Our family is facing a few crazy, busy weeks ahead…  I am so thankful that menu planning has helped me prepare for things like this!

Lately, I have also been trying to do what I call, “cook ahead”.  When I am going to the trouble of making taco meat, for example, I go ahead and brown up 2 or 3 pounds at a time.  Then, I put what we won’t use for that meal in the freezer.  This has been working very well for our family.  It is so helpful for the nights that I just don’t feel like cooking much, and in keeping my “freezer meals” well-stocked.

I didn’t get to the calzones last week, so they are slated for this week.  I hope to make plenty to put in the freezer, too!  Last week‘s new recipes were pretty good.  I will probably make both recipes again in the future.  I put a few of the taquitos in the freezer, so I’m curious to find out how well they freeze!

We are traveling to my hometown to spend a few days visiting family over the Memorial Day weekend.  It will be nice to get a break from cooking!  I am looking forward to having some of my dad’s barbecue.  He has a smoker and makes THE best ribs you will ever eat.  Hands down!!

Dinners
Baked Rigatoni with Tiny Meatballs (making a big batch and taking half to friends with a new baby!)
“Chicago Seven” Calzones using my pizza dough
Slow Cooked Pot Roast with Fried Noodles
Tacos
Leftovers/Freezer Meal
Dinner at family’s house (x2)

What’s on your menu plan this week?