On the road

We're on the road this week, but the Corral will be back in action with a fresh menu plan and news of how the camping meals went on or about July 20. Just picked up some shelf-stable milk tonight. Thanks for the tip, Sylvia!

Week 12–Camping Food

Breakfasts (3) – Instant oatmeal; pancakes; fruit cups
Lunches (3) – Goober sandwiches; chunk canned turkey, cheese, crackers; Nutella+ banana sandwiches; misc chips, pudding cups, granola, fruit chews, soy milk boxes (these don't have to be refrigerated)
Dinners (3) – La Choy Beef dinner w/crunchy noodles; sausages over the fire w/beans; chicken a la king over instant mashed potatoes
Over-the Fire Treats – Jiffy popcorn; s'mores
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We're spending the next week on the road. The first half is relatively civilized, spent in hotels with most dinners out. The latter half we'll be camping. We plan to cook most of our meals when we camp, and I want to have a large part of the meals planned and packed before we leave. We can buy some groceries on the road once we leave the hotel (e.g. buns, butter, fresh fruit). Nice opportunity to check out some farmer markets we might see on the way too (Wisconsin=fresh cheese curds). I made the plan last night, went to Target and fit everything into a box. Neat to see your "rations" quantified that way. Family of 4 + 4 days outdoors = one box of food.

Camping is one time I go easy in the extreme when it comes to meal-prep. Open can, heat! Or cook on a stick. This is fun (and fascinating) for all ages. Anyone have camping meals they enjoy? I've found some helpful family camping tips at Pete's Family Camping for other campers out there that are getting back in the swing of things. Happy cooking.

"More, please!"

I made chicken fingers for dinner tonight, served with honey for dipping, a side of blackberries, cubed cheese, and some edemame pods. I served it on little plastic lunch trays outside on the kiddie picnic table.

When my 3-year-old saw the meal, she looked up at me with big round eyes and said, "Thanks, Mom." Like it was the first decent meal I'd made her in weeks. At any rate, the thanks was appreciated.

My toddler had the innovative idea of dipping his blackberries in the honey. I tried it and was surprised at how good it was. Could see drizzling a dish of berries with honey or a good maple syrup for a brunch side or light dessert.

Week 11--Crocked

Mon – Stir-fry with beef, snow peas, and carrots
Tues – Cream-cheese chicken with broccoli (Crock pot cookbook)
Weds – Philly cheese-steaks (Crock pot cookbook)
Thurs – Pasta con aceto balsamico (Italian cookbook)
Fri – Creamed spinach and tortellini (Italian cookbook, for crock pot)
Alts – Steak and potatoes; blts w/avocado
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Grabbed the crock-pot cookbook this week, so have a few recipes I'm trying from that. Otherwise, there's a strong slant toward red meat and the grill. Must be summer. I've been debating serving ALL our meals outside, from breakfast to dinner. Clean-up is so much easier with little kids when it's left to the ants. Happy cooking.

The annoyance of "eww"

We all know it's frustrating to have spent time fixing a meal only to have your kids not eat it. But what about when it's YOU? You make the meal, glad that you've once again managed to work a minor miracle and get a home-cooked meal on the table. Then you taste it. You don't want to eat it, let alone getting the kids to eat it. Then, the leftovers! Tuck them in the back of the fridge until they've been rendered inedible? Feed them to the dog? Head for the disposal right away and substitute cheetos and ice cream? Better luck tomorrow. I'm off to do some dishes.