Weekly Meal Planning Email 2/29

I would love feedback on this email! If you are using the recipes, how they turned out, if you loved them or not. Please let me know how this email is helping you!

Menu planning is a great way to also save money.  By planning your meals, you can make sure you buy exactly what you need, stick to your budget, and create healthy homecooked meals.

This works under the assumption that you keep certain pantry staples always stocked.  (Here is a great site that has a pantry staples list: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/pantry-staples-checklist-00000000000197/index.html)  It also works under the assumption that you are stocking up on the good deals such as meat and cheese when it is on sale so that these are always staples in your pantry.  For example, chicken is a great price at No Frills 1.49 for boneless skinless chicken breasts.  I bought 8 packages and will be using them for the next month in my meal planning.

Another great week for spices, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee, stock up!!  Also a great deal on avocados .19 cents at Aldi!!

I just want to point out, even *I* don't make every recipe on this email.  I have lots of frozen pizzas in the freezer that I pull out at least once a week and load up with fresh veggies and more cheese.  But even if you get 2 of these meals made a week, it will make a difference!!

Menu Planning for 2-29

Roast Chicken with Basalmic Bell Peppers http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roast-chicken-with-balsamic-bell-peppers-10000001949749/

Alternatives: For Vegetarians omit chicken

Sides: Salad, Mashed Potatoes

Price match ups: All Natural Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 1.88 lb at Fareway, Red Bell Peppers $1 at Bakers, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee,

Broccoli and Rice Casserole (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/broccoli-rice-casseroles-50400000116719/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians omit chicken

Sides: Salad and Buttered Carrots

Price match ups: Broccoli Crowns $0.99/lb. At Aldi, All Natural Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 1.88 lb at Fareway, Red Bell Peppers $1 at Bakers, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee, Fresh Yellow Onions 3 lb bag .86 at Super Saver, Kraft Cheese (shredded, chunk, cuts, cubes) $1.68 at Super Saver (Use $0.50/2 coupon found HERE makes it $1.43 each)

Chicken Milanese (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-milanese-with-spring-greens-10000001981729/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe

Sides: Salad a

Price match ups: All Natural Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 1.88 lb at Fareway, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee,

Enchilada Casserole (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/enchilada-casserole-50400000118573/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians omit beef and add extra veggies

Sides: Spicy Black Beans

Price match ups: 93% Lean Ground Beef $2.67/lb. At Super Saver, Fresh Yellow Onions 3 lb bag .86 at Super Saver, Mission Tortilla Caseras (12 ct.) $1.48 at Bag N Save, , Kraft Cheese (shredded, chunk, cuts, cubes) $1.68 at Super Saver (Use $0.50/2 coupon found HERE makes it $1.43 each)

Cheesy Meatloaf Minis

(http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cheesy-meat-loaf-minis-50400000109591/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe

Sides: Salad and Mac and Cheese

Price match ups: 93% Lean Ground Beef $2.67/lb. At Super Saver, Fresh Yellow Onions 3 lb bag .86 at Super Saver, Hunt's Ketchup 24oz .68 at Hyvee, Kraft Cheese (shredded, chunk, cuts, cubes) $1.68 at Super Saver (Use $0.50/2 coupon found HERE makes it $1.43 each),

Tortilla Pizza (http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/special-dietary-needs/vegetarian/tortilla-pizzas/ )

Alternatives: For Carnivores add your meat of choice

Sides: Rice Side

Price match ups: Mission Tortilla Caseras (12 ct.) $1.48 at Bag N Save, Fresh Yellow Onions 3 lb bag .86 at Super Saver, Kraft Cheese (shredded, chunk, cuts, cubes) $1.68 at Super Saver (Use $0.50/2 coupon found HERE makes it $1.43 each)

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin (http://www.macaroniandcheesecake.com/2009/08/sweet-spicy-pork-tenderloin.html )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe

Sides: Salad and Mac N Cheese

Price match ups: Farmland Whole Boneless Pork Loin $1.86/lb. At Super Saver, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee

Avocado Pesto Pasta (http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/avocado-pesto-pasta/ )

Alternatives: For Carnivores add your meat of choice

Sides: Salad and Garlic Breed

Price match ups: Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee

Sides Price match ups:

Salad: Dole Classic iceberg or coleslaw bags .99 at Hyvee or Iceberg Lettuce $0.88 ea. At Bakers

Buttered Carrots:  Buttered Carrots: Bring 1 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add 2 cups thinly sliced carrots. Reduce heat; simmer 6 minutes or until tender. Drain; return to pan. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter, 2 teaspoons chopped parsley, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; stir until butter melts. Serves 4 (serving size: ½ cup). CALORIES 51; FAT3g (sat 1.9g); SODIUM 148mg Baby Carrots (16 oz.) $0.98 at Hyvee, Country Crock Spread (45 oz.) $2.97 at Hyvee (use $1/1 coupon found HERE Final cost $1.97!)

Spicy Black Beans: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons canola oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add 1 cup chopped red bell pepper and 1 minced jalapeño pepper; sauté 4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed and drained organic no-salt-added black beans. Cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro. Red Bell Peppers $1 at Bakers, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee,

Mac and Cheese: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese SV .50 At Bag N Save

Steamed Veggies: Birds Eye Vegetables $0.99 at Bag N Save (use $1/3 Printable (click on scissors) makes it 1.97 when you buy 3 or .65 each)