A pre-planned menu can help you during busy nights. I hope this monthly menu for December 2022 helps make a busy month a little easier.
Menu Tips
Tips for Using This Monthly Menu:
- Print the menu and keep it visible.
- Get as many of the ingredients as you can at the beginning of the month.
- Each week get the fresh ingredients needed.
- Keep certain staples on hand (baking items, seasonings, etc.)
- Buy in bulk when possible – Ex. See how many chicken meals you are going to plan, buy at least that much chicken and freeze them in smaller portions.
- Remember that this is just a guide. Nothing is set in stone. Use what you want to use and skip the rest.
What this will look like:
- I have the menu on a spreadsheet with the dates, menu item, and either a brief description or a link to the online recipe.
- For menu items like Grilled Chicken, I did not include a recipe. If you have questions about anything on the menu that doesn’t have an explanation, please contact me.
- I did not include sides on the menu. I try to keep plenty vegetables, couscous, rice, etc. Just fill in with your favorites.
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One of my favorite sites, The Crowned Goat, just recently shared many tips on meal planning. She included a monthly menu, tips, links, and instructions for meal planning. Click here to see this wonderful information.
Extra Explanation
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I experimented with a healthier version of meatloaf than what I normally make, and it was delicious! For this dish, I used ground turkey meat, 1 can of Rotel tomatoes, 1 small can of tomato sauce, diced onions and bell peppers, Italian Seasoning, and 1 egg. After mixing it well, I baked it as normal. When there was about 10 minutes left, I added the topping and let it cook. (I only had ketchup, so I mixed equal amounts of ketchup and water to make the topping.
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Tip – Anytime I make meatloaf, I put all ingredients in a gallon sized baggie and blend it by mashing on the outside of the bag. This way, my hands do not get nasty.
Monthly Menu for December 2022
| Date | Meal | Information or Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken Alfredo | |
| 2 | Frito Chili Pie | |
| Weekend | ||
| Weekend | ||
| 5 | Turkey Meatloaf | See Above Notes |
| 6 | Homemade Chili | We use Carroll Shelby’s Mix |
| 7 | Pan Fried Tilapia w/Bell Pepper Salsa | Season & Grill – Saute’ onions, jalapenos, & bell peppers in butter. I usually use a grill pan instead of the outdoor grill, but either is fine. Grill Pan |
| 8 | Spanish Chicken & Rice | Link to Recipe |
| 9 | Chili Cheese Tater Tots | Use Leftover Chili |
| Weekend | | |
| 12 | Chicken Pot Pie | Link to Recipe |
| 13 | Broccoli Cheese Soup | Link to Recipe |
| 14 | BLTs | Make Extra Bacon for Potatoes Tomorrow |
| 15 | Baked Potatoes | |
| 16 | Spaghetti | |
| Weekend | ||
| 19 | Rotisserie Chicken | Link to Directions |
| 20 | Fiesta Soup | Link to Recipe |
| 21 | Baked Salmon with Couscous | |
| 22 | Beef Tips and Egg Noodles or Rice | Add beef tips & 2 jars of beef gravy to a crock pot on low – add mushrooms in during the last hour. Crock Pot |
| 23 | 15 Minute Meal | Link to Recipe |
| Weekend | ||
| 26 | Tacos | |
| 27 | Grilled Chicken | Make Extra Chicken for Tomorrow |
| 28 | Grilled Chicken Salad | |
| 29 | Shrimp Scampi | https://stacyling.com/baked-shrimp-scampi/ |
| 30 | Nacho Bar | |
| Weekend | ||
Please feel free to contact me with questions, comments, or suggestions. Happy Cooking!
Have a Grace & Joy-filled day!
Susan
“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19
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So sweet of you to share our December menu ideas, Susan, I really appreciate it. Staying organized definitely helps to make the hustle and bustle of the season so much easier. I can’t wait to check out some of your menu ideas as well. They look delicious! Hugs, CoCo
I love all of your menu planning tips. They are very helpful!