Mum stuff | Menu planning

I have been following blogs for a while that discuss menu planning, but had never really tried it myself. Honestly, it just smacked of effort.  This week, I had no choice. My hubby has been away for work and I had to get organised. With two children and working full time, I just didn't have time to think about what to cook every day.  On Sunday, the kids went to the movies with their grandparents, and while they were gone I sat down and wrote out a menu plan that incorporated items I already had in the pantry and freezer. Then I hit the shops, and shopped to my menu, not a shopping list. OMG! The total bill was only $85! I was amazed. I new exactly what I wanted, so my shopping time was cut in half too.  For that $85, I have been able to plan tasty and variety packed breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for 2 adults and 2 children. Yes, there was fresh meat and fruit and vege in my trolley. I don't expect my shopping bill to be that low every time, but its a start. I'll let you know how I go next week.  I've placed a copy of the menu on our fridge so we know exactly what the plan is and there's less chance of deviation.

Notes on shopping:

• I incorporated the kids favourite foods into the menu. Eme would happily eat pasta every day of her life if I let her! The pasta sauce is loaded with veges too, so the daily requirements are met. Seth loves pizza. Pepperoni pizza to be exact. I purchased 8 slices of pepperoni from the deli, which cost only $0.25. If you buy it prepacked, its usually about $4. Huge saving!
• I made enough zucchini slice and risotto to do more than one meal.  I've containerised (is that a word?) it up and put it in the fridge for leftover lunch. Love leftovers! It always tastes better the next day. When I make the bolognaise tomorrow, there will be leftovers from that too.
• I purchased the chicken wings from the deli instead of prepacked, and saved myself $6 a kilo! You could marinate them, but the kids like them plain. No spices for their little tongues. Eme thinks tomato sauce is spicy sometimes...lord help me.
• I made cheese and vegemite scrolls. I normally pick one up for the kids from Bakers Delight. For the same price as one, I was able to bake 12 using ingredients I already had in the pantry. Make time to bake because you will save a fortune! Not only that, I know exactly what's in it.

• Coles now sells 2L of milk for $2. I'm sorry Dairy Farmers, you just can't compete with that price!
• I no longer buy into the "3 for $xx" mentality. If I don't need 3, I don't buy 3. Its false economy people. My only exception is a great deal on bread. We go through a couple of loaves a week, so I buy 2 and stick one in the freezer. Then I don't have to go back to the shops during the week.
• I am willing to try alternative brands. Some items are less than half the price of the big name brands. If the product sucks, at least I've tried it. However, I haven't been disappointed yet.

Enough ranting...I'll leave you with a recipe...

Recipe | Lisa's Zucchini Slice
This is a meal that my mum used to make us occasionally as a departure from the usual meat and three veg. Mum's recipe called for a cup of vegetable oil, but I've eliminated that completely. The eggs make the slice moist enough without the oil.

You will need:
3 zucchini grated
3 carrots grated
1 medium onion finely diced
250g diced bacon or ham
1 cup grated cheese
5 eggs
1 cup self raising flour
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 180C.
2. Add all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
3. Pour mixture into a large baking tray, making sure mixture is spread evenly across tray
4. Pop it into the oven for approximately 40 minutes.
5. Serve hot or cold. Great with a side salad or by itself.

NB. If your kids don't like zucchini, tell them its cheesy bacon pie and they will gobble it up!

Cheers, Lis.