Weekly Menu - Week of 4/28/08

Weekly menu
Originally uploaded by Foodmomiac

We spend so much money on food each week, and are making a concerted effort to be better about it. Yesterday, we all went to Costco, and stocked up. The goal is to pack lunches (a bought lunch at work is almost always at least $8) and make dinner every night. Friday nights we typically go out as a family, and Saturday night is date night. We might alter the Friday night thing (go to a BYOB, or bring in take-out), but Saturday date night is practically a religion for us. That's not going anywhere.

Some of the things I bought at Costco include:

Ribeye Steaks - We had these last night and were kind of disappointed. I always opt for Ribeye over tenderloin because it's so much more flavorful, but these had practically no flavor at all. I have four more in the freezer and am now dreading making them. Any tips to bring flavor to a flavorless ribeye? Marinate in beef fat (a la Top Chef)?
Sugar Snap Peas - Dylan and I love snacking on these. She requests them in her lunch, and I packed them in mine as well. They are also great in salad (but not for Michael - they weirded him out).
Baby Cucumbers - Another great lunch item. These are grown hydroponically, and are delicious. I love them in salads or plain for snacking.
Haricots Verts - These small French green beans looked gorgeous, and since they are already trimmed, they will be super easy to prepare for a weeknight dinner. I'm thinking garlic and almonds.
Sabra Hummus - Yum, yum, yum
Vacuum-sealed Carnitas - I bought these because Stefania recommended them. Can't wait to try them on Thursday!
18 organic, free-range eggs - Passover is done, but we still have lots of matzoh in the house. Turns out both kids love Matzoh Brei!
Feta Cheese - It's not as gourmet as block feta, but I love getting the giant container of crumbled Feta from President. It's so convenient for omelets and salads, and both kids love it.

The Menu:
Sunday: Ribeye steaks, oven-baked potato wedges with alioli (Spanish dipping sauce similar to aioli), Greek salad
Monday: Lemon-marinated chicken thighs, haricots verts, rice
Tuesday: Crockpot chili, cornbread
Wednesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad
Thursday: Carnitas with corn tortillas, Caribbean black beans

Comments

[Mir]

I marinate steaks in red wine, usually. That should help. :)

[Bridget]

Maybe philly steak sandwiches for the ribeyer?

Hiya Danielle. I'm all aflutter about your NOLA trip. In what capacity did you attend the conference? Your job doesn't involve the culinary world does it?

Joann Clevenger is da bomb.

[Lauren]

I really need to do a weekly menu. What in the world is stopping me?

[foodmomiac]

@Mir - maybe if I marinate MYSELF in red wine, I won't mind the lack of flavor.

@Bridget - my job DOES involve food!! I oversee social media initiatives for the Food & Nutrition group at Edelman

@Lauren - I know. It's awesome to have a menu, but half the time I don't do it either. I usually blame my laziness, but who knows???

[jill p]

i tried the carnitas from costco last week and they were awesome. the amount of meat you get for $9.99 is amazing: we (2 adults and a 3 yr old and a 4 yr old) only ate 1/3 of the meat and then have reserved the rest in the freezer ( for some bbq sandwiches??? more carnitas???? any ideas???). i trimmed the fat off before i put it in the skillet then added some salsa. homemade guacamole and yummy tortillas -- total hit with the kids! good luck!