A lot of friends ask why my husband and I cook so much, and how do we have the time to cook every night.  It's easy - we do a lot of meal and menu planning.  Not only do we both love to cook, we (unlike most Americans) find cooking to be very relaxing after a hectic day.

Here's what we do that has helped us to keep food expenses down, and keep ourselves healthy:  First - we take a look at our calendars to see what the schedule is for the coming week.  We decide what nights need to be a quicker meal, or leftovers, and what nights we can spend a little more time on a nice meal.

• We do our calendar and menu / meal planning on Sunday morning, and do our grocery shopping on Sunday afternoon.  We like shopping on Sundays - fewer kids in the stores, and the stores have re-stocked.  We also clip the coupons on Sunday morning!
• In planning our week, we almost always cook something big on Sunday, so there is plenty left for Monday.  Yes "leftovers."  But when you start with a great meal, the leftovers are good!  Sunday night's steak becomes Monday's steak salad, or beef stroghanoff.  Also - no matter how Monday may go - we don't have to think about dinner.
• Tuesday is always fish or seafood night - just because we like it.
• Friday night is generally the only night we do take out.  We have probably had a tiring week - and neither of us wants to cook.
• Saturday is most always a fun "let's cook a new recipe together" night.  We will find a recipe and spend time making a great meal and drinking a really nice wine as an in-home date night.

What can you gain from a little menu and meal planning:

• MONEY:  By planning your menu and your shopping list from the menu, you are only buying what is on your list and this can be very cost effective at the market.
• HEALTH:  By making your own dinners, you can dramatically cut calories and portions that you would be eating in a restaurant or from take out.
• FUN:  make dinner with your family!  Get everyone involved!  Kids are more likely to eat the foods that they helped to make.

At Your Service is happy to help you and your family take the stress out of meal planning - it's easy - just give us a call!