How do you figure out how to meal plan? - Page 4

[jayayenay]

Originally Posted by courtenay_e

Get yourself a book called "The New Best Recipe" by the editors of Cooks illustrated. Last time I checked, you could get it off of Amazon for $14.95, and it included a free copy of the magazine, too (and the magazine is as awesome as the cook book...). The editors of cooks illustrated take great pains to honestly figure out what makes a recipe great, and then they tell you exactly how they came to that particular recipe and WHY certain things work the way they do...so this is the part you can bring to your other cooking.

I just have to say THANK YOU for posting this recommendation! I checked it out from the library and have made SUCH delicious food over the past 2 weeks! Dh is happy I've stopped "trying to make healthy food"....not that I can't find healthy things to make from that book, but a good number of my other cookbooks have recipes that are "healthy" but mostly not so good...even if I modify them to make them a bit more palatable. I have a feeling I'll be getting this cookbook as a holiday gift!

Now to get started on the meal planning!

[CorbinsMama]

Originally Posted by damselfly41

Here's a link to the recipe....

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/re...s/views/234120

I have never had fondue before, but I thought this might be a good way for the kids to eat their veggies! I'm gonna make it tomorrow (if the Guiness will last that long, lol!). I love Guiness. I even "splurged" a little on good dijon mustard.

I made this last Wednesday and it was sooo good!!!! I have a tip to offer: I didn't have any apple juice concentrate so I used some maple syrup. It was perfect!

[damselfly41]

I like the maple syrup idea.
I loved it, but I thought it had too much flour or something, because it was a bit... grainy is the only word I can think of. There were no lumps or anything, but... I don't know. Dh asked me to not make it anymore.

[CorbinsMama]

Originally Posted by damselfly41

I like the maple syrup idea.
I loved it, but I thought it had too much flour or something, because it was a bit... grainy is the only word I can think of. There were no lumps or anything, but... I don't know. Dh asked me to not make it anymore.

I wouldn't say mine was grainy, but sure was thick! It's probably a combo of the flour and the sharp cheese. We loved it. You can come have it at my house.

[damselfly41]

Originally Posted by CorbinsMama

You can come have it at my house.

Awww, thanks!!!

I will try it again sometime, I think. Dh is gone most nights at dinner time, anyway. I just love Guiness. And Brussels sprouts. And cheese...

[dvons]

Originally Posted by courtenay_e

Get yourself a book called "The New Best Recipe" by the editors of Cooks illustrated. Last time I checked, you could get it off of Amazon for $14.95, and it included a free copy of the magazine, too (and the magazine is as awesome as the cook book...). The editors of cooks illustrated take great pains to honestly figure out what makes a recipe great, and then they tell you exactly how they came to that particular recipe and WHY certain things work the way they do...so this is the part you can bring to your other cooking.

I have to quote this because I LOVE this book. I have the original edition which is FAB! They also have another one I use all the time called "Cover and Bake". It is all one dish meals!

[courtenay_e]

Originally Posted by jayayenay

I just have to say THANK YOU for posting this recommendation! I checked it out from the library and have made SUCH delicious food over the past 2 weeks! Dh is happy I've stopped "trying to make healthy food"....not that I can't find healthy things to make from that book, but a good number of my other cookbooks have recipes that are "healthy" but mostly not so good...even if I modify them to make them a bit more palatable. I have a feeling I'll be getting this cookbook as a holiday gift!

Now to get started on the meal planning!

No problem! It's one of my favorites! They have an entire series (including aforementioned Cover and Bake) of books that I just love. My most recent favorite is their book called "the Quick Recipe". The baking ones are fab, and, well, I've never made anything out of them that anybody has turned their nose up at yet...and my fallback fave is ALWAYS the New Best Recipes. Gifting hints...they have their books at 40% off on their website for Christmas...


Oh, try their pork loin roast. I LOVE it. I make the au jus into gravey and serve it over mashed potatoes, with peas and apple sauce. Yum. And their beef noodle soup? TO DIE FOR...especially with my free range organic beef... THey also have the BEST pancake recipe I've ever eaten. And I've had a lot of pancakes. Even my kids like it, and for THEM we make it with rice milk and egg replacer...the combination of which has been known to ruin some really good breakfast recipes!

anyway, enjoy. I'm glad to share.

[courtenay_e]

Originally Posted by serenetabbie

Wow Courtenay_e, a whole plan named for you!

Re the seeds; you are so sweet to think of me Although, I just noticed you posted that and now it is Nov!

Yuh. My husband was impressed. Like, "you're giving that out for free?! You should be charging for that" impressed. I was more looking for, "hey, that's kinda cool" impressed, but I suppose beggars can't be choosers...

And as for the seeds, it's probably too late, but I DO still have your addy, you still want the seeds?

[courtenay_e]

Originally Posted by shelleyd

Want to share your recipe for Irish cheddar and stout fondue? I love fondue and dh loves guiness.

I've been doing the courtenay_e plan now since July and I love it. We eat good healthy new things all the time, spend less on groceries, and I'm less stressed. Now my sister may be starting too.


Shelley

Shelley, I'm so glad it's working out! I like to hear that I've been helpful. I think it's the doula in me, but if it means that a mama gets to spend happier quality time with her babe, life is good!

[shelleyd]

I really don't know how we did it before the courtenay plan! We save time and money now. It's great.

Shelley

[3happygirls]

Bumpity. and subbing!!! Frozen pizza for dinner tonight. Help!

[DucetteMama21842]

Well I am subbing and jumping on the bandwagon. I am starting the courtnay_e plan and going organic as my new years resolution. This is going to be awesome!!

[courtenay_e]

Well, crap. I've fallen off of my own bandwagon...better go plan! I need to do a HUGE shopping to feed my pantry. Have been feeding the freezer w/hams and turkeys, as it's the holiday season and they are CHEAP. Have pork loin, too. Really, I have no excuses! Time to go to work...

[courtenay_e]

Okay. NOW. I've planned the next eight weeks, made a shopping list for staples, and feel much better.

[DucetteMama21842]

[courtenay_e]

:

[wife&mommy]

I am subbing here too.. I have a 5 week rotating plan, but even with 5 weeks worth of meals I'm still getting bored with it!

[trini]

subbing

[wife&mommy]

Anyone have any more suggestions? I am in a food rut lately!

[courtenay_e]

wife and mommy, did you look at the first page? I think I'm the fourth or fifth post...somewhere around there. I describe how I keep myself out of that rut. It is sooo nice to come back to a favorite meal, 'cause it's likely that we haven't been there for six to eight weeks, easily, most likely longer.