I love this day. I wake up early to try to get an extra hour out of every day for weeks.
I had a butternut squash soup made before 8am this morning! I did a few variations on this recipe (I pureed the onions, garlic and squash before I simmered, used dry ginger, added two fresh pureed pears, substituted vegetable broth for chicken) but it came out delicious.
With two commuting college students living at home, I'm trying to adjust how to feed them healthy and nutritious food on the go. I've been cooking a few soups every week - pumpkin, onion, chili made with turkey breast, cream of broccoli - fresh fruit, cheese, nuts - and a things they can put together in a few minutes. They've been eating out on the run - spending way too much money and eating crap. I have not been very successful. I finally broke down and bought a microwave to see if that helps.
I'm also trying muffins for the morning. Muffins are not exactly on the healthy foods list but I console myself with the excuse that it's better than the nothing they are eating in the morning now - their blood sugar and ergo brain is running on empty.
If anyone has worked out a solution, fill us in!
6 comments:
". They've been eating out on the run - spending way too much money and eating crap"
I know. I'm guilty of this too Carol. When you're so busy, it gets hard. I just blasted on facebook the reason why I don't for democrats. I 'll let you know how many friends I lose. And I don't give a crap either.
Jasper
Smoothies...the only way to go. Throw a ripened banana (or some strawberries, or blueberries, or other soft fruit) in a blender, a container of lite vanilla yogurt, some skim milk, a little sweetener (I use artificial...I know, I know), a little cinnamon (really good for you!), a little vanilla extract and 'whip' on high for a minute or two...fast, filling, healthy.
Smoothies...the only way to go. Throw a ripened banana (or some strawberries, or blueberries, or other soft fruit) in a blender, a container of lite vanilla yogurt, some skim milk, a little sweetener (I use artificial...I know, I know), a little cinnamon (really good for you!), a little vanilla extract and 'whip' on high for a minute or two...fast, filling, healthy.
I LOVE butternut squash soup! My recipe differs from yours, but I love how easy, delicious and nutritious it is. I go the extra easy route and buy the chunks already cut up. My grocer or whoever sets the prices doesn't seem to have noticed that it is priced the same per pound as the whole squash.. yet...lol
I know the situation with everyone running non stop (including me) and getting decent food together.
Another good soup is a vegetable chowder; made with a pureed potato base, whatever broth you like, any vegetables you have on hand, and plenty of roasted garlic. My fam likes it all pureed at the end. economical and delicious! And very stick to the ribs because of the potato component.
Blessings and Peace!
Kelly
We've been the habit for years of having a "cooking day", usually once every two or three months. Hubby helps and we cook up tons of fresh beans and make burritos, meatloaves, soups, breakfast muffins (what kid doesn't like breakfast muffins with sausage and eggs?), meatballs (I just vacuum sealed over 100 meatballs, 8 to a package, which will last the entire winter.)
Once a year I buy a whole tri-tip at Costco and cut it into steaks, freeze, and vacuum seal.
I'll flatten chicken breasts and make cordon bleu, and plain cooked chicken for salads. Any one dish meal like baked zitti that will freeze is on the list.
Some Greek yogurt (25 grams of protein in 8 oz) with a tablespoon of jelly thrown in and a breakfast muffin out a microwave will keep anybody going for hours and hours.
Whatever you decide for dinner, just pull it out of the freezer in the morning and nuke or bake that evening.
I would definitely make the kids participate in "cooking day." You're not a servant.
The most valuable kitchen appliance I have is my Foodsaver vacuum sealer. I've had it over 15 years and it still works great.
Whoah....Wait a minute...I am not a servant. I'm not sure how that would blow over!
Seriously - thank you for these fantastic ideas. I'll let you know how it goes.
I think the main problem is, I'm gone long before they even have to get up for school. I used to hand it to them and I was right there so they couldn't say no. I feel like it's enabling to put it out on the counter for them in the AM...but desperate times call for desperate measures. :) I can make the smoothies up in a travel cup or I may even get a cooler lunch bag. I gave up that battle in high school but it may be time to try it again as they are a little wiser and they can eat it in the car on the way.
Steve - it is hard when you get busy. But I hate the feeling after eating crapola and adding up the cost - and I got myself some new habits. It's the meal planning that is all the work. Eating fresh and yummy and homemade - is so worth it. Let us know how it goes on facebook!
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