After my small successes post, Aimee asked about the new menu rotation. It really came together pretty easily this time, mostly because I had lots of inspiration from the daily meal threads over at 4 Real. Seeing what everyone is cooking every day for a few weeks got my brain going again. I think it's natural to get in a rut with the cooking and planning, but I also know it's important to find fresh inspiration and get going again. Our family life runs so much more smoothly when the kitchen is functioning properly.
First, nutrition and diet are important for everyone in this family. The pregnant, diabetic mommy needs a plan to keep herself going. The daddy needs access to heart-healthy foods and comforting meals. And the kids need nutritious meals and snacks devoid of too many processed ingredients, dyes, and sugars. When that happens, there is less irritability throughout the day, energy levels stay consistent, and meltdowns are rare.
Second, meals set the rhythm of the day in this house. If I know what's going on the table for breakfast in the morning, we get our day started earlier and in a more pleasant way than if I don't. If there is a game plan for a morning snack and lunch, then we sit together at the table to eat and I get two blocks of time for read-alouds and discussion. Our schooling is much more productive. And then there is the sweet joy of afternoon tea. It is a warm comfort in the witching hour of the day. Just when everyone is starting to unravel from a long day worth of living and give up on maintaining the sense of peace and order that have prevailed, out comes the fine china, the table cloth, simple snacks arranged sweetly on pretty plates, and something warm to sip slowly. Add a lovely book and the presence of Daddy returned to his nest, and it truly is one of the most worthwhile moments of the day. We go through phases where tea is an occasional treat, but when we get back into the groove of sitting down daily to tea and I am reminded of all the comfort and joy it brings, I am all the more committed to make it the norm to our routine rather than the exception.
So, here is how I've planned this stretch. There is a weekly breakfast and lunch rotation, a menu of possible tea time snacks (These are not for everyday, often tea time is PBand J finger sandwiches or apples and cheese or some other simple snack. But these are thoughts for when we have time to incorporate baking into the day or have something special to celebrate or discuss at tea.) Dinner is a two week rotation that allows for a lot of substitution of matching ingredients and double cooking to make the next week easier. This week, it has worked out wonderfully.
Breakfasts: slow-cooked cinnamon oatmeal
yogurt, granola, and berries
bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches
pancakes and sausage
biscuits, scrambled eggs, grits
cinnamon rolls and fruit
PB and J bagels, cold cereal
Lunches: mac n cheese with ham bits
grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches, cucumber slices
mini pita pizzas, apple slices
bean and cheese burritos, chips and salsa
PB and J, boiled eggs, carrots and celery
Usually on weekends, we eat our larger meal for lunch and then just pick on leftovers or other things in the house in the evening.
Tea-Time ideas: banana nut bread with peanut butter, grapes
homemade bread with butter and jam, cheese slices
soft pretzels with cheese dip (a Lenten tradition)
Monday meals: Red beans and rice, cornbread, salad
black-eyed peas and rice, sauteed cabbage with peppers
Tuesday meals: Curried chicken and jasmine rice, sesame green beans
Ginger fried chicken, fried rice, stir fry veggies
Wednesday meals: Cheeseburgers, sweet potato fries, corn
meatballs and spaghetti, salad, garlic bread
Thursday meals: seven grain rice, sweet sausage, green beans, homemade bread
andouille sausage, peppers, and pasta, salad, fruit
Friday meals: shrimp, sundried tomato and artichoke heart pizza, salad
honey-pecan crusted mahi mahi, spinach salad, cauliflower
Saturday meals: chicken and broccoli in alfredo pasta
chicken taco rice and corn on the cob
Sunday meals: teriyaki pork tenderloin, lettuce cups, stir fry veggies, lo mein noodles
pork butt roast, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms, rice, biscuits
I'm sure I'll tire of this eventually and be ready for the new plan when the time comes, but right now, I am totally satisfied and feel like I be happy eating this rotation for years. And every meal here has the family's stamp of approval as well. Sometimes it's hard to wrap your brain around a plan, but it's so worth it. I hope you find some inspiration here.
