I'm not very good at planning meals ahead of time, unless it's a recipe that I really want to try. I love the process of putting together something delicious from whatever is in the refrigerator and cupboards but I usually dream that up a few hours before the meal. This week I found myself with a very busy schedule and five nights that I would actually be at home for dinner. I decided to plan out which meals we would eat during the week. From my menu plan, I made a list and bought groceries. We live really close to the co-op where I do our shopping so it is not unusual for me to stop in there to pick things up as I need them, but not this week. It's kind of fun to have a plan and a menu on the chalk board.
Maybe this is really obvious to you. Do you plan your meals ahead of time or wing it? Which do you prefer?
I so much prefer planning, and I'm much happier when I get that done on the weekend for the following week. Now, it doesn't always happen that way, but it is a huge stress-reliever when it does.
ReplyDeleteI tend to wing it. Sometimes I plan a day ahead (sometimes even 3 days if there's so many amazing ideas bouncing around in my head that I don't know what to do with them all at once!) I'm trying to get better about planning a few days in advance so that I can thaw stock and meat cuts ahead of time. Also, living 20 miles out of town, I just keep an always-stocked pantry rather than run out to the store...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts! I definitely think that having a well stocked pantry helps both with planning and last minute meals. It is so satisfying to be able to make a great meal with food that is on your shelves.
ReplyDeleteI'm a planner, by force, not habit. It's just too stressful and crazy for me to wing it on a regular basis. But I do keep certain things around all the time, so that I can tweak/combine recipes pretty regularly: lemons, limes, cilantro, parsley, ginger, onions, scallions, shallots, garlic, canned tomatoes, coconut milk, lots of nuts & seeds, etc... Looks like a good week for you, Anna! XO
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