It’s the last week before school for us. There is so much to do to get ready, and because I’m a last minute person, it has to be done this week (which is why this is a day late).
Big A has also started soccer practice on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00. That makes it tough to do dinner since we usually eat at 6:00. So I plan to do something easy on those days. The good news is my husband is coaching her team so it gives me and Little D some time together.
Don’t forget to check Org Junkie for more meal planning ideas.
What’s Cooking This Week
Monday: Chicken Tacos with beans and all the toppings
Tuesday: Ravioli with Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato, fruit salad and green salad
Wednesdays: Kids’ choice
Thursday: Salmon Cakes, baked fries and spinach salad
Friday: White pizza with tomato and basil and make your own salads
More from Cooking Light…
Cooking Challenges
I’ve been thinking about cooking a lot lately as I embark on new project (which is why I haven’t posted as many recipes….more about that as things shape up). I have made it no secret that cooking has been my most challenging aspect of feeding kids.
Before motherhood, I made a handful of meals (lasagna, salmon, pasta, black bean burritos and my signature salad). I also ate for free at the hospital I worked at and always had jobs with big cafeterias with many food options including salad bars. In a nutshell: I could eat healthfully without much cooking or food preparation.
I have come a long way in the kitchen since Big A was born almost 7 years ago. I have a reserve of recipes, many I have tweaked to be my own, that seem to please most of my family (there are some Big A prefers and others Little D loves and some they both ask for). And my husband is pretty easy.
I notice my favorite recipes are simple and when I cook them, I really enjoy it. But when it’s too complicated the joy goes right out the window. I’m ready to embrace who I am in the kitchen instead of trying to be something I’m not and will likely never be. I’m on a mission to develop simple recipes (and shortcuts) that don’t compromise quality, nutrition or taste.
So I guess I’m realizing that what I’ve always seen as a weakness may actually be an asset when it comes to developing recipes. So I’m not a foodie who watches the cooking channel or searches for that perfect tomato or declares that they only repeat a dinner meal a few times a year. But I like good nutritious food that is simple. I think that’s what most parents want. But on top of it, we have little ones who are still learning about food and that only adds to the complexity of it all.
So how is cooking going (or not going) for you? What remains a challenge? What type of meal ideas are you looking for? I’d love to hear from you!
Links
I’ll leave you with some links, starting with my biweekly post at WebMD on why I believe that happy eaters grow into healthy eaters.
Sally Kuzemchak wrote this post on how to talk to kids about weight by interviewing experts (including me!)
Natalia Stasenko asks the important question: Do kids Need a Dedicated Snack Shelf?
Jill Castle reflects on why her and Vogue and never, ever, ever getting back together (hint: the magazine is sending the wrong message to girls)
Katja Rowell dishes on the not-so-smart things experts say: “The Way You Eat is Unacceptable”
My guest post over at Simple Bites discusses why even parents who serve healthy food struggle with feeding kids.
Don’t miss the latest reviews of Fearless Feeding at The Lunch Tray and Science of Mom.
Have a great week!
Wow! Love all of these delicious meal ideas.
I share the “joy” of the cooking in our house and I understand the challenge you face of feeding the kiddos. We have a four year old and two year old twins. Some days are easier than others, but wowzers some days I see the appeal of an all french fry meal.
Great list and variety. Last night we made fresh pesto and added a 1/4 cup of golden flax seeds to it. You couldn’t even taste the flax when it was all blended up. The best part was the kids ate it all up.
Keep fighting the good fight!
Thanks Richard. You too!