In addition to finding menus according to season and An Oregon Cottage recipes in the Kitchen button, here is another way to find recipes for menu planning. This list of our favorite family recipes will be kept on the Menu Planning page for future reference and will be updated regularly.
These are the recipes our family loves, the ones that have been tried and passed the test according to taste, simplicity, and frugality. These are not only recipes from An Oregon Cottage, but also ones from other sites that I use and like and thought you’d enjoy being able to access from one spot.
Remember, taking a few minutes (really- you can make it as simple or complicated as you want- I just plan dinners) to plan a menu is one of the keys to getting and keeping your food budget reigned in and simplifing meals, kitchen time, and, well, life.
Chicken/Poultry
Thai Inspired Turkey (or Chicken) Curry
Slow Cooker Spiced Whole Chicken
Slow Cooker Dishes
Slow Cooked Herbed Roast
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup
Meat (Beef and Pork)
Swiss Chard (and sausage) Frittata
Sausage and Corn Stuffed Zucchini
Roasted Sausages, Peppers, and Onions (easy!)
Homemade Pigs in a Blanket (using Quick and Tender Breadstick dough!)
Meatless
Sub Jee (curry flavored vegetables wrapped in a tortilla)
Barley Mac n’ Cheese
Baked Ziti, Penne, or Rotini (can be with meat or without)
Seafood
Soups and Stews
Brazilian Black Bean Soup
Dijon Chicken Stew with Potatoes and Kale
Salads
Carrot, Olive, and Feta Salad
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Healthier American “French” Dressing
Homemade Ranch Dressing and Dip
Sides and Vegetables
Green Beans with Tomato and Caramelized Onion Sauce
Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Tomatoes (you can tell what I like…)
Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Tomatoes (you can tell what I like…)
Breads
Desserts
(Please see Desserts on the Kitchen page for lots more- we don’t have dessert very often after dinner when it’s just our family, but when we do, it’s usually one of these)
*Visit Organizing Junkie for more Family Recipe Indexes to help with Menu Planning.
I believe a cottage can be anywhere or anything (condo, ranch, farmhouse) as long as you have a "cottage mentality" which puts people above things, celebrates imperfections, embraces simplicity, and finds joy in everyday life. Thanks for joining me!
This is great…I’m good at budgeting for bills. I’m still learning the art of buying food on a budget!!! Thanks for making this easy peasy for me
I’m especially intrigued by maple mustard chicken..I love honey mustard..never thought to try maple!!! Love and hugs from Southern Oregon, Heather 
Dear BJ,
How can I find your directions for the perfect espresso coffee drinks. I can’t find my printed copy.
Terrific segment with the thriftshop finds. Mom