Welcome to our first week of Just In Time Family Meal Planning Challenge!

As we move into the first week of our meal planning challenge, for February, my goal is to make a lot of meals in 30 minutes or less during the weeknight and for those weekend days when I just want to slow down, let the meal take it’s own sweet time; whether it be cooked in the crock pot or slowly roasted in the oven.

We’ve started off the week with an easy Sunday meal of BBQ Chicken Sliders topped with cole slaw. It was nice having an easy meal after a busy weekend of celebrating our son’s birthday with family and friends. There’s just enough leftovers for lunch later in the week.

Last week, I got pretty well stocked up on many of my pantry items, adding a few new items to my pantry:

• artichoke hearts
• Greek Kalamata olives
• roasted red peppers
• chipotle peppers in adobe sauce

I don’t normally keep ingredients like these on hand but after watching Pioneer Woman’s Stocking The Pantry episode, I was inspired to give a few of her ideas a try like using the chipotle peppers in adobe sauce in this Spicy Dr. Pepper Shredded Pork recipe.

Here’s what the rest of the week’s menu looks like: (recipes will be shared throughout the week as this is a new meal plan for us.)

Monday: I’m making  Sloppy Jose’s; a Mexican type twist to the good old fashioned Sloppy Joes. (I was inspired with this idea  from making a 7-layer bean dip on Saturday for our son’s birthday party. Using leftovers from this dip with ground beef and tortillas.

Tuesday: Curried Chicken and Apple Stew over Rice

Wednesday: Spaghetti Casserole

Thursday: Blender Cheese  Soufflé

 Friday: Cheese Steak Pizza

 Saturday: One Potato, Two~ So easy you can double the recipe for more. Our kids love these!

As you’re putting together your weekly meal plan, remember that there are some items that are always going to be on sale during the month. Be sure and check your local grocery store ads for what’s on sale in your area.

It’s National Oatmeal Month!  So if you haven’t already, stock up for making favorite recipes like my Quick Handy Breakfast Oatmeal Packets and Sweet Apple Oatmeal and Coconut Cookies.

• Granola Bars
• Granola Cereal with dried fruits like cranberries, blueberries or apples
• Fiber Bars

What is on your weekly meal plan this week? I’d love to hear your ideas!~ You can participate in the 6-Week Just In Time! Family Meal Planning Challenge by adding your weekly meal plan below. And for more ideas on how you can participate and spread the word, visit Here.