Meal Planning & Household Guide for February
from Betty Crocker’s Cooking Calendar, published 1962 by General Mills
When trying to economize and stretch the budget, meal planning is one of the best ways to save money on groceries. One way to do that is to shop seasonal options. With rising prices, meal planning and eating at home will help you save overall on your household budget.
Meal planning is also a great way to save time. Knowing what you’re shopping for allows you a great opportunity to plan your menu for the week and therefore plan your meals ahead of time without that common question, “what’s for dinner”. It avoids the ultimate defeat when in desperation we order takeout.
I collect vintage cookbooks and found this book in an antique store. I’ll share the content on a monthly basis and give you a breakdown of each month’s plan. This post is based on Betty Crocker’s Cooking Calendar, published in 1962.
It is pleasant to think, just under the snow, that stretches so bleak and blank and cold, our beauty and warmth that we cannot know, green fields and leaves and blossoms of gold. ~ Hemstead
Flower: Violet or Primrose
Gem: Amethyst
Did you know?
Years whose dates are divisible by four are leap years, with the exception of the century years. Every 400th century year is a leap year that’s why February 2000 had an extra day, while February 2100 will not.
Home Organization and Cleaning
February is a good time to straighten out closets, drawers, and bookshelves. Make piles like: keep, donate, and trash. Donations can be to a local thrift store, like Goodwill, but you can also consider donating magazines and books to hospitals, doctor offices, or assisted living homes.
Toys and children’s books can be donated to a daycare center or your local children’s hospital.
Clothes and personal items, like perfumes, colognes, and makeup products (that are still good) can be donated to shelters for women and men looking for assistance as they prepare for an interview or entering their first jobs.
Entertaining in February
February is a time for Valentine’s Day parties but you can also try something different like a Mardi Gras party or a shrove Tuesday party (the day before Ash Wednesday). Traditionally on shrove Tuesday you would serve refreshments like sausage links and pancakes or waffles topped with Maple butter. Set up a buffet table using griddles (borrowed if you have to) or fry pans. Have the batter ready in pitchers and cook while you’re guests watch or let them flip their own.
How to make maple butter
Mix one cup Maple syrup for each half cup butter. Beat with a hand mixer until fluffy.
Try HAMMER & Spoon seasonal recipes:
Cabbage buyers guide:
One pound serves 3 to 4; makes 4 cups shredded.
Cabbage should be well trimmed heavy for size no discolorations or wormholes looks fresh not coarse or puffy
Types of cabbage:
Domestic: Round or flat, slightly compact head; matures late.
Chinese: Cylindrical shape; long, thick light-green leave.
Red: Red or purple color; strong flavor; solid head.
You can find Betty Crocker’s Cooking Calendar on sites like Thriftbooks.
I hope this inspires your meal planning and household organization steps. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter so you can receive these monthly guides straight to your email for free!
