Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

With what is going on in our home, this is my mantra for 2010! Just had to share a "find" that might help you, too, simplify.

Food is a big issue around our house. With picky eaters (mostly me) and allergies galore planning, shopping, and preparing meals takes a HUGE amount of time! I have started to dread it. I used to love to cook and create, and now it is a big ol' thorn in my aching side!

I had heard of these menu planning sites and decided to try one out. It's called "The Six O'Clock Scramble" and you can access it at http://thescramble.com.

Here is a quick excerpt from the home page:

The Six O’Clock Scramble® is an online dinner planning service.

AS A SUBSCRIBER YOU’LL RECEIVE EACH WEEK:

• A Weekly menu plan with five family-tested, healthy, delicious and quick DINNER RECIPES THAT TAKE 30 MINUTES OR LESS TO PREPARE
• An ORGANIZED GROCERY LIST so you can grocery shop just once per week
• A SEARCHABLE DATABASE where you can customize your weekly dinner plan
• Your own personal RECIPE BOX where you can save your family's favorites 30 minute meals
• A newsletter with USEFUL TIPS for easier mealtimes, snacks and lunches
• NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION for each family dinner recipe to help you take charge of your health

WHY THE SCRAMBLE®?

• ELIMINATE THE STRESS OF FAMILY MEAL PLANNING. Each week you will receive a weekly menu planner with recipes and simple instructions for balanced dinners complete with easy side dishes.
• YOUR FAMILY WILL EAT MORE HEALTHY, FRESH AND SEASONAL FOODS. The Scramble emphasizes whole grains, lean proteins and lots of fruits and vegetables, so your family will enjoy a variety of flavors and cuisines while still enjoying 30 minute meals.
• QUICK, EASY MEALS WITHOUT PROCESSED FOODS OR EXPENSIVE TAKE-OUT. Other convenience meals cut prep time by relying on processed ingredients. Scramble recipes simplify cooking by using fewer than ten nutritious ingredients and easy-to-follow directions.
• THE SCRAMBLE IS FAMILY TESTED. All recipes go through a careful process to be Scramble certified as healthy, delicious and family friendly dinners.
• CUSTOMIZE YOUR WEEKLY PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILY’S TASTES AND NEEDS. Picky eaters? Vegetarian? Dietary restrictions? Need Kosher recipes? Swap out any meal with a selection from our large Scramble recipe database. The grocery list is automatically updated with your choices!
• SHOP ONLY ONCE A WEEK. The grocery list is organized by store section. You’ll also waste less food and save money by buying only what you need.
• THE SCRAMBLE CARES about family mealtime, healthy meals for children, supporting local farmers and the environment. We listen to our subscribers and give back to the communities we live in.

It took me all of about 15 minutes to select and print out my menu and grocery list this week. Super fun. Super easy. I signed up for a three month trial. It was approx $6.50 a month and has already saved me a couple hours. I'll let you know how I like the recipes and if I continue with it, but so far I think this will help. :)