Day 14 was Thursday night which is the night Philip and I go out - so the name of the game is get through dinner/baths easily and quickly so we can head out. That said, we had pizza and left over pasta with peas. Sofia ate the pasta, Liam ate the pizza and Jack ate both!
Day 15: The menu called for this Grilled Halibut with tomato bbq sauce and a honey mustard polenta. well, it was foggy today which does not make the grill to exciting and today we have our current tenants moving out and new tenants moving in so the afternoon was a little hectic. BY the time I got home and started cooking dinner, I would not have time to get the halibut together, so I did the polenta and made some mini meatballs to go with it.
As for the polenta, I only had slow cooking corn meal, so I did it in the oven (instead of stirring on the stove top for 25 minutes). It worked really well and was easy. Mix 1 cup of cornmeal with 3.75 c of liquid (i did 2 c milk and 1.75 chicken broth). Put it in a buttered 8x8 glass pan and bake for 50 minutes at 350. After 50 min run a fork through it bake 10 more minutes. Add butter and parm and a little salt/pepper.
Verdicts:
Sofia: Loved and ate everything.
Jack: ditto
Liam: Ate what seemed like 100 meatballs. did not touch the polenta.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Day 13: Eggplant Rollups & Tortellini
This is a very exciting evening in our house. We found something Liam loved! 
I really was not thinking this Eggplant Rollup recipe from Rachel Ray would go over too well. I made tortellini on the side (the thing I know they like), but even Liam is not a huge fan of tortellini. If you have not guessed by now, Liam is a meat eater & not a big fan of pasta. My expectations were very low.
This recipe is tasty, but that's a given. Its fried and has ricotta cheese and as a twist, also a little pesto. While it was not difficult and really did only take about 30 minutes to prepare (then 15 min in the oven), its messy and has a lot of bowls, pans, etc to clean up. I think I will experiment with this one with baking instead of frying the eggplant. Of course, it will loose some of the yum factor, but if I can get liam to love it that way, then I'd probably make this a regular meal.
This recipe is tasty, but that's a given. Its fried and has ricotta cheese and as a twist, also a little pesto. While it was not difficult and really did only take about 30 minutes to prepare (then 15 min in the oven), its messy and has a lot of bowls, pans, etc to clean up. I think I will experiment with this one with baking instead of frying the eggplant. Of course, it will loose some of the yum factor, but if I can get liam to love it that way, then I'd probably make this a regular meal.The verdicts:
Sofia: Thumbs up. She loved it so much that she did not bother with the tortellini.
Jack: He ate it, but was not as enthusiastic as the other 2. He did eat a very big lunch today.
Liam: we hit the jackpot. Liam did not even touch the tortellini, but dug right into the eggplant. After he finished his first serving, he looked up and said "I want some more meat." I did not have the heart to tell him it was not meat. If he thinks its meat, great. He ate 4 of them!
This past Christmas Santa gave Sofia a fisher price digital camera. Its pretty cool and lately the kids have all been enjoying taking pictures with it. Below are some of their recent pics.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Day 12: Baked Scallops, Polenta & String Beans
I was really hoping scallops would be a hit since they are one of my favorites....
I did not have a recipe, just coated them in some melted butter and sprinkled some bread crumbs on top and baked them for about 20 min at 400 (they were pretty large sea scallops)
I also found some yellow wax beans instead of green beans, figure something that looks new might get a taste (also, put butter on them). As for the polenta, I sauteed slices and sprinkled a little parm on top.
The Verdicts:
Sofia: loved the polenta and the beans (i was shocked by her liking beans, she really eats next to no vegetables). She tried the scallop, but did not like it. I am impressed enough that she is giving things a taste.
Jack: Loved the polenta. Its a good thing because its all he ate.
Liam: Nada. not a taste of anything. bribery means nothing to this kid.
I did not have a recipe, just coated them in some melted butter and sprinkled some bread crumbs on top and baked them for about 20 min at 400 (they were pretty large sea scallops)
I also found some yellow wax beans instead of green beans, figure something that looks new might get a taste (also, put butter on them). As for the polenta, I sauteed slices and sprinkled a little parm on top.
The Verdicts:
Sofia: loved the polenta and the beans (i was shocked by her liking beans, she really eats next to no vegetables). She tried the scallop, but did not like it. I am impressed enough that she is giving things a taste.
Jack: Loved the polenta. Its a good thing because its all he ate.
Liam: Nada. not a taste of anything. bribery means nothing to this kid.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Day 11: Orange Beef & Broccoli
Today the kids, Katya & I headed to Tilden Park and went to the Little
Farm. It was chilly over there, but the kids loved feeding the animals the lettuce and celery we brought with us. It was also a good opportunity to start helping them make associations between animals and the food we like to eat. My kids love sausages and ham (we even had a ham sandwich with us) and lo and behold the farm has a pig. Being kids, they were not at all phased by the fact that the cute little pig we were feeding would son die and become a sausage. In fact, Liam looked right at the pig, gave him some celery and said "oh, hi pig, i like sausage."
On to dinner: I made an Orange Beef & Broccoli recipe (with brown rice on the side) that I got from a Rachel Ray magazine. It was quick to make, but did require a few ingredients that I would not always have on hand (corn starch, hoisin sauce, plum sauce).
The Verdicts:
Sofia: she said thumbs up, but did not eat too much (perhaps the smoothie she had at the mall 90 minutes earlier had something to do with it)
Jack: Loved the rice (i put the sauce from the beef on the rice)
Liam: Meat, meat, met. He loved the meat and its all he ate.
Farm. It was chilly over there, but the kids loved feeding the animals the lettuce and celery we brought with us. It was also a good opportunity to start helping them make associations between animals and the food we like to eat. My kids love sausages and ham (we even had a ham sandwich with us) and lo and behold the farm has a pig. Being kids, they were not at all phased by the fact that the cute little pig we were feeding would son die and become a sausage. In fact, Liam looked right at the pig, gave him some celery and said "oh, hi pig, i like sausage."On to dinner: I made an Orange Beef & Broccoli recipe (with brown rice on the side) that I got from a Rachel Ray magazine. It was quick to make, but did require a few ingredients that I would not always have on hand (corn starch, hoisin sauce, plum sauce).
The Verdicts:
Sofia: she said thumbs up, but did not eat too much (perhaps the smoothie she had at the mall 90 minutes earlier had something to do with it)
Jack: Loved the rice (i put the sauce from the beef on the rice)
Liam: Meat, meat, met. He loved the meat and its all he ate.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Day 10: Chicken Fajitas
Yeah!! A three way success. I made chicken fajitas and rolled them up for the kids so they were easier to eat (like a burrito) - chicken, onion, spices, salsa, cheese, black beans - rolled into a tortilla.
The verdicts:
Jack: Yum.
Sofia: Ate the whole things thumbs up
Liam: THUMBS UP!!! Yeah, something Liam really likes.
Our drive home along Highway 1 last night inspired us to head south this morning.
We first went to this huge playground in Pacifica call Frontierland Park. Very cool, the kids had fun exploring. Then we went and walked on the beach where the kids found lots of crabs, shells, seaweed and some fish and got soaking wet.
The verdicts:
Jack: Yum.
Sofia: Ate the whole things thumbs up
Liam: THUMBS UP!!! Yeah, something Liam really likes.
Our drive home along Highway 1 last night inspired us to head south this morning.
We first went to this huge playground in Pacifica call Frontierland Park. Very cool, the kids had fun exploring. Then we went and walked on the beach where the kids found lots of crabs, shells, seaweed and some fish and got soaking wet.
Day 9: BBQ in Half Moon Bay
Today we went to a BBQ down in Half Moon Bay. With 7 kids (the oldest turned 4 about 3 month ago) there was not meal challenge. I simply was trying to keep them from eating anything before diving into the brownies. I think they had some salami and then the brownies!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Day 8: Red Pepper & Onion Ravioli & Black Beans
I know that sounds like a strange combo. It was meant to be Mango Chicken and Black Beans, but today I went to Rainbow Grocery since I needed certain things I like to get there (like Wallaby Yogurt by the case - best price in the bay area. I stick a straw right in and we have gotten rid of danimals -phew) Rainbow does not sell anything with any meat and time got away from me and I had not time to hit mollie stone's for chicken. I saw these organic fresh ravioli and decided to try them instead (along with the black beans since that is one of my kids regular favorites). The pasta was redish (orange once cooked, which added to the cool factor) and made with red peppers. The filling had some cheese and sweet onion. I just served them with a little butter.
The verdicts:
Sofia: LOVED it. I lost track at how many she ate. She really enjoyed it.
Jack: Ate some of it and some of his black beans
Liam: did not try it, but ate a bowl of beans!
The boys are MUCH better today. No fever and the sores in the mouth seem to be gone. They've been eating all day.
The verdicts:
Sofia: LOVED it. I lost track at how many she ate. She really enjoyed it.
Jack: Ate some of it and some of his black beans
Liam: did not try it, but ate a bowl of beans!
The boys are MUCH better today. No fever and the sores in the mouth seem to be gone. They've been eating all day.
Day 7: who knows
I have been home bound all week with my boys. They are having a rough time with hand/foot/mouth virus. Pretty nasty.
Philip and I went out last night so Katya fed the kids - I did not ask or care what it was! I needed to get out. I assume Sofia liked it because I noticed Sofia's top was covered with ketchup....
Philip and I went out last night so Katya fed the kids - I did not ask or care what it was! I needed to get out. I assume Sofia liked it because I noticed Sofia's top was covered with ketchup....
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Day 6: Ribeye Steak & Buttered Gnocchi
my boys are still really sick, so its been tough to think about food. We've been house bound for three days now and today the boys were uncomfortable a lot more than they were comfortable.
Sofia still had to eat and had a field trip today so I knew she'd be hungry.
I pan fried a thin rib eye steak for her and also made some gnocchi. She is really getting into trying new things and did not even flinch before trying the steak.
Thumbs up! She liked it, but still ate primarily gnocchi, which is one of her favorites.
The boys have no interest in food of any kind. not even ice cream.
Philip and I ate Chinese from Eric's that my brother Marc and his friend Lindsey brought over!
Sofia still had to eat and had a field trip today so I knew she'd be hungry.
I pan fried a thin rib eye steak for her and also made some gnocchi. She is really getting into trying new things and did not even flinch before trying the steak.
Thumbs up! She liked it, but still ate primarily gnocchi, which is one of her favorites.
The boys have no interest in food of any kind. not even ice cream.
Philip and I ate Chinese from Eric's that my brother Marc and his friend Lindsey brought over!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Day 5: Iced Cucumber Soup
Well the fever that Sofia had yesterday hit the boys with a vengeance today. They both were running fevers in the 104 range all day - Motrin and Tylenol were virtually useless. The only thing that would drop them down to 101 for a little while would be a cool bath. Feeding them was not an option tonight. We are just keeping them comfortable.
But Sofia, Philip and I had to eat (Katya had a date!).
The Iced Cucumber Soup with mint, watercress, and feta cheese from Bon Appetit was the very new item (or as Philip commented, it was "way far out there") and I made some baked some breaded shrimp as well since they like breaded fish.
I never really liked cold soup, but thought I would get in the spirit and try something new too. It was easy to make.....
The Verdicts:
Me: Well, I still don't like cold soup.
Philip: "gick"
Sofia: "blech, thumbs down. big thumbs down" But she LOVED the shrimp.
Hopefully, my boys will be back in the game tomorrow.
But Sofia, Philip and I had to eat (Katya had a date!).
The Iced Cucumber Soup with mint, watercress, and feta cheese from Bon Appetit was the very new item (or as Philip commented, it was "way far out there") and I made some baked some breaded shrimp as well since they like breaded fish.I never really liked cold soup, but thought I would get in the spirit and try something new too. It was easy to make.....
The Verdicts:
Me: Well, I still don't like cold soup.
Philip: "gick"
Sofia: "blech, thumbs down. big thumbs down" But she LOVED the shrimp.
Hopefully, my boys will be back in the game tomorrow.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Day 4: Lemon fettuccine with broccoli and pancetta "croutons"
Philip, Katya (our au pair) and I definitely liked this one a lot.
This recipe was very easy to make and the lemon was very subtle but critical to making it not simply taste like pasta with butter and parm.
I used bacon instead of pancetta (crazy that my kids have not had bacon before, only irish bacon/rasher, which is very different). They've had fettuccine before, but I've never gotten them to eat broccoli, so we had a few new items here.
The Verdicts:
Sofia: She stayed home sick today, so again, I was not expecting much. But she asked to eat dinner early (before her brothers were home) and ate close to two bowls of it! even the broccoli. I guess the butter and cheese combo helps. She loved it and said two thumbs up.
Jack: he was hungry tonight. I don't think he even looked at what was in his bowl. He just shoveled it all in. Thumbs up!
Liam: ah Liam. no luck. after many attempts, he had a leftover "meatball hamburger" from last night.
Oh and Sofia started a new thing tonight "Try Something New To Drink". She made home made lemonade. She recited the recipe that she learned from one of her shows (Max & Ruby) and it was delicious.
Here it is (I am transcribing directly from Sofia)
"Get a lot of glass of water, then you have 2 lemons and sugar, not too much but just enough. then you stir it all up and now ices cube to keep it cold then mint leaves."
This recipe was very easy to make and the lemon was very subtle but critical to making it not simply taste like pasta with butter and parm.
I used bacon instead of pancetta (crazy that my kids have not had bacon before, only irish bacon/rasher, which is very different). They've had fettuccine before, but I've never gotten them to eat broccoli, so we had a few new items here.
The Verdicts:
Sofia: She stayed home sick today, so again, I was not expecting much. But she asked to eat dinner early (before her brothers were home) and ate close to two bowls of it! even the broccoli. I guess the butter and cheese combo helps. She loved it and said two thumbs up.
Jack: he was hungry tonight. I don't think he even looked at what was in his bowl. He just shoveled it all in. Thumbs up!
Liam: ah Liam. no luck. after many attempts, he had a leftover "meatball hamburger" from last night.
Oh and Sofia started a new thing tonight "Try Something New To Drink". She made home made lemonade. She recited the recipe that she learned from one of her shows (Max & Ruby) and it was delicious.
Here it is (I am transcribing directly from Sofia)
"Get a lot of glass of water, then you have 2 lemons and sugar, not too much but just enough. then you stir it all up and now ices cube to keep it cold then mint leaves."
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Day 3: Burgers, Fries & Corn on the Cob
While you might think all kids love burgers, my kids have only had them maybe 1 or 2 times. We tend to go the hot dog route, so burgers on the grill was actually "newish" for them. Corn on the cob was a first timer. Fries, well, that's the 1 item i knew they would eat.
I told Liam his burger was a "Meatball on the grill" since he loves meatballs. Maybe cheating a little, but this is Liam we are talking about!
Verdict:
Liam: Loved and ate his meatball burger. Had 1 kernel of corn. Thumbs up.
Jack: A taste of everything, but really dinner was mostly fries.
Sofia: (who 3 hours before dinner suddenly ran a 103 fever By dinner the Motrin had kicked in, but I was not expecting anything from her tonight). She had no interest in the burger but devoured the corn on the cob.
A classic American Summer meal proves why its a classic.
By the way, we spent this morning hiking up on Bernal Hill because the kids wanted to look for fossils today. We found no fossils, but they had fun exploring.
I told Liam his burger was a "Meatball on the grill" since he loves meatballs. Maybe cheating a little, but this is Liam we are talking about!
Verdict:
Liam: Loved and ate his meatball burger. Had 1 kernel of corn. Thumbs up.
Jack: A taste of everything, but really dinner was mostly fries.
Sofia: (who 3 hours before dinner suddenly ran a 103 fever By dinner the Motrin had kicked in, but I was not expecting anything from her tonight). She had no interest in the burger but devoured the corn on the cob.
A classic American Summer meal proves why its a classic.
By the way, we spent this morning hiking up on Bernal Hill because the kids wanted to look for fossils today. We found no fossils, but they had fun exploring.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Day 2: Garlic Miso Pork Chops with Mash & Edamame
We spent this morning swimming at Lake Anza (second time this week - i highly recommend it if you have not been yet). After a brief nap in the car on the way home, the afternoon was spent at a child's birthday party. Needless to say the afternoon was spent consuming juice boxes, chocolates from the pinata and cup cakes. Not a good foundation for getting them excited for dinner.
When we got home Philip suggested (and I was very tempted) throwing some Irish sausages in the oven and let that be dinner. Trust me, I wanted to, but its only day 2!
So garlic miso pork chops it was. I made the arugula salad for Philip and I and for the kids I steamed some edamame and also made mash. I did a mix of one sweet potato and one regular potato since it was all I had. Also, I used red miso instead of white miso.
The pork chops were super simple to make and the whole dinner was 30 minutes from start to the table.
The verdicts?
Me: I loved the chops and would definitely make it again.
Philip: thumbs up
Sofia: Tried and sort of liked the mash, ate lots of edamame (not new) and had one bite of pork.
Jack: A few bites of pork and few tastes of mash, no edamame.
Liam: Nothing, nada, zilch.
At sticker time, Liam was again mad. Philip finally got him to try 1 edemame (he ate it along with a chocolate covered raisin!).
When we got home Philip suggested (and I was very tempted) throwing some Irish sausages in the oven and let that be dinner. Trust me, I wanted to, but its only day 2!
So garlic miso pork chops it was. I made the arugula salad for Philip and I and for the kids I steamed some edamame and also made mash. I did a mix of one sweet potato and one regular potato since it was all I had. Also, I used red miso instead of white miso.
The pork chops were super simple to make and the whole dinner was 30 minutes from start to the table.
The verdicts?
Me: I loved the chops and would definitely make it again.
Philip: thumbs up
Sofia: Tried and sort of liked the mash, ate lots of edamame (not new) and had one bite of pork.
Jack: A few bites of pork and few tastes of mash, no edamame.
Liam: Nothing, nada, zilch.
At sticker time, Liam was again mad. Philip finally got him to try 1 edemame (he ate it along with a chocolate covered raisin!).
Friday, May 16, 2008
Day 1: Risotto with Smoked Trout
Of course it is one of the hottest days ever in San Francisco (98) and I've got risotto on the menu!
This NYT recipe was a suggestions from my dad and was easy to prepare and make. I chopped the onion, garlic and fennel during the day, so when it came time to make (and stir) the risotto, it was pretty easy and only took about 25 minutes.
While it requires you stay by the stove for those 25 minutes, its very straightforward.
The verdict?
Sofia: Thumbs up - she ate the whole bowl.
Jack: Did not love it, but had a few bites (about 1/2 his serving)
Liam: Did not even entertain the idea of trying it. (photo to the right is Liam telling me for the 25th time that he did not want to try it "no, don't want to")
Sofia and Jack got stickers on their "Try Something New" board and Liam was a little mad he did not get a sticker, but not mad enough to try it.
I would definitely add risotto to the repertoire, especially since it can be changed up so easily. I think I'd get jack to eat more if it was with something that was not quite as strong as smoked trout.
This NYT recipe was a suggestions from my dad and was easy to prepare and make. I chopped the onion, garlic and fennel during the day, so when it came time to make (and stir) the risotto, it was pretty easy and only took about 25 minutes.
While it requires you stay by the stove for those 25 minutes, its very straightforward.
The verdict?
Sofia: Thumbs up - she ate the whole bowl.
Jack: Did not love it, but had a few bites (about 1/2 his serving)
Liam: Did not even entertain the idea of trying it. (photo to the right is Liam telling me for the 25th time that he did not want to try it "no, don't want to")
Sofia and Jack got stickers on their "Try Something New" board and Liam was a little mad he did not get a sticker, but not mad enough to try it.
I would definitely add risotto to the repertoire, especially since it can be changed up so easily. I think I'd get jack to eat more if it was with something that was not quite as strong as smoked trout.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Menu Calendar
Phew, the menu calendar is complete! Some things to note. Thursday nights Philip and I go out, so I will get take out for the kids. We will still try new things. So for example the first week I will get them chinese - I know they like noodles, so will also try dumplings.
Items that are in italics indicate that it is the "new" item for the kids.
The info in parenthasis tell me where to find my recipe. For example: BA is for Bon Apetite, then the month and page. RR is Rachel Ray, NYT is New York Times and Off is a cookbook I have called Off the Shelf.
Items that are in italics indicate that it is the "new" item for the kids.
The info in parenthasis tell me where to find my recipe. For example: BA is for Bon Apetite, then the month and page. RR is Rachel Ray, NYT is New York Times and Off is a cookbook I have called Off the Shelf.
We are starting on the 16th (this Friday) because Thursday the 15th Sofia has a tumbling performance and Philip and I are taking her out to eat afterwards!
Next post will be Friday evening with notes, photos and reviews of the first recipe!
Read this doc on Scribd: MEAL CHALLENGE
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
It's All About The Preparation
My sister in law Jacquie (a mother of 3) called to wish me good luck on this venture and remind me that the key to this task (and feeding our families and ourselves in general) is BEING PREPARED. I definitely agree. I have about 27 recipes so far (thank you everyone who has been sending me some) and will post the calendar by the end of the week. Next week will be all about getting the kitchen ready and a game plan (i.e. what prep can be done the night before, etc).
Also, we decided on what to do if no dinner is eaten. First, I will be absolutely sure that there is something for everyone in the meal. If they choose not to eat, that's fine, but for the rest of the night, the only food option is dinner.
I actually did this the Monday evening. I made a recipe that had something for everyone: : shell pasta tossed with rotisserie chicken, broccoli, butter and some parm - my kids like to sprinkle on their own parm (aka "snow).
Jack & Liam flat out refused any of it. I offered it to them again later on with no luck and did not offer them anything else. Surprisingly, there were no tantrums (i think it was just luck!). The next morning, Liam at 3x the amount of breakfast he normally does.
Keep the ideas/recipes coming.
Thanks!
Also, we decided on what to do if no dinner is eaten. First, I will be absolutely sure that there is something for everyone in the meal. If they choose not to eat, that's fine, but for the rest of the night, the only food option is dinner.
I actually did this the Monday evening. I made a recipe that had something for everyone: : shell pasta tossed with rotisserie chicken, broccoli, butter and some parm - my kids like to sprinkle on their own parm (aka "snow).
Jack & Liam flat out refused any of it. I offered it to them again later on with no luck and did not offer them anything else. Surprisingly, there were no tantrums (i think it was just luck!). The next morning, Liam at 3x the amount of breakfast he normally does.
Keep the ideas/recipes coming.
Thanks!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Family Meal Challenge
I used to be a good cook. I think I still am a good cook, but I've become a very lazy cook, especially when it comes to feeding my children: Sofia (almost 4) and Jack & Liam (2.5 y old identical twin boys). I'm not sure when it became ok to feed them crappy lunch food for dinner too. Last night they had sausages, tater tots and frozen peas (mind you they prefer the peas served frozen and sadly it is the only vegetable they have eaten in a long time....)
Sure they eat some healthy foods (they love beans, eat lots of berries, take omega3 vitamins), get outside and run around alot and are physically healthy, but i know that if I don't make an effort to change they way I cook for them, I am setting them up for some unhealthy preferences.
So in an effort to switch things up, I have decided to embark on a 30 day meal challenge - it will start on May 15, for no other reason than I've already missed the first of the month and I don't want to wait until next month! I had read an article in Cookie magazine about a woman who tried this with her 2 children (a little older than mine) and thought the idea was interesting. After last night's dinner and an article in gourmet mag this month on 15 meals that take 15 minutes (there are 4 that I would definitely try with the family) I decided to try this myself.
For 30 days I will cook something new for dinner for our family. I am hoping to follow the following guidelines:
Now, I had no intention of making this a "public" event, but after I spent 1 nap time trying to get recipes together, I found 8 that met my guidelines. If I am realistically going to get this organized by the 15th, I need to ask my friends for suggestions. Is there something you make that you think would work? Something you've been meaning to try? Please send them to me. I figured if I did make this public, perhaps I would get more input and also it will help keep me accountable & on track. We have no dietary restrictions.
Thanks!
Sure they eat some healthy foods (they love beans, eat lots of berries, take omega3 vitamins), get outside and run around alot and are physically healthy, but i know that if I don't make an effort to change they way I cook for them, I am setting them up for some unhealthy preferences.
So in an effort to switch things up, I have decided to embark on a 30 day meal challenge - it will start on May 15, for no other reason than I've already missed the first of the month and I don't want to wait until next month! I had read an article in Cookie magazine about a woman who tried this with her 2 children (a little older than mine) and thought the idea was interesting. After last night's dinner and an article in gourmet mag this month on 15 meals that take 15 minutes (there are 4 that I would definitely try with the family) I decided to try this myself.
For 30 days I will cook something new for dinner for our family. I am hoping to follow the following guidelines:
- Should be able to be prepared in about 45 minutes.
- Should be something that the adults and the children will eat (or parts of the meal at least)
- Should include at least one fresh vegetable. Minimal packaged/processed foods. Would love to say none at all....
- Children must try it, don't need to like it or eat the whole thing. I'll probably make some kind of reward/sticker chart for when they try something new.
- Can not be something I have made before - so no ravioli and meatballs, which is a favorite.... and so easy. I'll certainly use ingredients I know they like, but want to try and get them to try new ways of eating.
- Will post recipe along with photos as I go along
- Will post responses from children and adults as well as how easy/hard it was to make, if I would make it again, would I change anything.
- Children may not snack after 3:30pm - i need them pretty hungry! (dinner usually between 5:30-6:00)
- No alternative if a child does not eat anything. Nowadays we will let them have a yogurt or cheese/crackers if they do not eat dinner. I think I need to not do that so they understand there is no alternative. this is why making sure each meal has something they will eat is important. This will be very difficult and not sure how I will handle a child who hungry an hour later. any suggestions??
Now, I had no intention of making this a "public" event, but after I spent 1 nap time trying to get recipes together, I found 8 that met my guidelines. If I am realistically going to get this organized by the 15th, I need to ask my friends for suggestions. Is there something you make that you think would work? Something you've been meaning to try? Please send them to me. I figured if I did make this public, perhaps I would get more input and also it will help keep me accountable & on track. We have no dietary restrictions.
Thanks!
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