Too Hot to Cook (June’s Meal Plan)

Jun 3, 2013 | 6 comments

It’s been a few months since I’ve written a Meal Plan post. Based on the success of my recent monthly WinCo trips, I’ve had enough foods in the freezer and pantry to not have to buy too much. So I’ve been winging it; making what I can find. Occasionally, I’ve put together some meals like this hearty chicken and pasta dinner.

Grilled chicken, pasta, tomatoes and garlic bread

Chicken & Pasta

I always keep frozen salmon filets in the freezer. Last month, I bought a 5 lb. bag of chicken breasts (admittedly not from WinCo). Sure, it cost nearly $17, but with 20 breasts, that’s less than $1/piece.

So my Plan for June is to eat more chicken. I don’t have an entire month of menus planned out. But I have my Aroma Rice Cooker. And I have a plan.

Again with the savings I find at WinCo, I’ll supplement what I already have and make some wonderful meals. My goal is to make some scrumptious dishes without having to cook too much in the summer heat. Some of the meals I’ll make more than once because they’re easy and delicious.

Not only do I want to save money, I want to eat better. My eczema has been rapidly improving as I now have prescription-strength ointment and have been eating less fast foods which, I’ve discovered, can significantly induce a flare up. So, for the health of my body and my wallet, June will be a Home-Cooked Meal Month.

Here’s my tentative meal plan (each meal is followed by how many days we can eat from one preparation by how many times I’ll make it for a total amount of dinner days):

  • Chicken and Pasta (as pictured above), 2 x 2 = 4
  • Steamed Chicken and Rice, 1 x 4 = 4
  • Slow Cooker Chicken & Kraut, 3 x 2 = 6
  • Steamed Salmon and Rice, 1 x 4 = 4
  • Spaghetti with sauce and garlic toast, 2 x 2 = 4
  • Baked Frittata (usually a weekend meal for brunch as well), 2 x 2 = 4

That leaves four days with no menu plan. We like to keep a few “open” days on the calendar. We’ll eat at least twice at my Mom’s house, or order a pizza on Pay Day, or just not feel like eating. I know, pizza. But it’s not regular fast food. And if I only eat it once a month, I should be okay…

With this great plan, I already have the main components. My grocery list is just the sauerkraut, cream of chicken soups, and frittata ingredients. I’ll include a cheap dessert like Jell-O and Cool Whip, pudding, or a few of Dot’s favorite cookies. We always keep ice cream in the freezer; especially in the summer.

It’s my goal to spend less than $100 this month, including the cat food, litter, and household needs. At a regular grocery store this would be nearly impossible. But, as I so often like to say, “WinCo Wins!”

*Cheater Meal: We did treat ourselves to Red Robin yesterday since I won a gift card from work.

Avacado and Chicken Salad at Red Robin

Ava-Cobb-O Salad at Red Robin

Note, I ate the A-va-Cobb-O and Chicken salad.

So, as I also like to say, “Happy Eating!”

What’s on your plate?

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

You may also enjoy reading:
WinCo Wins
WinCo Wins: Lunch for a Dollar!
My Bento Box: Part I
How To Eat For Free And Have Fun Doing It (Or, How Printing Coupons Gave Me a Really Great Weekend!)
My February Meal Plan

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How to Be a Wine Snob Without Even Trying

Jan 19, 2012

I want to be a Wine Snob. I want to be able to tell from the color and aroma in my glass that it’s going to be good or bad. I want to know right away which bottle to serve with my chicken, my fish, or my aperitifs.

But wine is expensive. Usually. So I’ve learned a few tricks to develop a taste for good wines. This won’t do if you’re in a hurry to learn about wine. And by no means is this the only, or even the best way, to learn. But for myself, I’ve enjoyed taking this route.

First, I allow myself a small wine budget. Originally it started out at about $10 or $15/month. It’s not much, but remember: you’re not a Wine Snob yet. Find a flavor you are interested in, and give it a try. Once you find a flavor you like, then buy a more expensive label.

Second, find a store in the area that caters to wine drinkers. They have informative cards that detail information about the kind of information you’re looking for: where and when it’s made, what foods it pairs with, what to expect from its taste and aroma. Some regular stores are starting to do this; but you can also find local wine tasting shops that offer the information.

Third, it’s always fun to schedule a wine tasting at a local wine shop or even a winery if you live close enough. For a very nominal fee, they offer information and a great afternoon experience.

I’d like to get a book like “Wine Tasting for Dummies” or something similar. There are plenty of books that assume you already know the language. Find something easy and introductory. It’s not only informative, it’s fun!

Ask your friends what they like. Ask your waiter what he recommends. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll come across some flavors you don’t care for. I recently discovered that I prefer a lighter wine than the full bodied Syrah. You’ll find ones that will always be your favorite.

What tips do you have for becoming a wine snob?

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

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