End-of-Month Redo
In Between the Cooking Rotations
Typically a four-week menu will last 5-6 weeks as the events of life unfold - a last -minute dinner invitation, more leftovers than expected, a party or other event that takes the place of your planned meal. Oftentimes I will have to switch meals around to accommodate some of these events and/or the time I will have for the final preparation of the meal. Know that the calendar is a guide and is flexible. Make it work for you.
As my freezer empties and the meals are crossed off of my calendar (I keep a marker nearby to cross off the meals we eat) I start looking at my house calendar to identify the next possible day I have for cooking. I will calendar my cooking day so it's protected and it happens.
Next, I take inventory of my freezer and pantry/cupboards. What meals are left? I then will start just a simple list as in the photo at the right. I list the days of the week by first initial from the current day until my cooking day. With my house/family calendar at hand to identify events to work around (game practices, lessons, late work nights, parties, etc.) I reassign the meals to the list. If I need more meals then I peruse the pantry to see what can fill in with. If need be I'll pick up a few extra items for some favorite dishes to help bridge the gap until cooking day.
