Fall Savings: My Guide to Smart Meal Planning

Autumn has always held a special place in my heart, especially now that I am a parent. The summer months can be chaotic with camps, family trips, and the added expenses of back-to-school shopping. However, as fall approaches, I find myself focusing on meal planning as a crucial aspect of our financial management. With school schedules, sports practices, and earlier bedtimes, dinner time becomes a consistent opportunity for our family to come together. But catering to picky eaters and diverse preferences can present its own set of challenges.

Here are some strategies I employ to make meal times both enjoyable and budget-friendly:

While assisting my three children (ages 5, 11, and 14) in selecting school supplies, I take advantage of sales to purchase items that will aid me in preparing dinners. I use a binder to organize our favorite recipes, categorizing them under special occasions, weeknight meals, and desserts.

Organizational skills are essential, just as with schoolwork. By planning our meals for the upcoming week by Sunday and purchasing the necessary groceries in advance, we avoid the temptation of last-minute takeout orders, which can quickly add up in cost.

To combat the monotony of meal planning, I like to incorporate fresh recipes in the fall when everyone is excited about new routines. Each week, I explore new recipes from various sources such as cooking blogs, Instagram influencers, and food websites.

Some of my go-to sources include J. Kenji Lopez-Alt on Instagram, Weelicious.com, and The New York Times Cooking section. I strive to try at least one new recipe weekly, such as Lopez-Alt’s caramelized cream of tomato soup, which has become a household favorite. Paired with crusty bread, it serves as a satisfying meal.

In a household with picky eaters and varying food preferences, offering deconstructed meals has been a game-changer. For instance, preparing spaghetti with separate components allows each individual to customize their dish, catering to their specific tastes.

Additionally, soups are a cost-effective way to feed a family. One of our staples is Barefoot Contessa’s Mexican Chicken Soup, which comes with a variety of toppings for individuals to choose from or omit based on their preferences.

Similarly, DIY pizza nights allow everyone to add their preferred toppings or opt out of certain ingredients, promoting a fun and inclusive dining experience.

Recently, my older children have taken on the task of preparing dinner one night a week. This arrangement benefits us all: they gain valuable cooking experience and meal planning skills, while I get a night off from kitchen duties.

Whether it’s my 11-year-old perfecting grilled cheese and salad or experimenting with new recipes, the goal is to ensure everyone enjoys a balanced meal. As long as that criteria is met, I consider it a successful dinner.