Menu Planning or Pantry Stocking?

I've had several inquiries as to what my menu plans look like...so here goes:

Growing In His Glory ~ Menu Plan

Yep, that's it...that's as far as I really ever get...a pretty menu...with nothing entered on it!  Seriously, I have purchased a ton of cute little menu/grocery planner items, and they just don't work for me!  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the idea of menu planning, I seriously just never stick to it! 

One thing I have done is write out a list of meals that I frequently serve, and then have used that to help me pick a meal based on the ingredients I have...but it's not really the same as menu planning!

Last week I read an article on Pantry Stocking.  The basic concept is that you stock your pantry with the basic ingredients that you use all of the time, and then plan your meals according to your time, energy, and palate.  This is definitely more like how I "plan" our meals!

One thing that I have done in the past that I absolutely loved, and it worked for our family for a long time is: 

Six O'Clock Scramble

This cookbook has 5 seasonal recipes per week, that take 30 minutes or less to cook!  Her website has a Grocery List section where you can print off your grocery list for the week, and cross off what you already have on hand. {Each item has a number code that coordinates with the meal the ingredient is for...if you are not having that particular meal, cross it off!} Plus, the list includes ingredients for her suggested sides!

I don't use this on a regular basis now, but it does come in handy when I am having a busy season in my life! Of course we have to double every recipe to feed all of us!!!

I'd love to get some feedback on how others do their meal planning...I'm always looking for ways to improve!

Thanks for stopping by!  Be Refreshed!

Check Out These Buns...{Recipe}

For years I had looked for a good bun recipe...hamburger, hot dog, sandwich roll type of buns...a few years ago, I came across these:

I wish I could remember where I found the recipe {if someone sees this recipe somewhere else, please let me know and I will post credit}!

These buns are 100% whole wheat, and so fluffy!  I think the secret is in the eggs!  Plus, they only take about 35 minutes start to finish to cook, so you can throw a batch of these in, and finish cooking the rest of your meal to go with it!  Shape them however you like!

Here's the recipe:

3 1/2 cups warm water

1 cup oil

1/2 cup honey

6 Tbs. dry yeast

1 Tbs. salt

3 eggs

12 cups flour (a bit less if using white flour, I'd say 10 1/2 cups)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

If not using a Bosch, mix water, oil, honey, and yeast...let sit until bubbly.  Add remaining ingredients. Mix, then knead 5 minutes. 

Roll out to 1/2 thick and cut into buns. {I use an Illy coffee can, but you could use a water glass, wide mouth mason jar, get creative!}  If you want to shape them for sandwich rolls, or hot dog buns, simply roll your dough into a shape and place on pan.

Let rise for 10 minutes or until desired fluffiness.

Bake for 10 minutes.  Enjoy!!!

I usually get about 24 buns out of this recipe, so you could easily make a double batch and freeze some for Barbecue Season!  Won't your guests be impressed?

Thanks for stopping by!  Be Refreshed!

In Case You Thought My Children Were Perfect...{With a Word on Socialization!}

He walked out of The Y with two papers in hand. Loading in the van I could see that old familiar look.  The one that I used to see as he stepped off the bus ~ shame!

"What are those papers," I asked {knowing they were report cards}.  He handed them over to me and quickly took his seat.

"Noah is very interested in socializing and less interested in doing creative art work," read the comments from the teacher.

Exclaiming, "Looks good to me!" his expression changed. Relief and surprise filled his eyes.  So I asked, "What do you think you are in Homezone for?"  To which he replied, "Learning how to swim, learning gym, and learning art."  My answer? "No!"

If I could have captured his face at that moment!

"You know how to swim, right?  You know how to play games in PE, right? You know how to do basic crafts, right?"

"Yes..."

"You are in Homezone to socialize!  Looks like you did what I expected you to do!"

{Don't get me wrong, I expect my children to respect their teachers.  I expect them to listen and follow instructions.  But seriously, he does pretty well at these things in other areas of his life ~ church, CBS Bible Study, etc.  I certainly was not going to let him hold onto unnecessary shame where it wasn't needed.}

Never mind that he completely diffused a fist fight instigated by another boy who has "anger management issues"!  I'd say Noah had a great day!!!

Just had to share!

Here's a little entertainment...my homeschooling friends will love it...for others it may shine some light on the issue of socialization!

Thanks for stopping by!  Be Refreshed!