Cooking w/o a plan

[lorilei]

Alright, I'm feeling very alone. Isn't there anyone who (like me) doesn't have a "PLAN" for their cooking during the week?

It's not that I'm not organized -- I just can't work within the confines of a plan. After all, how am I to know what I'll really feel like eating on Wednesday?

I can't even pick out my clothes the night before, let alone know what I'm going to cook
for an entire week.

I shop to replentish my staples once a week, and while I'm there I buy a myriad of fruits and veggies to use up during the week. If I buy asparagus on Sunday, then I'll find some way to use it up by the end of the week. If I buy cauliflower, we'll have that.

Of course this means that there are certain things that I always have on hand -- eggs, milk, coconut milk, mushrooms, onions, garlic, spices, canned tomatoes and artichokes, pasta, rice etc. Since I always have eggs and mushrooms around, I have fall-back recipes (like quiche) for when I'm feeling uninspired.

I suppose I'm a fly by night cook -- I cook with what I HAVE on hand, and I like the freedom of experimenting and substituting ingredients. I enjoy the challenge of trying to think of a creative way to use something up!

Mostly, I like the excitement of planning a spur-of-the moment masterpiece on a Wednesday night.

[Holly S]

AAAAAAAAahhhhhhhhh, No you are not alone! I too like to be able to just whip something up, and enjoy the moment. I can't plan my wardrobe either, so I am right there with you. I like the challenge of looking in the pantry and making up something as I go. Thanks for sticking your neck out there for the rest of us. . . .

[Natasha]

Lorilei -
I don't think your approach is that different from mine.
To reiterate (hopefully more briefly!) what I said on the other thread, we buy a whack of fruits & veggies and other stuff on the weekend to use during the week. Though I have a couple or few recipes in mind and buy accordingly, I don't have specific uses for everything I buy. I just buy them so they'll be THERE when I decide what to make with them during the week. Plus I end up running to the store mid-week to satisfy our (sometimes numerous) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif wishes and whims and to pick up fresh items.
D'ya feel better now? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif Have a great evening.

[MrsReber]

I'm with you, lorilei! I never know what I might feel like eating. I buy a bunch of meat things and stock up, then I stop by the store for fruits and veggies. I was feeling alone, too, since I cannot plan like that- I also don't know what to wear each day. As a matter of fact, this morning I put on one dress and then changed my mind and wore something else.

I keep plenty of pasta on hand and cans of minced clams for clam sauce, plenty of garlic so I can always saute some fresh veggies and toss them with pasta if I'm at a loss. Plenty of mozzerella cheese, too (frozen), sour cream, onions, peppers, and olives. It's always easy to come up with a pasta dish as long as I have olive oil and garlic on hand. I have a kielbasa in the fridge and if I can think of a good way to prepare it, I'll cook it for dinner tonight. Or I may change my mind and make a pizza instead. Or maybe we'll just have grilled cheese and soup! If I really feel like cooking something nice, I will take out some chop meat or chicken from the freezer that morning (if I remeber on my way out the door!). Then I have to cook whatever I took out, but there is no real "planning" involved unless I find a special recipe that requires ingredients that don't have on hand or something that takes a long time to prepare.

My grocery store had oven stuffer roasters on sale this week- buy one get one free- so I guess one night we'll have the rosemary garlic roasted chicken. Some days, I'll come home and see what I have in the house then look on line for a recipe with those ingredients. One never knows- I guess it is more exciting that way.

[Natasha]

Lorilei -
I don't think your approach is that different from mine.
To reiterate (hopefully more briefly!) what I said on the other thread, we buy a whack of fruits & veggies and other stuff on the weekend to use during the week. Though I have a couple or few recipes in mind and buy accordingly, I don't have specific uses for everything I buy. I just buy them so they'll be THERE when I decide what to make with them during the week. Plus I end up running to the store mid-week to satisfy our (sometimes numerous) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif wishes and whims and to pick up fresh items. It's Thursday and we feel like celebrating something small with fresh tuna steaks? Fine. It's Tuesday and boyfriend craves his favorite brownies? No prob. Spontaneity is part of the fun (though it does have a cost in both time and money terms).
D'ya feel better now? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif Have a great evening.

P.S. I think I may end up posting this TWICE. Bear with me... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 08-01-2000).]

[lorilei]

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif You did post twice, Natasha... tsk. tsk.

Shoulda planned ahead, I guess (*choke*)

[Natasha]

Originally posted by lorilei:
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif You did post twice, Natasha... tsk. tsk.

Shoulda planned ahead, I guess (*choke*)

*GAG.* Where is my other post? You mean the different one on the other thread?!

On that note, make a creative Tuesday-night masterpiece you'll never forget http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[lorilei]

Natasha - I think you're the third and fifth posts on this thread...

I wish you a delightful masterpiece for tonight as well... whatcha making?

[Natasha]

Oops.............. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif Oh, the SHAME of it all.

And the sixth post too! Nothing if not verbose.

About tonight - I dunno. I was thinking of that penne with zucchini but now I'm thinking about that spanakopita (sp.?). But then I'd have to run to the store and pick up spinach! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[lorilei]

Mmmm... spanakopita http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
I believe I'm going to make portabella burgers tonight with lots of garlic, and maybe a sundried tomato pesto.

Or, if I'm lazy we'll have garden burgers http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I've got some spinach... wanna borrow it?

[JJ40]

I do plan several meals for the week, but I don't have a specific night I want to have them. It just helps me to have the ingredients and several recipes in mind, otherwise I'll come home hungry, not know what to cook, and will end up ordering pizza!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Natasha]

Originally posted by lorilei:


I've got some spinach... wanna borrow it?

Now that's an offer I can't refuse. Hold on and I'll give you the fax number http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Go for those mushroom burgers with the side of pesto! Mmmmmmm...

P.S. I think the reason I missed that post is because my eyes are practically glazed over from too much time on the computer these days! (Excuses, excuses...) A week from now I will be free (relatively speaking)...

[Denise]

AAAHHH! The luxury of living across the street from a grocery store! I never plan my meals, just satisfy my whims as they come and go.

[christinew]

OK...I think I need to relax and try to be more impromptu....looks like you guys have fun not being as anal http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif as me! Great post by the way.

[Kathy]

I am feeling like I need a third thread..people who are not organized enough to plan ahead and not creative enough to cook on a whim...anybody care to join me?!

[christinew]

Originally posted by Kathy:
I am feeling like I need a third thread..people who are not organized enough to plan ahead and not creative enough to cook on a whim...anybody care to join me?!

Kathy, you are a hoot!

[Susann]

I ditto what ChristineW says. Kathy-you had me laughing out loud!

[Ohioan]

Actually, planning may not always be a sign of organization, let alone anality! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif I have two main reasons for planning for the week:

1. After a hard day of teaching (which is something like being a used-car salesman, only without the commission), I'm so dead on my feet that there's no way I can make even one extra stop at a store on the way home, even when I don't teach late. I have to have stuff all ready to go when I get home. But the biggest reason is....

2. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I love thinking about food! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

(Actually, I do sometimes change my mind about what I want to eat on a given day. But then all I have to do is rearrange The Plan a bit.)

Cheers, Phoebe

[This message has been edited by Ohioan (edited 08-01-2000).]

[MrsReber]

Kathy, I'll probably make my pizza tonight. I'll drop off any leftovers on the way to work in the morning, okay?

What I really want to know is- what did we all have for dinner last nigth? I finally cooked the turkey kielbasa. Just fried it up in the cast iron pan, made some fresh corn on the cob that I picked up at the store last week and some frozen green beans. Didn't have much time, I ran out to the gym as soon as I got home so dinner was at 8:30 last night. My husband was still amazed at the speed at which dinner was made- "it's ready? you only got home 10 minutes ago!" That's one of the things I love about having various ingredients on hand. I can throw together a simple balanced meal in no time. We have more complicated dishes on the weekends.

[Vanessa]

Hi Lorilei
I guess because I have a village center (supermarket etc) across my house (5 min walk) I don't plan as much. I was just telling my husband about this thread. I really don't plan. I do have a good stock pantry and freezer with basic chicken breasts, boneless, thighs, turkey (ground, and steaklike)I do fish but buy it when I am going to cook it. pork By having herbs at hand pasta etc pretty much I would just have to think salad and run to the store.
I look at magazines (CL arrived yesterday) and see what we might like. My husband will try anything so its up to me.....
If we are having guests I do plan ahead. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Kathy]

Okay, Mrs. R...you really want to know what I had for dinner last night? Monster cookies and take-out from Siam Garden! I told you I need help! Maybe I should follow you around Delicious Orchards sometime!!!What time should I expect delivery? Pizza sounds good..maybe I will grab some dough!

[MrsReber]

Yummy, Kathy, I'll trade you some Monster Cookies for pizza!! Actually, I keep lots of pasta on hand and try to get some fresh veggies so that I can always make a lowfat healthy meal. I just saute some garlic in about 1 tlbsp olive oil, add lots of fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and whatever else strikes my fancy (eggplant, peppers, onion). Add some wine and parmesan and toss it with pasta. Very quick, very easy, very healthy- no guilt!

Believe me, I have really changed my eating habits in the past 10 years. It is NOT an easy thing. Especially since I just ate whatever I wanted! But by changing my ways, I feel better and I've lost about 40 pounds. I don't really plan, but there's certain things that we like to eat for dinner often- tacos, meatloaf, chicken marsala- I just keep those ingredients on hand. Since I do all the cooking, I cut out all the fat and calories I can. Plus I get to decide what's for dinner!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif By the way, there is nothing I'd like more than take out from Siam Garden, but I know how much guilt I'd walk around with. I am really hard on myself about those things anymore. Oh, and my husband has Chinese often for lunch so he always says "no" when I ask.

Sure, come follow me around the store and witness first hand how I don't ever follow a shopping list! My lists usually only have about 4 items on them (must haves) and the rest is what I feel like buying. Bad bad bad!! But with no kids yet, this is an area where we don't skimp!

Okay, I will stop preaching now. I'm just thrilled with how far I've come. But you do make me laugh! If my husband doesn't eat all the pizza, I'll drop it off tonight! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[lorilei]

Originally posted by MrsReber:
Sure, come follow me around the store and witness first hand how I don't ever follow a shopping list! My lists usually only have about 4 items on them (must haves) and the rest is what I feel like buying. Bad bad bad!! But with no kids yet, this is an area where we don't skimp!

Oh, my! MrsReber -- you and I would be excellent shopping partners (although we'd probably spend a mint!)

I don't make comprehensive lists either, in fact, aside from items I /know/ I'll forget if I don't write them down, I pretty much shop without a list! Sometimes I write down "FRUIT" and "VEGETABLES" just to make this list look longer! (ha!)

[Kathy]

Congrats on your weight loss, Mrs. R! Our trip to Delicous Orchards would be interesting! You could check the fresh peppers for firmness while I stress eat my way through the bakery section with my three little jewels! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif Actually, the reason I have been spending so much time here is that I am trying to get back to the eating habits I had before children (Approximately 75 pounds ago). I used to eat a lot of pasta and vegetables similar to what you described. I miss the flavor of fresh vegetables. I think part of the problem is the late hour my hubby returns; it is difficult to throw anything together while trying to get the kids into bed. I really do need to keep staples in the house that can be thrown together at 5 and heated at 8:30. The pasta looks really good..maybe I will get my hubby to put the kids down while I make quick pasta. Thanks for the reminder!
Siam Garden is actually Thai food..I made my hubby go out and get it because I ate Monster cookies ALL day long! I finally had to throw them out because I had lost complete control! I was bordering a sugar induced coma and needed the shock of protein to bring me out! Please excuse my rambling..I am still de-toxing from the cookies!

[MrsReber]

Kathy, I'm in trouble. My husband and I are planning on having kids soon- we hope! I am worried about gaining the weight back. My parents made me a paranoid mess while I was growing up by making my weight a huge issue (no pun intended). So although I look better and feel better, I now have an unnatural obsession with my weight. Thia food, huh? That sounds good too. Three kids? I want at least 2. But we haven't even celebrated our first wedding anniversary yet- just less than 2 months away. I used to work very late, too, so I can understand your dilemma. We kept pasta, ravioli, stuffed rigatoni and garlic bread on hand for those evenings- or we'd order out from Lino's!

Yes, Lorilei- we'd spend lots and lots of money. Sometimes I'm shocked when all my items are rung up! And I only write down the stuff I know I'll forget. That's funny, I write "fruit" on my list too! I never know what kind, just whatever looks good (as with everything else!) Proabably not the best way to shop, but at least it's more fun!

[MrsReber]

Kathy and Lorilei, thanks so much for the encouragement. I have to admit that as much as I want kids, the pregnancy really scares me. Moreso than actually raising the kids! Seems backwards. But people do it every day! Besides, my sister says you can't beat the rewards, it's worth every second. And if my sister can say that, it must be pretty special. She NEVER wanted children and now has 2 that she would give her life for.

Kathy, you got me thinking- Delicious Orchards is on my way home! Have you ever gone to Menzel Brothers? I love their white corn in the summer.

[Kathy]

Mrs. R, No, I have not ever been to that shop; where is it located? I have to admit I am a Sickles shopper since it is right around the corner.

Sorry to bore the rest of you with local chat!

[MrsReber]

I don't know Sickles. Menzel Brother's is north of Delicious Orchards on route 34. It's maybe a mile (give or take) after the Sunoco station, on the left if you're going north- if you ever get up that way. They have gotten a little more expensive over the years, but they usually have very good white corn since they bred it themselves. I don't like their yellow at all. DO has a much greater variety of things, but sometimes the crowds there get to me. The checkout is fast, but sometimes I can't get near the things I want to buy! It's easy for me to stop there on my way home. I take the train out of Matawan to come to Newark (weird, I know)

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 08-02-2000).]

[BarbaraL]

Kathy, you're a woman after my own heart! I frequently don't plan, and I'm terrible about throwing things together -- I'm a recipe-follower (not to say I won't play with the recipe). As I said in another thread, dinner is usually a meat (chicken, fish or beef) with a starch (potatoes, rice, couscous or pasta) and a vegetable (usually string beans, broccoli, asparagus or carrots; sometimes salad). I love the CL recipes and try to plan some in my schedule, but I can't do a recipe with lots of ingredients, chopping, preparation on a regular basis during the week (get sick of dinner at 10 pm). As a serial dieter (dirty word, I know), I try to plan to avoid temptation, but sometimes after planning at work, planning my daughter's take-to-school/camp lunches, planning home activities, I just can't plan one more thing! Thank goodness for those in-store roasted chickens! Nuke some potatoes, steam some veggies and dinner's done.
Mrs. Reber, congratulations on your wedding (and Happy Almost Anniversary). As everyone else has said, if you keep doing what you're doing, your weight will be fine with pregnancy. As far as being pregnant, everyone's different, but I felt great during my pregnancy (daughter's 13 now -- gasp). No one looks forward to labor, but you really do forget the discomfort. Talk to your doctor; there are great medicines that can help you through delivery. And take a childbirth class; knowing what's going on is a big help.

[MrsReber]

Thanks Barbara! I could probably learn a thing or two from all of you who have kids! I'm sure it'll be just fine, I just worry about everything by nature. Big decision, but I really don't want to wait much longer for kids. The old biological clock, you know http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[Kathy]

It is amazing how many things we all have in common! You all make me feel so much better! I know I will learn a lot from you! Barbara, do you want to hit Delicious Orchards with us? Maybe your daughter can help out with my kids!
I am very impressed that I am actually having salmon for dinner tonight instead of those evil monster cookies that have invaded my world!You have all motivated me; thank you!
Mrs. R., my OB has an office in Howell! I was ready to leave my hubby for him when he ordered me an epidural!

[shoyski]

Mike, my sentiments exactly. I WISH I could just through things together but my dinners always turn out to be a production.

CL is great but most of their recipes don't end up on the table until at least 60 minutes later.

[Natasha]

Originally posted by MrsReber:
Kathy, I'll probably make my pizza tonight. I'll drop off any leftovers on the way to work in the morning, okay?

What I really want to know is- what did we all have for dinner last nigth?

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif Don't ask! Actually, it's all there in black and white if you really want to know. My "penne with zucchini that wasn't" is described in the Aug. feedback thread. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

[mikecox]

Originally posted by lorilei:
Alright Isn't there anyone who (like me) doesn't have a "PLAN" for their cooking during the week?


I love to cook,but I need a recipe. So I select all the recipes for the week, make one shopping trip, and go at it.

If I were a really good cook I could just "throw something together" SOMETIMES that works! If I'm eating alone I'll eat whatever turns out (sometimes I can't ): )

But to be sure I done wast my money I stick to recipes. So I have to plan

[Kathy]

Mrs. R, you will be fine! You know what you need to do to keep the weight off. Before I had kids, I used to run and eat foods I liked that naturally kept the weight off. You are getting into good eating and exercise habits now which is important. I had three high-risk pregnancies and my thyroid went a bit nuts with each pregnancy.(I take thyroid med now) It is not bad to think about what you are eating as long as you don't get consumed with it. My sister watches what she eats and she does not have a weight problem (she was heavier than me before we had kids; now she is a rail 2 kids later...witch!)My children are my biggest blessing..I stress eat because I love them and I have a child with special needs. I would not trade them for anything..even being a size 6 again! (Did I actually say that?)
I would be interested in hearing how people prepare healthy meals on especially hectic days. I know it is possible, I have a lot of thin friends!!!

Geez, I just read my post..I need a whole band..not just a violin!

[This message has been edited by Kathy (edited 08-02-2000).]

[lorilei]

MrsR - I'd like to second Kathy's sentiments. You really will be fine with regard to weight vs. children.

Something you might want to keep in mind is that a bit of extra weight will NOT affect your health negatively if you are ACTIVE. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif So, keep eating healthy and exercising -- I think you'll find that you'll be a wonderful and healthy mom, even if a few pounds follow you.

My husband and I aren't /quite/ ready to have kids, but this is something my mother constantly reminds me about when I talk about my weight. She's very supportive in that regard, and she has really helped me to maintain a positive self-image and avoid an obsession with "size" & "shape".

[Lisa 71]

Has anyone else read "How to Cook Without a Book" by Pam Anderson? (No, not the chick from Baywatch) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif
It has a lot of good tips and I bought in my quest to be perfect woman, come home and whip something up without measurements without grocery shopping TA DA http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif
However this book didn't contain any personality changing pages so I am out of luck.
In all seriousness though it did have some good ideas on stock items and basic sauces, sautes, soups, salads and the like.
Lisa