Monthly Menu: May

Bread Entrees
deep dish pizza
hoagie sandwiches

Breakfast Entrees
waffles
egg in a hole

Mexican Entrees
spicy bean and rice burritos
taco bar (taco toppings and different taco shells)

Chicken/Turkey Entrees
Chicken Pot-Pie
turkey steaks
frozen hot wings
chicken microwave dish

Beef /Pork/ Fish Entrees 
Salmon
Hotdogs
Battered Shrimp
Costco Meatballs
tri tip steaks and steamed artichokes
hamburgers
grilled sausages

Pasta Entrees
homemade mac and cheese
grilled shrimp and gnocchi
spaghetti and itallian sausage

Asian Entrees
potstickers
korean beef bbq

 Soup
taco soup

Monthly Menu: February

Bread Entrees
Pizza
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Sub Sandwiches


Breakfast Entrees
Belgian Waffles
Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Hash-browns
Breakfast Burritos

Mexican Entrees
Taco Wontons
Quesadillas

Chicken Entrees
Chicken with Cornbread
Chicken Microwave Dish
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Beef /Pork/ Fish Entrees 
Chipotle Sausages with Crab Salad
Costco Meatballs in BBQ sauce
Fish and Chips
Best Pot Roast Ever

Pasta Entrees
Pasta Carbonara
Cheese Stuffed Shells
Fettuccine Alfredo

Asian Entrees
Thai red curry
Tiki Masala
Orange Thai Beef Skewers

Soups
Chili
Potato Cheese Soup
Lobster Bisque (costco)
Curried Split Pea Soup

Monthly Menu: January

Bread Entrees
Pizza
Ham and Cheese Turnovers

Breakfast Entrees
Pancakes
Eggs Baked in Ham Cups


Mexican Entrees
Jerk Chicken Nachos 
Tacos

Chicken Entrees
Chicken with Cornbread
Southwest style fried wings
Chicken Microwave Dish

Beef /Pork/ Fish Entrees 
Sweet and Spicy Asian Pork Shoulder
Ribeye and Crab Legs

Pulled pork bbq sandwiches
Brazilian Feijoada
Hotdogs
Fish and Chips

Pasta Entrees
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Spaghetti with Bacon Meatballs
Linguini with almond pesto 
Frozen Tortellini


Rice Entree 
Thai red curry
Indonesian Rice

Soups
Clam Chowder
Zuppa Toscanna
Roasted red paper and Tomato Soup (boxed from costco)
Zucchini Soup

Monthly Menu: November

Bread/Starch Entrees

Avocado Mozzarella Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Pirozhki

Homemade Pizza

Asian Entree's

Asian Meatballs and Brown Fried Rice

Authentic Egg Rolls

Crock Pot Orange Chicken

Frozen Potstickers 

Breakfast Entrees

French Toast
Quiche

Beef /Pork/Turkey Entrees

Hamburgers 
Pan Seared Lamb and Couscous


Seafood
Salmon Tacos
Basa Fillets

Chicken Entrees 

Creole Chicken Wraps
Uncle Bubba's Wings

Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Pasta Entrees
Spin-Art Pasta
RIGATONI CHORIZO & CHICKEN AL FORNO

Soups

Cheesy Potato Soup

Clam Chowder

Spicy Chicken Stew 

Holiday Dinner:

Big Fat Thanksgiving Dinner

Plus a few leftover nights

Monthly Menu: September

Bread Entrees
Grilled Pizza
Costco Pizza
BLT's on Focaccia
Pirozhki

Mexican Entree's
Tostadas

Breakfast Entrees
Blender Wheat Pancakes
French Toast
Bacon 'n' Cheese Strata

Beef /Pork/Turkey Entrees
Hot Dogs
Baltimore Beef Bad Boy with Grilled Romaine
Turkey Steaks
Not So Sloppy Joes
Grilled Sausage with Spicy Sauce

Chicken Entrees
BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Chicken Nuggets
Chinese Chicken Burgers

Fish Entrees
Shrimp and Grits
Salmon
Surimi Rolls

Pasta Entrees
Beef Stroganof
Potato Varenyky
Penne in Cream Sauce with Sausage


Soups
Curried Split Pea Soup
Chili

Salad
Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing

Monthly Menu:July

Bread Entrees
Homemade Pizza 
Sub Sandwiches
Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls
Navajo Tacos

Mexican Entree's
Tacos with corn tortillas

Breakfast Entrees
Eggs, Bacon Sausage
Waffles

Asian Entrees
Asian BBQ Chicken
Tiki Masala

Beef /Pork Entrees
Hamburgers
Pulled Pork
Hotdogs
French Dip

Chicken Entrees
Costco Rotisserie Chicken
Chicken Sausages (from sunflower market)
Hot wings
Chicken Microwave Dish

Fish Entrees
Fish Tacos

Pasta Entrees
Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter
Chicken Ravioli with Cilantro Pesto
Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Soups 
Sweet White Corn Soup with Poblano Puree
Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Salads
Quinoa Edamame Salad

Monthly Menu: June

Bread Entrees
Homemade Pizza 
Sub Sandwiches
Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls
French Bread Pizza
Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches

Mexican Entree's
Baked Southwest Egg Rolls with Creamy Chipotle Dipping Sauce

Breakfast Entrees
Eggs, Bacon Sausage
Blender Wheat Pancakes
Huevos Rancheros

Asian Entrees
Asian BBQ Chicken

Beef /Pork/ Entrees
Hamburgers
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Corn Dogs

Chicken Entrees
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wraps

Fish Entrees
Salmon with Avocado Dipping Sauce
Ceviche with Hush Puppies

Pasta Entrees
Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter
Three Cheese Macaroni

Soups 
Left Over Frozen Chili
Zucchini Soup 

Salads
Marinated Caprese Salad
Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing 
Fiesta Rice Salad

Monthly Menu: January

Bread Entrees
Homemade Pizza 
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Mexican Entree's
Baked Southwest Egg Rolls with Creamy Chipotle Dipping Sauce
Baked Nachos
Pork Carnitas (with leftover pulled pork)


Breakfast Entrees
Breakfast Burritos
Belgian Waffles
Breakfast Casserole

Asian Entrees
Curry Coconut Chicken
Indonesian Rice

Beef /Pork/ Entrees
Stuffed Cheese Burgers
Pulled Pork
Kielbasa Tin Foil Dinner
Meatballs (from costco) and Rice

Fish Entrees
Blackened Salmon with Avocado Dip
Shrimp

Pasta Entrees
Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Brown Butter Pasta
Cheese Stuffed Shells
Turkey Paprika

Soups 
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chili
Clam Chowder

Monthly Menu: December

Bread Entrees
Frozen Leftover Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls
Homemade Pizza
Navajo Tacos

Breakfast Entrees
Breakfast Burritos
Pancakes

Asian Entrees
Curry Coconut Chicken

Beef /Pork/ Entrees
Chili Dogs
Hot Dogs
Stuffed Cheese Burgers

Fish Entrees
Blackened Salmon with Avocado Dip
Crab Rangoon

Pasta Entrees
Redneck Pasta
Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Cheese Stuffed Shells
Turkey Paprika

Soups 
Corn Chowder
Baked Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Monthly Menu: Novemeber

Bread Entrees
Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls
Homemade Pizza

 Breakfast Entrees
Pumpkin Waffles
Fried Eggs, Bacon, Hash Browns


Mexican Entrees
Tacos

Asian Entrees
Tiki Masala

Chicken
Hot Wings
Microwave Chicken
Orange Chicken

Beef /Pork/ Entrees
Steak

Fish Entrees
Fried Tilapia

Pasta Entrees
Redneck Pasta
Noodles Stroganoff
Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Rice Entree 
Indonesian Rice

Soups 
Clam Chowder
Semolina Dumpling Soup
Bean Soup

Thanksgiving:
Smoked Turkey

Monthly Menu: September

Bread Entrees
Hogie Sandwiches
Homemade Pizza

 Breakfast Entrees
Waffles
Blender Wheat Pancakes

Mexican Entrees
Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tamatillo Chile Salsa
Potato, Eggs and Chorizo Breakfast Burritos

Asian Entrees
Baked Spring Rolls
Asian BBQ Chicken

Chicken
Hot Pepper Wings

Beef /Pork/ Entrees
Hotdogs
Hamburgers
Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy BBQ Pot Roast
Chili Verde

Fish Entrees
Fish Tacos
Chipotle Shrimp with Asparagus

Pasta Entrees
Redneck Pasta
Fettuccine Alfredo
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Three Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Rice Entree 
Curry Coconut Chicken and Rice
Chili Rice Dish

Soups 
Golden Onion Soup
Crock Pot Potato Soup
Frozen Soup

Drinks/Desserts
Sparkling Pineapple Ginger-ale
Chocolate Cannoli Sandwich Cookies

Monthly Menu: August

Because it is summer I have not been cooking as much, so I have been planning less meals!

Breakfast
Crepes
Huevos Rancheros

Bread Entrees
Hogie Sandwiches
Homemade Pizza 
BLT's

Mexican
Tacos

Chicken
Hot Wings
Carolina Shredded Chicken


Beef Entrees
French Dip
Koren Short Ribs
Hot Dogs
New York Steaks

Pork Entrees
Moo Shu Pork
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (made with leftover pork)

Fish Entrees
Fish Tacos
Tilapia
Crab Legs

Pasta Entrees
Chicken and White Cream Pasta 
Pasta Carbanara
Basil Pesto
Lasagna

Soups 
Cool Cucumber Soup with Basil Aioli Potato Wedges
Zucchini Soup

Breakfast, Desserts and Drinks 
Raspberry Lime Ricky
Frozen Blueberry Lemonade
Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Strawberry Breakfast Bundles
Strawberry-Watermelon Slushie

Monthly Menu: July

Since I have not been cooking as much, I planned less meals this month. I found some summer friendly meals too, that I am very excited to try!

Bread Entrees
Hogie Sandwiches
Homemade Pizza


Chicken/Lamb Entrees
Ranch Wings
Roasted Lamb Shanks with Lemon and Herbs
Chicken Lettuce wraps
Costco Rotisserie Chicken


Beef /Pork/ Entrees
BBQ Sausages
Korean BBQ Beef 
Cafe Rio Style Pork Salad 
Hotdogs
Hamburgers
Mustard Beef


Fish Entrees
Salmon 
Crisp Crab Cakes

Pasta Entrees
Chicken and White Cream Pasta 
Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Rice Entree 
Fried Rice 
Sweet and Sour Chicken and Rice

Soups 
Sweet White Corn Soup with Poblano Puree

Monthly Menu: June

Bread Entrees
Hogie Sandwiches
Frozen Homemade Hot Pockets
Homemade Pizza

Breakfast Entrees
Waffles
Breakfast Burritos


Mexican Entrees 
Taco Wantons
Chicken and Corn Empanadas


Chicken/Lamb Entrees
Chicken Roll Ups


Beef /Pork/ Fish Entrees

BBQ Sausages with not Too Sweet Baked Beans
Grilled New York Steaks with Cheese Rolls
Frozen Potstickers

Fish Entrees
Crab Wantons 
Almond Crusted Mahi Mahi with Pan Fried Zucchini

Pasta Entrees
Thai Chicken Sesame Noodles

Soups
Leftover Frozen Soup (Beef Florentine or Clam Chowder)
Zuppa Toscana

Monthly Menu: May

Bread Entrees
Home Made Hot Pockets
Navajo Tacos
Homemade Pizza

Breakfast Entrees
French Toast

Mexican Entrees 
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta: Homemade Taquitos


Chicken/Turkey Entrees
Hot Wings
Jerk Turkey Burgers with Mango Slaw

Beef /Pork/ Fish Entrees

Weinersnitzle with Semolina Dumpling Soup
BBQ Ribs with Yukon Gold Garlic Mash
Italian Sausage with Marinara
Hotdogs

Fish Entrees
Salmon Salad
Crispy Cornmeal Shrimp with Lemon Rice
Salmon Tacos


Pasta Entrees
Thai Chicken Fettuccine 
Triple-Cheese Spirals
Fettuccine Alfredo 


Soups
Miso Soup with Tempura Vegetables
Clam Chowder
Beef Florentine Pasta Soup

Monthly Menu: April

Bread Entrees
Home Made Hot Pockets
Chicken Spiedie Sandwiches
Navajo Tacos

Breakfast Entrees
French Toast
Omelet


Mexican Entrees
Fantastic Fish Tacos 
Good Old Regular Tacos
Chilaquiles

Chicken Entrees
Hot wings
Chicken Roll Ups
Tiny Spicy Chicken


Beef /Pork/ Fish Entrees
Bison Burgers
Weinersnitzle with Semolina Dumpling Soup
Party Special
BBQ Ribs



Pasta Entrees
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Moo Shu Noodles
Thai Chicken Fettuccine 


Rice Entree 
Tiki Masala with Flat Bread
Indonesian Rice


Soups
Miso Soup with Tempura Vegetables
Corn Potato Chowder
Bean Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup

Monthly Menu: March

I pretty much had a crazy month last month, so you can see many of my meal plans are being repeated simply because I did not get to them! There are a few meals that have been lingering from month to month (like the chicken bacon stuffed pizza rolls) that I am hoping to actually get to this month.


Bread Entrees
Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls from Our Best Bite
Pizza
Tri-tip sandwiches

Breakfast Entrees
French toast
Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes

Mexican Entrees
Fantastic Fish Tacos (ward cookbook)
Chorizo, Potato, and Egg Breakfast Burritos 

Chicken Entrees
Hot wings
Microwave Taco Chicken

Beef /Pork/ Fish Entrees
Pork Barbacoa and Tomatillo Dressing
Weinersnitzle with Semolina Dumpling Soup
Party Special
Reuben Sandwiches

Pasta Entrees
Penne a la Carbonara
Lasagna Marinara Rolls
Moo Shu Noodles
Pot-stickers (from Costco)

Rice Entree 
Tiki Masala
Thai Red Curry
Jambalaya 

Soups
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Corn Potato Chowder

Menu Planning: February

Bread Entrees
Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls from Our Best Bite
Ham and Cheese Turnovers

Breakfast Entrees
Pancakes
French toast

Mexican Entrees
Fantastic Fish Tacos (ward cookbook)
Jerk Chicken Nachos
Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas 

Chicken Entrees
Rotisserie Chicken from Costco
Caramelized Onion, Walnut and Cilantro Chicken Salad Sandwich
Sesame Chicken with Chow Mien (fail recipe)
Microwave Taco Chicken

Beef /Pork/ Fish Entrees
Pork Barbacoa and Tomatillo Dressing
Weinersnitzle with Semolina Dumpling Soup
Party Special
Crabby Crab Cakes
Grilled Salmon with Avocado Dip
Not So Sloppy Joes

Pasta Entrees
Penne a la Carbonara
Cilantro Pesto
Lasagna Marinara Rolls
Moo Shu Noodles

Rice Entree 
Tiki Masala
Thai Red Curry

Soups
Quick Black Bean Soup
Corn Chowder
Slow Cooker Chili 

Having a Well Stocked Pantry

When I was first married and was really beginning to cook, I was so lost at to what foods I should have on hand all the time. Seven years later, I have stocked up on the things that I most often use, and I know what produce I need to buy every month.Now, I am ready for most recipes or surprise guest that come my way.

I found this list in the December 2009 Parents magazine. It is a great list to things you should always have on hand in your kitchen. Everyone will be be different, of course, but this is a great starter list.I have added several things to it also, so it should be close to complete.

Cooking Basics

• White flour- and wheat flour too, if you use it
  
• Spices- These are the spices I would recommend: Garlic powder, garlic salt, seasoned salt, celery salt, kosher salt, cumin, cinnamon, ground ginger, onion powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, paprika, curry powder, rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, dill, nutmeg, bay leaves, chili powder, lemon pepper, parsley, black pepper, and white pepper. 
• Chicken broth
• Vinegars: I usually have white, white wine, apple cider, rice wine, malt and red wine vinegars.
• Oils: extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, and sesame seed oil. 
• Soy Sauce: I recommend getting Tamari Sauce, you can find it right next to the soy sauce.
• Garlic and Onions: It says to keep onions and potatoes separate because the gasses make each other soil. Good to know! I always have white or yellow onions and green onions on hand.
• Cornstarch
  
• Cornmeal
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Evaporated Milk
• Heavy whipping cream
• Sour cream
  

Starters and Sides: 

• Instant brown or white rice 
• Bread Crumbs: regular and panko 
• Canned Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili,and refried beans. 
• Canned Pumpkin
• Potatoes
• Pasta- all different types
• Pasta Sauce: I do not use jarred pasta sauce, so I would also suggest having canned tomatoe sauce and tomato paste on hand
• Canned tomatoes: including rotel type tomatoes
  
• Canned green chili's 
• Canned and/or frozen fruits and vegetables: the ones you will use and eat
• sesame seeds

Kid's Snacks  

• Graham crackers
• Peanut Butter
• Popcorn: microwave and regular
  
• Cereal and Granola bars
• Dried fruit*
• Dark Chocolate*
• Baby Snacks*
• I would also add fruits snacks and fish crackers

* I don't know about these things... I don't think they are really that necessary. 

Baking (they totally did not have a baking section, so these are all my ideas)

• Brown sugar
• granulated sugar
• chocolate chips: all kinds
• vanilla
• shortening
• different types of nuts
• baking powder
• baking soda
• marshmallows
  
• powdered sugar
• baking chocolate
• yeast
• molassas
• karo syrup
  

Last Minute Entertaining 

• Crackers
• Salsa
• Tortilla Chips
  
• Black Olives
• Vanilla ice cream
  
• Cool whip or whipping cream
• Brownie Mix
• Cake Mix
  

Of course there are some things missing on the lists, but this gives you some ideas of things to stock your fridge and pantry to be prepared to anyone, or any recipe that comes your way!

Menu Planning: January

Sometimes (okay every month) I don't quite get through all the meals I had planned. This is great because I just recycle them for the next month. So, if you see repeated recipes that is why. If you are actually following my monthly menus it probably isn't a big deal since most people repeat recipes month to month anyway!

This month I am splitting the meals up by type. If you remember from this post, I like to mix up my dinners by week so I am not having the same type of dinners. 

Bread Entrees
Pizza
Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls from Our Best Bite
Bacon Cheese and Tomato Crescents
Meatball Heroes

Breakfast Entrees
Pancakes
French toast
Crepes
Waffles

Mexican Entrees
Chimichangas
Fantastic Fish Tacos (ward cookbook recipe)
Jerk Chicken Nachos (ward cookbook recipe)

Chicken Entrees
Chicken with Cornbread
Southern Fried Chicken 

Beef /Pork/ Fish Entrees
Samburgers from Our Best Bites
Weinersnitzle with Semolina Dumpling Soup
Haddock Casserole
Corn dogs (ward cookbook recipe)


Pasta Entrees
Moo Shu Noodles from My Kitchen Cafe
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Stuffed Manicotti
Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage


Rice Entree 
Tortilla Rice Dish
Salt and Pepper Shrimp with Thai Fried Rice

Soups
Clam Chowder
Zuppa Toscanna