Comments on: Menu Plan {October 8th – 14th} with Make Ahead Tips Along with Some Meal Planning Challenges

By: Renee

Renee — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 03:22:50 +0000

I’ve heard this suggested before and I think it sounds like a good idea. For my kids, I’ll put out the raw chopped veggies (cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, etc.) and they will gnaw on those while I prep. But if your kids are active enough, then it does sound like you would also want a heartier snack for them in the afternoon. My hubby is usually the hungriest of the bunch and I’m always telling him that he needs to have an afternoon snack at work so that he doesn’t come home starving!

By: Tammy

Tammy — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:45:08 +0000

This is a great idea! I will have to give this a try.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 23:17:19 +0000

Sometimes I make my vegetable side first, and when my kids come sniffing around for dinner, I hand them their salad. I found they are much more likely to eat it if it’s the only thing in front of them and they are hungry.

By: GSLakeMom

GSLakeMom — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:46:35 +0000

I dislike the whole “I’m hungry”, “what’s for dinner”, and “when is dinner going to be ready” stuff I get from my kids! They also graze from the pantry/fridge and then when it’s dinner time, they eat almost nothing. Then about 8:00 they’re hungry again! URGH! I like your snack idea. Something planned should help things go smoother!
I was also looking at my menu plan for the week. I look at what days we have things planned and then try to organize my menu accordingly! Doesn’t always go as planned but I try! This week will be at least a 2 slow cooker menus! We are also having chili tonight (can’t wait to see your recipe!).

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:37:50 +0000

The very best advice I would have (which I know you already follow) is to use your slow cooker. Liberally, and creatively. On the nights you know will be busier, like dance nights, especially. That way you can just walk in the door to your waiting meal, toss together a side or two if needed, and you’re set. Homemade frozen pizzas are another favorite of mine, and I actually finally perfected my method thanks to you! As soon as you walk in the door, hit preheat on the oven as you walk by to go change. By the time you’re done with that, the oven’s ready, toss the pizza in, and make a salad or some other side while the pizza’s cooking. Although I love to cook, I almost never attempt actual cooking on busy nights – I rely on my slow cooker or premade frozen meals (like the pizza) on those evenings. Do you have Stephanie O’Dea’s “Make it Fast, Cook it Slow” books? Those are some of my most used books in the kitchen and I get great ideas from them to vary my usual repetoire of slow cooker recipes.