April Meal Ideas

I'm brainstorming....

I'm hoping this list will get us through about 3 weeks of April or so??  It's a little lighter fare; you can tell it is more spring-ish.

Several of the dinners do not allow enough leftovers for another complete dinner.  Which means more frequent cooking for me.  I don't know if I am going to like that.

I am determined to stay within the budget this month.  We definitely felt the difference this past month without me baking as much - spent more on other stuff since we didn't have those fillers to snack on or to round out a lunch.  I just did some shopping today and spent the majority of at Costco, Whole Foods, and Aldi.  I think we are going to try to raise the grocery budget.  I am feeling like if we can afford it, it is worth it healthwise to buy higher quality food.  So, I am trying a few new things.  LESS (but hopefully better quality, better for us) meat and dairy.  More fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

As Michael Pollan writes in In Defense of Food, "Eat food.  Not too much.  Mostly plants."

We are not even close to becoming vegetarians, nor does he say that is necessary.  But I want to keep these words in mind.

Breakfasts:
Soaked Oatmeal with Frozen Blueberries
Muffins
Soaked Baked Oatmeal (new)
Smoothies

Lunches:
Leftovers
PB&J
Carrot Sticks
Yogurt
Chips & Salsa
Fruit
Almonds
Homemade Granola Bars

Dinners:

Chicken
Chili Cornbread Salad
Hearty Chicken & Rice Soup
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Chimichangas/Quesadillas

Beef
Quinoa Medley
Roast Beef Sandwiches
Shepherd's Pie

Other
French Toast
Eggs and Potatoes
Rice & Beans, Cornbread
Pizza (dough)
Potato Soup (new)
Egg Salad Sandwiches

Desserts:
Molasses Cookie Sandwiches (with homemade frozen yogurt)
Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache
Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares