This idea started in the 80's
and transitioned to this point in approximately 1990. I was frustrated with meal
planning, lack of support (aka complaints) and managing food costs. I
literally scribbled out the first draft of "A Month of Menus" on a
blank calendar page. No duplicate main dishes for 30-days--wouldn't
that be any family's dream (or at least the cook in the family)? Over
the years, the look of this document has changed, mostly as technology
progressed. This was added to PC format (complete with graphics and
more-pleasant-than-courier fonts). This jpeg graphic version has been the
"standard" for a few years now. You may be able to right click on the
menu graphic file, choose "save picture as", name the file and it
will be available for the future. (It is available in pdf format for
those of you who desire--please send a message from this blog, include your
e-mail address so I can reply with the pdf file.)
Keep in mind that this was about 30 years ago. This is what my
family of 6 ate for dinner. We did go out to eat one or two times per
month. I mixed and matched, took reasonable requests and generally, had a
healthy, well-fed family. I cooked from scratch, including homemade
mixes from Make-A-Mix Cookery (Karine
Eliason is one of the authors). I got my copy in 1978--STILL love and use
it. (Check used book sellers, Amazon, eBay, etc.) The mixes allowed
me to combine ingredients ONCE and save time. I also LOVED that I knew
exactly what was in it with NO PRESERVATIVES. I purchased large plastic
containers with secure lids (air tight preferred) and stored them in an 18 cu ft upright
freezer. Today, I would probably use use gallon zipper bags, carefully
marked with a large permanent marker before filling instead of the expense of
the containers & lids. These mixes really did save time and $$.
Some became family favorites.
There will probably be some items that won't work
for your situation. That is why I encourage you to mix & match, be creative,
find & include what WILL work for you. Food should be tasty,
nutritious, enjoyable & fun! I hope this will help make your meals
pleasant, strengthen family ties, create memories and build relationships.
