I don't really have a rotating menu, but I do try to plan ahead. Usually a week at a time. Say on sunday I'll try to figure out what we'll have for the week, or at least until friday, then go shop for it. This of course is the ideal for me, because who knows what I'll feel like next week, but this week it sounds good.
Doesn't always work out this way, of course, but when I do this I feel so much more organized, we save money, actually use leftovers, and we eat better. For instance, last week I made a whole chicken one night, and planned to have chicken a la king the next. I had all the ingredients right in my cupboard since I planned ahead, so it worked out great. I don't always make enough for leftovers, but when we have them its nice to use them. some are nice to use for lunches
this week the plan has been:
monday: steak, baked potato, spinach, salad
tuesday: pizza, salad
wednesday: hot dogs and beans, corn (hey, Sox are playing, gotta have baseball food in honor! LOL!)
thursday: country chicken (kind of a chicken stew)
friday: split turkey breast, not sure on veggies.
saturday: leftover country chicken or turkey
One of the best ways to plan meals is to go thru the circulars and see whats on sale that week. I don't always do this, but when I do it can save a lot of money.
I have about 12 dishes I make regularly, usually chicken or turkey. the steak this week was a rarity, as are the hot dogs. Also, I absolutely love the magazine, Cooking Light. They always give me great ideas on new dishes to try, sometimes whole menu plans. Just got the new issue and there is a hunters stew that looks incredible, well, modified to not include the duck. blech. will probably make that next week.
Good luck planning! It can be so nice to not have to deal with it last minute.
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