about the changes and growth I hope to experience this year. Do you make resolutions? I usually make a resolution or two, and while I don't think I've ever succeeded 100%, having a plan sends me on the path of positive change. Change is good.

Here's what I'm planning this year:

1. Go to bed earlier. It's amazing how much better I feel when I get 7 hours sleep versus 6!

2. Scrapbook all our photos this year.

3. Have friends over for game night at least once every 2 months.

4. Pay off at least 3 debts.

5. Complete the Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred (do all 30 days!) and the Slim in 6 program. I have both sets of DVDs, so there's no reason not to exercise!!

6. BLOG REGULARLY!! I have so many more menu plans to share!

It's going to be an awesome year with so much to look forward to!

Menu Maker Mom ~

Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

"USDA Certified Organic" - What it means...

A few words about what "USDA Certified Organic" really means and you can expect when you see this seal on products (from Delicious Living):

1.) Prohibits the use of GMOs, most conventional pesticides and herbicides, sewage sludge, antibiotics, growth hormones, and irradiation.

2.) Organic producers record procedures and maintain cropland free of prohibited substances for three years before earning the seal, which varies in price based on the certifier.

3.) The seal is permitted on commodities that are 100 percent organic or made with at least 95 percent organic ingredients. The USDA’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances identifies synthetic substances that may be used and nonsynthetic substances that cannot be used in organic production and handling operations.

4.) For meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs to be USDA Certified Organic, animals must have been fed 100 percent organic feed; never given growth hormones or antibiotics; and not have been routinely confined. Cloned animals or their offspring also cannot qualify for the seal.

5.) You'll see the seal on : Produce, dairy, eggs, beef, poultry, body care products comprised of plant ingredients, wine, and processed or packaged foods.

For more information, click here.

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Menu Maker Mom ~

Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

DAY 2 - Update on our change to organic

Hi Friends!

Thanks so much for joining me on this new food adventure ~ eating whole, organic foods as much as possible. I added "as much as possible" because I discovered yesterday that finding products that fit that category can be a challenge! We live in a small town, in a rural area. I shop at HEB and Wal Mart. I hit Wally World yesterday and was surprised to find that the organic items were few and far between.

Here's how things are going so far:
1.) During my trip to Wal Mart, I was able to purchase organic milk, crackers, and yogurt.
2.) I ordered a meat grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer. We'll be grinding our own beef from here on out.
3.) I signed up with Mambo Sprouts for some great coupons. Also found a couple of blogs, that I've listed below. Also went to Delicious Living for some more coupons!
4.) The kids returned to carrying their own lunches to school starting today. They are grossed out by cafeteria food as much as I am.
5.) Thanks to a local reader, Misty, I checked out www.localharvest.org to investigate sources of locally grown, organic veggies and meats. I'll continue that investigation and share what I learn as time goes on.

I'll go to HEB this weekend looking for organic foods, where I anticipate having a much easier time finding what I'm looking for. The last trip I'll make is to Whole Foods. Whole Foods has fabulous foods and personal items, but they are a full hour's drive from my home.

I love the comments that you've made! Thanks for reading! Here's what Karin said, followed by my reply:

Karin:
"I really like your blog, and I am doing the same for my family. I am anxious to hear what you do. My only concern is that buying organic, etc. is so much more expensive, and I am an extensive coupon-user."

Menu Maker Mom:
While my first hurdle is to FIND the food items in the desired category, the next hurdle is to find COUPONS!!! After all, the organic Stonyfield Farms yogurt I bought yesterday was over $3.00 for a 4-pack at Wal Mart, compared to the ultra low price of Yoplait, when combined with a coupon.

I'll be visiting the following blogs to find the latest and greatest sales and coupon matches for Whole Foods and then decide if it's worth the drive.

MyDallasMommy.com
TheThriftyMama.com
MyBatonRougeMommy.com

We will definitely have some major adjustments to make!!!
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Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

RAVIOLI UPDATE & Changes here at Menu Maker Mom

On Tuesday, within minutes of posting my article regarding the "foreign object" in the ravioli, a representative of Conagra foods contacted me by phone to inquire as to what I had found in the can. The very polite representative stated that she felt mailing the object, as had been previously suggested, would not be fast enough.

On Wednesday afternoon, a quality control representative was sent to my home to collect the empty can and the "foreign object".

They have promised to contact me with results of the scientific testing.

Again - I am going to be changing how my family eats. This situation, followed by the beef recall, has been a startling eye-opener for me.

What kind of changes will my family experience? We will start slow, and learn as much as possible. Today I'll do 2 things:

1.) I've got to pick up some groceries today: The milk will be organic, as will the veggies and produce. I won't be purchasing ANY ground meat of any sort. Canned, processed foods will not be found in my cart, regardless of how good the sale is or how much the coupon is.

2.) I will be signing up with Mambo Sprouts to start collecting coupons for organic items.

Change will be hard. These changes will be hard for my family, as the girls and I LOVE our ravioli and spaghettios! We will kick and scream sometimes. We will want to eat regular 'ole hot dogs, and cry when we remember that the hot dog might contain meat scraps from 50 different animals from several different countries. (YUCK!) We'll keep in mind that our health just isn't worth the risk, and we will stay away from cans of processed food stuff.

Change will be good. The future here at MMM will include the absolute BEST deals on all sorts of healthy, organic, whole foods. Please stay tuned and learn with me!!!

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Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

MORE FOOD SAFETY WOES :: Ecoli in Beef

Between my canned ravioli "foreign object" that I encountered two days ago and yesterday's recall of beef, I am feeling totally grossed out by our food supply. Which companies can we trust? Which foods are safe to feed our children? Even if we change our dietary habits at home, what are the schools feeding our children in our absence? It is unnerving, to say the least, for this Mama!

Please read the following news release sent out by the Texas Department of State Health Services, dated October 21, 2009. If you'd like to view it in its entirety, please click here.

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Texas Department of State Health Services
NEWS RELEASE
October 21, 2009

Meat Company Recalls Certain Beef Products

Culebra Meat Market is recalling three beef cuts it produced and distributed in the San Antonio area earlier this month because of possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium that can cause severe illness.

Products included in the recall are beef stew meat, carne asada and ground beef produced by the company from Oct. 2 through Oct. 17. Products were sold to some San Antonio-area restaurants and in the company’s retail store, 2800 Culebra Road in San Antonio.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating whether the products also were sold at other Culebra retail store locations in San Antonio.

People are advised to discard or return the products. Cooking the beef is not recommended.

Products sold to consumers at the company’s retail store were packaged in various weights and wrapped in white butcher paper with no markings. Products sold to restaurants were packed in 10-pound boxes labeled with the company and product names and lot codes 100209 through 101709. The boxes have the inspection label “TEXAS INSP. & PSD. 740” located inside an outline of the state of Texas.

The recall volume is approximately 4,000 pounds.

DSHS laboratory testing detected E. coli O157:H7 in samples collected from the meat company. The testing was done as part of a routine DSHS inspection.

DSHS is not aware of any illnesses associated with the recalled product.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 illness include bloody diarrhea and stomach pains. People with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms typically occur two to nine days after exposure.

Infection can lead to serious kidney damage or death. Most healthy adults recover in five to 10 days, but children under age 5 and the elderly are more likely to develop a severe illness.

Infected people can pass E. coli O157:H7 to others through contaminated feces.

More information is available from the company by calling 210-432-2170.

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Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

BUYER BEWARE!!!! - Wal Mart's Great Value foods (by Conagra foods)

The last time I was shopping, I didn't have a coupon for Chef Boyardee, and we love cans of Mini Ravioli. Yes, the truth is out. We like canned pasta. Eeeeewwww! I know. I'm so embarassed.

Anyway.... Since I didn't have a coupon for our favorite brand, I decided to try the Great Value brand sold at Wal Mart. I bought it, took it home, then took it to work for my lunch today. What happened next is ugly. Really ugly. Gross, in fact.

I poured the can of ravioli into my bowl and heated it in the microwave. I sat at my desk with my bowl. I ate. When I was almost done, a bit down on something rubbery. Yick! I spit it out. (Such a lovely sight, I'm sure!) What I saw in my bowl looked just like...

Sit down. Hold your breath.

...it looked like a piece of skin...

After gagging, I wrapped it in a paper towel and called Wal Mart Corporate in Arkansas. They put me through to their "Great Value Ambassadors", as they call their customer relations department. I spoke with a very courteous "ambassador" who stated that I would be sent a product envelope in the mail, and that I am to put the "foreign object" into the envelope and mail it to their quality control department. There the object would be examined, and the investigation into what the object is and how it got there would take place...

...and they are sending me a coupon for a buck fifty.

Whatever - I am sick and tired of product recalls and contaminants of every sort being found in our nutrition supply. As consumers, who can we trust? What is safe to feed our children? It's no wonder diseases of all sorts, including cancers, seem to be epidemic.

Well, I let the "ambassador" know that I would be blogging about this issue today, and asking for your action in order to keep you safe. What I want you to do is look in your pantry. If you have the Great Value Mini Ravioli, please examine the batch number and expiration date. If it matches mine, please return it to Wal Mart and ask for a refund.

This is what the label on the can looks like.

The batch numbers are located on the bottom of the can. This is what you will read:

2100926700GW10582

BEST BY 09 14 11 EST794

Organic, whole foods look better and better to me each day. Gardening looks even better. Follow me on this blog as I start investigating a new way of food buying for my little family.

Maybe you'll decide to join me along the way! OR ~ if you already purchase organic, whole, local foods for your family, please comment and let's start sharing!

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Menu Maker Mom ~

Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

No, Minnie Mouse Doesn't Live Here

But two tweenagers do! And they love to paint their nails just like Minnie Mouse!

I just love having girls. I'm sure if I had boys I'd say that I love having boys. But, I don't have boys. I have girls. It's cool.

Here's a few things I love about my girls:

My Girls are really silly. Almost always. I like that.

My Girls like to shop. Sometimes. I like that.

My Girls like to cook. Sometimes. I like that too.

My Girls like to talk. Sometimes. I like that.

My Girls like to have their nails done. Sometimes. I like that... sometimes.

My Girls share their emotional side. ALWAYS... I SOMETIMES like that!!!

Yes, having girls is a good thing.

Menu Plan Monday

What a busy weekend! Sleepovers, Junior High Dance, Saturday shopping trip, hubby and I went to a dinner/dance, then took the kids for a fun-filled day at Sea World. Glad I’m at work so I can get some rest!

I’ll be cooking a couple of meals from my new favorite cookbook, Southern Living’s “Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites”. I just love all the delicious recipes from this picture-filled cookbook. Everything is super-easy and very quick, while being extremely flavorful and kid-friendly. If you’d like a copy, I’ve got a link to the left.

Our week will start off super-busy, but then will ease up after Wednesday. The girls have volleyball games tonight, then I’m going to see the musical, Rain, on Tuesday (YIPEE!!!), and to wrap it up the girls have the usual showmanship practice followed by CCD on Wednesday. Looks like we have no scheduled activities for the rest of the week! WOW!!!!

I hope you’ve been sticking with me long enough to learn how important your menu planning is. On busy days, if I didn’t have a menu and ingredients, I just wouldn’t be able to get anything on the table and we'd be eating at Dairy Queen!

Here’s the lineup for the week:

Monday – Porky Stew and biscuits, baked apple dumplings

Tuesday – Crocked Polish sausage, white rice, steamed green beans, cookies

Wednesday – Chicken Burritos (from Southern Living’s Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites cookbook), Spanish Rice, Black beans and pinto beans (from cans), ice cream

Thursday – Chicken & Rice Bake, steamed carrots, sliced tomatoes

Friday – BBQ Muffins (from Southern Living), garden salad, corn on the cob, quick apple pie

Saturday – Chicken Paninis (from Southern Living), potato soup, Root Beer floats

Sunday – Pork Loin Chops with Cinnamon Apples, buttered & parsleyed noodles, steamed peas & carrots, warm brownies with ice cream.

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Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

Apples, Apples, Apples! It's an Apple Party!!

Apples sometimes get a bad rap. Didn't the serpent give one to Eve, who gave one to Adam? While we don't know that it was actually an apple, as a child I remember that pictures always showed Eve standing at an apple tree. So unfair. Poor apple tree.

Let's take poor little Snow White, for instance. Wasn't she tricked by that mean 'ole witch, who used an apple as her weapon?

Even the English language has attacked the humble apple. When women have a figure that is somewhat round, aren't they said to have an "apple" shape?

Yes, apples have taken a bad rap. Apples... who have magical qualities. Yes, "magical"! I mean, what other food, when eaten once a day, can keep the doctor away??? What other food is said to represent the American lifestyle: "Baseball, hotdogs, and apple pie".

Fall around much of the country means it's apple-pickin' time! Even here in South Texas, the apples are ready to be picked. My favorite place to visit during the fall is Love Creek Orchards up in Medina, Texas. During the month of October they host a fun Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Celebration that includes a pumpkin patch for the kids, storytellers and other entertainment, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, hayrides, a hay maze, scarecrow building, TONS of CUTE photo opps for you and your little ones, and of course lots of yummy apple goodies! My favorites are the apple pic (of course) and the apple ice cream. MMM-Good!

If you'd like to check out Love Creek Orchards, click here for more info.

Yes, it's Apple Season! But besides for the daily healthy munch, what else can we do with all those apples? Well here's a list of ideas:

Apple Chip Cake
Apple Dumplings

Applesauce

Fried apples served with Pork Loin

Apple Enchiladas

Apple Ice Cream

Crockpot Apple Butter

Apple Pie Filling (fill the freezer with this stuff for year-round apple pies!!)

Dried apples for snacking or for MYO (make your own) Instant Oatmeal Packets

Apple Vodka

Fresh apple salads

Apple Chutney

The list could go on and on! In fact, click here for even more recipes, ideas, kids coloring pages, and general information about the good 'ole apple!

Do you have any recipes or ideas to add? Please comment with your links!

Since apples are on sale this week at HEB, I'll be posting a few YUMMY recipes. Think I'll include the freezer Apple Pie Filling recipe (use for pie or Enchiladas), instructions for drying apples (and a recipe for the Instant Oatmeal Packets), Apple Vodka recipe, and Apple Ice Cream recipe.

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Menu Maker Mom~

Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

HEB DEALS :: 10/14-10/21

Let's head out to HEB for some awesome deals on meat this week!

The meat deals at HEB include very LARGE pork loins that are 5 pounds for 5 dollars. What a deal!! But what do you do with that much pork loin?!?! Stay tuned to find out! I’ll have some great recipes to share.

When you buy your pork loin, ask the butcher if the meat can be cut into ¾” slices. Don’t know if they’ll charge you for the service, but it sure will make that pork loin easier to package up and store in your freezer!

Get Ready to Shop.... Here's your deals!


Meat Sales
HCF BBQ Seasoned Chicken Leg Quarters - 5 lbs. / $5.00
HCF Split Chicken Breasts – 5 lbs. / $5.00
Boneless Pork Loin - 5 lbs. / $5.00
Hormel Little Sizzlers, 10-12 oz. - 5 lbs. / $5.00

HEB Meal Deal:
BUY: 4 Stouffers Lean Cuisine meals (MFQ -$1.00…9/13 R1)
FREE: 4-pk HEB yogurt
FREE: 20-pk Premium Tea Bags
FREE: 4-oz. Nips Candy
FREE: 1 pound fresh bananas

“Buy-One-Get-One” Deals:
BUY – Kiolbassa sausage.
FREE: Mission Homestyle Tortillas, 10-ct.
FREE: Bush’s Baked or Grill Beans, 22-28 oz.

BUY – Chef Boyardee, 39-40 oz.
FREE: Fresh Express Italian or American Lettuce Blend – 10-12 oz.

Buy – Velveeta Cheese, 2-lb.
FREE: Wolf Brand No-Beans Chili
FREE: Rotel Tomatoes, 28-oz.

BUY – Crisco Olive Oil, 16.9 (MFQ -.75/1…9/13 R2)
FREE: Barilla Plus Pasta, 14.5 oz.

BUY – Eckrich Premium Beef Franks, 12 oz.
FREE: HEB Bake Shop Hot Dogs, 8ct.

BUY – HEB Fully Cooked Chicken Breasts Chunks, 24 oz.
FREE: Country Crock Side Dish 20-24 oz.

BUY – Energizer Batteries (MFQ -$1.00/1…10/4 S)
FREE: HEB or HCF Milk 128 oz.

BUY – Colgate Toothpaste, 4 oz. (MFQ .75/1…10/11 S)
FREE: 6 oz. yogurt

Other Coupon Matchups:

Tysol Skillet Creations, 22-24 oz. - $2.99/ea
MFQ: $1.00/1…7/26 S)
Final: $1.99/ea

Garnier Shampoo or Conditioner, 24 oz. - $4.50
MFQ: .75/1…(9/13 S1…10/11 RP)
Final: $3.75/ea (.15 per ounce)

HEB Store-Coupon Deals:

Biore Skincare Products - $1.50 HEB coupon
Birds Eye Voila! – B1G1 (HEB Coupon)
Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent, 26-32 loads – 2/$2.50 (HEB Q)
Kibbles ‘n Bits Dog Food, 17.6 lb. – HEB Q - $1.75/1 – Final price is $9.75/ea

HEB Sales:
Doritos, 12-15 oz. Or HEB White Corn or Round Tortilla Chips $1.99/Ea
HCF Pizza, 14-oz. $5.00/ea
Birds Eye Voila – B1G1
Ghiradelli Brownies - $1.99/ea
Polar Premium Coconut Milk – 5/$5.00
Personal Care Hand Sanitizer, 8 oz. – 5/$5.00
Electrasol Gelpacs 20-ct. - $2.99
HCF Orange Juice, 64 oz. – 4/$5.00
Gala Apples, 3 lb. Bags – 5/$5.00
Season’s Select Russet Potatoes, 5 lb. bag - $1.77/ea

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If you find any coupons for the HEB sales items, please comment so that we can all enjoy the savings!

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin’ Yummies. Stuffin’ Tummies.

SHROOMS!!!

Does anyone out there know what kind of mushrooms these are??? They just sort of popped up over the last couple of days. They are so weird!

These 'shrooms are huge! I wear a size 7 shoe, and look at how big those fungi are!!!

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Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

Shop at Bealls this month!

This is an awesome coupon! Justs click here to get 25% off any one item! You can make this coupon work for you by shopping their awesome sales.

You can print as many as you like, but the fine print says "one per customer per day". That's okay, since it expires on October 27, 2009, you have lots of days to use your one-per-day!!

Happy shopping!

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Menu Maker Mom

~ Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

The MAKE-A-MENU Summary

Hi Friends,

For those of you who have been using my Make-a-Menu system, and for those of you who are new to the Make-a-Menu way of life, I thought I'd offer up a quick summary. Sometimes having just a few abbreviated steps helps to keep it all in order. You can print this out and hang it on your fridge or put it in the front of your Make-a-Menu Notebook.

By the way, I'll be starting a quick series next week on cooking for the holidays. You can either add this to your Make-a-Menu Binder or you can create a separate binder just for holidays. Hang with me and we will make life in the kitchen easier step-by-step!

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How to Make-a-Menu:

1.) Print out a blank calendar.
2.) Make a list of what everyone in the family likes. Don't guess. Ask them.
3.) Using your calendar, assign a theme to each day of the week. (Mon is soup, Wed is Mexican, etc.)
4.) Using your list of favorites, start filling in your calendar, taking your busy schedule into consideration.
5.) On shopping day, check to see that you have all the ingredients necessary. If not, add them to your shopping list.

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If you'd like to learn more details about the Make-a-Menu Calendar or the Make-a-Menu Notebook, click here. I'll teach you to start saving time in the kitchen and how to save mucho dinero by shopping the loss leaders.

Menu Maker Mom ~
Makin' Yummies. Stuffin' Tummies.

Menu Plan Monday

Okay, Okay.... Please forgive me... I'm sorry... I never posted those blasted chicken recipes! My day job really gets in the way of my recipe posting! I just wish I'd win the lottery... Okay... I know... You have to actually play the lottery if you expect to win!!!

Well, I promise to get you some new recipes this week. Really!

In the meantime, here's what we'll be eating around here this week:

Monday - Volleyball Game Day - Venison Chili (Thanks, Deanna, for the venison!!)
Tuesday - Spaghetti and meatballs, garden salad, garlic bread
Wednesday - Enchilada Casserole, green beans, tortillas
Thursday - Chix 'N Dumplin's!
Friday - Stuffed Taters and Salad, lemonade!
Saturday - Mom & Dad are going out!

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Here's a recipe I think you'll enjoy:

Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients:
2 lb. ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (15-oz.) can Enchilada Sauce
2 cups Cheddar cheese, grated
1 pkg. (12) corn tortillas

1. Brown ground beef and onion.
2. Stir in Enchilada sauce and soups.
3. In a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish, layer the tortillas, sauce, and cheese. Be sure to start with a thin layer of sauce. Ending with cheese.
4. Bake at 325, covered, for 45 minutes; uncover and bake 15 minutes longer. Makes 8-10 servings.

** You can make this in two 9 x 9 pans and freeze one for eating later. Just thaw and bake as directed.