10 ideas for easier meal planning

Two nights ago you wanted to cook dinner, but there was no food in the house. Last night you were exhausted from the day’s activities. Today you forgot cheese at the supermarket, which ruined your plans to make tacos. So you called out for pizza, picked up Chinese food or dropped a hundred bucks on Mexican. Many families want to eat out less to save money. Some would like to dine at home as a family more often. Others need to reduce the fast food and snacks in their diets.

Meal planning and preparation takes time and effort, which is difficult in a hectic schedule. There’s no easy answer beyond hiring a chef. But getting more organized can help you meet more of your family’s goals. Here are 10 ideas to get you started.

1. Get your recipes together in one place. Use your computer or a stack of index cards. You probably have more favorite recipes than you think.

2. Try new things. Add a new recipe to your collection. Trying new things will keep you motivated by making cooking more fun.

3. Put a family member in charge. Your son might get a kick out of learning to make Sloppy Joe’s or get your husband involved – heck, it’s barbecue season!

4. Pick one day of the week to shop and stick to it. Eventually you’ll find yourself heading out to the store automatically, bypassing indecision, saving time and reducing stress.

5. Make double batches. Make extra chili, enchiladas or spaghetti sauce. If there’s no time to cook, nothing is better than discovering homemade lasagna in the freezer. Add a salad, garlic bread and a glass of wine and you’ve made a wonderful dinner.

6. Use leftovers. If it was good last night, it will be great for lunch today.

7. Leave one day a week unplanned. Maybe you’ll get a surprise invitation or maybe you can’t stomach franks and beans on their designated night. A meal plan doesn’t have to be set in stone.

8. Make a list before shopping. While you’re writing it, check your pantry. One common failure in kitchens is overflowing cabinets because people buy items they don’t need. (If this sounds familiar, get thee to the Food Pantry. They need your contribution.)

9. Use what you have and buy more when you need it. Some people like to buy in bulk. But if your storage space is in the basement or garage you might forget what you have. Managing expiration dates adds unnecessary complications to meal planning.

10. Make up your own recipes with leftover ingredients. Use up the celery, peppers and that little piece of chicken remaining in your fridge at the end of the week. Add rice, frozen corn or diced tomatoes. Spice with cumin or add cheese on top. You might create a new classic recipe, and it helps clean out the fridge.

Ginny Gassman is a professional organizer and owner of Tidy Cove, LLC – Professional Organizing in Center Harbor. She can be reached at 707-0591 or www.tidycove.com.