How the menu drawer works

So, while this whole thing is fun for me...how can it be useful to you?

Here is how cooking works for me (and through my blogging about it, I hope that it works for you) -

1. Create a menu for the week: Each weekend, I choose three dishes (which each have 2-4 servings) that I want to cook during the week. Because I'm cooking for one, three recipes is generally enough food for lunch and dinner for the week. (I usually have a smoothie, oatmeal, or buckwheat pancakes for breakfast.) If you're cooking for two, you may want to add one more dish to the mix. I choose recipes that have some overlap in ingredients, so that if I'm buying a bunch of cilantro, for example, I can use most, if not all of it, rather than buying it just as garnish for a thai chick'n pizza. I also generally choose dishes that take no more than 30-40 minutes to make, (most only take 20 minutes) so that cooking, on weeknights in particular, is quick.

2. Write out a categorized grocery list: Once I know everything that I'll need, I check to see what I already have, and then write out a list of what I need to buy. I generally organize this list according to how the grocery store is laid out (i.e. produce, canned goods, dry goods, freezer/refrigerator, etc.). This way, while I am shopping, I'm not all over my list (or the store) trying to figure out what I still have to get. I know, the organization is a little over the top, but it really makes things easier.

3. Shop for groceries: This one is self-explanatory.

4. Cook and Eat: I like to make one or two dishes on Sunday, and then alternate between these items until Tuesday. Then, I'll cook again on Tuesday or Wednesday for dishes that generally last through Friday.

So, on The Menu Drawer, each weekend, you'll find:

• my menu for the week,
• my grocery list, and
• the accompanying recipes.

And as I cook during the week, I'll share tips and changes that I've made while cooking.

Look for the first menu this weekend!