I don't know when this crazy obsession for meal planning started, but one thing I do know is that it has worked for us the past ten years and it's about time I share my tips and tricks!


First things first, it’s all about the planning! I take my “menu ideas” list {the link is found on the sidebar to your right}, and plan out my entire month in advance on our calendar in the kitchen. What works best for us is the following:


Sundays = a nice meal

Mondays = chicken

Tuesdays = soup/pasta

Wednesdays = beef

Thursdays = fish

Fridays = Date Nights {i.e. no cooking}!

Saturdays = misc

This way we rotate meals so we aren’t stuck in a rut. I then take my “grocery list” {the link is found on the sidebar to your right} and make my shopping list for the next 2 weeks. Remember, initially this takes more time in the beginning, but then your entire month is planned and you won’t have to figure out what’s for dinner plus I promise it saves money on your grocery bill!

February 12, 2009

Manicotti
























12 large manicotti shells

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 tbls dried basil

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1/2 cup parmesan cheese


Cook manicotti according to directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. In a bowl mix 3 cups of mozzarella with ricotta and basil. Carefully stuff pasta shells with mixture. Spray 13x9 pan with cooking spray. Cover bottom of pan with 2 cups of spaghetti sauce. Arrange pasta in pan. Pour remaining sauce over manicotti, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, then bake for another 10 minutes.

Posted by at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)