Monday Meals

So, I have noticed that more of my friends who blog have started planning and posting the meals they are going to make. My mom always planned meals for the month when I was growing up, so when I started cooking for myself in college, it was only natural for me to start planning out meals as well. I started when I was around 20, but completely committed to it once we got married. It's funny, because that's one of the biggest tips in the economy right now for saving money; planning meals and shopping accordingly. I've been doing it for years! I actually plan every 2 weeks, since that's about how often I grocery shop right now. I often have to go once a week though, because I eat all of my fresh fruits and veggies so fast! I then put the meals on my whiteboard calendar on the fridge. I don't always cook the exact meal that I have planned for that day, but I have food for 2 weeks worth of meals and can change my mind if I want. I use a lot of recipes from Rachel Ray and my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. I check out cookbooks at the library on a regular basis, so I'm always trying new ideas. I try to use organic versions of everything. I also don't really cook with beef, pork or anything but boneless, skinless white meat chicken or ground turkey. I'm trying to limit our overall meat intake and make vegetarian recipes more often than not. I usually serve a side dish of a spinach salad or some kind of steamed veggie. I'm trying to find new, tasty ways to cook fresh veggies. My mom was/is the queen of heating up frozen veggies and serving as is, which is fine, but I'm trying to branch out. So, here's what I planned before I went to the store this past Saturday:

Saturday: Vegetarian Chili (new recipe) (I used stock, not beer and left out the green pepper)
Sunday: Whole wheat pasta with homemade pesto sauce
Monday: Smoky Shepherd's Pie (I leave out the celery)
Tuesday: leftovers (Nelson has an evening program with dinner, so I'm not going to cook!)
Wednesday: Green Curry Chicken over coconut brown rice (couldn't find the recipe online, but it's a stir fry of chicken, peas, broccoli, onions, peppers, flavored with ginger and coconut milk)
Thursday: (out) BBQ at Nelson's dad's house
Friday: Spinach Manicotti (new recipe)

Saturday: (out) At Joel and Sarah's and then Mom and Dad's for Halloween
Sunday: Chicken with Black Beans and Rice (new)
Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: Garlic Shrimp Pasta (totally fattening, too much butter and parmesan, but sooo good)
Wednesday: Chicken with Creamy Dijon Sauce (new, from some random cookbook, couldn't find the recipe online) along with some wild rice and veggies
Thursday: Cheesy Pasta (from the same cookbook)
Friday: (out) We'll be down in Oregon for Kalaya's 6 month check up, so probably Red Robin, it's right near the dr's office.

I bought green beans, spinach and broccoli, so those will show up. I already have some recipes ready to try next week, I checked out another Rachel cookbook at the library and have been looking things up online. Now I'm hungry from typing this!!