Pantry raid

Because I started a bootcamp class this week and because it is expensive I am trying to figure out a few ways to save some cash.  I figure the easiest way to do this, at least in the short run, is to spend less on groceries.  Ben and I waste a lot of food because I like to cook and try to do so pretty much every night. Cooking is my entertainment.  Last week we started eating leftovers for dinners. This worked out great and we ate pretty much everything (yet another reason why I had to join a fitness class). 

Hello, my name is Camille, and I am a food hoarder

Anyway, I have decided that I am going to give myself $20 to do the grocery shopping this week. Usually I spend about $100 a week.  Don't worry we are not going to starve.  I am planning on using stuff I already have in my overcrowded freezer and pantry as inspiration and use the $20 to fill in with fresh ingredients I need.  So here is the dinner menu:

• Sunday:  Chicken enchiladas with rice.  Stouffer's family size that I bought on sale a month or two ago.
• Monday:  Freezer ravioli with homemade (then frozen) marinara sauce and a salad (purchased late last week).  Bonus:  We actually had a Meatless Monday without Ben noticing or complaining. 
• Tuesday:  Taco night!  Taco kits were on sale a few times at buy one, get one free and I forgot that I already had two boxes so now I have four boxes.  I need to buy shredded lettuce and tomatoes as I already have frozen ground beef and cheese.
• Wednesday:  Salmon, mashed potatoes and broccoli.  We have the salmon and a packet of freeze dried potatoes.
• Thursday: Chicken spinach casserole.  I've got tons of frozen chicken and spinach in the freezer and cream of whatever in the pantry.
• Friday: Frozen Pizza. It's Friday so it has to be pizza.  I bought a box of four from Costco.  Because they are super thin crust and have no meat I might add some pepperoni I already have and a salad.
• Saturday:  Crawfish etouffee.  For the LSU game.  I already have crawfish tails, butter (though I am almost out even though I buy 6lbs at a time) and rice. 

The shopping list

1. Milk (because I still need it for breakfast)
2. Bananas (for the baby)
3. Shredded lettuce
4. Tomatoes
5. Broccoli
6. Bell pepper
7. Bag o' salad
8. Onions

I'll update with the grand total once I get back from the store, but I really think I can do this.  The bonus is that I will have a slightly less crammed freezer and pantry.  If this works I think I will try to do a menu like this once a month.  Wish me luck!

What, you don't have Elk in your freezer?