Menu Planning Using The Deals You Already Have!

I want to take just a minute to share how I plan my menus. Since I've been coupon and deal shopping for several years now, I do things a little differently than when I first started out. But if you are just starting to coupon shop, you still have options, it will just take you a bit to have a stockpile of inventory.


First of all, I know what is available in my pantry, freezer and 'fridge from deals I've gotten in past weeks. So when I'm looking at my recipes, those are the ingredients I'm keeping an eye out for.


Then, I also know the great deals I will be getting when I grocery shop this week. So I add those to my scope as I'm perusing. If I find a recipe with an ingredient I don't happen to have on hand, I either put it on hold for another week or add it to my shopping list. But I don't stop there! I check to see if I have a coupon for that particular item either in my stash or online. It's very rare that I purchase anything that I don't have a coupon for or it is at least on sale. Check out the Academy if you don't have a system!

So, here is my menu for this week~

Monday -

Baked Steak Burritos

Tuesday-

Creamy Chicken & Rigatoni

w/ Fresh Tossed Salad

Wednesday-

Salmon Croquettes - This one is a blast from the past! My mom used to make these when I was a kid. My sister and I would put syrup on ours! Some people think that sounds gross! But don't knock it 'til you try it! LOL! We'll also have Veggies and Brown Rice with this.

Thursday-

Spaghetti!  My daughter's favorite. I have to indulge her on occasion. Plus, Prego spaghetti sauce was on special last week, so there you have it!

Friday -

Leftover Extravaganza!

Saturday-

Chicken Pot Pie - You can change this up to your families liking in so many different ways! Or use leftover veggies before they go to waste.

Sunday-

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup!

Let us know if you try any of these recipes and what you think. Or if you have a great recipe to share, that would be great too.

As always, let me know if you have any questions or sage advice of your own!